UK Dependent Visa: Fees, Eligibility, Extension, Switching

Q: What are the financial requirements for dependants on a UK student visa?

Dependants must have 845 (INR 92,400) per month (up to nine months) for courses in London or 680 (INR 74,358) per month outside London. Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days within 31 days before applying.

Q: How can a dependant apply from outside the UK?

Dependants can apply online, using the main applicants Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN). They will also need to attend a biometric appointment and collect a Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days of their planned arrival in the UK.

Q: What fees do dependants need to pay for their visa?

Dependants must pay 490 for the visa fee, as well as a healthcare surcharge. They will also need to provide their biometric information, though there is no additional fee for this.

Veda Burman

| Updated On - Nov 5, 2024

The UK Dependent Visa provides an opportunity for relatives of Indian students planning to study in the UK to live with them. You can take your spouse, partner, or children to join you during your studies, with this visa. To be eligible for this visa, the dependant should have proof of relationship in the form of registered certificates with a person having UK student visa.

For a dependant to stay with you in UK, they need to provide proof of funds - £845 (INR 92,457) for at least 9 months. With this visa, your partner will be able to work and study in the UK with few restrictions. It also allows your children to attend public or private schools in UK.

Table of Contents

UK Dependent Visa Fees
Application Process for Dependants Outside the UK
Application Process for Dependants Inside the UK
UK Dependent Visa Stay Duration
Dependent Visa for Children Born in UK
FAQs

Who Qualifies as a Dependant in UK?

According to the UK Dependent Visa policy, dependants of students studying in UK should fall under one of the following categories:

Your partner:
- Husband, wife, or civil partner
- Unmarried partner (with evidence of a stable relationship)
Your child under 18:
- Includes children born in the UK during your stay.

Relationship Proof Requirements: To apply for a UK Dependent Visa, students will require the following documents to verify their relationship with the dependant:

Marriage or civil partnership certificate for a spouse or partner.
Birth certificate for your child.

Check details of UK Dependent Visa qualifications, below:

UK Dependent Visa Qualifications

Read: Requirements for Study Visa in UK

Eligibility Criteria for UK Dependent Visa

Your relatives can only apply for a UK Dependent Visa if any one of the following conditions are met:

You are a government-sponsored student starting a course lasting over six months.
You are enrolled in a postgraduate course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts nine months or longer.

Note: For courses starting on or after January 1, 2024, dependants are only allowed if your course is:

A PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8)
A research-based higher degree.

UK Child Dependant Document Requirements

The Child Dependent Visa in UK allows a child of the student to live with their parents in UK. To be eligible for a UK Child Dependent Visa, your child must be:

Unmarried and not in a civil partnership
Living with you, unless they are studying away from home in a full-time capacity (e.g., at a boarding school).

For proof of their residence, provide two of the following documents:

Bank statement
Credit card bills
Driving licence
NHS registration document
Official letter from their educational institution.

If your child contributes to rent or living expenses in UK, you should include relevant financial details.

Financial Requirements for Dependants in UK

Each dependant of a student in UK must show evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves. Funds must be held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. The end date of this period must be within 31 days of the application date.

The amount of this fund varies depending on the following study location:

Study Location	Amount Required Per Month (Up to 9 months)	Equivalent Cost for Indians (INR)
London	£845	92,343
Outside London	£680	74,311

Exemptions from Financial Proof:

Dependents do not need to show proof of fund availability if they have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.
Certain nationalities fall under the “differential evidence requirement,” meaning financial proof may not be required, but it can still be requested by UKVI.

Check: Proof of funds for UK student visa

UK Dependent Visa Fees

The mandatory fees to obtain a Dependent Visa in UK are provided below:

UK Dependent Visa fee: £490 (INR 53,593)
Healthcare surcharge: Varies depending on visa duration; calculate at NHS surcharge calculator (Usually £776 or INR 84,874).

Dependants will have to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) but this process does not require any fee.

Check: UK Student Visa Cost

Application Process for Dependants Outside the UK

Dependants in UK must apply online, either as your partner or as your child. The dependant will need your application reference number, known as the Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN) to apply for their visa.

The steps to apply for a UK Dependent Visa are as follows:

Step 1: Application Submission - Complete the online application as your partner or child.
Step 2: Biometrics Appointment - Schedule a biometric appointment at a visa application center for fingerprinting and photos.
Step 3: Collection of Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) - Dependants must collect their BRP within 10 days of their planned arrival in the UK.

Know More: UK Student Visa Processing

Application Process for Dependants Inside the UK

Dependants applying from within the UK must use the online portal. These dependents will also be able to apply only as your partner/spouse or child. The application process includes:

Step 1: Submitting your application reference number (GWF or UAN).
Step 2: Booking an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point for biometrics.
Step 3: Upload supporting documents, either online or at the UKVCAS appointment.

Note: Dependants should avoid international travel while their application is processed, as it may be withdrawn otherwise.

Check: UK Visa Rejection Reasons

UK Dependent Visa Stay Duration

If approved, dependants will receive a visa valid until the same end date as the student’s visa. However, dependants can apply to extend or switch their visa:

At the same time as you apply for your own student visa extension.
Any time before their current visa expires.

Note: Certain visa types cannot switch to a Dependent Visa from within the UK, such as:

Visit visa
Short-term student visa
Parent of a Child Student visa
Seasonal worker visa
Domestic worker in a private household visa

Also Check: UK Student Visa Types

Dependent Visa for Children Born in UK

If a child is born in the UK during your study period, they do not automatically gain British citizenship. You must apply for a dependent visa for them if you plan to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

Documents Required for Indian Children Born in UK:

Provide a full UK birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
Submit an application for dependent visa before the child turns 18 to allow them to remain in the UK.

Tips for UK Dependent Visa Application Process

Here are a few points to remember while applying for UK Dependent Visa to maximize your chance of success:

Apply early: Processing times may vary, so apply well before your intended travel date.
Check financial proof requirements: Hold the necessary funds for at least 28 days to avoid application delays.
Verify supporting documents: Ensure relationship and residence documents are recent and valid.
Avoid travel during processing: Travelling during visa processing can lead to an application withdrawal.

Check: UK Visa Timeline

The UK Dependent Visa allows you to live with your family while studying away from home. joins you smoothly while you pursue your studies in the UK. This visa offers a way to maintain your family support network, making your study experience more comfortable and enriching.

FAQs

Ques. Who can bring dependants on a UK student visa?

Ans. You can bring dependants if you are a government-sponsored student enrolled in a course lasting over six months or a full-time postgraduate student (RQF level 7 or above) enrolled for nine months or longer. For postgraduate courses beginning on or after January 1, 2024, only PhD or research-based degrees qualify.

Ques. What family members can become dependants on a UK student visa?

Ans. Eligible dependants include a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner, and children under 18 years of age. A birth certificate for children and marriage or partnership documents for partners are required to confirm the relationship.

Ques. What are the financial requirements for dependants on a UK student visa?

Ans. Dependants must have £845 (INR 92,400) per month (up to nine months) for courses in London or £680 (INR 74,358) per month outside London. Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days within 31 days before applying.

Ques. Do dependants need to provide proof of funds if they have been in the UK for over 12 months?

Ans. No, if a dependant has resided in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, they are exempt from proving financial means. Certain nationalities may also be exempt under the ‘differential evidence requirement.’

Ques. How can a dependant apply from outside the UK?

Ans. Dependants can apply online, using the main applicant’s Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN). They will also need to attend a biometric appointment and collect a Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days of their planned arrival in the UK.

Ques. What fees do dependants need to pay for their visa?

Ans. Dependants must pay £490 for the visa fee, as well as a healthcare surcharge. They will also need to provide their biometric information, though there is no additional fee for this.