STUDENT DEPENDENT VISA: RULES AND REQUIREMENTS

If you are an international student in the process of securing your study visa, you may wish to bring your family members to join you during your studies. The UK government has specific requirements that must be met for dependents to join you. At Asher and Tomar Solicitors, we understand that navigating visa regulations can be complex, so we provide up-to-date information on eligibility, financial requirements, and application procedure.

Who can be dependent on a student Visa?

The UK Home Office defines “dependents” of student visa holders as:

• A spouse or civil partner
• Unmarried Partner
• A child under 18 years old (including those born in the UK during your study).

WHO CANNOT APPLY AS A DEPENDENT (student dependent)?

From 1 January 2024, most new international students cannot bring dependents unless they are:

• Studying a PhD, doctorate, or research-based higher degree (RQF Level 8)
• A government- sponsored student studying a course lasting over 6 months.

Master’s students (RQF Level 7) no longer qualify to bring dependents.

Extended family members (e.g., parents, siblings) cannot apply as dependents.

PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP FOR SPOUSE

-Marriage or civil partnership certificate (translated if not in English)

-Cohabitation Proof (for unmarried partners)- rental agreements, utility bills, or bank statement showing shared address for 2+ years

-A letter from both parents confirming the authenticity of the relationship.

SPOUSE’S WORK RIGHTS IN THE UK

If the student is studying a PhD or research-based degree, the spouse can work full-time.

CHILD AS A DEPENDENT (STUDENT DEPENDENT)

A student visa holder can bring their child under 18 if:

1. Both parents are in the UK or applying at the same time.

Exception: If one parent is deceased, the student visa holder has sole responsibility, or there are serious compelling reasons for the child to live in the UK with one parent.

• The child is not married or in a civil partnership.
• The child will live with the student visa holder during the stay.
•  

PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP FOR CHILDREN

You must provide:

-A birth certificate or adoption certificate

-Proof of a sole parental responsibility (if only one parent is applying)

-A letter explaining the child’s care arrangement in the UK

CHILD’S RIGHTS IN THE UK

Dependent children can attend UK state school for free.

They cannot work full-time but can take part-time if over 16.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS:

To ensure you can support your dependents in the UK, you must prove you have sufficient funds:

In London:

 £845 per month for each dependent (up to a maximum of 9 months)

Total: £7,605 per dependent.

Outside London:

£680 per month for each dependent (up to a maximum of 9 months)

Total: £6120 per dependent

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application date.

Exception:

If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you are exempt from financial proof.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR A DEPENDENT VISA

 When applying for a UK Student Dependent Visa you must provide:

1. Valid passport for each dependent
2. Proof of relationship

-Marriage or civil partnership certificate (translated if not in English)

-Cohabitation Proof (for unmarried partners)- rental agreements, utility bills, or bank statement showing shared address for 2+ years

-A letter from both parents confirming the authenticity of the relationship.

-Birth Certificate (for dependent children)

• Proof of financial support

Bank statement, official scholarship/ scholarship letter or parental financial support proof

• TB test certificate (If required based on the applicants country)
• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the main student applicant.
• Proof of student’s visa status (e.g., BRP card or visa)  

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SPOUSE AND CHILD

Step 1: Online Application

Student Dependents must apply via the UK Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children

Application fee for each dependent:

Standard Visa Service: £490

Priority Visa Service: £500

Super Priority Visa Service: 1000

Each dependent must pay the HIS fee to access NHS health care in the UK

Current Cost: £776 per year fee each dependent.

Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents

Step 3: Biometric Appointment

Step 4: Decision Processing

Standard Processing time: 3-8 weeks

Priority services: 5 working days

 HOW WE CAN HELP

Navigating UK immigration rules can be challenging, especially with frequent updates and stringent requirements. Our experienced solicitors can assist you with:

• Personalized Advice.
• To make a student dependent visa application
• Document preparation and verification.
• Support in case of refusals.

Contact Asher & Tomar Solicitors should you wish to apply for a student dependent visa, as our expert immigration solicitors in London have dealt with lots of student dependent visa applications.