Bringing Your Family to the UK: Dependant visa UK Explained

Table Of Contents:

• What is a Dependant visa to the UK?

• Who Can Apply for a UK Dependant Visa?

• Eligibility Requirements for a Dependant Visa UK

• Documents Required for a UK PBS Dependant Visa

• Processing Time for the Dependant Visa

• Fees for a Dependant Visa in the UK

• Funds Required for a Dependant Visa

• How The SmartMove2UK Can Assist with Your UK Dependant Visa Application

What is Dependant visa to the UK?

A UK Dependent Visa allows immediate family members of UK visa holders to come to the UK. This type of application typically applies to family and children.

This visa is designed for the family members of individuals holding or applying for various work-related visas, including the Worker routes (formerly Tier 2), Temporary Worker routes (formerly Tier 5), Representatives of overseas business, Innovators, Global Talent migrants, and those with visas granted based on UK ancestry.

At The SmartMove2UK, we specialise in facilitating the legal advice and latest updated information of UK Dependant Visas for your family members, ensuring that you can embark on your new journey to the UK with peace of mind.

Who Can Apply for a UK Dependant Visa?

To be eligible for a Dependant Visa, you must be a dependent family member of a qualifying migrant, defined as:

1. Husband, wife, or civil partner

2. Unmarried or same-sex partner

3. Child under 18 years at the time of application

It's unlikely that other family members can claim dependent status for this visa. Spouses or partners must be in a genuine, subsisting relationship akin to marriage for the past two years. Children can apply if both parents are applying for entry clearance simultaneously, or if one parent is already in the UK, and the other is applying for entry clearance.

An essential requirement is that the family must have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds.

Eligibility Requirements for a Dependant Visa UK

Qualifying family members who can apply for a dependent visa include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners in a provable durable relationship, and children under 18 at the date of application. Partners must demonstrate a genuine relationship with the main applicant and the intention to live together in the UK. Children should not lead an independent life.

Documents Required for a UK PBS Dependant Visa

When applying for a Dependant Visa, ensure you include these essential documents:

1. Passport or valid travel document

2. Birth Certificate (for Child) or Marriage Certificate (for Spouse)

3. Bank statements

4. Evidence of the relationship between the dependant and the main applicant

5. Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

6. Criminal record check results (if applicable)

All documents must be accurate, meet specifications, and be translated if not in English or Welsh.

Read More: How dependants can join their family in the UK?

Processing Time for the Dependant Visa

Processing times for a Dependant Visa can vary. From outside the UK, it may take 12 weeks. You can expedite the decision within 5 working days for an additional fee.

Inside the UK, the standard processing time is 8 weeks, but you can opt for priority or super priority services to get faster decisions.

UK Dependant Visa Fees / Cost

The dependent visa fee aligns with the main applicant's fee. Each dependent also pays an Immigration Health surcharge. The cost is different for each type and length of visa. Additional fees may apply for certain visa subcategories.

Funds Required for UK Dependant Visa

Dependants of Skilled Workers must meet specific financial requirements. Evidence of a bank balance is not required if the main applicant's A-rated sponsor certifies maintenance. Other dependants must show adequate funds to support themselves.

How The SmartMove2UK Can Assist with Your UK Dependant Visa Application

Our UK qualified lawyers at The SmartMove2UK possess extensive experience in successfully processing UK Dependant Visa applications. We provide clear guidance and legal advice to improve the approval chances of your Dependant Visa application. From the initial meeting to the visa decision, our exceptional customer service ensures you are well-informed and supported throughout the application process.

The SmartMove2UK is a specialist immigration law firm with branches in India (Mumbai | Delhi | Bengaluru) led by a specialist Solicitor.