Dependant Visa UK – Bring Your Partner and Children to the UK

A UK Dependant Visa allows the partner and/or children of a person holding UK immigration status to join them and live in the UK, usually for the same duration as the main applicant’s visa. This visa is an important pathway for families who wish to stay together, ensuring that children can access education and, in most work visa routes, enabling partners to take up employment.

It is important to note that the rules vary depending on the type of visa held by the main applicant. In recent years, significant policy changes in 2024 and 2025 introduced new restrictions, particularly for international students, care workers, and workers in certain “medium-skilled” roles. Families considering applying for a dependant visa must carefully review the updated eligibility criteria to ensure they meet the latest requirements.

Who Can Apply for a UK Dependant Visa?

A UK Dependant Visa is designed for close family members of a person who already has valid permission to live in the UK. Eligible dependants generally include:

• Partner – This can be a husband, wife, civil partner, or an unmarried partner, provided you can show you have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.
• Children under 18 – Dependant children must usually be under 18 at the time of application. This includes children born in the UK during the main applicant’s stay.
• Children over 18 – In limited cases, children who are already in the UK as dependants may continue to extend their stay once they turn 18, provided they remain part of the household and are not living independently.

Note: This visa route ensures families can remain together in the UK while the main applicant works, studies, or resides under another eligible visa category.

 

What is a UK Dependant Visa?

The UK Dependant Visa lets family members join those already in the UK for work or study on visas like the UK Skilled Worker or UK Student Visa. Dependants can live, work, and study in the UK, similar to the main visa holder.

Who qualifies as a dependant? Usually, it's spouses, partners, children, and sometimes parents needing care. This visa gives them legal status in the UK and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

UK Dependant Visa Routes

• Skilled Worker Dependant Visa – Partners and children are permitted, except for care workers, senior care workers, and most medium-skilled roles (with limited transitional exceptions).
• Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa – Partners and children are generally permitted, but the restrictions for care worker roles still apply.
• Student Dependant Visa – Since January 2024, only government-sponsored students (courses over six months) and postgraduate research students (such as PhD programmes) can bring dependants.
• Temporary Work Visa Dependants – Some temporary work categories allow dependants, but the rules vary by sub-route.
• Global Talent, Innovator Founder, and Other Eligible Work Visas – Partners and children are permitted.
• Family Visa (Partner or Parent Route) – A separate family immigration category that allows a partner or children of a British citizen or settled person to join them in the UK.

Benefits of the UK Dependant Visa

The benefits of the UK Dependant Visa are given below.

• Live and Work: Dependents can live, work, and study in the UK.
• Public Services: They can also get healthcare through the NHS and other public services.
• Permanent Residency: After living in the UK for five years, dependents can apply for UK ILR or Indefinite Leave to Remain stay indefinitely.
• Family Unity: This keeps families together by letting dependents join the main visa holder in the UK.
• Education and Jobs: Children can go to school for free, and spouses/partners can take on any job.

Eligibility for the UK Dependant Visa

To qualify for a UK Dependant Visa, both the main visa holder and their family members need to meet certain conditions:

• Primary visa holder: Needs to have a valid UK visa like a Skilled Worker, Student, or Innovator visa.
• Family Member: Must be the main applicant's spouse, partner, or child (under 18). In some situations, parents or other dependent relatives might also be able to apply.
• Required funds: The main visa holder needs to show they can take care of their family without using public money.
• Accommodation: You will need to provide proof of suitable accommodation in the UK for yourself and your family members.

UK Dependant Visa Eligibility by Main Applicant’s Visa

Eligibility for a UK dependant visa depends on the type of visa held by the main applicant. Recent changes in 2024 and 2025 have placed new restrictions on some categories.

• Skilled Worker Visa Dependants

Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders are generally eligible to apply. However, restrictions apply: since March 2024, care workers and senior care workers cannot bring dependants (except under transitional rules), and from July 2025 most “medium-skilled” roles also no longer allow dependants unless the worker was already in the UK before that date.

• Family Visa Dependants

Family visas, such as the partner or parent route, allow spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and dependent children to join or remain in the UK. This is a separate family-based immigration route, distinct from work and study visas.

• Student Visa Dependants

Since January 2024, only government-sponsored students on courses longer than six months and postgraduate research students (such as PhD candidates) can bring dependants. Students on undergraduate or taught master’s courses are no longer permitted to sponsor dependants.

• Care Worker Dependants

From March 2024, care workers and senior care workers under the Skilled Worker route are not permitted to bring dependants. Only those who held their visa before this date may continue to be joined by family members under transitional provisions.

UK Dependant Visa Requirements

When applying for a UK Dependant Visa, each applicant must provide evidence to show their identity, relationship to the main visa holder, and ability to meet immigration requirements. The exact documents can vary depending on the type of visa the main applicant holds, but the standard requirements usually include:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (for spouses/partners)
• Birth certificate for children applying as dependants
• Proof of relationship (such as joint bills, tenancy agreements, or other evidence of cohabitation if unmarried)
• Proof of financial support showing the main applicant can maintain dependants without public funds
• Details of the main applicant’s visa, such as the application number (GWF/UAN) or a Family Linking Code
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if applying from a listed country
• Criminal record certificate (if required for dependants over 18 applying from overseas)
• Completed online application form and biometrics for each dependant

How to apply for Dependant visa UK?

Applying for a UK Dependant Visa is a structured process that must be completed separately for each dependant. Below is the step-by-step process as outlined in official Home Office guidance:

Step 1: Confirm eligibility
Check that the main visa type allows dependants under current rules, as restrictions apply to students (since January 2024) and care workers (since March 2024).

Step 2: Obtain main applicant’s details
Get the application number (GWF/UAN) or a Family Linking Code from the main applicant’s visa application to connect dependant applications.

Step 3: Complete separate applications
Each dependant must submit an online visa application form. Applications cannot be combined and must be lodged individually.

Step 4: Upload documents and provide biometrics
Submit supporting documents such as passports, proof of relationship, and financial evidence. Dependants must also provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre or through the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible.

Step 5: Pay visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Each dependant must pay the required application fee and the annual Immigration Health Surcharge to access the NHS during their stay.

Step 6: Wait for a decision and collect BRP (if approved)
The Home Office will review the application. Processing usually takes 3–8 weeks outside the UK or around 8 weeks inside the UK. If approved, dependants will receive an eVisa or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to confirm their immigration status.

UK Dependant Visa Fees

Detailed information about the UK Dependant Visa is given below.

Visa Route / Category	Application Fee (from 9 April 2025)	Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Spouse / Partner / Child / Dependant (outside UK – family visa / Route to Settlement)	£1,938	£1,035 per adult per year; £776 per child/student per year
Spouse / Partner / Child / Dependant (inside UK – family visa extension/switch)	£1,321	£1,035 / £776 per year
Skilled Worker Dependant (outside UK) – up to 3 years	£769	£1,035 / £776 per year
Skilled Worker Dependant (outside UK) – more than 3 years	£1,519	£1,035 / £776 per year
Skilled Worker Dependant (inside UK) – up to 3 years	£827	£1,035 / £776 per year
Skilled Worker Dependant (inside UK) – more than 3 years	£1,636	£1,035 / £776 per year

UK Dependant Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for UK Dependant Visa is given below.

Application Type	Processing Time (Standard Service)
Work visa dependants (including Skilled Worker) – outside UK	Around 3 weeks after biometrics
Work visa dependants – inside UK (switching/extending)	Around 8 weeks
Student visa dependants – outside UK	Around 3 weeks
Student visa dependants – inside UK	Around 8 weeks
Family visa (partner/child/parent route) – outside UK	Around 12 weeks
Family visa – inside UK (switching/extending)	Around 8 weeks

UK Dependant Visa Duration and Conditions

Dependants in the UK are granted permission under the same conditions as the main visa holder. The key points to note are:

• Visa duration – The dependant visa is normally issued for the same length of time as the main applicant’s visa. If the main visa is extended, dependants must also apply for an extension.
• Work rights for partners – Spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners are usually permitted to work in the UK, with the exception of working as a professional sportsperson or coach.
• Education for children – Dependant children can attend school in the UK. They are entitled to access state education in line with local authority rules.
• No recourse to public funds – In most cases, dependants cannot claim public funds or benefits while in the UK.
• Compliance with conditions – Dependants must follow UK immigration rules, including providing biometrics and keeping their details up to date through the Home Office system.

Can You Work on a UK Dependant Visa?

Yes, dependants can work with the UK Dependant Visa. This is applicable for spouses, partners, and adult children. Dependents can choose to work full-time, part-time, or freelance according to what suits them. But, if the main visa holder has rules about work (like with a student visa), dependents might have some work limits. So, check the main visa rules before you apply.

*Looking for assistance to apply for UK work visa? Y-Axis is here to assist you with the process.

How Long is the UK Dependant Visa Valid?

Generally, the UK Dependant Visa lasts as long as the main visa holder's visa. It's often given for 2 to 5 years, based on how long the primary applicant's visa is good for. If the primary applicant renews their visa, the dependant can also extend their visa. After living in the UK for 5 years, dependants can apply to stay permanently (ILR) if they meet the requirements for residency.

Common Reasons for UK Dependant Visa Rejections

• Missing or wrong documents are a problem.
• Not meeting the money requirements for family members.
• Not enough proof of your relationship (like a marriage license or proof of who depends on whom).
• Problems with fingerprints or photos from your appointment.
• Not having adequate funds to support yourself without public help.

Recent UK Dependant Visa Changes (2024–2025)

The UK government introduced significant reforms to dependant visa rules in 2024 and 2025. Families planning to apply should be aware of the following changes:

• Student Visa Restrictions (from 1 January 2024)

Only government-sponsored students on courses lasting more than six months and full-time postgraduate research students (such as PhD programmes) can bring dependants. Undergraduate and taught master’s students can no longer sponsor dependants.

• Care Worker and Senior Care Worker Restrictions (from 11 March 2024)

Care workers and senior care workers under the Skilled Worker route are no longer permitted to bring dependants to the UK. Only those who held these visas before this date may continue under transitional provisions.

• Medium-Skilled Role Restrictions (from 22 July 2025)

Most Skilled Worker roles classified as “medium-skilled” no longer allow dependants. Transitional arrangements apply for workers who were already in the UK before this date.

• Family Visa Income Threshold Reforms (from April 2024 onwards)

The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a partner under the Family visa route was raised to £29,000 in April 2024, with further staged increases under review.

Note: These measures reflect the UK’s broader policy to reduce net migration while maintaining routes for high-skilled workers, researchers, and genuine family reunification.

UK Dependant Visa Path to Settlement

Dependants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK if the main applicant’s visa route leads to settlement and the family meets the eligibility requirements. Key points include:

• Linked to the main applicant’s visa – Dependants may apply for ILR once the main visa holder becomes eligible, usually after five years of continuous residence in a qualifying route such as Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, or Family visa.
• Continuous residence requirement – Dependants must normally have lived in the UK lawfully for five years on a dependant visa. Absences outside the UK must not exceed the limits set by the Home Office.
• Relationship requirement – The relationship with the main visa holder (as partner or child) must still be genuine and ongoing at the time of the ILR application.
• English language and Life in the UK test – Adult dependants usually need to pass an approved English language test and the Life in the UK test unless exempt.
• Children’s settlement – Dependant children can apply for ILR at the same time as their parents, provided they still meet the definition of a dependant under the rules.
• Routes that do not lead to ILR – Dependants of temporary routes, such as most Student visas, cannot apply for ILR through that route unless they later switch into a settlement-eligible category.

This pathway allows dependant family members to achieve permanent residency in the UK, with the same rights and benefits as the main applicant once granted.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a UK-based immigration and visa firm. For more than 25 years, we've been helping people with their UK Dependant Visa submissions. We make the process easier to understand, and we'll confirm your paperwork is correct as well as submitted on time.

Our services include:

• Eligibility assessment through Y-Axis UK Immigration Points Calculator
• Paperwork verification and application help
• Biometric appointment scheduling and application tracking
• Visa extension and permanent residency application guidance
• Post-visa support for work and settling in the UK

Ready to join your family in the UK? Get in touch with Y-Axis now for support!