Dependent Visa Requirements for the UK: A Complete Guide

The United Kingdom allows certain family members to join or remain with a person who is living, working, or studying there through a Dependent Visa. This visa category applies to dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders, Student visa holders, or other eligible migrants. Below is a detailed breakdown of the requirements, eligibility, and process.

1. Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

You can usually apply as a dependant if you are:

• The spouse or civil partner of the main visa holder
• An unmarried partner (in a relationship for at least 2 years)
• A child under 18 years old (including if born in the UK during the main visa holder’s stay)
• A child over 18 if they are already in the UK as a dependant

2. General Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a UK Dependent Visa, you must:

• Prove your relationship with the main visa holder through official documents (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Show you will live together in the UK
• Demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself without claiming public funds

3. Financial Requirements

The minimum maintenance funds depend on the type of visa the main applicant holds. For example:

• Skilled Worker visa dependants:
• £285 for a partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child
• Student visa dependants:
• £680 per month (up to 9 months) for each dependant, if living outside London
• £845 per month (up to 9 months) if living in London

4. Application Process

• Apply online through the official UK Government visa website
• Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Submit biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre
• Provide supporting documents such as passports, proof of relationship, and financial evidence

5. Processing Times

Applications from outside the UK typically take around 3 weeks to process, though times may vary depending on the country and case complexity.

6. Rights and Restrictions

Dependants are usually allowed to:

• Work (with some restrictions)
• Study
• Travel in and out of the UK However, they cannot claim most public benefits.