UK Dependent Visas
With a UK Dependent Visa, your loved ones can join you and build a life together—whether you're working, studying, or settled in the UK.
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UK Dependent Visa Solicitors Life’s Better Together
If you’re living in the UK as a British national and wish to have a dependent child or adult relative join you, Farani Taylor can help. By applying for a UK dependent Visa your loved ones could come and live with you here in the UK. As with many things in life, the sooner you start the process the better.
Understanding the UK dependent visa requirements is key to a successful application. Our team have extensive experience in applying for UK dependent visas and can advise you based on your personal circumstances. Get in touch today to take the next step to reuniting with those that matter most.
What Type of Visa Do You Need?
The type of dependent visa you need depends on your relationship with the dependent and your current visa. The most common types of dependent visas we assist with are the following:
- Child Dependent Visa UK
- Adult Dependent Visa UK
- Student Visas UK (Applications valid till 2024)
- Ancestry Visas UK
- Skilled Worker Dependent Visas UK
Requirements To Apply for A UK Dependent Child Visa
If you have a child outside the UK, you want to move over they must fulfil the following requirements;
- Be under 18
- Not be married
- Be dependent on the UK Visa holder
- Meet financial savings threshold
- Satisfy health and character requirements
- Intend to live with the visa holder
Requirements To Apply for A UK Dependent Adult Visa
If you wish to have your spouse, partner or an adult that is dependent on you move to the UK they must fulfil the following requirements;
- Be dependent on the main visa holder
- Meet the financial savings threshold
- Satisfy health and character requirements
- Intend to live with the visa holder
- Proof of dependency for long term care they cannot get in the home country
Important New UK Dependent Visa Rules 2025
Since 2024 there have been significant new changes made to the law on UK dependent visas such as;
- Since March 11, 2024, healthcare and care worker visa holders can no longer bring dependents to the UK.
- The minimum income requirement to bring a spouse or partner to the UK as a dependent has risen from £16,000 to £29,000.
- Those on student visas can no longer bring dependents to the UK unless they are enrolled on a PhD, post-graduate research scheme or are fully sponsored by the government for their course and living costs.
- Applicants bringing a dependent over must show they have sufficient finances to support themselves, dependents and living costs.
Step By Step Guide to Apply for A UK Dependent Visa
The specific application steps depend on what type of visa is held by the main visa holder. The general steps are as follows.
- Submit Your Application
Submit Your Application
The best things happen when we get started. Go online and submit your application form. Make sure you choose the correct form based on your relationship with the main visa holder and reference their visa number on the application.
- Pay The Application Fee
Pay The Application Fee
You will need to pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge at the time of applying for your UK dependent visa.
- Upload Your Documents
Upload Your Documents
Upload all the documentation required to support your application. This is where having an immigration lawyer like one of the team at Farani Taylor can help. Making sure you file the correct information will speed up the process and avoid any rejected applications.
- Book A Biocentric Appointment
Book A Biocentric Appointment
As part of the application process, you will need a biocentric appointment at your nearest visa application centre to have your fingerprints and a photo taken. This helps to verify your identity for the application.
- Wait For a Decision
Wait For a Decision
You can expect a decision in up to 8 weeks. What happens if your UK dependent visa application is rejected? The best way to avoid this happening is to work with an immigration lawyer from the beginning of the application. If you have received a rejected application, the good news is we can still help. Here is what to do next.
What To Do If an Application Is Rejected
If your visa application has been rejected there are generally three options, you can take.
One option is to appeal the decision, this may be successful if you believe it infringes your human rights or is unlawful.
The second option is to request an administrative view. This is recommended if you believe there has been a simple error in the paperwork. A caseworker will go over your application and reconsider the result. This must be done within 14 days of receiving the rejection if you are in the UK or 28 days if you are outside the UK.
The final option is to reapply with a stronger application. This could be the best route if the rejection is based on incomplete documents or wrong information.
To decide how best to respond to a rejected application you can speak to one of our immigration experts. We understand that visa situations can be urgent and can help make sure your application has the best chances of being successful.
Do You Need Support with Your Application?
If you want to apply for a dependent UK visa and are not sure which type of visa you need, where to start or have questions Farani Taylor is here to support you. Whether you have got stuck somewhere in the process or received a rejection, get in touch today for a confidential chat with one of our UK visa solicitors. We can give you the advice you need to take away the headache and bring your family together.
FAQS About UK Dependent Visas
Can you bring adopted children to the UK with a child dependent visa?
Yes, adopted children can be brought to the UK if they are fully adopted by a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK. They must satisfy the eligibility criteria such as being under 18 and not married.
How much is the application fee for a dependent UK visa?
The fee is £3413 for those being made outside the UK and £1258 for those being made in the UK.
How long does it take to get a UK dependent visa?
The process can take up to 8 weeks, using an immigration solicitor can save time and help prevent rejected applications.
How many people can you bring to the UK on a dependent visa?
You can bring your spouse or partner and children that are under 18 and not married. You must satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Can you bring dependents to the UK on a student visa?
Since March 11th, 2024, those with a student visa cannot bring dependents subject to restricted exceptions on their study circumstances.
Yes, adopted children can be brought to the UK if they are fully adopted by a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK. They must satisfy the eligibility criteria such as being under 18 and not married.
The fee is £3413 for those being made outside the UK and £1258 for those being made in the UK.
The process can take up to 8 weeks, using an immigration solicitor can save time and help prevent rejected applications.
You can bring your spouse or partner and children that are under 18 and not married. You must satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Since March 11th, 2024, those with a student visa cannot bring dependents subject to restricted exceptions on their study circumstances.