Bring Your Dependents To The UK

The UK Dependent Visa enables UK residents and certain visa holders to bring their dependents to the UK to reside with them. You may bring your spouse, children, parents, and other close relatives to the UK with this visa.

The sponsor must demonstrate that he will be able to support his dependents while they are in the United Kingdom. He must show his bank statement to prove that he has the required funds.

Who is eligible?

Both families and children are eligible for this visa. The sponsor is the UK permanent resident or citizen whose family members can apply for the visa.

Dependents include:

Spouse or legal partner

Child under 18

A child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependent

There are various methods for you to get a Dependent visa for your family. These include:

• UK Tier 2 visa: As a Tier 2 visa holder, you can apply for a dependent visa and bring your spouse and children with you. With this visa, you can study and work in the UK, but there are some restrictions. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which allows you to stay in the UK indefinitely.
• UK Parent, Spouse or Child Visa: British citizens and permanent residents may invite their non-UK-based dependent spouse, parents, or children to live with them. This visa will be valid for two years and six months, with the option to extend it.

UK dependent visa eligibility conditions

To qualify as a dependent, you must be the sponsor’s spouse, unmarried or civil partner. Children under 18 can also apply for the visa to the UK as dependents of the sponsor.

As the sponsor’s spouse or partner, you must be able to demonstrate one of the following:

You are in a legally recognized civil union or marriage in the United Kingdom.

When you submit your application, you must have been in a relationship for at least two years. 

You must also demonstrate that you have a strong command of the English language.

You expect to marry or enter into a civil union within 6 months of your arrival in the United Kingdom.

You will also have to prove that you have good knowledge of the English language.

Dependent visa conditions

You won’t be able to use public funds if you have a Dependent Visa. You must demonstrate that your sponsor has the financial resources to help you and is able to sponsor your stay until your application can be accepted.

You will be given permission to enter the UK and unlimited freedom to remain in the UK if your Dependent Visa application is approved. There are no career limits, so you can work in any field and at any skill level.

Duration of stay

You will be granted permission to remain in the United Kingdom permanently if you meet the immigration conditions for this visa. After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, holders of Dependency Visas may apply for British Naturalization as a British citizen.

Documents required

The documents you will need for a Dependent Visa varies depending on the route under which you apply. The documents you require include:

• Passport & travel history
• Background documentation
• Spouse/partner documentation including marriage certificate
• Other proof of relationship
• Income proof of sponsor to show you have the required finances
• Completed application form
• Proof of having paid the application fees
• Proof of English language skills
• Children must be under the age of 18 at the time of application

Application process

A dependent can choose to apply for the visa either within or outside the UK

Applying from within the United Kingdom

Dependents can choose to stay with their family members if they have come to the UK on a family visa. If they have come on another visa, they can change to a family visa to stay with their spouse, child or parent.

Applying from outside the United Kingdom

Dependents who want to live with their spouse or partner, child, parent, or relative may apply for a family visa.