UK Dependent Visa - Dhrron Consultancy

This type of visa allows dependents of a primary student visa applicant or holder in the UK to live and stay with them during their studies. Students are eligible to bring their dependents to the UK on a dependent visa.

Who qualifies as a Dependent?

Your husband
Your wife
Registered Civil Partner
Unmarried Partner (you must prove that the applicant and partner have lived for a minimum of 2 years together)
Your child (under age 18 on the date of your application)
If child 16 or 17 on the date you apply, then you must provide specific information and documents.
Children over 18 are considered only if they are already in the UK and applying for an extension.

Note:

You and your partner must intend to stay together throughout your stay in the UK.
If you want to apply for dependent children, both parents must apply to come to the UK or be in the UK. There are very few exemptions in this case.
Your partner must not intend to live in the UK for longer than the period you are allowed to stay.

Who can bring dependents? (You primary applicant or student visa holder or applicant)

If you are applying for or already hold a Tier 4 student visa, then –

The course of study must be a full-time post-graduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts for a minimum of 9 months or longer.
New government-sponsored student, and the duration of the course is more than 6 months.
Doctorate Extension Scheme

Note: If your postgraduate level course starts on or after January 1, 2024, it must be
a PhD or other doctorate (RQF Level 8). or
a research-based higher degree

Fund Requirements:

Dependents must show that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses. The amount of money your dependents will need is based on where you are studying.

If the primary applicant is studying inside London-£ 845 a month (for up to 9 months).
If the primary applicant is studying outside London-£ 680 a month (for up to 9 months).

If you are applying together as a family, you must prove that you have enough money to support you for your studies as well as your family. If dependents (spouse, partner, and/or child) are applying after you, they must prove that they have enough money to support themselves.

Funds must be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. The end of your 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date they apply for their visa.

If you have a student loan or sponsorship, then you must have evidence to prove the same, and if the loan does not cover your dependents, you must show evidence of proof of funds to support them.

Exceptions: Some applicants are exempt from providing financial support in a few cases. But they might be asked to show evidence before a decision on their application is granted. If required, the applicant will be contacted by UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) after submission of the application.

Work Requirements:

Eligible Dependents of tier 4 visas in the UK are allowed to work full-time without any restrictions. In most cases, they are also allowed to study on a dependent visa.

When to Apply:

Dependents may apply at the same time as the primary student visa application, or they may apply separately afterwards.

Visa Fees if applying from outside the UK:

Approx. £379 (INR 38,347)

You can check the amount of visa fees applicable to your dependent’s situation via the below link.

https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y/india/inr/study/all

Health Surcharge:

Your dependents will be required to pay a health surcharge. The payment for the health surcharge is to be made before the visa application. The health surcharge will depend on the duration of the stay. Generally, it ranges from £470 to £940.

You can check the amount of health surcharge applicable to your dependent’s situation via the below link.

https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/Type

Children born in the UK:

Babies born in the UK are allowed to have free health services for three months. After that, a charge will be applied. So it is advisable to pay an immigration health surcharge to access NHS services.

Biometrics:

Dependents will need to complete biometrics and have their photo taken at UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services). Supporting documents for the application are also required to be submitted online or scanned at UKVCAS. Dependents may also apply for a faster decision if eligible. Tuberculosis screening is required for Indian applicants.

Processing Time if applying outside the UK:

Usually within three weeks.

Visa Validity:

If the application is successful, dependents can live in the UK until the primary applicant’s visa validity.

Please Note: The above-mentioned details are only a summary and not legal advice. The information is subject to change based on changes made by GOV. UK Visas and Immigration. Contact Dhrron Consultancy for more information. We ensure the best of our services.