The UK Dependent Visa is one of the most common immigration routes for individuals who want to join a family member already living in the UK. Whether your partner is a skilled worker, student, or someone with indefinite leave to remain, this visa provides a legal route for spouses, children, and in some cases other family members to live, study, and work in the UK — as long as specific requirements are met.

In 2025, the UK immigration system remains under continuous reform, particularly concerning dependants of sponsored migrants. The Home Office applies a strict set of rules to ensure dependants are genuinely related to the main applicant, can be financially supported without recourse to public funds, and intend to reside lawfully in the UK.

Unfortunately, many applications fail due to incomplete evidence, relationship doubts, or financial inconsistencies. At Axis Solicitors, we specialise in family-based immigration and offer tailored legal support to help applicants meet the UK Dependent Visa requirements confidently and correctly.

Who Can Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

The UK Dependent Visa is designed to allow close family members of individuals already living lawfully in the UK to join them and stay for the duration of their visa. However, not everyone qualifies as a ‘dependant’ under immigration rules. The Home Office maintains clear definitions regarding who is eligible to apply and under what circumstances.

Who Counts as a ‘Dependant’?

The definition of a UK Dependent Visa varies slightly depending on the visa route of the main applicant, but generally includes:

• Spouse or Civil Partner: You must be legally married or in a recognised civil partnership. Marriage certificates and proof of a genuine relationship are required. 
• Unmarried Partner: You must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years, supported by documentary evidence. 
• Children under 18: Must be the biological or adopted child of the main visa holder. In some cases, older children can qualify if they are already in the UK as dependants. 
• Children over 18: Must have last held a dependant visa and must not be leading an independent life. 
• Other relatives: Rare and usually limited to those with exceptional circumstances, such as elderly parents needing long-term care. These require a separate Adult Dependent Relative Visa. 

Main Visa Categories That Allow Dependants

The primary applicant must hold a valid UK Dependent Visa that permits family reunion. Eligible categories include:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Student Dependent Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Innovator Founder Visa
• Scale-Up Visa
• Start-Up Visa
• British nationals or those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• British citizens 

Each of these routes has its own rules regarding the length of stay, financial thresholds, and whether dependants can work in the UK.

Restrictions Based on Visa Type

Not all visa holders can bring dependants:

• Visitor Visa holders cannot bring dependants. 
• Short-term Student Visa holders are also ineligible to sponsor family members. 
• Asylum seekers may have to wait until their claim is decided to sponsor dependants under the family reunion route. 

Important Notes on Eligibility

• The dependant must usually apply at the same time as the main applicant or after the UK Dependent Visa is granted. 
• If applying separately, the Home Office will still assess whether the relationship existed at the time the main applicant was granted their UK Dependent Visa. 
• Both partners must intend to live together permanently in the UK. 

At Axis Solicitors, we help families determine eligibility before applying — and guide them through evidencing genuine relationships, dependency, and financial maintenance to maximise approval chances.

UK Dependent Visa Requirements 2025

To be granted a UK Dependent Visa, applicants must meet several key requirements set out by the Home Office. These cover relationship eligibility, financial maintenance, accommodation, and intent to stay in line with visa terms. Failing to meet any one of these criteria can lead to refusal, so careful preparation is critical.

Here’s a breakdown of the main requirements in 2025 for UK Dependent Visa.

1. Proof of Relationship

The most fundamental requirement is to prove that the dependant is genuinely related to the main applicant.

For spouses and civil partners, you must provide:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of living together or regular contact 

For unmarried partners, you must show:

• Evidence of at least 2 years of cohabitation, such as shared tenancy agreements, utility bills, council tax letters, or joint financial responsibilities
• Proof of ongoing relationship: photos, messages, travel together, etc. 

For children, you must show:

• Full birth certificate showing both parents
• Proof that they are dependent, live with the parent(s), and are not married or in an independent life
• Consent letters

2. Financial Maintenance Requirement

To ensure dependants won’t rely on public funds, applicants must meet minimum income thresholds or demonstrate access to sufficient savings. The requirement varies based on the visa category of the main applicant.

For Skilled Worker Visa holders:

• £285 for a partner 
• £315 for one child 
• £200 for each additional child

Check here for the updated fees Skilled Worker visa: Your partner and children – GOV.UK

 

For Student Visa holders:

• £845/month (in London) or £680/month (outside London) for each dependant — up to 9 months’ worth of funding

Check here for the updated fees Student visa: Your partner and children – GOV.UK

 

Applicants may be exempt if the sponsor (main applicant) has already been in the UK for more than 12 months or is fully funded by a recognised institution.

At Axis Solicitors, we help clients document their financial standing accurately — with bank statements, payslips, or official letters — and avoid common refusal reasons related to unexplained deposits or incomplete records.

3. Suitable Accommodation

Dependants must have access to adequate housing that is:

• Not overcrowded 
• Owned, rented, or legally occupied by the sponsor 
• Approved for habitation and appropriate for the number of family members 

You may need to provide:

• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement 
• Council tax bill or utility bill 
• Accommodation inspection report (recommended for family visa applications) 

4. English Language (for Spouses/Partners)

If applying as a spouse or partner under certain routes (e.g. joining a Skilled Worker or on the 5-year partner route):

• You must pass an approved A1 English language test OR 
• Hold a degree taught in English OR 
• Be from a majority English-speaking country 

Children and certain other categories are exempt from this requirement.

5. Immigration History and Suitability

All applicants must:

• Have no serious criminal convictions 
• Not have previously breached immigration rules 
• Not pose a threat to public health or safety 
• Be outside the UK when applying (in most cases) 

By working with Axis Solicitors, you ensure that every document and requirement is handled with precision — maximising your chances of visa success and reducing the risk of delay or refusal.

How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa: Step-by-Step Process (2025)

The application process for a UK Dependent Visa can differ depending on whether the applicant is applying from outside the UK or within the UK. Regardless of where you apply from, accuracy, evidence, and timing are crucial.

Below is a step-by-step process to help you understand what’s involved and how to get it right the first time.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Visa Route

Before starting the application, confirm:

• That the main applicant holds a visa type that allows dependants 
• That your relationship qualifies under the Home Office rules 
• That you meet all financial and documentary requirements 

If unsure, seek legal advice from Axis Solicitors to prevent wasting time and money on ineligible applications.

Step 2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

You will need to gather all documents relevant to:

• Proof of relationship 
• Financial maintenance 
• Accommodation 
• Immigration status of the main visa holder 
• English language certificate 

All non-English documents must be translated by a certified professional, including a declaration of accuracy.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Go to the official UK government visa site:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa

• Select the correct dependent visa form based on the main visa holder’s route (e.g. Skilled Worker Dependant, Student Dependant) 
• Complete the application with accurate information matching your documents 
• Declare all immigration history truthfully 
• Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 

Step 4: Book a Biometric Appointment

After submission, book a biometric appointment at your nearest:

• Visa Application Centre (VAC) if applying from outside the UK, or 
• UKVCAS centre if applying within the UK 

You’ll need to provide:

• Fingerprints 
• Digital photograph 
• Passport for scanning 

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

You can upload your documents:

• Before your biometric appointment (recommended), or 
• At the appointment using centre facilities (at additional cost) 

All documents should be:

• Clear and legible 
• Named logically (e.g. “Marriage_Certificate.pdf”) 
• In PDF or JPEG format 

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

UKVI processing times vary:

• Outside the UK: 3–6 weeks (standard), 1 week (priority) 
• Inside the UK: 8 weeks (standard), 5 working days (super priority) 

You will receive:

• A decision email or letter 
• A visa vignette (if successful) 
• A biometric residence permit (BRP) after arrival or approval 

Step 7: Travel to the UK or Begin Residency

Once approved:

• Travel to the UK within the vignette’s validity (usually 90 days) 
• Collect BRP from the specified Post Office (for overseas applicants) 
• Register with a GP, school, or employer as needed 

Axis Solicitors can assist you throughout this entire process — ensuring that your application is accurate, timely, and supported by the strongest possible documentation.

What Can Dependants Do in the UK?

Once a Dependent Visa is granted, the holder is permitted to live in the UK for the same duration as the main visa holder. However, rights and entitlements vary depending on the type of visa the main applicant holds. It’s important for dependants to understand what they can and cannot do while living in the UK.

Below is a detailed overview of the conditions typically applied to UK dependent visa holders in 2025:

Right to Work in the UK

Most adult dependants (partners/spouses) are allowed to work full-time in the UK, with very few restrictions. This includes:

• Being employed or self-employed 
• Working in any sector or job role (including skilled/unskilled roles) 
• Starting a business or joining an existing one 

Exceptions apply for certain routes like student dependants, where employment may be restricted based on the course and institution. Always check specific visa rules or consult Axis Solicitors for clarification.

Right to Study

Dependants are permitted to enrol in educational institutions without needing a separate Student Visa. This applies to:

• Adult dependants pursuing higher education 
• Children attending UK schools (state or private), subject to admission rules and local council arrangements 

Access to Healthcare (NHS)

Dependent visa holders are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during their application. Once paid, this gives access to:

• NHS GP services 
• Emergency care 
• Specialist treatment (subject to GP referral) 
• Maternity services 

There are no additional NHS fees once the IHS is paid, except for standard prescription charges and other service-based costs.

Travel In and Out of the UK

Dependants can:

• Enter and leave the UK freely, provided they do not overstay and their visa remains valid 
• Travel to the UK with or after the main applicant, but not before 
• Use their biometric residence permit (BRP) or digital status as evidence at UK borders 

Access to Public Funds

Most dependent visa holders are not entitled to public funds. This includes:

• Universal Credit 
• Child Benefit 
• Housing Benefit 
• Council tax support 

Accessing public funds unlawfully can lead to visa curtailment or refusal of future applications. If your financial circumstances change, speak to a solicitor immediately.

Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Dependants of visa holders on a route to settlement (e.g. Skilled Worker, Global Talent) may also qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after:

• 5 continuous years in the UK with valid dependent status 
• Meeting residency, English language, and Life in the UK test requirements 
• Not exceeding 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period 

Axis Solicitors regularly assists families with long-term settlement planning to ensure both the main applicant and dependants qualify for ILR at the appropriate time.

Common Reasons for UK Dependent Visa Refusals

Despite the straightforward structure of the dependent visa process, a significant number of applications are refused every year due to avoidable errors, weak evidence, or misinterpretation of the rules. Understanding these pitfalls is essential if you’re hoping for a successful outcome on the first attempt.

At Axis Solicitors, we frequently assist clients who come to us after receiving a refusal — and in most cases, the issues could have been avoided with the right legal support from the outset.

Here are the most common reasons for refusal and how we help prevent them:

1. Inadequate Evidence of Relationship

The Home Office applies strict scrutiny to claims of marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationships — especially in cases where the couple have lived apart or met online.

Why it’s refused:

• Missing or insufficient relationship evidence 
• Lack of communication logs or proof of cohabitation 
• Contradictory statements between main applicant and dependant

2. Financial Documents Do Not Meet Requirements

Many applications are refused because the bank statements or payslips provided:

• Do not cover the correct 28-day period 
• Show unexplained large deposits 
• Are not in the applicant’s or sponsor’s name 

3. Conflicting Information Across Forms and Evidence

Inconsistencies between what’s written in the application and what the documents show — even if minor — can lead to rejection.

 

4. Accommodation Concerns

If there is no clear evidence that the dependant will be adequately housed, the application may be rejected under the suitability requirements.

Common issues:

• No tenancy agreement or proof of ownership 
• Overcrowding concerns 
• No accommodation inspection report 

5. Failure to Meet English Language Requirements

For spouses/partners, not meeting the minimum English language standard or submitting the wrong certificate can derail your application.

 

6. Previous Immigration History Not Disclosed

If the applicant has previously overstayed, been refused, or had a visa cancelled — and does not declare it — this is often treated as deception.

 

By working with Axis Solicitors, you benefit from a legal team that anticipates these issues and helps you prepare a flawless, credible, and fully compliant visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Understanding how dependent visas work is crucial before applying, especially as UK immigration rules can be complex and frequently updated. Below are the most commonly asked questions we receive at Axis Solicitors from families and individuals looking to reunite in the UK.

1. Can dependants work in the UK?

Yes, in most cases. If you are a dependant of a Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or Student visa (postgraduate) holder, you are generally allowed to work in the UK without restrictions. This includes full-time or part-time employment, self-employment, and even setting up your own business — unless otherwise specified on your visa conditions.

2. How long does a UK Dependent Visa last?

Your visa is generally granted for the same length of time as the main visa holder.
If they have a 3-year Skilled Worker visa, your dependent visa will also be valid for 3 years. When the main applicant extends or switches their visa, you must apply to extend your dependent visa at the same time.

3. Can dependants apply from inside the UK?

Yes, in many cases. If you are already in the UK on a visa that allows switching (e.g. student or work visa), you may apply to become a dependant of a family member who holds a qualifying visa. However, you cannot switch from a visitor visa or short-term visa inside the UK — you must apply from outside the country.

4. What happens if a dependent visa is refused?

You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons.
Depending on your case, your options may include:

• Administrative review 
• Reapplication with stronger evidence 
• Appeal 

5. Can dependants switch to another visa category later?

Yes, A dependant may switch to another visa category (e.g. Skilled Worker or Student) if they meet the eligibility criteria. This allows for long-term flexibility in case your personal or professional circumstances change.

6. Can children go to school in the UK on a Dependent Visa?

Yes, Dependent children can enrol in UK schools — state or private — without needing a separate visa. This includes primary, secondary, and, in some cases, nursery-level education. You may need to show proof of address and visa status during school admissions.

7. Do dependants have access to NHS services?

Yes, once the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid.
All dependants, like the main applicant, are entitled to use NHS services such as GP visits, emergency care, and maternity care. Prescription charges and some dental/optical services may incur additional costs.

8. Can a dependant apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Yes — if they meet the eligibility.
Usually, after 5 years of continuous residence, a dependant can apply for ILR, provided:

• Their relationship with the main applicant is still genuine 
• They meet English language and Life in the UK requirements 
• They have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period

Start Your UK Dependent Visa Application with Confidence

Bringing your family to the UK is a major decision — and one that should be handled with expert legal support. At Axis Solicitors, we’re committed to helping you navigate the UK dependent visa process smoothly, whether you’re applying for the first time, extending a visa, or switching categories.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation with one of our immigration lawyers. Let us help you reunite your family in the UK — the right way.