UK dependent visas allow family members of individuals who are living or working in the UK to join them. These visas are available for spouses, unmarried partners, children, and in some cases, other dependents. Dependent visas enable families to live together in the UK and often allow dependents to work and study. The validity of the dependent visa is typically tied to the visa status of the primary visa holder.
Key Features of UK Dependent Visas
- Family Reunification: Allows family members to join the primary visa holder in the UK.
- Work and Study Rights: Spouses and partners can work and study in the UK. Children can attend school.
- Eligibility: Available to spouses, partners, children, and other dependents of certain visa holders.
- Duration: Linked to the primary visa holder’s visa duration.
- Multiple Visa Categories: Available for dependents of work visa holders, students, and those on permanent residency routes.
Overview of All Streams
Dependent Visa for Skilled Worker Holders
Dependent Visa for Tier 4 (Student) Visa Holders
Dependent Visa for Tier 1 (Investor, Entrepreneur) Visa Holders
Dependent Visa for Skilled Worker Holders
- Purpose: Allows the spouse, civil partner, or dependent children of a Skilled Worker to live in the UK.
- Eligibility: Must be a spouse, partner, or child under 18 of the Skilled Worker.
- Duration: Same as the primary visa holder (up to 5 years).
- Other Features: Dependents can work and study in the UK.
Dependent Visa for Tier 4 (Student) Visa Holders
- Purpose: Allows the spouse, partner, or children of Tier 4 students to live in the UK.
- Eligibility: Must be the spouse, civil partner, or child under 18 of a student enrolled in a full-time postgraduate course of at least 9 months or a government-sponsored course of 6 months or more.
- Duration: Same as the student’s visa.
- Other Features: Spouses can work, but children cannot work.
Dependent Visa for Tier 1 (Investor, Entrepreneur) Visa Holders
- Purpose: Allows dependents of Tier 1 visa holders to live in the UK.
- Eligibility: Must be a spouse, partner, or child under 18 of the Tier 1 visa holder.
- Duration: Same as the primary visa holder (up to 5 years).
- Other Features: Dependents can work and study in the UK.
Family Visa (Spousal and Partner Visa)
Dependent Child Visa for UK Citizens or Residents
Dependent Visa for Innovator and Start-up Visa Holders
Family Visa (Spousal and Partner Visa)
- Purpose: Allows spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners of UK citizens or permanent residents to live in the UK.
- Eligibility: Must prove a genuine relationship and meet financial and English language requirements.
- Duration: 2.5 years, with the possibility of extending to permanent residency.
- Other Features: Eligible for permanent residency after 5 years.
Dependent Child Visa for UK Citizens or Residents
- Purpose: Allows dependent children of UK citizens or permanent residents to join their parents in the UK.
- Eligibility: Must be under 18 and dependent on the UK resident parent.
- Duration: 2.5 years, extendable, leading to permanent residency.
- Other Features: Children can attend school in the UK.
Dependent Visa for Innovator and Start-up Visa Holders
- Purpose: Allows family members of Innovator or Start-up visa holders to live in the UK.
- Eligibility: Must be a spouse, partner, or child under 18 of the Innovator or Start-up visa holder.
- Duration: Same as the primary visa holder (up to 3 years).
- Other Features: Dependents can work and study in the UK.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Relationship Proof: Must provide proof of a genuine relationship with the primary visa holder (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates for children).
- Financial Requirements: Dependents must show that the primary visa holder has enough funds to support them. The amount varies depending on the visa category.
- Age Requirements: Dependent children must be under 18 years old.
- English Language: For family visas (spousal and partner), the applicant must meet an English language requirement.
- Health and Character: Dependents must pass a medical examination and provide a clean police record if required.
Required Documents
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage or civil partnership certificates, or proof of partnership for unmarried couples, birth certificates for children.
- Identity Documents: Passport, recent photographs, and other identification.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements or proof of the primary visa holder’s income.
- Proof of Primary Visa Holder’s Status: Copy of the primary visa holder’s visa, residency permit, or employment status in the UK.
- Visa Application Form: Completed dependent visa application form.
- English Language Proof: For spouses/partners applying for a family visa.
Application Process
- Step 1: Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of relationship and financial means.
- Step 2: Apply Online: Submit an online application through the UK government website.
- Step 3: Pay the Visa Fees: Pay the relevant application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Step 4: Biometrics and Supporting Documents: Schedule an appointment to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and submit supporting documents.
- Step 5: Visa Decision: Await a decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), which may take several weeks depending on the visa category.
- Step 6: Arrive in the UK: Once the visa is approved, the dependent can enter the UK and join the primary visa holder.
All Costs (Approximate)
| Visa Type | Application Fee (GBP) | Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent Visa for Skilled Worker | £625 – £1,423 | £624 per year |
| Dependent Visa for Tier 4 (Student) | £363 | £470 per year |
| Dependent Visa for Tier 1 (Investor) | £1,623 | £624 per year |
| Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) | £1,538 | £624 per year |
| Dependent Child Visa | £1,538 | £624 per year |
| Dependent Visa for Innovator/Start-up | £1,036 | £624 per year |
Visa Processing Time (Approximate)
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Dependent Visa for Skilled Worker | 3 to 8 weeks |
| Dependent Visa for Tier 4 (Student) | 3 to 8 weeks |
| Dependent Visa for Tier 1 (Investor) | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) | 12 weeks to 6 months |
| Dependent Child Visa | 12 weeks to 6 months |
| Dependent Visa for Innovator/Start-up | 8 to 12 weeks |
Key Points to Remember
- Work Rights: Spouses and partners of work visa holders and students can usually work in the UK with few restrictions.
- Financial Requirement: Sufficient funds must be demonstrated to support the dependent without relying on public funds.
- Health Surcharge: Dependents must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, granting access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- Linked to Primary Visa: The validity of dependent visas is linked to the primary visa holder’s status.
- Renewal and Settlement: Dependent visas can be renewed and can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
Conclusion
The UK dependent visa system provides multiple pathways for family members of workers, students, and permanent residents to live, work, and study in the UK. With specific eligibility criteria and application processes, it’s essential to gather the required documentation and meet financial requirements to ensure a smooth visa application. Dependents are given opportunities for integration into the UK’s education and workforce, making it a family-friendly visa route.
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