1. What is the UK Dependent Visa?
The UK Dependent Visa allows family members of certain visa holders in the UK to join them and live in the country. This visa category applies to dependents of people holding visas such as the Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, Tier 1 Visa, or other valid UK visas. Eligible dependents include spouses, unmarried partners, and children under 18. The visa enables dependents to live, study, and in most cases, work in the UK.
In 2024, new rules have been introduced, impacting eligibility, work rights, and application processes for dependents, particularly in the context of changes in immigration policy after Brexit.
2. Who Can Apply for the UK Dependent Visa?
Under the new rules for the UK Dependent Visa, dependents eligible to apply include:
- Spouses or civil partners of the main visa holder.
- Unmarried partners (must prove a minimum of two years of cohabitation).
- Children under 18 years old, including biological, adopted, or stepchildren.
These individuals can apply if their family member holds a valid UK visa such as a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, Global Talent Visa, or any other eligible visa category.
3. UK Dependent Visa New Rules for 2024
The UK immigration system has seen several changes recently, affecting dependents of visa holders. Here are the key new rules for the UK Dependent Visa in 2024:
1. Work Rights for Dependents
- Skilled Worker Visa dependents: Dependents of Skilled Worker Visa holders are allowed to work in the UK without restrictions. This includes taking up full-time or part-time employment, self-employment, or voluntary work.
- Student Visa dependents: The new rules for Student Visa dependents allow them to work only if the primary visa holder is studying at postgraduate level (NQF Level 7 or higher) at a recognized higher education institution. Undergraduate student dependents may not have full work rights.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Updates
- Dependents are still required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). As of 2024, the IHS is £624 per year, but dependents of students and youth mobility visa holders pay £470 per year.
3. Maintenance Requirements for Dependents
- Dependents of visa holders must show that they have adequate financial support without relying on public funds. The new rules update the maintenance funds required:
- Spouse/Partner: Must show proof of £285.
- First child: Must show proof of £315.
- Each additional child: Must show proof of £200.
Funds must be held for 28 days before applying for the visa, and in some cases, the main visa holder’s sponsor may certify maintenance to meet these requirements.
4. Dependents of International Students: New Restrictions
- As part of the post-Brexit immigration changes, dependents of international students are now subject to more stringent eligibility rules. Only postgraduate students enrolled in research-based courses or those at NQF Level 7 or above can bring dependents to the UK. This rule aims to reduce the number of dependents arriving with international students.
5. Minimum Stay for Children to Apply
- New rules emphasize that dependent children of visa holders must generally have resided with their parent(s) for a significant part of their life to be eligible for the dependent visa. This rule particularly applies to children of those who have obtained UK settlement or indefinite leave to remain.
4. Documents Required for UK Dependent Visa
Applicants for a UK Dependent Visa will need to provide several documents to prove their relationship with the main visa holder and meet the visa requirements. Here’s a list of the essential documents:
- Valid passport: For each dependent applying.
- Proof of relationship:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate for spouses or partners.
- Birth certificate for dependent children.
- Cohabitation evidence for unmarried partners (e.g., joint bills, tenancy agreements showing at least two years of living together).
- Proof of funds: Bank statements or a letter from the visa holder’s employer confirming financial support.
- Certificate of sponsorship (CoS) or main visa holder’s details.
- Proof of accommodation: Confirmation that the family has sufficient living arrangements in the UK.
- English language proficiency (if applicable for some partners).
All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
5. Application Process for UK Dependent Visa
Here’s how to apply for the UK Dependent Visa under the new rules:
Step 1: Gather Documents
Collect the required documents, including passports, proof of relationship, financial evidence, and proof of the main visa holder’s status in the UK.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online UK Dependent Visa application on the UK government visa portal. Choose the category based on the main visa holder’s status (Skilled Worker, Student, etc.).
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee and IHS
The application fee for dependents is around £490, depending on the visa type and duration. Don’t forget to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year or £470 for certain visa types like student dependents.
Step 4: Biometrics Appointment
After submitting the application, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application center to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
The processing time for UK Dependent Visas varies, but it usually takes 3 to 8 weeks. In some cases, applicants can opt for priority processing for a faster decision (within 5 working days), for an additional fee.
Step 6: Receive Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Once approved, you will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which allows you to live, work, or study in the UK for the duration of the visa.
6. UK Dependent Visa Fees in 2024
The application fees for a UK Dependent Visa vary depending on the visa category and duration of stay. As of 2024, the fees are approximately:
- Standard Dependent Visa Fee: £490 (for most categories).
- Priority Processing Fee: £500 (optional for faster processing).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year or £470 for dependents of students or youth mobility visa holders.
Note that these fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.
7. Work and Study Rights for Dependents in the UK
Dependents of Skilled Worker Visa holders can generally work and study in the UK without restrictions. They can take on full-time employment, start a business, or pursue education. However, there are restrictions for dependents of Student Visa holders, as mentioned in the new rules. Only dependents of postgraduate students (at Level 7 or above) can work.
Dependent children can attend UK schools and, in some cases, may qualify for domestic tuition rates at universities if the family has been living in the UK for a certain period.
8. Pathway to Settlement for UK Dependent Visa Holders
Dependents of visa holders may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence in the UK. To apply for ILR, dependents must meet the following conditions:
- They must have lived in the UK for at least five years on a Dependent Visa.
- They must meet the continuous residence requirement, meaning they should not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
- They must pass the Life in the UK Test and demonstrate proficiency in English (if not exempt).
Once ILR is granted, dependents can live in the UK indefinitely and later apply for British citizenship after meeting additional residency requirements.
Conclusion
The new rules for the UK Dependent Visa in 2024 have introduced significant changes, especially for dependents of students and workers. By understanding these updates, including work rights, financial requirements, and application processes, dependents of visa holders can successfully apply to join their family members in the UK. Whether you are a spouse, partner, or child of a UK visa holder, the UK Dependent Visa offers a pathway to live, work, and study in the UK with your family.