Moving to the UK is a big deal. You might want your family to come too. The UK Dependent Visa helps with this. It lets some family members live with you in the UK. This is so that families may remain together.
Who Can Come with You? It depends on your UK visa. If your visa allows it, some family can apply. This usually means your
- Husband, wife, or civil partner- You need to be legally married or in a civil partnership. You’ll need proof like your marriage certificate.
- Unmarried partner. You need to have lived together for at least two years. You will need to show this. Things like joint bills can help.
- Children under 18. They can usually come. Sometimes, older children can too. This is if they were on a dependent visa before turning 18 and still need your support. You’ll need their birth certificate.
In very special cases, your parents might be able to join you. This is usually if they need a lot of care that only you can give in the UK. This is called the Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) Visa.
Does Your Own UK Visa Allow Family?
This is the first thing to check.
Not every UK visa allows you to bring family. Many employment visas do. For example, if you have a Skilled Worker visa, you can frequently bring your family. Some student visas used to enable it.
However, the regulations changed in January 2024. Now, only some students on postgraduate courses (lasting over 9 months at a UK university) can bring family.
Other visas like the UK Innovator Founder visa, Global Talent, and Ancestry visas often allow dependants too.
However, care workers and senior care workers with a Health and Care Worker visa cannot bring dependants for applications made from 11 April 2024. Your family’s ability to come depends directly on your visa type.
What Will Your Family Need to Show?
Each family member needs to meet some rules.
• They must prove their relationship to you. For a spouse, this is a marriage certificate. It serves as documentation to unmarried partners that they have been together for two years. A birth certificate is used by children.
• You need to show you can support them financially. This means you have enough money without needing help from the government. The amount depends on your visa. For example, if you have a Skilled Worker visa, you need to show specific savings. If you have a UK Student visa, you also need to show enough money for your dependants’ living costs.
• You also need to show you have a suitable place for them to live in the UK. This could be a rental agreement or proof you own your hom
How Does Your Family Apply?
Each person who wants to come needs to apply separately. They can apply at the same time as you, or after you have your visa. Here are the main steps:
1. Check if they can apply.
2. Get all the documents together. Passports and proof of your relationship are very important.
3. Fill in the online application form. They will need your application number. This is either a GWF or a UAN.
4. Pay the visa fee. There is a cost for each person.
5. Most people also need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This lets them use the National Health Service (NHS).
6. They will need to show who they are. This usually means giving fingerprints and a photograph.
7. Send in the documents. You might need to upload them online or take them to a visa application centre.
8. Then, you wait for a decision. This can take around 8 weeks.
What Life is Like in the UK as a Dependant
Once they have their visa, your family can usually live, work, and study in the UK. They don’t usually need a separate work permit or student visa.
However, they cannot claim most money from the government. Their visa will usually last as long as yours. After five years of living in the UK and meeting other rules, they might be able to apply to stay permanently. This is called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Some Important Things to Remember
It’s critical to get the application properly. Mistakes might result in delays or even UK visa refusals.
Make sure you have all of the necessary documentation. Proof of your relationship and money are thoroughly examined. Determine why the application was rejected. You may be able to appeal or Re-apply UK visa.
Remember that the rules about visas can change. Always check the official UK government website for the latest information.
Bringing your family to the UK may be a lovely experience. Understanding the regulations and preparing everything can help make the process go more smoothly. Then you may all look forward to living together in the UK.
If you want more information, you can speak to a UK Dependant Visa Consultant.
