A dependent visa allows the immediate family members of UK visa holders or citizens to come to the UK. There are many types of visas that permit visa holders to bring their dependant family members to the UK, such as work, study, business, and ancestry visas. The immigration rules refer to two types of dependent visas: PBS Dependent visa and Dependent visa.
The UK dependent visa allows family members to join a visa holder already residing in the UK. This visa option has historically been a crucial route for families to reunite and build a life together. However, significant changes to the dependent visa category were implemented in 2023 and are continuing to roll out in 2024.
Understanding these new regulations is essential for anyone considering a UK-dependent visa. This write-up will provide you with a good understanding of UK dependent visa new rules as we explore the latest updates. So, let's get started.
Types of UK Dependent Visas:
There are various UK-dependent visas, each with specific eligibility criteria. Some common types include:
Eligibility for a UK-dependent visa depends on the type of visa you're applying for and the immigration status of the main visa holder. Generally, you'll need to demonstrate a genuine relationship with the main visa holder, meet financial requirements to support yourself, and have valid travel documents.
The most impactful changes target Student Dependent Visas. Previously, most students could bring their families with them. However, under the new rules, bringing dependents is generally not permitted for undergraduate students on Tier 4 (General) visas.
Exceptions exist for students in specific government-sponsored programs or those enrolled in postgraduate research programs (PhD).
The core requirements remain largely unchanged for other dependent visa categories, such as partner, child, and parent.
The application process for a UK-dependent visa involves several steps:
The specific documents you'll need will vary depending on your situation. However, some common documents include:
If you follow the immigration requirements for this visa you will be given permission to stay indefinitely in the United Kingdom. Dependency Visa holders can apply for British Naturalization as a citizen of the UK after continuously spending 5 years in the UK.
Under the new rules implemented in January 2024, undergraduate students on a Tier 4 (General) visa generally cannot bring their dependents to the UK.
The new rules won't affect your current status if you already hold a valid UK Dependent Visa. You can continue living and studying in the UK under the terms of your existing visa. However, if you wish to extend your visa or switch to a different category, you must comply with the latest regulations.
It takes around 15 working days to process the UK Dependent Visa if the application is made from outside the UK. It depends on the immigration history of the applicant. If the application is made from within the UK, then it takes around 8 weeks for the postal.
A UK Tier 2 Visa holder can apply for their unmarried partner/civil partner/spouse and dependent kids to join them in the UK. The dependents’ period of leave will be the same as that of the principal Tier 2 applicant. They will also be in a position to work in the UK without any curbs.
For the UK, if the spouse visa applicant is not from a majority English-speaking country and does not have a legitimate degree, they may be required to take an approved English language examination to demonstrate that they meet the English language criteria.
The English language test must be approved by the Home Office and administered by a Secure English Language Testing (‘SELT’) provider. Only Trinity College London (UK only) or the IELTS SELT Consortium offer SELT tests (UK and overseas).
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