UK Dependent Visa for Spouse

UK Dependent visa allows spouses (wife or husband) of UK visa holders to move to the UK, where they can live, work, and study without restrictions.

If you hold an eligible UK visa, your wife or husband can apply to join you or stay in the UK as a dependant. If applying together, they'll need to complete a separate application. If their application is successful, their visa will typically expire on the same date as yours.

If you need assistance with the UK Dependant visa application for your spouse, contact our immigration solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or fill in our enquiry form.

Table of Contents

What is a UK Dependent Visa?

The UK Dependant visa allows spouses (wife and husband) to join their partner, who holds an eligible UK visa, allowing families to live together in the UK.

There are two main categories of dependent visas:

1. PBS Dependant Visa
2. Dependant Visa

1.    PBS Dependant Visa

The PBS Dependant visa category allows Skilled Workers and other points-based visa holders to bring their dependants to the UK.

2. Dependant Visa

Dependant visa applies to family members of UK visa holders, including those on work, student, business, and ancestry visas.

Both types of dependant visas aim to reunite families with the main UK visa holder but apply to different visa categories.

Changes to UK Dependent Visa Rules (2024)

In 2024, the UK government introduced stricter rules on dependants of international students and health and care workers to control migration levels and prevent the misuse of the policies.

Restrictions for International Students (Effective January 2024)

Since January 2024, most international students are no longer allowed to bring their dependents (spouse, partner, or children) to the UK. However, only students enrolled in PhD programs or postgraduate research degrees can still bring their dependants.

The UK government introduced this rule to control migration levels and prevent the misuse of student visas for family migration.

Restrictions for Care Workers & Senior Care Workers (Effective 11 March 2024)

From 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers on the Health and Care Worker visa are no longer eligible to bring their dependants while working in the UK.

The government made this decision due to a significant increase in dependants accompanying care workers, which impacted migration policies.

Benefits of a UK Dependent Visa for Spouses

The UK Dependent visa offers several benefits to the spouses including allowing them to live, work, study, and apply for settlement (ILR) after a certain period.

UK Dependent visa allows spouses to:

• reunite and stay with their partner who holds a valid UK visa
• work without restrictions (full-time, part-time, or self-employed)
• access to healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS)
• access education at UK schools or universities
• travel freely in and out of the UK
• apply for permanent residency (ILR) after 5 years (if eligible)

Requirements for UK Dependent Visa

To apply for a UK Dependent visa as a spouse, you must meet certain requirements including relationship, accommodation, and maintenance funds.

To qualify for a UK Dependent visa as a spouse:

• Your partner must hold an eligible UK visa
• You must be legally married to a UK visa holder
• You must have a genuine and subsisting relationship
• Your partner must have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK
• You and your partner must have adequate accommodation in the UK
• You need to provide tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)

Duration of Stay on a Dependent Visa

The duration of stay on a UK dependent visa for a spouse typically depends on the length of the main visa holder’s stay.

If the main visa holder has a visa for a specific period (e.g., 2 years for a Skilled Worker visa), the dependent spouse will be granted a visa for the same duration.

If the main visa holder is granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR), the dependent spouse can also apply for ILR, subject to eligibility. If not, they may extend their visa under the dependent route for up to 3 years.

Work Rights for Dependent Visa Holders

Dependent visa holders are allowed to work in the UK. They may work as self-employed individuals, although there are restrictions on certain professions, such as professional sports and medical training.

Money You Need to Support Yourselves

If you are applying for a UK dependent visa as a spouse, you must meet the financial requirement unless your sponsor certifies maintenance. You need at least £285 to support yourself while in the UK.

The money must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days, and the final day of this period must be within 31 days of applying for the visa.

You do not need to meet this requirement if you have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months.

English Language Requirements for UK Dependent Visa

There is no requirement to demonstrate English language proficiency when applying for a UK dependent visa as a spouse.

This means as a dependent, you do not need to provide proof of English language proficiency as part of the visa application process.

Adequate Accommodation Requirement

As a requirement of your UK Dependent visa, you are required to provide proof of accommodation that complies with UK living standards during your stay.

The UK visa holder, who acts as your sponsor, will need to show that he or she can provide adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependents who intend to live in the UK.

Documents Required for a UK Dependent Visa

For a successful UK Dependent visa as a spouse, you must provide documents such as a passport, marriage certificate, accommodation details, and bank statements.

You will need to provide:

• Your valid passport
• Your marriage certificate
• Proof of accommodation (e.g., tenancy agreement)
• Proof of maintenance funds (e.g., bank statement)
• A tuberculosis (TB) test result (if applicable)
• The result of a criminal record check (if applicable)
• Additional documents depending on your circumstances

Required Documents from the UK Visa Holder (Your Sponsor)

Your sponsor must provide:

• Valid passport or travel document
• BRP card or eVisa (if applicable)
• Proof of immigration status in the UK
• Evidence of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate)
• Evidence of maintenance funds
• Proof of adequate accommodation
• Additional documents depending on your circumstances

How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

To apply for a UK Dependent visa, you need to follow these steps:

1. Assess Your Eligibility
2. Gather Supporting Documents
3. Submit Online Application
4. Attend Your Biometric Appointment
5. Wait for a Decision

1. Assess Your Eligibility

Before applying for a UK Dependent visa, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Contact Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535 for an eligibility assessment.

2. Gather Supporting Documents

You will require various supporting documents to submit alongside your UK Dependent visa application, including proof of relationship, accommodation, and maintenance funds.

Some applicants must mail their supporting documents to a processing centre. Others might upload copies online, depending on their location.

3. Submit Online Application

You must apply online through the UK government website, ensuring you provide accurate and detailed information to avoid delays.

You will also need to pay the UK Dependent visa application fee and NHS Surcharge at this stage.

Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees.

4. Attend Your Biometric Appointment

Book an appointment at your nearest visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.

5. Wait for a Decision

Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application.

Processing Time for UK Dependent Visa

In 2025, the UK Dependent visa takes up to 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside. However, Priority service may be available for faster processing.

A UK Dependent visa's processing time can vary depending on the case's complexity and the country from which you are applying.

Priority Service for UK Dependent Visa Applications

How Much is the Fee for a UK Dependent Visa?

The standard UK visa fee varies based on the duration of stay and the location of the application.

The UK Dependent visa fee as a spouse is £719 per person for up to 3 years if applying from outside the UK, and £827 per person for applications inside the UK.

In addition to the visa application fee, applicants must pay the NHS (National Health Service) surcharge of £1,035 per year.

Immigration Solicitors for UK Dependent Visas

Our experienced immigration solicitors offer expert legal advice for UK Dependent visa applications, maximising your chances of approval.

Our immigration solicitors in London will:

• Assess your eligibility and explain the application process.
• Advise about the required supporting documents.
• Fill out UK Dependent visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid delays or rejections.
• Organise and submit the complete application package.
• Handle correspondence and enquiries with UKVI on behalf of the applicant.
• Track the application's progress, provide updates, and address any concerns to expedite processing.

Solicitors’ Fee for Legal Assistance with UK Dependent Visa

Our immigration solicitors in London charge a fixed fee between £1,000 - £1,200 for complete legal services regarding UK Dependent visa applications.

At Vanguard Solicitors, we offer affordable legal services related to UK visa applications on a fixed fee basis with no hidden costs or nasty financial surprises.

Need Legal Assistance with Your UK Dependent Visa?

For legal advice or assistance with your UK Dependent visa, contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0208 616 5535 or email info@vanguardlaw.co.uk.