UK Dependent Visa Eligibility | Who Can Apply?

The UK Dependent Visa could be your gateway to keeping your family together while building a future abroad. Whether you're an Indian professional on a Skilled Worker Visa or a student pursuing higher education in the UK, this visa allows your partner and children to join you legally.

What is a UK Dependent Visa?

A UK Dependent Visa allows family members of someone already in the UK on a valid visa to join or stay with them. It helps families live together while the main visa holder works or studies in the UK.

Why Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

• Stay together as a family in the UK

• Spouse/partner can work (in most cases)

• Children can study in the UK

• Access to healthcare (NHS) via IHS payment

• Path to permanent residency (ILR) if eligible

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify for a UK Dependent Visa if you are the spouse, civil partner, or long-term unmarried partner of the primary visa holder. 

To be considered an unmarried partner, you must have lived together in a committed relationship—similar to a marriage or civil partnership—for at least two years, and you’ll need to provide proof of this. 

Children under the age of 18, whether biological, adopted, or stepchildren, can also be included as dependents. 

However, children aged 18 or over are only eligible if they are already in the UK with valid permission as a dependent of the main applicant.

Who is the Main Applicant?

The main applicant (also called the sponsor) must hold or apply for one of the following UK visa types:

• Skilled Worker Visa

• Student Visa (for eligible postgraduate courses)

• Health and Care Worker Visa

• Global Talent Visa

• Innovator Founder Visa

• Representative of an Overseas Business Visa

• Other Work or Business Visas

Documents Required

Here are the key documents you’ll need:

For Partners:

• Passport

• Marriage/civil partnership certificate

• Or proof of living together for 2+ years (joint bills, rent, photos, etc.)

• English language proof (CEFR A1 level or above)

For Children:

• Passport

• Birth certificate

• Proof child is not married and dependent on parents
  
  

Additional Documents:

• TB test certificate (if staying over 6 months from India)

• Financial proof (bank statement, sponsor letter, salary slips)

• Proof of accommodation in the UK

• GWF or UAN of the main applicant

Funds Required (Maintenance Requirement)

For Skilled Worker Dependents:

• £285 – for the partner

• £315 – for the first child

• £200 – for each additional child
  Funds must be held for 28 days before applying.

For Student Visa Dependents:

• £680 per month (up to 9 months) per dependent

• Or £6120 total per dependent if staying 9 months
  
  

Standard Processing:

• 3 to 12 weeks
  Depends on the main applicant’s visa category and individual circumstances.

Priority Processing (Optional):

• 5 to 30 working days
  Available at an extra cost (subject to eligibility and location).
  
  

 Pro Tip: Apply early and double-check all documents to avoid delays or rejections.

 How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa from India

• Check Sponsor’s Eligibility

  Ensure the main applicant (your spouse, partner, or parent) has or is applying for an eligible UK visa.

• Gather Required Documents

• Relationship proof (e.g. marriage/birth certificate)

• Financial documents

• Accommodation details

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if staying over 6 months)

• English language certificate (if required for partners)

• Complete the Online Application

• Go to the official UK government website: GOV.UK

• Fill out the visa application form for each dependent

• Link the application with the main applicant’s GWF/UAN number

• Pay Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Visa fee varies by visa type

• IHS gives access to NHS healthcare in the UK

• Book a Biometric Appointment

• Schedule your appointment at a VFS Global centre in India

• Provide fingerprints and photograph

• Submit Documents

• Upload online (if applicable)

• Or carry originals/scanned copies to your VFS appointment

• Attend an Interview (if required)

• Some applicants may be called for an in-person interview

• Track Your Application

• Use VFS or UKVI platforms to check your visa status

10 Common UK Dependent Visa Interview Questions & Answers

1. Q: Why do you want to go to the UK?
   A: To join my spouse who is working/studying in the UK.

2. Q: What is your relationship with the main applicant?
   A: [Spouse/Partner/Parent/Child], and I have supporting documents to prove it.

3. Q: How long have you been married/living together?
   A: We’ve been together for [X years], with shared documents and photos.

4. Q: What does your sponsor do in the UK?
   A: They are working/studying under a [Visa type] in [City].

5. Q: Have you traveled abroad before?
   A: Yes/No. (Be honest. Provide previous visa details if applicable.)

6. Q: Do you plan to work in the UK?
   A: Yes/No, depending on the visa type. (Partners on most work visas are allowed to work.)

7. Q: Who will take care of your child (if applicable)?
   A: Both parents will share responsibilities in the UK.

8. Q: Where will you live in the UK?
   A: We’ve arranged accommodation at [Address], and proof is included.

9. Q: How will you support yourself financially?
   A: The sponsor has sufficient income/savings as per UKVI rules.

10. Q: Will you return to India after the visa ends?
    A: Yes, unless we’re eligible and apply for visa extension or settlement.

Conclusion:

The UK Dependent Visa allows spouses, partners, and children of main visa holders to live in the UK. Eligible applicants include legally married or long-term unmarried partners (living together for 2+ years) and children under 18. Those over 18 may qualify only if they’re already in the UK as dependents.