Family Members

Adult Dependent Relative Visa

Adult Dependent Visa

Adult Dependent Relative Visa in the UK

Adult dependent relative (ADR) visa in the UK is an immigration route for close family members of British citizens or individuals with settled status in the UK to reside with them under exceptional circumstances, especially for those who require long-term personal care that cannot be provided in their home country.

Eligible relatives for an ADR visa include parents, grandparents, siblings, or adult children to live in the UK forever. It assures that families can reunite and provide crucial care to their loved ones in the UK.

Parents or grandparents of EEA nationals residing in the UK with Pre-Settled or Settled Status, may apply under another route if they can show that their parent or grandparent depends on the EEA national for their essential needs

At MGBe Legal, we offer required legal support for your adult dependent relative visa application and help you reunite families. Our immigration lawyer team is experienced in guiding the complexities of the adult dependent relative visa process.

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Eligibility for Adult Dependent Relative Visa in the UK

You must be a close family member of your UK-based sponsor, like:

  • A parent aged 18 years or older.
  • A grandparent.
  • A sibling aged 18 years or older. 
  • A son or daughter aged 18 years or older.

Your UK sponsor must be at least 18 years old and complete one of the below conditions:

  • A British citizen residing in the UK.
  • Settled in the UK with indefinite leave to remain.
  • Hold refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
  • Have limited or indefinite leave to remain under Appendix EU.

Requirements for Adult Dependent Relative Visa in the UK

Relationship to UK sponsor

You must be a qualifying family member, such as a parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child, of the UK sponsor with documentation like birth or marriage certificates to show your family connection.

Proof of long-term care needs

You must prove that you require long-term personal care due to illness, disability, or age, involving assistance with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, and cooking.

Lack of suitable care in home country

You must prove that the required care is unavailable or unaffordable in the current country of residence by showing a lack of qualified caregivers, high care costs, or the absence of local facilities capable of providing necessary support.

Financial support from UK sponsor

Your UK sponsor must commit to maintaining, accommodating, and caring for you without relying on public funds by showing adequate income and resources to cover living and care expenses for a minimum of five years or the duration of their stay.

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  • Evidence of the family relationship between the applicant and UK sponsor like in the case of a parent, a birth or adoption certificate.
  • Independent medical documentation verifying the applicant requires long-term personal care due to illness, disability, or age.
  • Evidence that the required level of care unavailable or unaffordable in the applicant’s home country, including letters from healthcare providers or authorities.
  • A signed undertaking from the UK sponsor committing to provide maintenance, accommodation, and care for five years without accessing public funds.
  • Financial documents from the UK sponsor, such as bank statements or proof of sufficient income.
  • Tuberculosis test result (if required)
  • Copies of previous travel documents and visas.
  • Disclosure of any criminal convictions (if applicable)
  • Note that documents must be in English or Welsh or submitted with a certified translation.
  • Generally, adult dependent relative visa applications take around 12 weeks to process when you apply from outside the UK.
  • Note that processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and whether additional information is requested.
  • Even, delays may occur if the ADR visa application is incomplete or further details are required.
  • Evidence of the family relationship between the applicant and UK sponsor like in the case of a parent, a birth or adoption certificate.
  • Independent medical documentation verifying the applicant requires long-term personal care due to illness, disability, or age.
  • Evidence that the required level of care unavailable or unaffordable in the applicant’s home country, including letters from healthcare providers or authorities.
  • A signed undertaking from the UK sponsor committing to provide maintenance, accommodation, and care for five years without accessing public funds.
  • Financial documents from the UK sponsor, such as bank statements or proof of sufficient income.
  • Tuberculosis test result (if required)
  • Copies of previous travel documents and visas.
  • Disclosure of any criminal convictions (if applicable)
  • Note that documents must be in English or Welsh or submitted with a certified translation.
  • Generally, adult dependent relative visa applications take around 12 weeks to process when you apply from outside the UK.
  • Note that processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and whether additional information is requested.
  • Even, delays may occur if the ADR visa application is incomplete or further details are required.

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Process to apply for Adult Dependent Relative Visa in the UK

  • Prepare and organise all required documents for your ADR visa application.
  • Complete and submit the online ADR visa application form.
  • Pay the ADR visa application fee and the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.
  • Attend a biometrics appointment for verification and submit the required information.
  • Submit any supporting documents
  • Wait for the decision from the Home Office regarding the approval or refusal of your ADR visa.

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    FAQs

    1Who is eligible for an Adult Dependent Relative visa in the UK?
    You must be an adult close family member (parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child) of a UK-based British citizen or settled person needing long-term personal care unavailable in your home country. Your UK sponsor must be at least 18 years old and settled in the UK.
    2What evidence is needed to prove the care dependency for the Adult Dependent Relative visa?
    Applicants must provide independent medical documentation confirming their need for long-term care due to age, illness, or disability, plus proof that suitable care is not available or affordable in their home country.
    3How long does the Adult Dependent Relative visa application take to process?
    Applications from outside the UK typically take about 12 weeks, but processing can vary based on individual circumstances and completeness of the application.
    4Can the UK sponsor access public funds for the Adult Dependent Relative visa holder?
    No, the sponsor must commit to supporting, accommodating, and caring for the applicant for five years without recourse to public funds.
    5What is the application process for the Adult Dependent Relative visa?
    Prepare all required documents, submit an online application, pay fees including the healthcare surcharge, attend biometrics, and wait for the Home Office decision.
    6Can an adult dependent relative switch to this visa from inside the UK?
    Generally, the ADR visa requires application from outside the UK, so specialist legal advice is recommended if already in the UK.
    7What is the financial threshold required for a UK sponsor to support an Adult Dependent Relative?
    Your UK sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income and resources to cover your living and care expenses for a minimum of five years. Financial documents such as bank statements and proof of adequate income must be provided to the Home Office.
    8Do step-relatives or in-laws qualify for an Adult Dependent Relative visa?
    No, only direct close family members like parents, grandparents, siblings, or adult children of a British citizen or settled person qualify. Step-relatives, cousins, or in-laws must explore alternative immigration routes if applicable. The partner of an Adult Dependent Relative may also apply for entry clearance as an Adult Dependent Relative if they are the partner of either the parent or grandparent of the sponsor who is applying at the same time.
    9Is the Adult Dependent Relative visa valid for life, or does it require renewal?
    If the sponsor is British or settled, the adult dependent relative applying from abroad will be granted indefinite leave to remain. If the sponsor has limited leave to remain, usually the adult dependent relative will get leave in line. Where an applicant is applying for permission to stay and, their sponsor is a British Citizen or settled in the UK, the applicant will be granted permission for 30 months.
    10What is the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge cost for an Adult Dependent Relative visa application?
    The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge is an additional fee payable alongside the visa application fee. The exact amount varies and should be confirmed when submitting your application through the official UK Home Office portal.
    11Can I apply for an Adult Dependent Relative visa if I'm already living in the UK on another visa?
    Generally, the ADR visa requires application from outside the UK. If you are already in the UK on a different visa status, specialist legal advice is recommended to explore your options, as switching to this route may not be straightforward.