Dependant applications allow eligible partners and children of a main applicant on a qualifying work, study or other immigration route to come to or remain in the UK.
Many UK immigration routes permit dependants, but this is not universal. The eligibility rules, financial requirements, work conditions and length of permission depend on the main applicant’s route.
A dependant’s permission will usually end on the same date as the main applicant’s permission. However, different rules may apply where parents have different visa expiry dates, the main applicant obtains settlement, or a dependant applies separately at a later date.
Before making family arrangements, it is important to confirm that the main applicant’s route permits dependants and that each partner or child meets the relevant requirements.
Depending on the route, the following family members may qualify:
Each family member must make a valid application and satisfy the requirements of the relevant immigration route.
The requirements may include:
A separate adequate-accommodation requirement does not apply universally. The precise financial and accommodation requirements must be checked under the main applicant’s route.
Usually, where the route permits dependants. Applying together can simplify the coordination of the applications and supporting evidence.
Dependants may also be able to apply separately after the main applicant has received permission. However, they must still satisfy the requirements at the date of their own application, and their permission will usually end on the same date as the main applicant’s existing permission.
On many work and study routes, a dependant partner is permitted to work, including in employment or self-employment. However, route-specific restrictions may apply.
For example, Skilled Worker dependants are generally permitted to work but cannot work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches. Study may also be subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme where applicable. The conditions of the particular route should be checked before employment or study begins.
This requires careful assessment. Under routes applying the “both parents” requirement, both parents must normally be applying at the same time, already have qualifying UK permission or be settled in the UK.
Exceptions may apply where:
Written parental consent may also be required. However, consent from the other parent does not by itself necessarily satisfy the separate “both parents” eligibility requirement.
Possibly. A child who made their first dependant application before turning 18 may usually apply to extend their permission after turning 18, provided they continue to satisfy the relevant requirements and have not formed an independent life.
A person aged 18 or over generally cannot make a first application as a dependant child merely because they remain financially supported by their parents.
A dependant’s permission does not necessarily end automatically on the same day that the main applicant loses their job, stops studying or experiences another change of circumstances. It normally remains valid until its stated expiry date unless the Home Office cancels it.
However, the Home Office may consider cancelling the dependant’s permission, and the dependant may no longer be eligible to extend under that route. A relationship breakdown must also usually be reported where a partner’s visa is based on that relationship.
If the main applicant obtains settlement through the same qualifying route, eligible dependants can often continue extending their dependant permission until they qualify for settlement themselves. The available options should be checked before a new application is made.
Yes. Significant current restrictions include:
The main applicant’s exact route, occupation, course, application date and immigration history should therefore be checked before any dependant application is prepared.
