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Study Abroad Content Specialist
The UK Dependant 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 while staying with you.
Who Qualifies as a Dependant in UK?
According to the UK Dependant 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 Dependant 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 Dependant Visa qualifications, below:
Eligibility Criteria for UK Dependant Visa
Your relatives can only apply for a UK Dependant 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 Dependant Visa in UK allows a child of the student to live with their parents in UK. To be eligible for a UK Child Dependant 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.
UK Dependant Visa Fees
The mandatory fees to obtain a Dependant Visa in UK are provided below:
- UK Dependant 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 Dependant 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 Dependant 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 Dependant 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
Dependant 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 dependant 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 dependant visa before the child turns 18 to allow them to remain in the UK.
Tips for UK Dependant Visa Application Process
Here are a few points to remember while applying for UK Dependant 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 Dependant Visa allows you to live with your family while studying away from home. This visa offers a way to maintain your family support network, making your study experience more comfortable and enriching.
FAQs
Ques. Can I study in UK universities with a dependant visa?
Ans. Yes. A UK dependant visa allows you to study in the UK universities with no restrictions. However, as a dependant, if you are intending to study a program requiring ATAS clearance, you will need to obtain an ATAS certificate before commencing your program.
Ques. Can a person work as a doctor in the UK on a dependant visa?
Ans. Yes. Dependents on a UK student visa are now allowed to work as a doctor in the UK. Dependants who are allowed to work can choose any type of work including volunteering or being self employed. However, previously, students were not allowed to work as doctor or dentist in training, if they received visa permission before October 5, 2020.
Ques. How can my son get a dependant visa in the UK?
Ans. Indians on a UK student visa can take their children on a dependant visa by following the process below:
- Prove your relationship: Show evidence of a genuine parental relationship with your son, based on responsibility.
- Meet financial requirements: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support your son’s life in the UK.
- Provide proof of identity: Verify your identity and connection to your son with appropriate documentation.
- Intend to live together: Show plans to reside together in the UK.
- Provide evidence of accommodation: Submit proof of housing arrangements, such as a rental lease or mortgage statement.
- Complete the application form: Fill out and submit the application from outside the UK.
- Pay the application fee: Settle the required application fee.
- Attend a biometric appointment: If required, complete the biometric process.
- Submit supporting documents: Provide necessary documents either online or in person.
- Provide a TB clearance certificate: If staying for over 6 months and from certain countries, submit a tuberculosis test certificate.
Note: Children below 18 years of age do not need to prove English proficiency to get into the UK.
Ques. Does having a dependant visa to the UK ensure residence rights?
Ans. Yes, a dependant visa to the UK can lead to residence rights. You will become eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after a certain period of time (generally between 2 to 5 years). This will allow you to remain in the UK permanently.
Ques. How long can you stay in the UK on a visitor visa if your partner is a student there?
Ans. With a visitor visa in UK, you can stay for up to 6 months within a 12 months period. However, if you want to live with your partner in the UK for their entire duration of stay, you can get a dependant visa.
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