UK Dependent Visa

A UK Dependent Visa is a specific type of visa that allows family members of a primary visa holder, such as spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18, to join and live with them in the UK. This visa enables dependents to live, work, and study in the country for the duration of the main visa holder’s stay, helping families to remain together and support each other while the primary applicant works, studies, or resides in the UK. Eligibility and requirements vary depending on the main visa category, but generally include proving the family relationship, meeting financial criteria, and intending to live together during the stay.

Who is Eligible to Apply for UK Dependent Visa?

A UK Dependent Visa is intended for immediate family members of a person who holds a temporary UK visa, such as a Student, Skilled Worker, Health Worker, or Global Talent visa. This visa allows family members to join the main applicant in the UK and, in most cases, to live, work, and study during the validity of the main visa holder’s stay.

• Spouses or civil partners
• Unmarried partners (with evidence of at least two years of cohabitation)
• Children under 18: Biological, step, or adopted children who are under 18 at the time of application and are not living independently. In some exceptional cases, children over 18 who are dependent due to disability are also eligible.

Eligibility generally requires proof of a genuine relationship, financial support without recourse to public funds, and, for partners, sometimes an English language requirement. The specific criteria may vary depending on the main visa holder’s category and the applicant’s relationship to them.

Benefits of UK Dependent Visa

• Right to live in the UK alongside the main visa holder for the visa’s duration.
• Bring wife to UK easily through a dependent visa and stay together while you work or study.
• Work and employment opportunities without needing separate sponsorship, including full-time, part-time, or self-employment (with some exceptions).
• Access to quality education for dependent children, including free primary and secondary schooling and eligibility for UK universities.
• Access to the NHS healthcare system after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, covering GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, and maternity services.
• Freedom to travel in and out of the UK multiple times during the visa validity without additional visas.
• The Dependent Visa is not a direct pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), but it may eventually lead to settlement. If the main visa holder becomes eligible for settlement, dependents can also apply for settlement, provided they meet continuous residence and other requirements.
• Legal and social rights, including employment protections, ability to open UK bank accounts, and access to certain benefits like maternity/paternity leave if employed.
• Emotional and social well-being by enabling families to stay together, supporting integration and stability in the UK.

UK Dependent Visa Requirements

A UK Dependent Visa requires applicants to meet certain eligibility criteria and submit specific documents to prove their relationship with the main visa holder and ability to support themselves in the UK. Below is a concise list of the key requirements and necessary documents:

Eligibility Requirements for UK Dependent Visa

• Proof of a genuine relationship with the main visa holder (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner with 2+ years cohabitation, or child under 18).
• Intention to live together in the UK during the visa period.
• Meeting financial requirements to support living costs without public funds (e.g., £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, plus £200 for each additional child).
• Suitable accommodation arranged in the UK.
• Dependants must apply separately and meet any specific conditions related to the main visa holder’s category.

Documents Required for UK Dependent Visa

• Valid passport and travel documents.
• Proof of relationship: marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, birth certificate, or evidence of cohabitation for unmarried partners.
• Proof of financial means: bank statements showing required funds held for at least 28 consecutive days.
• Evidence of accommodation: tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or letter confirming living arrangements.
• Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN) of the main visa holder to link applications.
• Additional documents as required, such as police clearance certificates or English language proof, depending on circumstances.

How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa from Dubai?

• Check Eligibility: Make sure you are an immediate family member (spouse, partner, or child) of a main visa holder in the UK and meet all requirements.
• Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as valid passports, proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates), proof of finances, accommodation details, and any required health or police certificates.
• Complete Online Application: Fill out the UK Dependent Visa application form online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
• Book a Biometrics Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dubai to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
• Attend Appointment: Go to the VAC on your appointment date with your documents for biometrics and, if needed, an interview.
• Wait for Processing: After submitting your application and biometrics, wait for the visa decision. Processing usually takes about 3 weeks, but times can vary.
• Receive Your Visa: Once approved, collect your passport and visa from the VAC or as instructed.

Processing Time and Cost for Dubai Applicants

 Processing Time for UK Dependent Visa (After Biometrics)

• Standard Processing (no extra fee): Up to 12 weeks for applications submitted outside the UK, including from Dubai.
• Priority Service (extra fee): Typically 6 weeks (about 30 working days) for offshore family visa applications.
• Super-Priority Service (only in UAE centres): Guaranteed decision within 24 hours if biometric appointment and application are submitted in the morning.

Fees & Costs

1. Visa Application Fee (for standard entry clearance from Dubai)

• £1,938 per main applicant and per dependent

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Approx. £1,035 per year
  • For a 33‑month visa (~2 years, 9 months), expect ~£3,105 

3. Biometrics Appointment

• Included in the visa application process; no additional fee in UAE

4. 4. Priority/Super-Priority Services (Optional)
      

      Service	Timeframe	Additional Fee
      Priority (Dubai)	~6 weeks	~£500–£600
      Super-Priority (Dubai)	Same working day	£600

How to Convert UK Dependent Visa to Settlement (ILR)?

UK Dependent Visa doesn’t directly lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), but it can pave the way. Once the main visa holder becomes eligible for settlement, dependents may also apply, provided they meet the required continuous residence period and other conditions.

1. Complete 5 Years Residence:

Live in the UK as a dependent of a qualifying visa holder (such as Skilled Worker, Family, or Global Talent visa) for at least 5 continuous years.

2. Maintain Relationship:

Prove your relationship with the main visa holder is genuine and ongoing (for spouses, partners, or children).

3. Absence Limit:

Ensure you have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your stay.

4. Meet English Language Requirement:

Pass an approved English language test at CEFR level B1 or higher, unless exempt.

5. Pass the Life in the UK Test:

Take and pass the Life in the UK test, which covers British history, culture, and values.

6. Prepare Documents:

Gather required documents such as passports, proof of relationship, evidence of residence, English test certificate, and Life in the UK test pass letter.

7. Apply Online:

Submit your ILR application online (usually using form SET(O)), upload documents, and pay the application fee.

8. Attend Biometrics Appointment:

Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the application process. Also, you may be required to attend an appointment if requested by UK Visas and Immigration.

9. Wait for Decision:

If approved, you will receive Indefinite Leave to Remain, granting permanent residency in the UK.

Common Reasons for Rejection & How to Avoid Them

Common Reasons for Rejection of UK Dependent Visa

• Incomplete or incorrect documents: Missing marriage, birth, or partnership certificates, or errors in forms, often lead to refusal.
• Insufficient financial evidence: Not providing enough proof of funds or incomplete bank statements is a frequent reason for rejection.
• Lack of genuine relationship evidence: Not submitting enough proof of a real relationship, such as photos, communication records, or joint finances, can result in refusal.
• Excessive absences: Being outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your qualifying stay can lead to rejection.
• Tax or salary discrepancies: Inconsistencies between declared income and official records, or unpaid taxes, can cause refusal.
• Failure to meet English or Life in the UK test requirements: Not passing or providing proof of these tests is a common issue.
• Non-disclosure of criminal records or immigration breaches: Failing to declare past offences or breaches can result in refusal.
• Errors or inconsistencies in the application: Any mistakes or conflicting details may lead to doubts and rejection.

How to Avoid Them

• Double-check all documents and forms for accuracy and completeness before submitting.
• Provide clear, sufficient financial evidence showing you meet the required funds.
• Gather strong relationship evidence, such as joint bills, photos, and communication logs.
• Monitor your absences from the UK and stay within allowed limits.
• Ensure tax records and declared income match and are up to date.
• Prepare for and pass required tests and submit certificates.
• Disclose all criminal or immigration history honestly.
• Review your application for errors or inconsistencies before submission.
• Get Professional Guidance: Working with trusted UK immigration consultants and experienced UK visa consultants like CanApprove can help you avoid common mistakes, speed up the process, and increase your chances of approval.