The UK student dependent visa allows eligible international students to bring their spouse, partner, or children to the United Kingdom during their studies. However, significant rule changes introduced in January 2024 now restrict this option to students on PhD, research-based postgraduate courses, or those with government sponsorship. This guide explains the current eligibility requirements, financial thresholds, required documents, and work rights for dependents in 2026.
- Who Can Bring Dependents on a Student Visa?
- January 2024 Rule Changes Explained
- Who Counts as an Eligible Dependent?
- Financial Requirements for Student Dependents
- Required Documents for Student Dependent Visa
- Can Student Dependents Work in the UK?
- Application Process and Fees
- Common Refusal Reasons and Remedies
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the UK Student Dependent Visa in 2026
The UK student spouse visa, officially known as a "Dependent of a Student" visa, permits eligible family members to accompany international students during their studies in the United Kingdom. This visa category is governed by Immigration Rules Appendix Student and has undergone major changes since January 2024.
The UK immigration policy changes in 2024 significantly restricted who can bring dependents. Previously, any student on a course of 9 months or longer at a Higher Education Provider could bring family members. Now, only students on research-based courses or with government sponsorship qualify.
Who Can Bring Dependents on a UK Student Visa?
Only students enrolled in PhD or research-based postgraduate programmes at a Higher Education Provider, or students sponsored by a government or international scholarship body, can bring dependents to the UK. Students on taught masters degrees, undergraduate courses, or short courses cannot bring family members.
The eligibility to bring dependents depends entirely on the type of course you are studying and your sponsorship arrangement. The main applicant (student) must hold or be applying for a valid Student visa and meet specific course requirements set out in the Immigration Rules.
According to UK visa statistics, the approval rate for student dependent visas has historically been high for eligible applicants, with approximately 90% of applications being granted when all requirements are met correctly.
What Changed in January 2024 for Student Dependents?
From January 2024, the UK government removed the right for most international students to bring dependents. Only students on research-based postgraduate courses (PhD, MPhil, MRes) or those with government/international sponsorship can now bring family members. This affects all new applications from that date.
The January 2024 changes were part of the government's strategy to reduce net migration to the UK. Previously, students on any postgraduate course of 9 months or longer at a Higher Education Provider could bring dependents. The new rules significantly narrow this eligibility.
Key Changes to Student Dependent Rules
- Taught masters excluded: One-year MA, MSc, MBA and similar programmes no longer qualify
- Research focus required: Course must be confirmed as doctoral or research-based
- Government sponsorship exception: Students funded by governments or international scholarship bodies remain eligible
- Existing dependents protected: Those already in the UK before the changes can remain
If you are considering studying in the UK with your family, choosing a research-based programme such as a PhD or MPhil is now essential if you want to bring dependents. Alternatively, securing government or international scholarship funding that covers dependents may provide eligibility.
Who Counts as an Eligible Dependent?
Eligible dependents include your spouse (husband or wife), civil partner, unmarried partner (if you have lived together for at least 2 years), and children under 18. Each dependent must prove their relationship to you and meet specific requirements based on their category.
The Immigration Rules define specific categories of family members who can apply as dependents. Each category has different documentation requirements to prove the genuineness of the relationship.
Spouse and Civil Partner Requirements
If you are married or in a civil partnership, you must provide your official marriage or civil partnership certificate. The marriage must be legally recognised in the country where it took place and must not be a polygamous marriage (unless it was contracted before a specified date under transitional arrangements). Same-sex marriages and civil partnerships from countries that recognise them are accepted.
Unmarried Partner Requirements
Unmarried partners must demonstrate they have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years immediately before the application. Evidence includes joint tenancy agreements, utility bills in both names, bank statements showing shared finances, and correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address.
Dependent Children Requirements
Children must be under 18 at the date of application and not living independently, married, or in a civil partnership. You must provide birth certificates showing parentage. For children over 16, additional evidence may be required to show they are still dependent on you financially and not leading an independent life. Adequate care arrangements for children must also be demonstrated.
What Are the Financial Requirements for Student Dependents?
Each dependent must show £845 per month (£7,605 total per dependent) for up to 9 months. If the dependent has been in the UK for 12 months or more, they are automatically deemed to meet this requirement without providing evidence.
The financial requirements for student dependents are calculated separately from the main student's requirements. You must demonstrate funds for both yourself and each dependent you are bringing.
If you are sponsored by a government or international scholarship body, your sponsorship letter must explicitly mention each dependent and confirm that their living costs will be covered. The letter must be on official letterhead and dated within 6 months of your application.
What Documents Are Required for a Student Dependent Visa?
Required documents include a valid passport, relationship proof (marriage certificate or cohabitation evidence), financial evidence, TB test certificate (if applicable), and the main student's CAS details. All non-English documents must be accompanied by certified translations.
- Valid passport (current throughout intended stay)
- Completed online visa application form
- Marriage certificate or 2-year cohabitation evidence
- Bank statements showing required funds (28-day rule)
- TB test certificate (from designated countries)
- Immigration Health Surcharge payment confirmation
- Main student's CAS number and visa details
- Certified translations of non-English documents
Relationship Evidence for Unmarried Partners
If you are applying as an unmarried partner, you must provide substantial evidence of your 2-year cohabitation. Acceptable documents include joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, council tax statements, bank statements showing the same address, and official correspondence. Affidavits alone are not sufficient to prove the relationship.
Documents for Dependent Children
For children, you need birth certificates showing parentage, and for children over 16, evidence that they are not living independently. This includes proof of their living arrangements, educational enrollment, and financial dependence on the main student. If the child is not travelling with both parents, written consent from the absent parent may be required.
Can Student Dependents Work in the UK?
Yes, dependents of eligible students have full work rights in the UK with no restrictions on working hours. They can work in any job, including self-employment, but cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. These work rights apply for the duration of their dependent visa.
Unlike the main student who faces student visa work restrictions (20 hours per week during term time), dependents can work full-time without any hour limits. This is a significant benefit that allows spouses and partners to contribute to household income while in the UK.
- Full-time employment: No restriction on weekly hours
- Self-employment: Permitted for dependents
- Study rights: Dependents can study at any level
- Restriction: Cannot work as professional sportsperson or coach
Employers must still conduct right to work checks on dependents. The dependent's BRP will show their entitlement to work in the UK, and employers should verify this before employment begins.
Student Dependent Visa Application Process and Fees
Dependents apply online, pay the visa fee (£490) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year), attend a biometrics appointment, and submit supporting documents. Standard processing takes around 3 weeks. Priority services are available for faster decisions.
Dependents can apply at the same time as the main student or after the student has already received their visa. If applying separately, the dependent must reference the main student's visa application or existing visa details.
The standard visa processing time after biometrics is typically 3 weeks for student dependent applications. Priority and super priority services can significantly reduce this time for applicants who need faster decisions.
Common Student Dependent Visa Refusal Reasons
Common refusal reasons include insufficient proof of relationship, inadequate financial evidence, the main student being on an ineligible course, incomplete documentation, and adverse immigration history. Most refusals can be addressed by reapplying with stronger evidence.
Understanding why applications are refused helps you prepare a stronger application. The refusal notice will specify exactly which requirements were not met, allowing you to address these issues in a fresh application or through administrative review if an error was made.
Remedies After Refusal
- Administrative review: Request review if you believe an error was made in processing
- Fresh application: Submit a new application addressing the refusal reasons
- Legal advice: Consult an immigration solicitor for complex cases
- Genuine Student Test: If the main student failed the credibility interview, address those concerns
- Since January 2024, only PhD/research students and government-sponsored students can bring dependents
- Eligible dependents include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners (2+ years), and children under 18
- Financial requirement: £845/month per dependent (£7,605 for 9 months)
- Dependents have full work rights with no hour restrictions
- Visa fee is £490 plus IHS at £776 per year
- Processing typically takes 3 weeks; priority options available
For the most current requirements, always check the official UK Visas and Immigration guidance, as immigration rules can change. Complex cases may benefit from professional advice from a qualified immigration solicitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my spouse to the UK on a taught masters degree?
No, since January 2024, students on taught masters programmes (such as MA, MSc, MBA) can no longer bring dependents to the UK. Only students enrolled in PhD, doctoral, or research-based postgraduate programmes, or those sponsored by a government or international scholarship body, are eligible to bring spouses, partners, or children.
How much money do I need to show for a student dependent visa?
You must show £845 per month per dependent regardless of location. This is required for up to 9 months, meaning you need approximately £7,605 per dependent. The funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before your application.
Can my spouse work in the UK on a student dependent visa?
Yes, dependents of eligible students have full work rights in the UK with no restrictions on working hours. They can work in any role, including self-employment and voluntary work. The only restriction is that they cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. This is different from the main student, who is limited to 20 hours per week during term time.
What documents do I need to prove my relationship for a student spouse visa?
For married couples or civil partners, you need your official marriage or civil partnership certificate. For unmarried partners, you must provide evidence of living together for at least 2 years, including joint tenancy agreements, utility bills in both names, bank statements showing the same address, and official correspondence addressed to both of you at the same address.
How long does the student dependent visa take to process?
Standard processing for a UK student dependent visa typically takes around 3 weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment. Priority and super priority services are available in many countries for faster processing, though these incur additional fees. Processing times can vary depending on your location and the complexity of your application.
Can my dependent study in the UK on a student dependent visa?
Yes, dependents on a student dependent visa are allowed to study in the UK at any level. There are no restrictions on the type of course they can take. However, if a dependent wishes to study a course that would normally require a Student visa, they may need to consider whether switching to their own Student visa would be more appropriate for their circumstances.
What happens to my dependent visa when the main student's visa expires?
The dependent visa is tied to the main student's visa and will have the same expiry date. When the student extends their visa, dependents must also apply to extend. If the student switches to another visa category (such as a Graduate visa or Skilled Worker visa), dependents may be able to apply as dependents on that new visa, subject to meeting the relevant requirements for that category.
Can I apply for a student dependent visa if my partner is already in the UK?
Yes, you can apply for a student dependent visa at any time while the main student holds a valid Student visa on an eligible course. You do not need to apply at the same time as the main student. You will need the main student's visa details and CAS number for your application. You can apply from outside the UK for entry clearance, and in some cases, you may be able to switch from within the UK if you already have valid immigration status.