Why the UK Dependent Visa rules are changing
The United Kingdom have brought changes to the Immigration rules and regulations, especially with the UK Dependent Visa for Spouse. This is mainly due to the increase in net Immigration in recent years, which has reached record levels. UK Visas and Immigration has introduced changes to the dependent visa policy to address visa exploitation. The new rules focus on encouraging skilled workers to travel to the UK and reducing the chances of low-skilled labourers. After years of welcoming a large number of immigrants, the UK immigration system aims to restructure itself into a sustainable and manageable system.If you are wondering, “What is the new rule for UK dependent visa in 2025?” and “What are the new financial requirements for UK dependent visa?”, this blog provides insight into the updates, changes, and requirements for the UK dependent visa for spouses.
Overview of UK Immigration Policy Shifts
The UK Government has raised the numbers with the income requirements. The income requirements have been increased from £18,600 to £29,000 per year for the spouse visa. These rules are brought into effect to ensure that dependent immigrants are financially sufficient to cover their living and other expenses during their stay in the UK, thereby not relying on the UK’s economy.Croyez Immigration stays updated with policy changes and current trends for UK Dependent Visas for Spouses to ensure that applicants meet all the UK spouse visa requirements, thereby increasing their chances of being selected.
Impact on International Students and Skilled Workers
The policy change for international students and skilled workers took effect on 1 January 2024. The changes to the respective visas define that most international students, including undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, cannot sponsor and bring their dependents under their visa holdings. The eligibility criteria include only government-sponsored students and students on postgraduate research courses that fall under the RQF Level 7 or above. They can only bring their dependent spouses or children along with them under their student visa route.Croyez Immigration guides applicants through their specific visa route to determine whether they are eligible to sponsor their dependents under the current rules.
Role of Croyez Immigration in Helping Families Reunite
By following the updated official guidance, Croyez Immigration will provide end-to-end services, from assessing eligibility and document verification to guiding applicants on how to furnish accurate evidence, ensuring a smoother visa processing under the Dependent visa UK for the spouse category.What is a UK Dependent Visa for Spouse?
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
The answer to the most asked question, Can my spouse come with me to the UK on a dependent visa is that the Qualified Dependents for the UK Dependent visas include a legal spouse or a civil partner. And unmarried partners in a relationship for cohabitation for two years. The children can also travel under a dependent visa UK if they are under the age of 18. At Croyez Immigration, our expert team will help the applicant organise all the necessary documents, such as marriage certificates and proof of cohabitation, under Appendix FM.Types of main visa holders who can sponsor
The sponsor must come under the category of:- Skilled Worker
- Global Talent visa holders
- Government-sponsored research students
- Postgraduate research students (as per the new route limits)
Benefits of the UK Dependent visa
The sponsored spouse or children can travel to the UK along with the sponsor. They are eligible to work unrestricted hours and also pursue a study. They also get access to healthcare through the Immigration Health Surcharge, but not from public funds.At Croyez Immigration, we provide guidance to applicants and ensure they understand all the relevant regulations and their associated rights, including the submission of fees and surcharges.
What are the New rules for UK Dependent visa in 2025?
Restrictions for student visa dependents
The new rule changes took effect on 1 January 2024. According to the rules, only postgraduate research students and government-sponsored students enrolled in long-term courses can bring their dependents. Other student visa holder cannot bring their dependents to the UK during their study period. Croyez Immigration helps students evaluate their student profile and confirm their eligibility, or determine whether they are ruled out under the current rules.New Financial Requirements
While discussing the new financial requirements, dependents must now meet strict criteria. The sponsor must prove that they can support each dependent during their stay without relying on government funds. The financial threshold has increased to £29,000 per annum, replacing the old rule of the pre-dependent maintenance threshold. The dependent count is not taken into account, and the weightage is given to the income threshold for the Spouse visa UK salary.At Croyez Immigration, we help our clients determine which threshold they fall under and guide them on how to use their savings effectively to qualify as a sponsor.
Visa Eligibility based on Sponsoring Tier or Route
Applicants applying after 11 April 2024 come under the £29,000 threshold rules. Additionally, it does not apply to all visa types. The holders of skilled worker visas and health care visas can only sponsor their dependents. Different types of rules apply to each visa category; dependents must apply under the corresponding category.Our Croyez team advises the applicants according to their profile and case, to determine if the transitional rules apply to them.
Proof of Genuine Relationship - Stricter checks
Applicants must furnish proof of their continuing relationship. It is mandatory to provide documents such as civil partnership documents, shared lease agreements, joint bank statements, and other relevant bills.If you are confused about what documents are needed for a UK dependent spouse visa, Croyez Immigration helps applicants in organising and preparing all these documents to meet the UK's requirements.
UK Dependent visa for spouse - Requirements and documents
Marriage certificate or civil partnership proof
It is mandatory to furnish the legally recognised marriage certificate. If the applicant is an unmarried partner, they must provide strong proof of cohabitation for at least two years.Croyez Immigration guides the applicant on organising the acceptable papers and evidence.
English Language and Financial Requirements
The dependents must also meet the language requirements to meet the UK proficiency standards. It is also crucial to provide the financial evidence from the dependent side to show that they can support themselves during their stay.Croyez Immigration helps to prepare all the UK spouse visa document checklist and evidence according to the financial threshold.
Proof of accommodation and living costs
The applicants must provide proof of accommodation and living costs for their children, as well as any additional costs for children travelling with them. This ensures that they are not relying on the UK public funds during their stay.Croyez Immigration ensures that checks are made with the acceptable documents, as well as accommodation and living costs.
Duration and renewal of the dependent visa
Spouse visas typically last as long as the sponsor's visa, and if the spouse remains eligible, they can be extended or converted to a settlement visa.Croyez Immigration supports applicants with visa extensions and ILR applications, helping clients meet the requirements periodically.
Can a Dependent spouse work in the UK under the new rules?
Work rights for Skilled worker dependents
The dependent of a skilled worker visa holder can work during their stay without any problem. They can take a full-time job, switch jobs, or even start a new business.Croyez Immigration clarifies the eligibility requirements for employment and assists with the necessary documentation, such as the UK spouse visa fee.
Restrictions for student visa dependents (2025 Update)
The limits for student visa dependents have been stricter with the 2025 update. Eligible student visa holders, such as government-sponsored or postgraduate research students, and their dependents can stay and work in the UK. This does not apply to the other student visa holders, as their dependents are permitted to travel to the UK.Our Croyez team advises alternative routes for students who wish to bring their spouse to the UK.
Type of jobs allowed and Employer Sponsorship options
If you are wondering, is my partner allowed to work in the UK on a dependent visa? Skilled worker dependents do not need sponsorship to work in the UK, but they still have to pass the Immigration check. Their respective biometric residence permits furnish the information about the rules and regulations they need to adhere to.At Croyez Immigration, we guide our clients on the easiest job to obtain during their stay.
How Croyez Immigration helps with spouse dependent visa
Documentation and eligibility assessment
At Croyez Immigration, our expert team will verify whether the sponsor and spouse meet all the requirements under the updated UK Immigration rules. We also ensure that all the documents are organised and prepared according to the Home Office standards. We provide end-to-end support, from verifying your visa category to assessing your income and accommodation.Support through policy changes
UK Immigration rules are subject to changes due to rising demand and economic changes, especially after 2024. Commoners and students may find it challenging to keep track of changes in the rules. Croyez Immigration consultant, with more than a decade of experience in the field, keeps track of all the updates and changes. We help applicants stay ahead of Immigration surprises and ensure they are in line with the new changes.Reuniting families successfully - Client stories
Croyez have helped thousands of people to reunite with their families in the UK. You can surf all the social media platforms filled with the success stories of clients from Croyez, who have successfully navigated visas, especially the complicated cases and cases that align with your profile.FAQs - New UK Dependent visa rules
Can my spouse join me if I’m on a student visa?Yes, your spouse can travel to the UK to join you. But, according to the new updated rules, the government-sponsored students and postgraduate research students can only invite their dependents to the UK, like a Skilled Worker dependent visa UK.
What financial documents are required?
The sponsors must provide documents, such as payslips, bank statements, and savings, to meet the current income threshold required for UK dependent visa requirements.
How long does it take to process a UK dependent visa in 2025?
According to the updated guidance, the processing time varies for overseas applicants, inside UK visa extensions, and priority-based applications. It takes up to 12 weeks for overseas and 8 weeks for inside extensions.
Final thoughts - Stay updated, stay eligible
Avoid Rejections with Professional Help
The updated UK Dependent visa for spouses is subject to even stricter regulations, including financial thresholds and eligibility limits. Many applicants may get confused between the old rules and the new rules, which is a common reason for the refusal of the visa.Croyez Immigration helps applicants understand the updated rules and guides them in being compliant with UK immigration policy and Appendix FM documentation.
