Spouse/partner and children
A spouse, partner and children can apply to join the main applicant to stay in the UK as dependants. If granted, their visa will end on the same date as the main applicant.
Relationship
To qualify as a dependant, you must be one of the following:
• a husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
• a child under 18 – including if they were born in the UK during the applicant stay
• a child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependant.
Evidence
• You must show proof of a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK or
• Proof of living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply.
Children who are 16 or over must:
• live with the main applicant (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)
• not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children of their own.
• be financially supported by the main applicant.
You can use the following to prove a child’s address:
• a bank statement
• credit card bills
• driving licence
• NHS registration document
• an official letter from their university or college
Money required to support themselves
The main applicant and their dependant are required to have a certain amount to meet the financial requirement.
• £285 for a dependant partner
• £315 for one child dependant
• £200 for each additional child
If the main applicant is applying at the same time they will also need £1,270 available for their own application.
The money should be available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of the visa application. Unless
• They have been living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
• the main applicant’s employer has agreed to provide maintenance for the migrant and their family on the Certificate of sponsor.
The dependants need to prove they have enough money to support themselves only if they have been in the UK for less than 1 year.
Apply from outside the UK
Each dependant has to pay the visa application fee.
• up to 3 years – £247 per person
• more than 3 years – £479 per person
All dependants applications are made online.
How long it takes to get a decision
After a visa application has been submitted and biometrics are done, it usually takes 3 weeks to get a decision
Children born in the UK
Children born whilst the main applicant is in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.
These children need to be added on the main applicant’s visa as a dependant.
The visa, if granted will allow them to travel in and out of UK.
They must be added as dependants before they turn 18 years old.
