UK Dependant Visa: Requirements, Application Process, Costs

According to the UK student visa new rule, international students can’t bring dependants while studying in the UK. However, this rule does not apply to research students. Students with a DBA, PhD, or Masters by Research Programme can still bring dependants with them.

There are some rules on a dependant visa in the UK. We will know them elaborately in the next. Before this, we should know what a dependant visa means in the UK.

What is a Dependant Visa in the UK?

A dependant visa allows a spouse, child, or other qualifying individuals to join or accompany their family member who has been granted a UK student visa or work purpose in the UK. So this visa category enables the dependants of a person who has already stayed with a valid visa in the UK. As a dependant, a person can work full-time and study in the UK. This type of visa usually applies to families and children.

Who is Eligible for a Dependant Visa in the UK?

As an international student, while studying abroad, you must have the following relationship for bringing dependant in the UK:

• Your husband, wife, or civil partner. (age 18 or over)
• An unmarried partner of yours with whom you are living in a partnership similar to marriage for two years. (age 18 or over)
• Your child if he is under 18, including during your stay if they were born in the UK.

What are the Requirements for a UK Dependant Visa?

Bringing dependants to the UK is a privilege for international research students. It does not make them feel lonely while studying abroad. But does it allow every PhD/research student to bring dependants to the UK? Let’s know the requirements for a UK dependant visa.

• You should be a student with government funding and your course is longer than 6 months, or you’re studying full-time at a postgraduate level (like a master’s) for at least 9 months.

If your course at the postgraduate level starts on or after January 1, 2024, it must be either

• A PhD or another doctoral degree (Level 8)
• A higher degree based on research
• This means your course should focus on advanced studies or research.

What are the Documents Required for a UK Dependant Visa?

To bring your dependants to the UK, you should provide some evidence of your relationship. Here are some required documents that you should need to provide to bring your dependants to the UK.

• a marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner
• a birth certificate for your child

You’ll need to show that your child is both:

• Not married or in a civil partnership
• Living with you, unless they’re away for full-time education, like at boarding school or university

To confirm their address, you’ll need to provide two of the following documents:

• A bank statement
• Credit card bills
• Driving licence
• NHS registration document
• An official letter from their university or college

Financial Requirements for a UK Dependant Visa

Your partner and child must have a certain amount of money available to them, separate from the money you need to support yourself. The amount they need depends on where you will be studying. They must have either:

• £845 a month (for up to 9 months) if your course is in London
• £680 a month (for up to 9 months) if your course is outside London

How Long Can I Stay in the UK with a Dependant Visa?

Dependant visas are usually given for the same length of time as the main visa holder’s visa. For example, if the main visa holder has a 2-year visa, the dependant will also get a visa for 2 years.

When Should a Dependant Apply?

You must prove that you have lived together as a couple for at least two years before applying. Both you and your spouse or partner must be 18 years of age or older when you apply for the visa.

How to Apply for a Dependant Visa?

The steps to apply for a UK-dependant visa will depend on the type of visa the main visa holder has. Here’s what you need to do:

• Fill out and submit the online application form. Ensure to include the unique reference number from the main applicant’s application. Use the correct form—for example, the form for PBS dependant children is different from the one for PBS-dependant partners.
• Pay the application fee and the immigration healthcare surcharge.
• Upload all the required documents to support your application.
• Book and attend a biometric appointment at your nearest UKVCAS or Visa Application Centre (if you’re outside the UK) to have your fingerprints scanned and a photo taken.

In most cases, you should get a decision on your UK Dependant visa within 8 weeks.

Can a Dependant Visa Holder Work in the UK?

Yes, a dependant visa holder can work full-time in the UK. However, there may be some requirements for doing any specific work in the UK.

Applying Inside of the UK on Extending or Switching Visas

A dependant can apply or switch the visa category at the same time you, as a student, apply for visa switching or extension. Besides, they can apply at any time before their current visa has expired.

Can I Convert My UK Dependant Visa to a Work Visa?

There are some visas on which a student cannot apply for a visa switching or extension. Such as

• a visit visa
• a short-term student visa
• a parent of a child’s student visa
• a seasonal worker visa
• a domestic worker on a private household visa.

UK Dependant Visa New Rule for International Students

Starting January 1, 2024, the UK government has introduced new rules for international students. If you’re coming to the UK for a master’s programme, you won’t be able to bring your family members with you unless you’re studying a research-based postgraduate course.

Final Words

Here, we have shared all the information about a dependant visa in the UK. Hopefully, this will help you know everything about dependant visas in the UK. To learn more, you can visit AIMS Education.

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