The UK dependent visa allows family members to join loved ones living and working in the United Kingdom. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dependent visa UK requirements, including eligibility criteria, which visa routes allow dependents, work rights, application process, and the latest rules affecting spouse, partner, and child dependants in 2026.
What is a UK Dependent Visa?
A UK dependent visa enables eligible family members to accompany or join someone who holds a qualifying visa to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom. The dependent visa UK system supports family reunification by allowing spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children to remain together while the main applicant pursues employment, education, or business opportunities in the UK.
The UK dependent visa is not a standalone visa category but rather an extension of the main applicant's visa. Dependent family members apply under the same immigration route as the principal applicant, with "dependant" or "partner/child of" designation. The rules governing dependants are outlined in Appendix FM and the Points-Based System guidance of the Immigration Rules.
UK Dependent Visa New Rules 2026
The UK dependent visa new rules in 2026 include increased financial thresholds for sponsoring dependants, restrictions on student visa dependants (limited to postgraduate research programmes), and enhanced relationship evidence requirements. The minimum income requirement for family visa dependants has risen to £29,000.
Significant UK immigration policy changes have affected dependent visa rules since 2024. Understanding these updates is essential for anyone planning to bring family members to the UK.
Key Policy Changes Affecting UK Dependants
- Student visa dependant restrictions: From January 2024, only students on postgraduate research programmes (PhD, MPhil, research-based masters) can bring dependants—taught masters and other postgraduate students no longer qualify
- Increased financial threshold: The minimum income requirement for family visa sponsors increased from £18,600 to £29,000 in April 2024
- Care worker dependant restrictions: Health and Care Worker visa holders can no longer bring dependants as of March 2024
- Enhanced relationship evidence: Increased scrutiny on genuine relationship documentation to prevent immigration abuse
- Immigration Health Surcharge increase: The IHS rose to £1,035 per year for most applicants
Who Can Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?
Eligible dependants for UK visas include: spouses and civil partners, unmarried partners who have lived together for at least 2 years, and children under 18. Some visa categories also permit adult dependent children over 18 who are financially dependent on the main applicant due to disability or illness.
Understanding who qualifies as a dependant is crucial before applying. The Home Office defines dependants based on specific relationship categories, each with its own documentary requirements.
Eligible Dependent Relationships
Child Dependent Visa UK: Age Limits and Requirements
The child dependent visa requirements are specific about age and dependency status:
- Under 18: Must be under 18 at the date of application and not living independently or married
- Born in UK: Children born in the UK to parents on dependent visas do not automatically receive status—separate application required
- Parental consent: If only one parent is travelling, written consent from the non-travelling parent or sole custody documentation is required
- Adopted children: Must have valid adoption documentation recognized under UK law
UK Visa Routes That Allow Dependents
Visa routes allowing dependants include: Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, Innovator Founder visa, UK Ancestry visa, Scale-up visa, and postgraduate research Student visas. Routes NOT allowing dependants include: Standard Visitor visa, Student visas (taught courses), Seasonal Worker visa, Youth Mobility Scheme, and most Temporary Worker visas.
Not all UK visa categories permit applicants to bring family members. The ability to include dependants varies significantly between immigration routes, with work-based visas generally offering more flexibility than visitor or temporary worker categories.
Visa Categories That Allow Dependants
- Skilled Worker Visa: Dependants can live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions
- Global Talent Visa: Family members of leading talents in science, arts, humanities, and digital technology
- Innovator Founder Visa: Entrepreneurs establishing innovative businesses can bring family
- UK Ancestry Visa: Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparents
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa: Employees transferring to UK branches of multinational companies
- Student Visa (Research only): Only postgraduate research students (PhD, MPhil) at higher education institutions
- Tier 1 visas (existing holders): Including Investor and Entrepreneur categories (now closed to new applicants)
- Family visas: Fiancé(e) visas, spouse visas, and partner visas
Visa Routes NOT Allowing Dependants
- Standard Visitor Visa: No dependant provisions; each family member applies separately
- Student Visa (taught courses): Masters and undergraduate students cannot bring dependants
- Health and Care Worker Visa: Dependants no longer permitted from March 2024
- Seasonal Worker Visa: Temporary agricultural work without family provisions
- Youth Mobility Scheme: Designed for young adults without dependant options
- Temporary Worker visas: Most categories including Creative and Sporting and Charity Worker
- Short-term Study Visa: Not applicable for dependants
UK Dependent Visa Requirements
UK dependent visa requirements include: valid passport, proof of relationship to main applicant (marriage certificate, birth certificate), evidence the main applicant can financially support dependants, adequate accommodation, TB test (if applicable), and payment of visa fees plus Immigration Health Surcharge.
Meeting the dependent visa UK requirements involves providing comprehensive documentation proving your relationship, financial stability, and accommodation arrangements. The specific requirements vary depending on the main applicant's visa category.
Documents Required for UK Dependent Visa
- Valid passport with blank page for visa
- Relationship evidence (marriage/birth certificate)
- Main applicant's visa details or CoS reference
- Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips)
- Accommodation proof (tenancy agreement, property deed)
- TB test certificate (if from listed country)
- English language evidence (for some routes)
- Biometric passport photographs
Financial Requirements for Dependants
The main applicant must demonstrate they can financially support their dependants without recourse to public funds. Requirements vary by visa category:
Accommodation Requirements
Applicants must prove they have adequate accommodation that will not be overcrowded when dependants arrive. Evidence includes:
- Tenancy agreement: Showing property address, landlord details, and permitted occupants
- Property inspection report: Confirming the property meets housing standards
- Mortgage statement or property deed: If owned
- Landlord permission letter: If renting and adding occupants
Relationship Evidence Requirements
Proving a genuine and subsisting relationship is essential, particularly for spouse and partner dependants:
- Marriage certificate: Official document proving legal marriage
- Cohabitation evidence: Joint bills, tenancy agreements, correspondence to same address for unmarried partners
- Communication records: Call logs, messages, video call history showing ongoing relationship
- Photographs: Photos together over time, including with family and at events
- Financial evidence: Joint bank accounts, money transfers, shared financial commitments
Can Dependents Work in the UK?
Yes, most dependants on UK work visas can work without restrictions. Dependants of Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, and UK Ancestry visa holders have full work rights. However, dependants of student visa holders may have restricted work hours, and some categories prohibit work entirely.
Work rights for UK dependent visa holders vary significantly based on the main applicant's visa category. Understanding these rights is crucial for family financial planning and career development in the UK.
Work Rights by Visa Category
Additional Rights for UK Dependants
Beyond work rights, UK dependent visa holders typically enjoy several benefits:
- NHS access: Healthcare through the NHS after paying Immigration Health Surcharge
- Education: Children can attend UK schools; adults can study
- Self-employment: Most dependants can start their own business
- Settlement pathway: Eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after qualifying period
- Citizenship route: Path to British citizenship through naturalisation
UK Dependent Visa Application Process
To apply for a UK dependent visa: complete the online application on gov.uk, pay visa fees and IHS, book biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre, upload supporting documents, and attend appointment. Processing takes 3-8 weeks for standard applications; priority services offer faster decisions.
The UK dependent visa application can be submitted either together with the main applicant or separately after the main visa has been granted. Both routes require careful preparation and accurate documentation.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Step 1: Complete the online application form on the gov.uk website
- Step 2: Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Step 3: Book biometric appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Step 4: Upload supporting documents through the online portal
- Step 5: Attend biometric appointment with passport and appointment confirmation
- Step 6: Wait for decision notification via email
- Step 7: Collect passport with visa vignette or receive BRP collection letter
UK Dependent Visa Fees 2026
Current UK visa fees for dependants (2026):
UK Dependent Visa Processing Time
Standard UK visa processing times for dependent applications:
- Standard service: 3-8 weeks from biometric appointment
- Priority service: 5 working days (where available)
- Super priority: Next working day (limited locations)
- Factors affecting time: Country of application, document complexity, additional checks required
UK Dependent Visa Refusal Reasons
Common UK dependent visa refusal reasons include: insufficient evidence of genuine relationship, inadequate financial documentation, failure to meet accommodation requirements, incomplete application forms, missing supporting documents, and previous immigration violations. Understanding these reasons helps avoid rejection.
Understanding why dependent visa applications are refused helps you prepare a stronger case. If your application is refused, the refusal letter will explain the specific reasons and your options for challenge or reapplication.
Common Reasons for Dependent Visa Refusal
- Relationship doubts: Insufficient evidence that the relationship is genuine and subsisting
- Financial shortfall: Main applicant not meeting maintenance requirements
- Accommodation issues: Property deemed overcrowded or unsuitable
- Missing documents: Incomplete evidence or missing certificates
- Form errors: Inconsistent or incorrect information in application
- Immigration history: Previous overstays, refusals, or breaches
- Main applicant issues: Problems with the primary visa holder's status
What to Do If Your Dependent Visa is Refused
If your UK dependent visa application is refused, you have several options:
- Review the refusal: Carefully analyse the refusal letter to understand specific concerns
- Administrative review: Request review if you believe a caseworker error was made (limited circumstances)
- Appeal: Some refusals carry appeal rights to the First-tier Tribunal
- Fresh application: Submit new application addressing all refusal reasons with stronger evidence
- Professional advice: Consult immigration solicitors for complex cases
- UK dependent visas allow spouses, partners, and children to join main visa holders
- 2024-2026 rule changes restrict student and care worker dependants significantly
- Most work visa dependants have full rights to employment in the UK
- Financial, relationship, and accommodation evidence are crucial for approval
- Processing typically takes 3-8 weeks; priority services available
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Dependent Visa
What is a UK dependent visa?
A UK dependent visa allows eligible family members—including spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners (cohabiting 2+ years), and children under 18—to accompany or join someone who holds a qualifying UK visa. Dependants receive the same leave duration as the main applicant and typically have rights to work, study, and access NHS services.
Can dependents work in the UK?
Yes, most UK dependent visa holders can work without restrictions. Dependants of Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, UK Ancestry, and family visa holders have full work rights—they can work in any profession, for any employer, without hour limits. The only common restriction is that they cannot work as professional sportspersons or coaches.
What are the UK dependent visa new rules for 2026?
Key 2024-2026 rule changes include: student visa dependants restricted to postgraduate research students only (no taught masters), Health and Care Worker visa holders can no longer bring dependants, minimum income for family visa sponsors increased to £29,000, and Immigration Health Surcharge rose to £1,035 per year. These changes significantly affect who can bring family to the UK.
What documents are required for a UK dependent visa?
UK dependent visa documents include: valid passport, relationship evidence (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or cohabitation proof), main applicant's visa details or Certificate of Sponsorship reference, financial evidence showing maintenance funds, accommodation proof, TB test certificate (if from listed country), and biometric photographs. Specific requirements vary by visa category.
How long does UK dependent visa processing take?
Standard UK dependent visa processing takes 3-8 weeks from the biometric appointment. Priority services (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) are available at additional cost in selected locations. Processing times vary based on country of application, document complexity, and whether additional security checks are required.
What is the age limit for child dependent visa UK?
The standard age limit for child dependants is under 18 at the date of application. The child must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living independently. Adult children over 18 may qualify only if they are financially dependent on the main applicant due to disability or illness and have been continuously dependent since before turning 18.
Which UK visa routes allow dependants?
UK visa routes allowing dependants include: Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, Innovator Founder visa, UK Ancestry visa, Scale-up visa, Senior or Specialist Worker visa, and Student visa (research programmes only). Routes NOT allowing dependants include: Standard Visitor visa, Student visa (taught courses), Health and Care Worker visa (from 2024), Seasonal Worker visa, and Youth Mobility Scheme.
Can I apply for UK dependent visa from inside the UK?
Yes, you can apply to switch to or extend a dependent visa from within the UK if you have valid immigration permission that allows switching. You cannot switch from a visitor visa or short-term student visa. Applications from within the UK are typically processed faster and allow you to remain in the UK while awaiting a decision, provided you apply before your current visa expires.