UK Dependant Visa
A quick look
The time you can stay in the UK will depend on what visa the main applicant is on.
People on this visa do not need to be sponsored, though the main applicant of the dependant may need to be sponsored depending on what visa they have applied for.
You can work and study on a UK Dependant Visa.
There are some jobs you cannot do, such as work as a sportsperson. Also, you cannot work as a doctor.
UK Dependant Visa
The UK Dependant Visa is a useful visa to know about, as it allows you to come to the UK alongside your partner if they are applying for a certain type of UK visa.Â
You cannot apply for a Dependant Visa by itself, as it requires a main applicant for another type of visa first.Â
Additionally, the Dependant Visa should not be confused with Family Visas, which are for joining a partner, child or adult relative you need to provide care for, who are already in the UK on another visa.Â
Dependant Visas can only be applied for at the same time as the main applicant applies for theirs.
Who can apply for this visa?
There are many types of UK visas, but not all of them allow for the dependants of the main applicant to apply for a Dependant Visa.
Primarily, it is worker visas that allow people to come to the UK as dependants, with the most popular being the Skilled Worker Visa. However, not every worker visa allows people to bring their dependants, such as the Health and Care Worker Visa.Â
Additionally, dependants of someone here on a Student Visa can come to the UK as a dependant, but only if the main applicant is studying a PhD.
However, there are other visas that allow for dependants to come to the UK as well.
A list of visas that allow dependants
We have mentioned a few of the visas that allow people to bring dependants, but we shall provide a full list below to help you know if your partner’s visa allows you to move with them.Â
A list of visas that people can get a UK Dependant Visa for includes:
- Ancestry Visa
- BN(O) Visa
- Charity Worker Visa
- Creative Worker Visa
- Family Visas
- Global Talent Visa
- Government Authorised Exchange Worker Visa
- Innovator Founder Visa
- International Agreement Worker Visa
- Religious Worker Visa
- Secondment Worker Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Student Visa (if the main applicant is doing a PhD, or a research-based higher degree)
The Health and Care Worker Visa used to allow for dependants, so there may still be people in the UK on this visa who brought their dependants with them. However, no new applicants can bring their dependants with them as of 11 March 2024.
What are the requirements of a UK Dependant Visa?
There are a few requirements you should be aware of before you consider applying for a UK Dependant Visa.Â
- You must be the partner or spouse of someone either already in the UK on visa, or someone who is in the process of applying for one; a partner or spouse includes people who are married, in civil partnerships, or unmarried
- Unmarried partners must show proof of relationship from at least the last two years, such as evidence of living together or having shared finances
- Partners who are the main applicant must show proof of funds to support dependants; the number is currently £285 for just their partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child
- Children under-18 can come to the UK as a dependant if both of their parents are applying to come to the UK
How much does a UK Dependant Visa cost?
Like many aspects of this visa, the cost varies depending on what visa the main applicant holds. However, the fee is always the same as the fee for the main applicant’s visa.
For example, a Secondment Worker Visa is £298 for main applicant, and the same for any dependants making an application with them.Â
If you would like to know more about the different costs, you can read our guide to the visa fees. Additionally, if you have any further questions, please contact us.
Additionally, you will have to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS). This is normally £1,035 for adults, and £776 for students or under 18s. You cannot access healthcare if you do not do this.Â
Extra information
A summary of some of the things you can do on a Dependant Visa include:Â
- Access healthcareÂ
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 2 to 5 years, depending on the visa of the main applicantÂ
- Study; this includes your children being able to go to school
- Work
assessment
Complete our questionnaire to see if you are eligible for a UK visa. Then claim your free 10-minute appointment with one of our immigration experts.
More UK Visa Routes
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
