Family Members

Dependent Visa

Dependent Visa in the UK

Dependent visa permits family members, such as partners and children, to join a main visa holder in the UK. It is designed to ensure families can live together while one member works, studies, or resides in the UK.

Dependent visa in the UK is not a singular category but includes various routes based on the visa type of the primary visa holder. Dependent visas rely on the eligibility of the main visa type. If you are looking to bring your family to the UK under a Dependent Visa, it is crucial to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required documentation.

At MGBe Legal, we provide expert guidance to manage the intricate details of dependent visa requirements and applications, ensure a seamless dependent visa application process and help you keep your family together in the UK.

Consult with Our Expert

Eligibility for Dependent Visa in the UK

  • If you have visa under skilled worker, innovator founder, global talent, or student, your family members may qualify for a dependent visa to join you as the main visa holder in the UK.
  • Adult dependent relative visas permit elderly relatives requiring long-term care to join family members settled in the UK.
  • Dependant visas are also available for family members of skilled workers or other workers with limited leave to remain in the UK.
  • Partners of British citizens may apply for a spouse visa, unmarried partner visa, marriage visitor visa, or fiancé visa based on their circumstances.
  • A child dependant visa permits children under 18 to join a parent residing in the UK as a visa holder, British citizen, or ILR holder.

Requirements for Dependent Visa in the UK

Relationship requirements

To qualify for a dependent visa, you must prove a genuine and subsisting relationship with your primary visa holder in the UK. For spouses or civil partners, this may be proved with a marriage or civil partnership certificate. For unmarried partners, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years or having a durable relationship is a must.

Your children under 18 are considered dependants if they are not living independently. In some cases, children over 18 may qualify if they continue to meet dependency requirements.

Financial requirements

You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself without accessing public funds in the UK.

Accommodation evidence

You must confirm that you have suitable accommodation in the UK, such as a rental property or an owned home, that meets the minimum housing standards. You may need to provide documents such as tenancy agreements or mortgage statements to support your application.

Supporting documents

You must prove your identity and submit supporting documents relevant to your relationship with your primary visa holder, including passports, biometric data, and certificates confirming familial ties, partnerships, etc.

Get help of our immigration lawyers for your UK Dependent Visa

Contact Us
  • A valid passport.
  • Confirmation of relationship like a marriage or civil partnership certificate, birth certificate for children, or evidence of the relationship for unmarried partners.
  • Bank statements or financial documents displaying sufficient funds to meet the financial requirement.
  • Accommodation proof like a tenancy agreement or property ownership documents.
  • TB test certificate (if applicable).
  • Confirmation that your criminal record is clear, in some circumstances.
  • Supporting documents like letters from your family or friends to confirm your relationship and living arrangements.
  • Documents with certified translation certificate if they are not in English or Welsh.
  • The standard processing time for a UK dependent visa depends on the category under which you apply.
  • Priority processing services may be available with an additional fee of £500, reducing the time to 5 working days.
  • Super priority services are available for an extra £1,000, providing a decision within 48 hours, for in-country applications.
  • Remember, processing times may vary due to factors such as the visa category, completeness of the application, and external circumstances. You will be informed during the application process if additional services are available.
  • A valid passport.
  • Confirmation of relationship like a marriage or civil partnership certificate, birth certificate for children, or evidence of the relationship for unmarried partners.
  • Bank statements or financial documents displaying sufficient funds to meet the financial requirement.
  • Accommodation proof like a tenancy agreement or property ownership documents.
  • TB test certificate (if applicable).
  • Confirmation that your criminal record is clear, in some circumstances.
  • Supporting documents like letters from your family or friends to confirm your relationship and living arrangements.
  • Documents with certified translation certificate if they are not in English or Welsh.
  • The standard processing time for a UK dependent visa depends on the category under which you apply.
  • Priority processing services may be available with an additional fee of £500, reducing the time to 5 working days.
  • Super priority services are available for an extra £1,000, providing a decision within 48 hours, for in-country applications.
  • Remember, processing times may vary due to factors such as the visa category, completeness of the application, and external circumstances. You will be informed during the application process if additional services are available.

Let us apply for your UK Dependent Visa application

Contact our Expert

Process to apply for Dependent Visa in the UK

1Check eligibility
Ensure you fulfil the eligibility requirements like the visa status of the main applicant, proof of relationship, and any financial or specific conditions applicable to your UK dependent visa.
2Gather required documents
Gather all necessary documents as specified, ensuring they are current, accurate, and translated if required to meet the UK dependent visa standards.
3Complete the online application form
Fill up the dependent visa application on the official UK government website by selecting the relevant visa type. You will need to provide the main visa applicant’s reference number, like GWF or UAN.
4Pay the visa fee
Pay the appropriate visa fee online using a credit or debit card. Retain the receipt as proof of payment.
5Verify identity
Complete the identity verification step by either using the UK immigration ID check app or attending an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric data like fingerprints and photographs.
6Submit supporting documents
Submit all supporting documents, either online or at a visa application centre, as per the requirements.
7Wait for your visa decision
Once the application is submitted, wait for a decision from the Home Office.
8Receive your visa decision
You will receive the decision by email. If approved, instructions on how to proceed will be provided. If refused, the reasons will be outlined, and you can ask for advice on the next steps like applying again or challenging the decision.

Why choose MGBe Legal for your Dependent Visa application in the UK?

Trust MGBe Legal and get your UK dependent visa application process simplified!

Trusted Legal Experts

Tailored Solutions

Proven Success Rate

Compliance-Focused Approach

Latest from Our Blogs:

This is the title

Benchmarking and Performance Metrics

20+

Years of Expertise in Immigration Services

200+

Complex Cases Resolved Annually

100%

Client Satisfaction

Immigration Assistance

Expert services for individuals seeking UK immigration and visa support.

    FAQs

    1Who can apply for a UK Dependent Visa?
    Dependants such as spouses, children, and sometimes other family members of a main visa holder (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student) can apply for a dependent visa to live in the UK.
    2How long is a dependent visa valid in the UK?
    The dependent visa’s duration usually aligns with the primary visa holder’s visa. Validity starts from issue or UK entry date, whichever is later.
    3What documents are required for a dependent visa application?
    Proof of relationship, financial support evidence, accommodation details, biometric information, and valid passports or travel documents are essential.
    4Can dependents work or claim benefits in the UK?
    Most dependents can work unless restricted, but they typically cannot claim public funds or most benefits while on a dependent visa.
    5How can dependents extend their visa in the UK?
    Dependents can apply to extend their visa in line with the main applicant’s visa extension by submitting an application before the current visa expires with updated supporting documents.
    6Can my child over 18 apply as a dependent?
    Children over 18 can only qualify if they continue to meet dependency requirements and are not living independently. Most dependent visas are for children under 18 years old.
    7What type of accommodation do I need for a dependent visa application?
    You need suitable accommodation like a rented property or owned home that meets minimum housing standards. You'll need to provide a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement as proof. You will also need a property description.
    8Is there a faster way to get my dependent visa decision?
    Yes, you can pay an extra £500 for priority processing (5 working days) or £1,000 for super priority (48 hours of decision), but these are only available for in-country applications.
    9What if my documents are in a different language?
    All documents that are not in English or Welsh must have certified translation certificates before submitting them with your dependent visa application.
    10Do dependents need to prove they are living with the main visa holder?
    Yes, generally you need accommodation proof showing you'll live together in the UK. Tenancy agreements and property ownership documents are required to confirm suitable living arrangements.
    11Can dependents continue living in the UK if the main visa holder's visa expires?
    No, dependent visas are tied to the main visa holder's status. If the primary applicant's visa expires or they leave the UK, dependent visas typically become invalid unless extended separately.