Bringing your loved ones to the UK is one of the most important steps after securing your own visa. Whether you’re on a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, or Graduate Visa, your dependants may be able to join you and live, work, or study here legally.
At AHJ Immigration, our experienced immigration specialists in Birmingham guide families through the entire process, from checking eligibility to preparing supporting documents and submitting the application to UKVI.
This guide explains the Dependants Visa rules for 2026, covering spouses, partners, and children, plus the changes you need to know under the new UK immigration system.
What Is a UK Dependants Visa?
A Dependants Visa allows family members of certain UK visa holders to live in the UK with them.
A dependant can include:
- A husband, wife, or civil partner
- An unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for at least two years)
- Children under 18 years old, including those born in the UK during your stay
This visa keeps families together and gives dependants permission to work, study, and access healthcare under the same conditions as the main visa holder.
Who Can Bring Dependants to the UK?
You may bring dependants if you hold one of the following types of permission:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Innovator Founder Visa
- Student Visa (for postgraduate or government-sponsored study)
- Graduate Visa (in limited cases for children born during leave)
If you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship, your family members would normally apply through Spouse or Family routes instead.
Each route has slightly different rules, so it’s important to confirm the correct path before applying.
Dependants Visa Requirements
To qualify as a dependant, you must show that:
- The relationship is genuine and subsisting (with documentary proof). This can’t just be words.
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK. Proof of address must be demonstrated.
- The main visa holder still has valid permission to stay. Their sharecode as well as other document including passport will be required to prove this.
- You meet the financial requirement (where applicable). This is very important. You must meet the latest financial requirements, and be able to clearly outline any reasons of discrepency.
For most work visa dependants, the financial threshold increased in April 2024, you must now show:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
This amount must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Student visa holders must show additional funds for living costs and tuition depending on the study location.
Financial Requirement in Detail
You can meet the financial requirement through:
- Personal savings
- Income from employment in the UK
- Sponsorship funds (if permitted by your visa category)
- Maintenance from a government or international scholarship
Bank statements must be official, clearly dated, and cover a 28-day period ending within 31 days before the application date.
Documents You’ll Need
Each dependant must include the following in their application:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
- Evidence of cohabitation if unmarried partners
- Proof of financial maintenance (bank statements, pay slips, or sponsor letter)
- TB test certificate (if applying from a listed country)
- Consent letters if one parent is not travelling
You’ll also need the main visa holder’s BRP, decision letter, or eVisa share code to prove their current immigration status.
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Application Process – Step by Step
Step 1 – Check eligibility: Confirm the main visa type allows dependants.
Step 2 – Prepare documents: Gather marriage/birth certificates and financial proof.
Step 3 – Apply online: Each dependant must complete their own online form via GOV.UK.
Step 4 – Pay fees and biometrics: The fee is £490 per applicant, plus Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £1,035 per year (as of October last year). These costs are due to change again this year, please keep an eye on the latest.
Step 5 – Wait for a decision: Most decisions are made within 3–8 weeks, depending on the country and service level.
Rights of Dependants in the UK
Once granted, dependants have the right to:
- Live and work in the UK (except as a professional sportsperson)
- Study at schools or universities
- Access NHS healthcare after paying the IHS
- Travel in and out of the UK freely during visa validity
Children born in the UK during your stay will also be considered dependants, though they’ll need to apply for leave if you extend your visa.
What Happens When the Main Visa Expires?
Dependants’ permission to stay ends on the same date as the main visa holder’s leave.
If you renew or switch your visa, your dependants must apply again to extend theirs.
If you gain ILR, dependants may also apply for ILR as dependants after meeting the required period of continuous residence.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Relationship documents not translated into English
- Missing bank statements or insufficient funds
- Unclear or inconsistent relationship evidence
- Applying under the wrong visa category
At AHJ Immigration, we review every document carefully to avoid these issues and ensure your dependants’ applications meet Home Office requirements.
How AHJ Immigration Helps
Our team supports clients across the UK with:
- Eligibility assessments for dependant applications
- Document preparation and verification
- Financial requirement guidance and maintenance calculation
- Online submission and biometrics booking
- Post-decision support (appeals or reapplications if needed)
We’re based in Birmingham and assist families in Derby, Leicester, Manchester, and across the UK.
Why Choose AHJ Immigration
- IAA-registered immigration advisers
- High approval rate for dependant and family visa applications
- Transparent pricing with free initial consultation
- Empathetic and accurate service focused on keeping families together
How We Help – Your Consultation Options
Free 15-Minute Consultation – Find out if your spouse or children qualify and what documents you’ll need.
1-Hour Paid Consultation – Detailed eligibility review and evidence checklist. (Deducted from total cost if you continue with us.)
📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your consultation online today.
Disclaimer
Immigration rules and fees are subject to change. Information correct as of October 2025. Always verify with the latest Home Office guidance before applying.
FAQs
1. Who qualifies as a dependant in the UK?
A spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (2+ years together), or child under 18 of a visa holder can qualify to live with them in the UK.
2. Can dependants work in the UK?
Yes. Dependants of most work or study visa holders can work freely, except as professional athletes or coaches. Always check on your
3. How long does a dependants visa take?
Typically 3–8 weeks, depending on your country of application and whether you use Priority or Super Priority services.
4. What are the financial requirements?
You must show funds held for 28 consecutive days: £285 (partner), £315 (first child), £200 (each additional child).
5. What happens when my main visa expires?
Your dependants’ permission ends too. They must extend or switch with you, or apply for ILR once eligible.