UK Dependent Visa

Recent changes to UK immigration policy have introduced stricter eligibility criteria for dependant applicants. Notable updates include: 

• International Students: Only those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes (e.g., PhD) are permitted to sponsor dependants. 
• Care Workers: Dependants are no longer permitted unless the care worker was in the UK before 11 March 2024. 
• Financial Threshold Increases: New financial maintenance requirements apply across visa categories. 

Applicants must fall into one of the following categories: 

• The spouse or civil partner of a person with valid leave to remain in the UK. 
• An unmarried partner who has lived with the visa holder for at least two years. 
• A child under the age of 18 who is financially dependent on the visa holder. 

We provide clear and thorough advice on how to meet all Home Office requirements, including: 

• Evidence of Genuine Relationship: Marriage certificates, cohabitation documents, and other supporting materials. 
• Financial Maintenance: Proof of sufficient funds to support dependants without access to public funds. 
• Identity and Legal Documents: Accurate and complete identity records and relationship evidence. 
• Accommodation Evidence: Proof of adequate living arrangements in the UK. 
• Additional Criteria: Depending on the main visa category, further requirements may apply. 

The Home Office visa application fees as of April 2025 are as follows: 

Spouse/Partner/Child (Family Route)

• Outside the UK: £1,846

• Inside the UK: £1,258

Adult Dependant Relative

• Outside the UK: £3,250

• Inside the UK: £1,258

Skilled Worker Dependant

• Outside the UK (≤ 3 years): £719
• Outside the UK (> 3 years): £1,420
• Inside the UK (≤ 3 years): £827

• Inside the UK (> 3 years): £1,636

Additional Costs: 
Most dependant visa applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year. 

Sponsors must show that they can financially support their dependants without relying on public funds. The minimum maintenance amounts include: 

• £285 for a partner 
• £315 for the first child 
• £200 for each additional child 

Applicants may be exempt from this requirement if the primary visa holder has been living in the UK for 12 months or more. 

We provide a full range of services to ensure your dependant visa application is handled efficiently and professionally: 

• Eligibility Review: Full assessment of your circumstances
• Document Collection and Verification: Advice on preparing legally compliant evidence. 
• Application Preparation: Accurate and thorough completion of all forms. 
• Biometric Appointment Coordination: Support with scheduling and compliance. 
• Follow-Up and Case Monitoring: Ongoing assistance until a decision is made. 

If your family intends to settle permanently in the UK, we provide tailored advice on future immigration steps, including: 

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of residence. 
• British Citizenship applications. 
• Family Reunification and Integration guidance.