Why Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

The UK Dependent Visa enables eligible family members, such as spouses, civil partners, and children to join their relatives who are legally residing or working in the United Kingdom. The dependent visa in the UK supports family reunification and allows dependents to live in the UK for the same duration as the primary visa holder. It offers access to healthcare, education, and employment (in most cases), while also providing a clear route to long-term settlement in the UK.
 

• Eligible family members can reunite with their spouse, partner, or parent residing in the UK
• Spouses and partners are permitted to work full-time without any restrictions.
• Access to public services, including the National Health Service (NHS) and government-funded education.
• Qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence
• The UK Dependent Visa has a high success rate, with a 80% approval rate
   

What is a UK Dependent Visa?

The UK Dependent Visa is designed for family members of individuals who hold valid UK visas, such as Skilled Worker, Student, or other long-term categories. It allows spouses, partners, and children to accompany or join the main applicant during their stay in the UK. Unlike other visa categories, dependents under this route often enjoy the right to work or study, making it a practical option for families relocating together. The UK Dependent visa duration aligns with that of the sponsoring family member, with the possibility of extending or transitioning to settlement.
 

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Types of UK Dependent Visas

The UK government provides various dependent visas which enable family members to join their relatives in the country. These visas give permission to qualified family members to reside in the UK with a person who holds either a job or education or has obtained settled status. The visa category available for dependents corresponds to the immigration status of their sponsor.
 

Dependent Visa for Skilled Worker Family Members

Individuals with a Skilled Worker Visa can sponsor their family members to obtain a dependent visa which allows them to live in the UK during the sponsor's stay. The family members of the UK Skilled worker visa have the right to apply for dependents including their spouse or partner and children who are below 18 years old or above 18 but already in the UK as dependents. Dependents are allowed to live and work and study in the UK without any restrictions. The dependent visa remains active for as long as the main applicant's Skilled Worker Visa maintains its validity.
 

Dependent Visa for International Student Family Members

International students studying in the UK can bring their partners and children into the country through a Student Dependent Visa application. This visa option is open to postgraduate students who complete courses lasting nine months or more and students supported by government sponsorship. The spouse or partner of the international student can work full-time while their children can attend school. The duration of the visa matches the student's Tier 4 (now Student Route) visa.
 

Dependent Visa for British Citizens and Settled Persons

Through this route family members of British citizens or people holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can establish residence in the UK. The Family or Partner Visa is open to spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and dependent children. Candidates are required to demonstrate their genuine relationship and their ability to support themselves financially alongside showing English language proficiency. The visa duration is 2.5 years and it allows the possibility of permanent settlement after five years.
 

Other Family Reunion or Partner Routes

The UK provides additional family reunion and partner pathways for cases which are complex or related to humanitarian needs. People who plan to get married within six months can apply for fiancé(e) visas while partners in long-term relationships without marriage or partnership can use the unmarried partner visa option. The UK government allows refugees or people under humanitarian protection in specific cases to bring their immediate family members to the country through family reunion provisions.
 

Benefits of a UK Dependent Visa

• The UK Dependent visa allows individuals to reside in the United Kingdom alongside their partners or parents.
• Adult dependents can legally work full-time in the UK without any restrictions.
• Children can attend public schools in the UK at no cost or minimal costs
• Gives you access to healthcare services through the NHS after paying the health surcharge.
• After 5 years of living in the United Kingdom, visa holders can seek permanent residency (upon meeting the eligibility requirements)
   

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Dependent Visa

The UK Dependent Visa application process requires the main visa holder and their dependent to meet specific criteria, however, the exact eligibility factors may differ according to the visa status of the main visa holder.
 

Given below is the general eligibility criteria that is to be fulfilled for a UK Dependent visa:
 

Eligibility criteria for the UK Dependent visa Applicant

• The applicant must be the spouse civil partner unmarried partner or under-18 child of the main visa holder.
• The dependent applicant must express an intention to reside with the sponsor throughout their time in the United Kingdom.
• Partners and spouses need to submit documentation which confirms their genuine and active relationship through their marriage certificate and joint financial records.
• The sponsor must prove that their dependents over 16 years old do not have spouses and are not living independently while remaining financially dependent on the sponsor.
• Most dependents need to submit their application from their home country except when they qualify for a visa category change from within the UK.
   

Eligibility criteria for the Sponsor

• The sponsoring visa holder needs to possess a visa that falls under authorized categories
  (Skilled Worker, Student or have settled status in the UK)
• Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support dependents without using public welfare systems.
• Provide evidence of accommodation for their dependents who will reside in the UK.
   

UK Dependent Visa Requirements

To apply for a UK Dependent Visa, you will generally need the following:

• A valid passport along with any prior travel papers (when applicable)
• Completed online visa application form (via the UKVI portal)
• Proof of relationship to the main visa holder (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Proof of the sponsor’s immigration status in the UK (visa copy or BRP)
• Evidence of financial support (e.g., bank statements or sponsor’s payslips)
• Proof of accommodation arrangements in the UK
• English translation of any non-English documents
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (If required)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment receipt
• Biometric information (fingerprints and photographs)
   

Note: Requirements may vary based on whether the sponsor is a Skilled Worker, student, or settled person.
 

How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

You can apply for the UK Dependent visa from both within the UK and outside the UK.

You can follow the below steps to apply for a UK Dependent visa:
 

Applying from Outside the UK

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility depending on your relationship with the sponsor and the sponsor’s visa type.

Step 2: Gather the required documents including ID, relationship proof, and financial evidence, etc.

Step 3: Submit the online visa application via the official website.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 5: Book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa centre.

Step 6: Wait for a decision (typically within 12 weeks).
 

Applying from Within the UK

Step 1: Check if your current visa allows switching to a dependent visa.

Step 2: Apply online through the UKVI portal

Step 3: Pay the application fee and IHS.

Step 4: Upload documents and attend a UKVCAS biometric appointment.

Step 5: Await your decision, which may usually take around 8 weeks or faster with priority.
 

UK Dependent Visa Fees

The table below has complete details of the UK Dependent visa fees:

Visa Category	Mode of application	Fee (per dependent)
Skilled Worker Dependent (up to 3 years)	Outside the UK	£719
Skilled Worker Dependent (more than 3 years)	Inside the UK	£1,636
Skilled Worker Dependent (more than 3 years)	Outside the UK	£1,420
Skilled Worker Dependent (up to 3 years)	Inside the UK	£827
Health & Care Worker Dependent (any duration)	Inside/Outside the UK	£284–£551
Student Dependent Visa	Inside/Outside the UK	£490
Family Route (spouse/partner/child of UK citizen)	Outside the UK	£1,846
Family Route (spouse/partner/child of UK citizen)	Inside the UK	£1,048

 

UK Dependent Visa Processing Time

The table below has a complete overview of the average processing time for the UK Dependent visa:

Visa Category	Mode of application	Average processing time
Skilled Worker / Student Dependent	Outside the UK	Within 3 to 8 weeks
Skilled Worker / Student Dependent	Inside the UK	Up to 8 weeks
Family Visa (spouse, partner, child of citizen)	Outside the UK	Up to 24 weeks
Family Visa (spouse, partner, child of citizen)	Inside the UK	Up to 8 weeks

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

At Y-Axis, we make your UK Dependent Visa journey easier with end-to-end support:

• Help you choose the right dependent visa type
• Assist with compiling your documents and double-checking for accuracy
• Guide you through the online application and ImmiAccount setup
• Schedule biometrics and medical exams
• Keep you informed at every step and support with post-visa planning