Dependent Visa UK
Do you want to live in the UK along with your family? The Dependent Visa process helps UK citizens and certain visa holders bring their dependents to live with them in the UK. With this visa, you can bring your spouse/partner or children to the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a dependent visa, you must be a dependent family member of a qualifying migrant. According to the Immigration Rules, a dependant can be:
- A husband, wife, or civil partner
- An unmarried or same-sex partner
- A child under 18 years old at the time of application
- Other family members are unlikely to qualify for a dependent visa.
Spouses or Partners:
To get a Dependant Visa as a spouse or partner, you must be married to or in a partnership with someone who is either:
- In the UK on a relevant visa
- Applying for a visa at the same time as you
- Unmarried and same-sex partners must prove they have been in a genuine relationship similar to marriage for at least two years.
Children:
Children can apply for a Dependant Visa if:
- Both parents are applying for entry clearance at the same time
- Both parents are already in the UK, and the child is joining them
- One parent is in the UK, and the other is applying for entry clearance to join them with the child
A child can apply as the dependant of a single parent only if:
- The parent is the only surviving parent
- The parent has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing
- There are serious reasons why the child should be with only one parent
UK Dependent Visa Requirements
For a spouse or partner, you must prove one of the following:
- You are in a civil union or marriage approved in the UK.
- You have lived together in a relationship for at least 2 years.
- You are engaged and intend to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arrival.
You must show that children under 18 will live with you in the UK, and for parents or other relatives, additional documentation proving dependency may be required.
Application Process
There are several methods to obtain a dependent visa, depending on the primary visa holder’s status, such as:
- Tier 2 Visa Holders: You can bring your spouse and children along. This visa allows studying and working in the UK, but there are some restrictions. After 5 years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- UK Parent, Spouse, or Child Visa: British citizens and individuals with settled status can bring their dependent spouse, parents, or children to live with them for a period of 2 years, which can be extended.
How to Apply?
The steps to apply for a UK dependent visa depend on the main visa held by the primary visa holder.
- Fill out the online application: Use the correct form based on the main visa holder’s type (e.g., for children or partners).
- Pay the fees: This includes the application fee and immigration healthcare surcharge.
- Submit required documents: Upload all documents needed to support your application by UKVI.
- Attend a biometric appointment: Schedule and go to a UKVCAS or Visa Application Centre (if outside the UK) to have your fingerprints taken and a photo captured.
Costs Associated
Families must have enough money to support themselves without public funds. For example, if the main applicant is applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, they need £285 in savings for the partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child. If the employer has an A-rated Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence and certifies these funds, proof of funds may not be required.
Processing Time
The UK dependent visa processing time can vary. Partners or spouses, parents, children, and adults coming to be cared for by relatives typically have a processing time of 24 weeks. This duration indicates the estimated period from the application submission to the final decision. It’s essential for applicants to consider this timeline when planning their immigration process to join or reunite with family members in the UK.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I work or study on a UK-dependent visa?
Yes, as a dependent visa holder, you can work or study in the UK with limited exceptions. However, certain professions, like doctors in training or dentists, may have restrictions.
Can a dependent work in the UK?
Yes, dependents can work in the UK without any restrictions on the type or level of job they can take.
Can I apply for a Dependent Visa from the UK?
Yes, dependents can apply for a family visa to stay with their family members if they are already in the UK on a different visa.
Can parents get Dependent Visas in the UK?
Yes, parents can apply for a dependent visa if they meet the eligibility criteria and can prove dependency on the UK-based relative.
Can a spouse work on a Dependent Visa in the UK?
Yes, spouses can work on a dependent visa in the UK without any restrictions on employment type.
Does the spouse visa applicant have to take an English language test?
Yes, the spouse visa applicant must prove their knowledge of the English language unless they meet specific exemptions, such as being over 65 or having a physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement.
In conclusion, obtaining a dependent visa UK can be a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation. Understanding the UK dependent visa requirements and UK dependent visa processing time can help ensure a smooth application process.
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