Dependent Visa UK

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
• Same-sex and unmarried  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
• You can add your children to an application for a  UK Dependent Visa, including if they were born after you received your original visa.

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.
• While applying for a UK Dependent Visa, you should either provide your Global Web Form (GWF) number or Unique Application Number (UAN) to link your application to the main applicant’s visa.

How to Apply?

The steps to apply for a UK dependent visa depend on the main visa held by the primary visa holder. The Dependents must apply for their UK visa extension in good time before their current visa expires to maintain the country’s lawful status.

• 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. Some of the documents include a bank statement, a birth certificate, and more.
• 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 UK 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. All dependent visa applicants need to consider this timeline when planning their immigration process to join or reunite with family members in the UK.