UK Dependant Visa: Bringing Families Closer Across Visa Categories
Explore the key alterations to Dependant Visa regulations implemented in 2024 and their implications for prospective applicants. Gain insights into eligibility shifts, application procedures, and crucial considerations amidst these evolving requirements.
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Understanding the UK Dependant Visa
The United Kingdom's Dependant Visa allows immediate family members of certain visa holders to join them in the UK. Various visa categories, including work, study, business, and ancestry visas, permit the primary visa holder to bring their dependant family members along. The immigration rules refer to two types of visas: the PBS Dependant visa and the Dependant visa. While both visas serve the same purpose of enabling dependant family members to accompany the main visa holder to the UK, the PBS Dependant visa specifically applies to those holding points-based visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
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New Dependant Visa Rules for 2024
In 2024, the UK will introduce new rules for Dependant visas. From January 2024 onwards, international students will no longer be permitted to bring dependants to the UK unless they are enrolled in a PhD program or a postgraduate research course. Additionally, from March 11, 2024, care workers and senior care workers will no longer be eligible to bring dependants.
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Eligibility for a UK Dependant Visa
You must be an immediate family member of a qualifying immigrant in order to be eligible for a dependent visa. According to Immigration Rules the "dependent" is defined as:
- Husband, wife, or civil partner
- Unmarried or same-sex partner
- Child under 18 years of age at the time of application
- There is very little chance that any other family members would be able to get dependent status under the Dependant Visa.
As the spouse or partner of someone who is one of the following, you are eligible to apply for a Dependant Visa:
- Currently in the UK on a relevant visa, or
- Applying for a visa simultaneously with your Dependant Visa application
- Same-sex or unmarried partners must demonstrate that they have been in a genuine, subsisting relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
Children are eligible to apply for a Dependant Visa if:
- When both parents submit separate applications for entry clearance, or
- The child is applying to come live with their parents in the UK, or
- One parent is already in the UK, and the other parent is applying for entry clearance along with the child
Children can only apply for a Dependant visa for a sole parent if:
- The parent is the only surviving parent, or
- The parent is alone in charge of raising the child, or
- There are serious or compelling reasons for the child to exceptionally apply as the dependant of only one parent
A key requirement for the Dependant Visa is that the family has sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds. For instance, if the main applicant is applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, they will need to demonstrate savings of £285 for the dependent partner, plus an additional £315 for the first dependent kid and £200 for each other child. However, if an A-rated Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence holder can certify that these funds will be made available, the applicant may not need to provide proof of funds availability.
Fees for a Dependant Visa in the UK
The dependant applicant must pay the same visa fee as the primary applicant. Immigration Health Surcharges apply to each dependent as well; the current rates are £624 for adult applicants and £470 for minor applicants annually. A £19.20 biometric enrolment fee is required throughout the United Kingdom.
Below are the fees for dependents of skilled workers:
Skilled Worker dependent – 3-year visa – entry clearance – £610
Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation List) – 3-year visa – entry clearance £464
Skilled Worker dependant – 5-year visa – entry clearance £1,220
Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation List) – 5-year visa – entry clearance £928
Skilled Worker dependant – 3-year visa – leave to remain – £704
Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation List) – 3-year visa – leave to remain £464
Skilled Worker dependant – 5-year visa – leave to remain £1408
Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation List) – 5-year visa – leave to remain £928
Entry Clearance and Leave to Remain Fees for dependents of other visa categories, such as Health and Care Visa, Sole Representative, Innovator, Ancestry, Intra-Company Transfer Graduate Trainee, and Temporary Workers, can be found on the Home Office’s current fee list.
Validity and Conditions of a Dependant Visa
Generally, dependant visas are issued for the same amount of time as the primary visa holder. The dependent visa will also be issued for two years, for instance, if the primary visa holder holds a two-year visa.
Owners of dependent visas are permitted to live, work, study, and travel around the United Kingdom with great freedom. Crucially, dependents can work in the UK without needing sponsorship and can switch occupations and employers without requesting approval from the Home Office.
However, Dependant visa holders cannot apply for public funds, such as benefits, while in the UK.
How Claim Time Immigration Solicitors Can Assist with Your UK Dependant Visa Application
The qualified lawyers at Claim Time Immigration Solicitors have extensive experience in processing successful UK Dependant Visa applications. They understand the complexities involved and provide clear legal advice and representation to improve the chances of your Dependant Visa application being approved.
Claim Time Immigration Solicitors’ first-rate customer service ensures that you receive the help and understanding you need through every stage of your application. From the initial consultation until you receive the decision on your visa, they will guide you through each step, keeping you constantly updated on the progress of your application.
Why Choose Claim Time Immigration Solicitors?
- Experience & Expertise: Specialized immigration attorneys offering personalized guidance tailored to your immigration process.
- Customized Solutions: Individualized attention and tailored solutions to meet your unique immigration needs.
- Guidance Through the Process: Expert consultants providing clarity and support through every step of the spouse visa application process.
- Timely Updates: Immigration lawyers delivering timely updates on your case’s status to keep you informed of any developments.
- Strategic Advice: Immigration attorneys offering strategic advice to navigate the immigration system successfully.
- Legal Representation: Advocacy at immigration hearings, appeals, and legal proceedings to uphold your rights and interests.
- Transparent Pricing and Billing Practices: Adherence to transparent pricing and billing practices, ensuring clarity on all costs involved from the outset.
- Multilingual Support: Multilingual support services enabling successful access for clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Commitment to Success: Dedicated to achieving optimal results, prioritizing client satisfaction and success in each case.
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Frequently asked questions
Since January 2024, most international students cannot bring dependants unless enrolled in a PhD or postgraduate research program. Additionally, care workers and senior care workers cannot bring dependants from March 11, 2024.
Yes, but only in limited circumstances, such as being the sole surviving parent or having exceptional reasons.
Yes, dependants can work without sponsorship and can switch jobs freely.
Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the application process, improve your chances of success, and provide clear legal advice.
We offer assistance from initial consultation to the visa decision, including guidance on each step and keeping you updated on progress.
Yes, depending on your circumstances and the main visa holder’s status. Claim Time Immigration Solicitors can advise you on the possibilities.
Yes, you can generally travel outside the UK, but you will need to meet re-entry requirements. Claim Time Immigration Solicitors can advise you on these requirements.
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