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Who can be a dependant?

The Home Office has specific definitions, but in most cases a dependant will be:

  • Your partner – husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner (usually with at least two years’ clear evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship).
  • Your child under 18 – including those born in the UK or overseas.
  • A child over 18 – in certain situations, such as when they already have dependant status and are not living an independent life.

If you’re unsure whether a family member qualifies, we can talk it through and check the rules for your exact visa category.

Dependants applying from inside the UK

If you already hold a UK visa, your partner or children may be able to join you, extend their stay, or switch into dependant visas.

Key things to know

  • Applications should be made before any current visas expire.
  • You’ll normally need to show you intend to live together.
  • Some visa routes require you to meet the financial requirement or show adequate accommodation.
  • Children over 18 may still qualify if they’re already your dependants and not living independently.

If your family’s visas all end at different times, don’t worry — this is very common, and we can help you plan the best way forward.

Contact one of our consultants to find out if we can help you to remain in the UK based on your qualifying relationship.

Get UK visa advice

Dependants applying from outside the UK

If your family is applying from overseas, they can usually apply to come to the UK with you, or join you later once your own visa is in place.

Key things to know

  • Applications are made online, followed by biometrics at a visa centre.
  • You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof you’ve lived together).
  • Some routes require proof of income or savings.
  • Depending on the country of residence, a TB test may be required.

We can guide you through what documents to prepare and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Spouse dependant visa

Partners and children can apply as dependants on the UK Spouse visa route.

Requirements

Partners:

  • Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship
  • Meet the financial requirement (salary, self-employment, or savings)
  • English language test (A1 level for first applications)
  • Suitable accommodation

Children:

  • Under 18 (or already dependants if over 18)
  • Not married or independent
  • Birth certificates & parental responsibility documents

Need help navigating Spouse visa rules?

We’re here to guide you step by step.

Skilled Worker dependant visa

Skilled Worker visa holders can include their partners and children.

Requirements

  • Relationship evidence
  • Maintenance funds (unless your employer certifies maintenance)
  • No English test needed
  • Children must not be independent

Friendly Support: We can check whether your sponsor can certify maintenance to reduce paperwork.

UK Ancestry dependant visa

UK Ancestry visa holders can include their partners and children.

Requirements

  • Marriage/relationship proof
  • Proof you can maintain and accommodate your family
  • No minimum income level
  • No English test for dependants

Ask us to review your financial evidence — simple errors can lead to delays.

Talk to visa and immigration specialists. No visa, no fee guarantee.

Student dependant visa

Dependants can only apply if the student visa holder meets specific criteria.

Eligibility for dependants

You can bring dependants only if:

  • You are studying a postgraduate* course (nine months or longer), or
  • You are government-sponsored, and your course is longer than six months.

Requirements

  • Relationship evidence
  • Maintenance funds for each dependant
  • TB tests (where required)
  • Children must not be independent

Partner work rights vary — ask us for a quick eligibility check.

*If your postgraduate level course starts on or after 1 January 2024, it must be either:

  • a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8)
  • a research-based higher degree

Graduate dependant visa

Dependants are restricted on the Graduate visa route.

Who can apply?

  • Only dependants who were already dependants on the previous Student Visa
  • Children born in the UK can be added
  • No new partners can be added

Requirements

  • Proof of ongoing relationship
  • Existing dependant status

We can check if your family can continue on this route or needs an alternative.

UK Global Talent dependant visa

The UK Global Talent visa has flexible and generous dependant rules.

Requirements

  • Relationship evidence only
  • No minimum salary or savings requiremen
  • Children must be dependent and not independent

This is one of the easiest dependant routes — we can help prepare a smooth application.

Innovator Founder dependant visa

Partners and children can apply.

Requirements

  • Relationship documents
  • Maintenance funds
  • Main applicant must meet business requirements (not apply to dependants)

We can also help with Innovator Founder business plan assessment if required.

Temporary Worker dependant Visas (including Charity Worker / Religious Worker)

Dependants include partners and children.

Requirements

  • Relationship documents
  • Maintenance funds, unless sponsor certifies
  • Rights to work for partners depend on the sub-category

If you’re unsure, contact us for a quick eligibility check.

Need help bringing your family to the UK?

We know how important it is to keep your loved ones close. Our knowledgeable team of IAA-registered advisers offer warm, friendly guidance and full application support. Fill out the contact form below and one of our advisers will be in contact with you.

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