Making the decision to move to the UK can be an exciting one and you will have the opportunity to create a new life and career. But it can be a lot more difficult when your spouse or children are left behind. Fortunately, if you are in a family with someone, they could be able to relocate to the UK with you via a Dependant Visa UK. This is a visa category for family members who can stay with someone who has one of the following types of UK visas:

There may be different rules regarding the visa you have. Thus, it is crucial to be familiar with the requirements prior to applying.

What Is a Dependant Visa UK?

A dependant visa is a visa that may be granted to family members to join or remain in the UK with a person who is eligible to live in the UK on an immigration route.

In most instances eligible dependants may include:

• A husband, wife or civil partner
• A single partner who meets the relationship criteria;
• Children under 18
• Some children over the age of 18 who have a dependant permission already.

Specific requirements will vary according to the primary applicant’s visa. For instance, dependants of a Skilled Worker have other requirements than other immigration routes.

Who Can Apply as a Dependant?

Your family member may be eligible, but will have to satisfy the relationship and immigration criteria.

You may have to prove that your marriage or civil partnership is recognised in the UK as a partner. The criteria for an unmarried partner is likely to be met. Documents that provide evidence of your shared life and continued relationship would be helpful.

Children’s rules tend to be based on their age and relationship to the main applicant and their living arrangements. But, if a child has previously had dependant permission, they may qualify in some cases even if they are over 18.

Immigration conditions may vary so it’s crucial to review the conditions for your visa category.

Can Dependants Work in the UK?

There are many dependant routes where partners and children are allowed to work and study in the UK.

Once Skilled Workers have been successful in being granted permission to live in the UK, their dependants may be allowed to work, though there may be restrictions for dependants of a professional sportsperson or sports coach. They may also learn and/or travel overseas and then return, under the conditions of their permission.

This can be especially convenient for families who wish to live a normal life together instead of living in two countries.

Inherently, however, a person who is under the care and welfare of another person is not entitled to all public benefits. Applicants need to be aware of the conditions of the visa they are applying for before they make plans.

What Documents Are Usually Needed?

Applying the correct paperwork can make the application go a lot easier.

Evidence may be required, including:

• Valid passports/travel documents
• These are available on request.These are provided on request.
• Birth certificates
• Show some proof of a relationship.Offer some evidence of an relationship.
• Evidence of accommodation
• Main applicant documents of immigration.
• Financial evidence to be supplied where necessary.
• Immigration documents (if applicable)

In some situations, for instance when a child is applying as a dependent, proof of an address may be needed. Examples of documents listed on GOV.UK include bank statements, driving licences, NHS documents and official education letters.

It’s important to note that one type of file is not suitable for all applications. It is important to take into account your individual situation and visa path.

Financial Requirements for a Dependant Visa UK

Some dependant routes have a financial requirement.

Applicants will need to demonstrate specific levels of maintenance funds unless they are entitled to an exemption, for example under the current Skilled Worker dependant rules. The current cost for a partner is £285, the first child £315 and additional children £200 per child (from GOV.UK). The money must be held for the necessary amount of time prior to the application.

Exceptions may apply. For example, if the main applicant has already been in the UK for the required period of time with valid permission or the employer has provided information that indicates financial support (where allowed), then the applicant is not required to submit separate financial evidence.

The rules will vary depending on visa category, so it is important to check the rules that are applicable to their specific circumstances.

Applying for a Dependant Visa

Some routes dependant require a financial requirement.

For instance, the present skilful worker dependant regulations may require the applicant to present particular maintenance funds, or an exemption to be used. At present, the costs of being a partner are £285, £315 for the first child and £200 for each child after that, as listed on GOV.UK. Typically the necessary amount of money must be deposited and maintained for a specified amount of time to qualify for the application.

Exceptions may exist. In some cases, applicants may be exempt from submitting separate financial evidence, such as where the main applicant has already been in the UK with the required permission, or the employer has confirmed financial support, where allowed.

The financial rules are not the same for each visa category, so applicants should consult the rules that apply to their specific situation.

Can a Dependant Eventually Settle in the UK?

A dependant typically applies for the visa themselves, and not automatically as part of the principal applicant’s visa application.

When applying for a Dependant Visa UK from elsewhere in the world, the dependant will typically have to apply first, prior to travelling. They will also have to establish their identity and submit the necessary supporting documents.

Eligibility to switch or extend will be based on the current visa, the immigration route and if applying from within the UK. It is not possible to change to dependant from within the UK in certain categories.

Therefore, it is as crucial to submit your application at the correct time as it is to fill the form correctly.

Why Get Professional Help?

Yes, in certain situations.

Eventually, the dependant can be settled (acquire Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)) provided the appropriate conditions are fulfilled.

For instance, some Dependant Visa UK of Skilled Workers may be eligible to become permanent on the basis of their continuous residence as a dependant. Furthermore, they must have other requirements; some of these may be relationship, financial and English language requirements based on their situation.

If you are planning to apply for a dependant visa UK in the long term, it may be a good idea to think about your immigration plans and how a dependant visa will fit into it.

FAQs About Dependant Visa UK

1. Who can apply for a dependant visa UK?

Depending on the main applicant’s visa, eligible dependants can include a spouse, civil partner, qualifying unmarried partner or child. Rules vary for each immigration pathway.

2. Can my dependant work in the UK?

For many routes, dependants are able to work in the UK. Some restrictions are, however, possible based on the kind of work and visa path.

3. Can children over 18 apply as dependants?

Sometimes. An adult child may be a qualified person where they have already been granted permission as a dependant by an adult and the necessary requirements are met. The rules will be more strict for children under 18 years.

4. Can my dependant study in the UK?

Eligible dependants, typically, may study in the UK, provided for the conditions of their immigration permission.

5. Can a dependant apply for settlement?

Potentially. Some are dependent routes which can result in settlement if the applicant meets the criteria of residence and other requirements.

6. Can I apply for my dependant at the same time as my visa?

In most instances, family members may apply with the primary applicant. In most cases, however, each dependant will be required to make his own application and meet the necessary requirements.

7. What happens if my visa expires?

Permission of a dependant will be tied to the main applicant’s immigration status. This is why it is important to know the time of the expiration and extension of permissions before the expiration of the current permission.

8. Should I get legal advice before applying?

When a case is unusual for the family, due to previous refusals, complex immigration history or uncertainty as to eligibility, professional advice can be useful in making an informed application.

Get Help With Your Dependant Visa UK Application

Your family needs to come to the UK and it shouldn’t be too complicated. But, immigration regulations differ based upon the type of visa and individual situation, and it can save time and stress if you have the correct information first.

If you are looking to travel to the UK with your partner or children, UK Visa Solutions can provide you with information on the requirements and guide you through the process of applying for more than one visa.