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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
To apply for a UK Dependent Visa, you will generally need the following:
Note: Requirements may vary based on whether the sponsor is a Skilled Worker, student, or settled person.
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:
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).
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.
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 |
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 |
At Y-Axis, we make your UK Dependent Visa journey easier with end-to-end support:
A UK Dependent Visa enables qualified family members of eligible individuals who possess UK visas or UK residency to move to the UK. The dependent visa gives authorized family members the same rights to live and work or study in the UK as the primary visa holder. The benefit extends to people who qualify as dependents of Skilled Worker visa holders, international students and British citizens. Each visa classification maintains specific requirements which applicants need to fulfil. The UK dependent visa pathway even allows dependents to seek Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of residence.
You can follow the general steps given below to apply for a UK Dependent visa:
Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria as a dependent.
Step 2: Fill out the online application form on gov.uk.
Step 3: Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 4: Book and attend your biometric appointment.
Step 5: Upload all required supporting documents online.
Step 6: Wait for a decision, which usually takes 3 to 12 weeks.
Yes, most adult dependents of Skilled Workers as well as international students and Health and Care Workers have the right to work in the UK without any work restrictions. The work options for dependents include full-time or part-time employment and self-employment and business establishment. Dependent visa holders do not require an additional work permit for their employment. The possibility to work is not available to dependents of temporary visa holders and visitors including short-term students. The specific work permissions available to you can be verified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) through your visa grant letter.
The duration to receive a UK Dependent Visa relies on two factors, which are the visa type and where the application is submitted from. The wait period for Skilled Worker and Student dependents from outside the UK may take around 3 to 8 weeks in standard processing, while he time taken for Family Visas (spouses and children of British citizens) may take up to 24 weeks for overseas applications and 8 weeks if submitted from within the UK. The UK government provides expedited services such as Priority and super-priority which speed up processing times in exchange for extra fees.
You can renew or extend your UK Dependent Visa before it expires by applying online through the UKVI website. Your extension must match the sponsor’s current visa duration or renewal. You’ll need to pay the applicable fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) again, and attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service centre. It is important to make sure that the additional or supporting documents are up to date and that you apply before your current visa expires to avoid losing your legal residency status.
The cost of a UK Dependent Visa depends on the visa category and the visa validity. Skilled Worker dependents must pay a fee of £719 and £1,420 to obtain their visa from outside the UK. The visa expenses for Student dependents may be up to £490 while the family route applicants (spouses of British citizens) need to pay £1,846 for applications from abroad and £1,048 when applying from within the UK.
The UK Dependent Visa for a spouse allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a UK visa holder or settled person to join them in the UK. Spouse visas under the family route (for British citizens or settled persons) require proof of relationship, a minimum income of £29,000/year (as of April 2024), and English language ability (A1 CEFR level). Spouses of Skilled Workers or students can also apply under the dependent category and enjoy full work rights. The visa typically leads to settlement after five years.
You can submit your UK Dependent Visa application through the official website. To apply correctly, you must first determine the visa category that aligns with the sponsor's visa type (Skilled Worker, Student, and Family). Through the online system you can set up an account then complete the form and upload documents before submitting payment and scheduling your biometric appointment.
You need to submit the following paperwork when applying for a UK Dependent Visa:
Note: Applicants must also attend a biometric appointment to submit fingerprints and a photo.
You may be eligible for a UK Dependent Visa if you are the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or child of someone legally residing in the UK. The sponsor must hold a valid visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student) or have settled status. You must demonstrate a genuine relationship, intend to live together in the UK, and meet financial and accommodation requirements. Children must be under 18 and financially dependent. Each visa route has specific criteria, so always refer to the gov.uk website for detailed guidance.
