Applying for a UK visa is rarely just about one person. For many applicants, the real concern is whether their partner or children can join them in the UK and how complex that process might be.
The UK dependant visa route allows eligible family members to live in the UK with a main visa holder. While the concept sounds straightforward, the rules vary widely depending on the visa type, family structure, and personal circumstances. Errors can lead to refusals, long delays, or painful family separation.
This guide explains UK dependant visa requirements, who qualifies, how to apply, costs, processing times, common refusal reasons, and crucially how dependant visas work for blended families, including stepchildren and children from previous relationships.
Summary: UK dependant visas at a glance
- UK dependant visas allow spouses, partners, and children to join a main visa holder in the UK.
- Common qualifying routes include Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, and certain Student visas.
- You must prove a genuine relationship and financial dependency.
- Applications require careful preparation of relationship, identity, and financial documents.
- Blended families, stepchildren, and shared custody cases face extra scrutiny and higher refusal risk.
- Processing times range from 3-12 weeks, and costs include visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Expert legal advice from immigration lawyers can significantly reduce the risk of refusal and delays.
What is a UK dependant visa?
A UK dependant visa allows certain family members of a main visa holder (the primary applicant) to live in the UK. Dependants usually include:
- A spouse or civil partner
- An unmarried partner
- Children under 18
- In limited cases, children over 18 who remain financially dependent
A dependant’s immigration status is directly linked to the main applicant’s visa. This means the dependant can only remain in the UK for as long as the main visa holder has valid immigration permission. If the main visa expires, is curtailed, or is refused, the dependant’s visa will usually expire at the same time or be curtailed as well. In many cases, dependants may be required to leave the UK unless they qualify to switch into another visa route in their own right.
Who qualifies as a dependent in the UK visa system?
Partners
You may qualify as a dependant if you are:
- Married or in a civil partnership with the main applicant
- An unmarried partner who has lived with the main applicant for at least two years in a relationship akin to marriage
The Home Office must be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and ongoing, meaning it was not entered into solely for immigration purposes and continues at the time of application. Caseworkers will assess the history of the relationship, how long you have been together, whether you live together (or genuinely intend to do so), and how you present yourselves as a couple in everyday life. Inconsistent information, limited evidence, or relationships formed very shortly before an application can raise concerns and lead to refusal if not properly explained.
For a more detailed breakdown of what counts as strong relationship evidence, read our guide on how to prove a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Children
Children can qualify as dependants if they:
- Are under 18 on the date of application
- Are not married or in a civil partnership
- Do not live an independent life
Children over 18 may qualify only if they already hold dependant status in the UK and remain financially dependent.
Which visa routes allow a UK dependant visa?
Not all UK visa categories permit dependants, so it is important to check eligibility before applying. Only certain work and study routes allow partners and children to join the main applicant in the UK.
1. Work visas
The most common work routes that allow dependants include:
- Skilled Worker visa, one of the most widely used routes for bringing partners and children to the UK
- Health and Care Worker visa allows dependants, although only for certain visa holders. As of March 2024, care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136) cannot bring dependants
- Global Talent visa, suitable for individuals recognised as leaders or potential leaders in their field
- Innovator Founder visa, for entrepreneurs establishing an innovative business in the UK
- Scale-up visa available to individuals working for eligible high-growth UK companies
These routes generally allow dependants to live in the UK for the same length of time as the main visa holder, provided all relationship and eligibility requirements are met.
2. Study visas
Dependants may also be permitted under limited student routes, including:
- Student visas for postgraduate research programmes, such as PhD or doctoral-level courses
- Government – sponsored students studying in the UK
Under these routes, dependants are usually restricted to partners and children and must meet specific criteria.
Temporary routes such as Visitor visas, Graduate visas, and many short-term or temporary work visas do not allow dependants. Applying under the wrong visa category is a common reason for refusal.
Legal tip: If you are unsure whether your visa allows dependants, it is strongly recommended to check this before applying. Many applicants assume dependants are permitted, only to face refusal, delays, and additional costs later.
How can I apply for a dependant visa in the UK?
A UK dependant visa can be submitted at the same time as the main applicant’s visa or after the main visa has been granted.
Application steps
- Confirm that the main visa route allows dependants
- Prepare relationship and dependency evidence
- Complete the online dependant visa application
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Attend a biometric appointment
- Upload supporting documents
- Await a decision
Dependants can apply from outside the UK or, in some cases, from within the UK.
What documents are required for a UK dependant visa application?
The exact documents depend on the visa route and family relationship, but commonly include:
Partner documents
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Evidence of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
- Relationship history documents
- Passports and immigration status documents
Child documents
- Full birth certificate
- Evidence of parental responsibility
- Proof that the child lives with the applicant
- School or medical records where relevant
General documents
- Main applicant’s visa information
- Financial evidence where required
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
What is the relationship proof for a UK dependant visa?
Relationship proof demonstrates to the Home Office that your family relationship is genuine.
Strong evidence includes:
- Official certificates
- Joint financial documents
- Tenancy agreements or shared addresses
- Photos over time
- Communication records if living apart
For children, the focus is on who has parental responsibility and where the child primarily lives.
What is the cost of a UK dependant visa application?
Costs typically include:
- Visa application fee (varies by route and location)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (charged per year of the visa)
For families, total costs can be substantial, making it essential to avoid refusals and reapplications.
How long does it take to apply for a dependant visa in the UK?
Typical processing times are:
- Outside the UK: approximately 3-12 weeks
- Inside the UK: around 8 weeks
Priority services may be available depending on the application location and visa type.
Why is a UK dependant visa rejected?
UK dependant visa applications are commonly refused where the Home Office is not satisfied that the eligibility requirements have been fully met. Typical refusal reasons include:
- Insufficient relationship evidence
Where documents do not clearly demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship between the dependant and the main applicant
- Failure to prove financial dependency
Particularly for children or adult dependants, where financial support is unclear or inconsistent
- Unclear custody or parental responsibility
Especially in cases involving children from previous relationships or shared custody arrangements
- Financial requirements not met
Where income, savings, or maintenance thresholds are not properly evidenced
- Incorrect visa route selected
Applying under a route that does not permit dependants or does not match the family’s circumstances
Applications involving blended families, stepchildren, or children from previous relationships are subject to closer scrutiny by the Home Office. These cases carry a higher risk of refusal if consent, custody arrangements, and dependency evidence are not clearly documented and carefully presented.
Need help avoiding a UK dependant visa refusal?
Navigating evidence requirements, financial thresholds, and blended family complexities can be tricky. Our experienced immigration lawyers at Mulgrave Law can review your case, guide you on the correct visa route, and ensure your application is presented clearly to reduce the risk of refusal. Contact us today to protect your family’s chance to stay together in the UK.
UK dependant visas for blended families
Blended families are one of the most complex areas of UK immigration law. These families often involve relationships that go beyond a traditional nuclear family and require careful documentation and planning. A blended family may include:
- Stepchildren – children from a partner’s previous relationship who are living with the family
- Children from previous relationships – who may already have legal arrangements or custody orders with other parents
- Shared custody arrangements – where children split time between parents in different households
- Non-accompanying biological parents – whose consent may be required for the child to move to the UK
The Home Office’s primary concern in these cases is whether the child’s move to the UK is lawful, consensual, and genuinely in their best interests. Case workers closely examine parental responsibility, custody agreements, living arrangements, and financial dependency. In blended family applications, missing or unclear documentation can significantly increase the risk of refusal, so thorough preparation and legal guidance are essential.
Can stepchildren be included on a UK dependant visa?
Yes, but additional evidence is required. You will usually need to show:
- The child is part of your household
- You have sole or shared parental responsibility
- The child is financially dependent on you
- Consent from the other biological parent, where applicable
UK visa for children from previous relationships
Applications involving children from previous relationships often require:
- Court orders or custody agreements
- Consent letters from the non-travelling parent
- Evidence of where the child normally lives
- Proof that relocation is in the child’s best interests
Shared custody and dependant visas
Shared custody does not automatically prevent a dependant visa, but it raises concerns for the Home Office. Clear evidence addressing living arrangements and parental consent is essential.
Which visa routes allow UK dependant visas for blended families?
Blended family dependants are most commonly accepted under:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Global Talent visa
- Innovator Founder visa
- Certain Student visa categories
Each route applies dependency rules differently, making tailored legal advice particularly valuable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about UK dependant visas
1. Can dependants apply separately for a UK visa?
Yes. Dependants can apply at a later date, provided the main applicant already holds valid UK immigration status under a visa route that allows dependants. This is common where family members need more time to prepare documents, make travel arrangements, or join the main applicant after they have already moved to the UK.
When applying separately, dependants must still meet all eligibility requirements, including proving the family relationship, financial dependency (where required), and compliance with the specific visa route rules. The dependant’s visa will usually be granted to expire on the same date as the main applicant’s visa, rather than starting a new period of stay.
For blended families, this often applies to stepchildren or children from previous relationships who may need additional time to obtain consent from a non-accompanying parent, finalise custody arrangements, or gather supporting legal documents.
It is also important to ensure the application is submitted before the main applicant’s visa expires and under the correct visa category, as applying under the wrong route or without adequate evidence can lead to refusal.
2. Can my child join me in the UK after I arrive?
In many cases, yes. Children can apply to join a parent in the UK after the main applicant has already arrived, provided the parent holds valid immigration permission under a visa route that allows dependants.
However, all dependency and relationship requirements must still be met. This includes proving the parental relationship, the child’s financial dependency, and that the child does not live an independent life. The Home Office will also assess whether the child will live with the parent in the UK.
For blended families or children from previous relationships, additional evidence is often required. This may include custody orders, parental responsibility documents, and written consent from the non-accompanying parent. Where there are shared custody arrangements, the Home Office will closely examine whether the child’s relocation to the UK is lawful and in the child’s best interests.
As with all dependant applications, the child’s visa will normally be granted to match the expiry date of the parent’s visa, so timing and careful preparation are important to avoid refusal or delays.
3. Can dependants work or study in the UK?
In most cases, yes. Dependants of UK visa holders are generally permitted to work and study in the UK, provided this is allowed under the conditions of their dependant visa. This includes full-time and part-time employment, as well as enrolment in education.
However, there may be some restrictions depending on the main visa route. For example, dependants are usually not permitted to work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches, and certain public funds may remain restricted.
For child dependants, studying in the UK is normally permitted, and children can attend state or private schools in line with their immigration status.
4. How long can dependants stay in the UK?
How long a dependant can remain in the UK depends on the visa route held by the main applicant. For most temporary work and study visas, a dependant’s permission to stay will usually end on the same date as the main visa holder’s visa.
For settlement routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, or family visas under Appendix FM, dependants may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once they have completed the required qualifying residence period and continue to meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
In visa categories that do not lead to settlement, dependants cannot usually remain in the UK beyond the route’s overall time limit unless they successfully switch into another visa category.
How can immigration lawyers help with a UK dependant visa?
UK dependant visas often appear simple but become complex very quickly, particularly where children, stepchildren, or blended families are involved.
An experienced immigration lawyer can:
- Confirm eligibility under the correct visa route
- Identify refusal risks before applying
- Advise on complex family and custody arrangements
- Structure evidence clearly and persuasively
- Reduce delays, refusals, and unnecessary costs
Why choose Mulgrave Law?
Mulgrave Law regularly advises individuals and families on:
- UK dependant visas for spouses and children
- Stepchild and blended family applications
- Skilled Worker and family-linked visas
- Complex dependency and parental responsibility cases
We combine legal expertise with a practical, human approach because immigration decisions affect real families, not just paperwork. Book a consultation today with our experienced immigration lawyers at Mulgrave Law to ensure your application is complete and correctly presented. We’ll guide you step by step, giving your family the best chance to stay together in the UK.
Key takeaways
- UK dependant visas allow eligible partners and children to join a main visa holder, but not all visa routes qualify.
- Clear evidence of relationship and dependency is essential.
- Blended family and stepchild applications require additional care and documentation.
- Processing times and costs vary, so planning ahead is crucial.
- Early legal advice can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
If you are unsure whether your family qualifies or your circumstances are complex, speaking to an immigration lawyer early can save time, stress, and expense.