Updated on
- March 9, 2024
UK Dependent Visa: Documents, Eligibility and Financial Requirements
Moving abroad for study or work offers excellent career growth prospects. However, one of the most challenging aspects of moving abroad for students and professionals is having to do everything alone.
Well, the good news is that family members of the person holding a valid visa can also move to that country to be closer to them. This can be achieved by obtaining a UK dependent visa.
UK Dependent visa and types
What is a UK Dependent Visa?
A UK dependent visa is a type of visa that allows certain family members of UK citizens or settled persons to join them in the United Kingdom. These visas facilitate family reunification by enabling spouses, partners, children, and elderly parents to live with their UK-based relatives.
The specific types of UK-dependent visas include:
- Spouse or Partner Visas
- Child Dependent Visas
- Parent Visas
Each visa type is tailored to the unique circumstances of the applicant and their relationship with their UK-based family member.
Dependent visas grant holders the right to live, work, study, and access public services in the UK for the duration of their visa’s validity, providing an opportunity for families to be together and share in each other’s lives.
Who are dependent?
Who qualifies as a dependent?
You can bring your partner and children as dependats to come to UK or extend their stay a longer, if any of the following conditions are fulfilled.
- You are a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months
- You are a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer
If your postgraduate level course starts on or after 1 January 2024, it must be either:
- a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8)
- a research-based higher degree
Your dependants
A dependant partner or child is one of the following:
- your husband, wife or civil partner
- your unmarried partner
your child under 18 years old – including if they were born in the UK during your stay
Whether it be UK dependent visa for spouse, UK unmarried partner visa or UK dependent visa for parents, understanding the requirement as laid down by the UK government and guidance from a trusted visa consultancy such as SLCS can help you to speed up your application.
UK Dependent Visa requirements.
Can I Apply For a UK Dependent Visa?
The UK has recently announced some changes to dependent visas. Starting from January 2024, only students pursuing post-graduate courses or PhD programs will be eligible to bring their family members on dependent visas.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for a UK dependent visa, you will have to go through the visa application process, which includes providing evidence of a genuine relationship, meeting financial requirements, and fulfilling accommodation and care responsibilities, where applicable.
Documentation for UK Dependent visa
Document Checklist For Dependent Visa
When applying for a UK-dependent visa, you will typically need to provide a range of documents to support your application. While specific requirements may vary depending on the type of UK dependent visa requirements you are applying for and your circumstances, standard documents include:
- Passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Application Form
- Photographs
- Proof of Relationship
- Financial Documents
- Accommodation Evidence
- English Language Proficiency
- Health Insurance
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (if applicable)
- Additional Supporting Documents
Comprehensive supporting documents can strengthen your visa application and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
UK dependent visa financial requirements
Financial Requirements, Cost and Sponsorship
Financial stability is a key consideration in the UK-dependent visa application process, as applicants must demonstrate the ability to support themselves and their family members without recourse to public funds.
The UK government sets specific financial thresholds that applicants must meet, which vary depending on the type of visa and the number of dependents included in the application.
Common sources of income used to meet financial requirements include employment earnings, savings, investments, and financial support from family members or sponsors.
Sponsors play a crucial role in the application process, assuming responsibility for meeting the applicants’ and their dependents’ financial needs throughout their stay in the UK. Sponsors and applicants need to understand their obligations regarding financial maintenance and support to ensure a successful visa application.
UK dependent visa process
Application Process for UK Dependent Visa
The application process for a UK-dependent visa involves several key steps, outlined below:
- Determine Eligibility: Before beginning the application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific type of UK-dependent visa you are applying for. Common types of dependent visas include spouse or partner visas, child dependent visas, and parent visas. Review the UK dependent visa eligibility requirements outlined by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to confirm your eligibility.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents required for your visa application. These may include a valid passport, completed visa application form, proof of relationship with the UK-based family member, proof of financial means, accommodation details, English language proficiency (if required), and any other supporting documents specified by the UKVI.
- Complete Online Application: Fill out the online visa application form on the UK government’s official visa application website. Provide accurate and truthful information in your application, as any discrepancies or inaccuracies could lead to delays or refusal of your visa application.
- Pay Visa Fees: Pay the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge (if applicable) as part of the online application process. The healthcare surcharge covers access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK and must be paid upfront for the duration of your visa.
- Schedule Biometrics Appointment: If required, schedule an appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre (VAC) or UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) location. Biometrics appointments are typically scheduled after completing the online visa application form.
- Attend Visa Interview (if applicable): Depending on your country of residence and the specific visa category, you may be required to attend a visa interview at the nearest UK embassy, consulate, or visa application centre. Prepare for the interview by reviewing common interview questions and ensuring you have all necessary documents.
- Submit Documents and Attend Appointment: Attend your biometrics appointment (if applicable) and submit all required documents, including your passport and supporting evidence, at the designated VAC or UKVCAS location. Ensure that you arrive on time and follow any instructions provided by the visa application centre staff.
- Wait for Processing: After submitting your application and attending any required appointments, wait for the UKVI to process your visa application. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. You can check the status of your application online using the reference number provided during the application process.
- Receive Decision: Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified of the outcome. If your visa is approved, you will receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you apply from within the UK. If your visa is refused, you will receive a written explanation outlining the reasons for the refusal and any available appeal options.
- Travel to the UK: If your visa application is successful, you can travel to the UK within the validity period of your visa. Make sure to carry all necessary documents with you when travelling, including your passport with the visa vignette or BRP, as well as any supporting documents you may need to present at the border.
By following these steps and providing all required documents accurately and truthfully, you can increase your chances of a successful UK-dependent visa application.
If you are stuck or need guidance in the process, our team is always just a phone call away. Book a free 1:1 consultation and clear your doubts away!
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