UK Family Dependant Visas

Dependant visas allow those that depend on family members who either:

• are settled in the UK, that is, hold Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain, or
• have Limited Leave to Remain in the UK, such as an Ancestry visa, HSMP, a Work Permit, Tier 1, Tier 2, or a Student visa, to name a few

to obtain a UK visa or Settlement. Family Dependency visas allow you to apply for either a Residence Permit or Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Dependant visa

UK Family Dependency visas allow relatives of UK nationals and settled people to live in the UK.

The most common categories for family dependant applications are parents and grandparents. Parents or grandparents who wish to come to the UK together, where one is at least 65 years of age may apply. A widowed parent or grandparent who is at least 65 years of age may also apply.

If you are already financially dependant on a family member in the UK, then the rules are not as strict. Parents and grandparents do not need to be at least 65 years of age, if they are living in the most exceptional compassionate circumstances alone. Another example is that of a parent or grandparent who has remarried, but is not able to seek financial assistance or rely on their new family members.

If you are the child, sibling, aunt or uncle of a UK national or a settled person, and you are living alone in exceptional circumstances, you may also qualify for a dependancy visa if you are already financially dependant on your relative in the UK.

Before an application for a UK dependant visa can be approved, you will need to show that the person you wish to become dependant on in the UK has the means and is willing to support you. They must also be willing and able to support any of your dependants who will travel with you.

There are seperate rules for spouses, finaces/fiancees, same-sex civil partners, proposed same-sex civil partners, and unmarried partners.

There is generally no time limit on UK dependency, as you will be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain if you meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules.

Once you have obtained Settlement you are entitled to apply for naturalisation as a UK citizen after you have held Permanent Residence for one year prior to the application for Citizenship.

Dependant of a person with a UK visa

You may qualify for a residence permit if you are the spouse, unmarried partner or child under the age of 18, of a UK visa holder.

There are seperate rules for staying in the UK on this basis, or entering the UK on this basis.

Do I need a lawyer?

It can be very frustrating to make a dependency visa application only to find out when you receive the decision that your application did not contain the correct documentation and explanation to ensure approval. Our lawyers understand the requirements of the Immigration Rules well and will ensure that a convincing application is presented to the authorities on your behalf. If you would like further information and personal advice on the family dependency visa, please complete our simple query form.