How to Apply Dependent Visa For UK?
A dependent visa in the UK allows immediate family members of a skilled worker, student, or some other types of visa holders to stay, study, or work in the UK and access public services for the duration of their sponsor’s visa. Without the correct visa type and application process, family members won’t be able to enter and stay in the UK. So, it’s crucial to know how to apply dependent visa for UK.
UK dependant visa new rules
In 2024, the UK will enforce new regulations concerning the dependant visa. From January 2024 onwards, only those international students enrolled in PhD programs or postgraduate research courses will be allowed to have their dependents accompany them to the UK. Furthermore, as of Spring 2024, social care workers will be restricted from bringing dependants into the country.
Who can apply for a dependant visa?
To be eligible for a UK dependent visa, you must have a specific relationship with the primary visa holder. The following relationships are recognized:
- Spouses and Civil Partners: You are eligible if you are in a marital relationship recognized in the UK.
- Unmarried Partners: Partners who have been living together for a minimum of two years can also apply.
- Children: Children under the age of 18 can apply for a dependant visa.
- Dependant Parents: If you are aged 65 years or older and financially dependent on the sponsor, you can also apply.
In addition to the above, there are important details to consider:
- Eligibility Criteria: You can apply for a dependant visa if you are a dependant of a person holding a UK work visa, student visa, business visa, or ancestry visa. It’s crucial to note that not all holders of work or student visas are eligible to bring their dependants to the UK. If you are unsure about your eligibility, we recommend consulting with our lawyers for clarification.
- Definition of ‘Dependant’: A ‘dependant’ in this context refers to a partner/spouse or child of the main visa holder.
- Partner Eligibility: Partners must either be married or in a civil partnership with the main visa holder. Alternatively, they must have been living together for two or more years.
- Child Dependant Visa: Children can apply for a dependant visa if they are under 18 years of age. If they are 16 years or older, they must be dependant on the main visa holder, which means they:
- Are not living an independent life (i.e., not married, in a civil partnership, or have children).
- Live with the main visa holder unless they attend boarding school or university.
- Are financially supported by the main visa holder.
- Close Family Members: In addition to dependant visas for children and partners, it is possible to bring close family members to the UK if the UK resident has indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or UK citizenship and meets the Adult Dependant Relative visa requirements.
UK Dependant visa requirements
To apply for a UK dependant visa, you must meet the following general requirements:
- Relationship Verification: Prove your relationship as a dependant family member, either as a partner/spouse or child of the main visa holder. Specific criteria may vary based on the sponsor’s visa type.
- Financial Sufficiency: Demonstrate the ability to support yourself financially while in the UK.
- Identity and Relationship Proof: Provide documentation to establish your identity and relationship with the visa holder.
- Intent to Reside Together: Show the intention to live with the sponsor in the UK.
Please note that the requirements may vary depending on the sponsor’s visa category. Review the specific criteria for your sponsor’s visa type for complete guidance.
Dependant Visa Financial Requirements
The financial prerequisites for dependant visas hinge on the main visa category. For instance, in the case of a Skilled Worker Dependant visa in the UK, proof of the following is necessary:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for one child, plus £200 for each additional child
Generally, if the main visa holder and the dependant have been in the UK for over 12 months, there’s usually no need to meet any financial criteria.
Age Restrictions and Considerations
There are no age restrictions on UK-dependent visa applications. However, some special considerations are there for certain applicants. For example, child dependents must be under 18 at the time of visa application. But dependent children born in the UK can remain until they turn 18, even if their sponsors’ visas expire. Dependent parents must be 65 years of age or above and financially dependent on the sponsor.
UK Dependant Visa Required Documents Checklist
When applying for a UK dependant visa, you’ll need to gather various documents to support your application. The specific documents required will depend on both the main applicant’s visa category and your relationship with them. Some of the documents or information you may need to provide include:
- The Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN) for the primary visa holder (to link the applications together).
- Proof of identity, such as a passport.
- Documentation demonstrating your relationship with the main visa holder, like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or civil partnership certificates.
- Evidence of dependence, which could include attending the same school or university and showing that you share the same address as the main visa holder.
- A bank statement indicating that the necessary funds to meet the financial requirement have been held for a minimum of 28 days.
It’s essential to ensure you submit all the required documents to UKVI. Neglecting to do so could lead to delays or even a rejection of your visa application.
How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa: Application Process Step-by-Step
The application process for a UK Dependant Visa may vary depending on the type of visa held by the main visa holder. Here are the essential steps you should follow when applying for a Dependant Visa in the UK:
1. Complete and Submit the Online Application Form
Begin by creating an account on the UK government website and filling out the online application form. Make sure to provide the unique reference number from the main applicant’s application. Note that different forms are used for PBS dependant children and PBS dependant partners.
2. Pay the application fee and immigration healthcare surcharge
Once you’ve submitted your online application, you’ll need to pay the required application fee and the immigration healthcare surcharge. The fees can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s age. The health surcharge is a one-time payment contributing to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
3. Upload all necessary documents
In addition to the online application, you must upload all the required documents specified by UKVI to support your application.
4. Book and attend a biometric appointment
After submitting your application and documents, you’ll receive a notification for a biometric appointment. Attend this appointment at your nearest UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service) or Visa Application Centre if you are outside the UK. During the appointment, your fingerprints will be scanned, and a photograph will be taken.
5. Await a decision
Typically, you can expect to receive a decision on your UK Dependant Visa application within 8 weeks.
These steps should help guide you through the process of applying for a dependant visa in the UK based on the main visa holder’s specific visa type.
Processing Time and What to Expect
Average Processing Times for UK Dependent Visa
The average processing time for a UK dependent visa is usually 24 weeks. However, it can vary based on many factors, such as the complexity of the individual application, the time of year, the country from which the application is made, and the current workload of UK Visas and Immigration.
Tracking Your Application Status
You can track the status of your UK dependent visa application process online after submitting your application to learn its current status. To do this, you must log into your account on the UK government website.
Preparing for a Possible Interview
In many cases, applicants with UK-dependent visas are invited for an interview with a UKVI officer. If you are invited for an interview, you must prepare for the interview. It can include gathering all relevant documents and preparing answers to common interview questions.
Duration and Rights of a Dependent Visa Holder
Length of Stay Permitted
The length of stay allowed on a UK-dependent visa is linked to the duration of stay of the primary visa holder. For example, if the primary visa holder is granted a two-year visa, the dependent visa holder will also be granted a two-year one.
Working and Studying Rights in the UK
Dependent visa holders can work and study in the UK. There are no restrictions on the type of work that dependent visa holders can do, except for sportspersons and coaches.
Dependent visa holders must meet the entry requirements of other international students to study in the UK. They must also show that they can support themselves financially during their studies.
Access to Public Funds and Services
Dependent visa holders enjoy all the benefits a leave-to-remain visa holder enjoys. They can access public funds and services in the UK, including education and healthcare. However, they are not eligible to receive certain benefits only British citizens can enjoy, such as income support and jobseeker allowance.
Potential Costs Involved
Several other costs are involved with the application process, such as NHS health surcharge, courier fees, and translation services charges.
Here are the costs involved with the dependent visa application:
- Visa application fees: The UK dependent visa fee is £1,846. It is payable for each dependent of the primary visa holder, including children.
- NHS Health Surcharge: The NHS health surcharge is a one-time payment that helps fund the UK National Health Service. The surcharge amount depends on the visa’s length of stay. For example, the surcharge of £1,560 for adults is for a two-year and six months visa duration. The cost is £1,175 for children under 18 years of age for the same duration.
- Additional Charges: There can be additional charges associated with the visa application process, such as translation services and courier fees. The amount will depend on your personal preferences and individual circumstances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes people make and ways to avoid them while applying for a UK-dependent visa:
- Incomplete documentation: Make sure you submit all the required documents, including supporting evidence. Check the UK government’s website for the latest required documents for each type of dependent visa.
- Not meeting financial requirements: You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents without relying on public funds in the UK. The financial maintenance requirements vary based on the applicant’s relationship to the primary visa holder and the number of dependents they bring.
- Overlooking deadlines and validity periods: Do not make the mistake of submitting your application before the deadline. Also, check the validity of your passport and other required travel documents.
Switching Dependant Visa to Settlement (ILR)
Dependant visa holders can seek a settlement in the UK upon the main visa holder’s attainment of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years in the country. Qualification for ILR necessitates a genuine ongoing relationship, sufficient income, and dependent children living with parents. ILR offers lasting residency without visa renewals, and eligibility for British citizenship arises after just 1 additional year post-ILR. Enjoy the perks of permanent residency in the UK with these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dependents work in the UK?
Yes, dependent visa holders can work in the UK.
How long does the visa processing take?
UK dependant visa processing time takes up to 24 weeks to complete the whole process and get a decision.
What if my application gets rejected?
If your dependent visa application is rejected, you will have the right to appeal the decision.
Can I extend my dependent visa?
Yes, you can extend your UK dependent visa. But you must apply online at least 28 days before your current visa expires.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to apply dependent visa for UK, the whole process will be much easier for you. But, you must follow the correct steps in the application process to increase your chances of success. If you need assistance in the application process, do not hesitate to reach out to an expert.
