Explore UK Dependent Visas
UK Dependent Visa
A UK Dependant Visa allows eligible family members to join or remain with a main visa holder in the UK. Spouses, partners, and children can live, work, and study in the UK, provided they meet relationship and financial requirements.
Who Can Apply as a Dependant?
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for a UK Dependant Visa if you are the:
- Spouse or civil partner of the main visa holder
- Unmarried partner (must have lived together for at least 2 years)
- Child under 18 (or over 18 if already in the UK as a dependant)
The main visa holder must be on an eligible route such as:
- Skilled Worker
- Health and Care Worker
- Global Talent
- Innovator Founder
- Student (postgraduate research only, as of 2024/25)
- Graduate or Scale-up Visa (limited eligibility)
Key Requirements
To qualify, dependants must:
- Prove their relationship to the main applicant (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Show sufficient financial support without recourse to public funds
- £285/month for a partner
- £315/month for the first child
- £200/month for each additional child
- Apply separately but link their application to the main visa holder
- Submit biometric information and a valid passport
- Provide tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
Rights and Conditions
- Live and travel freely in the UK during the visa period
- Work full-time in most roles (except as a sportsperson or coach)
- Study without restriction
- Access the NHS (after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge)
Children must be under 18 and not living an independent life (e.g. married or employed full-time).
Visa Duration and Conditions
- The dependant’s visa expires on the same date as the main visa holder’s
- Extensions and settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) are possible if the main applicant qualifies
- Time spent on a dependant visa can count towards settlement in some routes (e.g. Skilled Worker)
Recent Policy Updates (2024–2025)
- Student dependants are now restricted to postgraduate research students only
- Financial thresholds for Skilled Worker dependants have increased
- Switching routes (e.g. from dependant to Skilled Worker) is permitted from within the UK if eligibility is met
Family unity is central to UK immigration policy but compliance is key.
Ensure all documents are accurate, relationships are well-evidenced, and applications are submitted in line with Home Office guidance.