by If your spouse, partner, or child/ren lives outside the United Kingdom, they may qualify for a visa to join you overseas. However, a proof of relationship is required, such as your marriage or civil partnership certificate or your child’s birth certificate. Getting this type of visa can be tricky, as its application process differs from other types of UK visas. In this regard, we’ll walk you through how to apply for a dependent visa for the UK.
Here are the steps to obtain a United Kingdom Dependent Visa:
- Start your application via GOV.UK’s website.
- Select your country of origin as shown on your passport or travel document and click the Continue button.
- Choose “Join partner or family for a long stay” as the reason why you want to visit the UK and click Continue.
- Select Yes, provided the type of UK immigration status your spouse/partner or family member possesses is among the list (British citizenship, settlement, a Turkish worker or businessperson visa holder, or a settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.). Then click/tap the Continue button.
- Follow the prompts to complete your visa application.
Be aware that you’ll have to send your spouse or parent(s) your Unique Application Number (UAN). You can find it in the emails and letters sent by the Home Office after completing your application.
They will also have to visit a UKVCAS service point to provide their fingerprints and a photograph.
What are the Requirements for a Dependent Visa in the UK?
To qualify for a UK dependent visa, you must currently be:
- a government-sponsored student enrolled in a program or course lasting for six months or more,
- or a full-time student on a postgraduate program/course (RQF level 7 or above) with a duration of at least nine months
Supposing your postgraduate studies will commence on or after January 1, 2024, it must be a research-based degree or a doctorate program (RQF level 8), such as PhD.
To support your dependent visa application for the UK, you must hold the following documents without any exceptions:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Recent bank statement
- Birth certificate (If you’re a child under 18 years old)
- Marriage certificate (If you’re applying to reunite with your spouse)
- Letter of consent from the other parent who is not on the trip (Required by a dependent child)
- Evidence of payment for the Healthcare Surcharge
- Proof of visa fee payment
Related: How To Extend Student Visa In The UK.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a UK Dependent Visa?
Getting a dependent visa for the United Kingdom requires you to pay an application fee of £490. You’ll also have to pay a healthcare surcharge whose cost varies.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Dependent Visa in the UK?
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) takes up to 12 weeks to process dependent visa applications submitted from outside the United Kingdom. Therefore, we advise you to apply at least three months before your intended departure date.
With a valid dependent visa, you can visit the UK or stay longer. Upon arrival, you may also convert your dependent visa to a work permit in the United Kingdom.
