UK Dependent Visa 2024: Eligibility, Documents, & Financial Guide
Menu Coaching IELTS PTE Duolingo Fast Track TOEFL Spoken English Counselling Study Abroad Exam Preparation Visa Work Visa International Job Countries Canada USA The UK Australia New Zealand European Union Scholarship More Study Tips Financial Assistant Resume Writing SOP Aryan Lathiya Author 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
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