UK Dependent Visa New Rules 2025

From 2024 onward and into 2025, the UK immigration framework has introduced a number of changes that affect the UK Dependent visa and related family visa routes. Notably:

• On 11 March 2024, the Government introduced new immigration rules that prevent new applicants in the care worker (SOC 6145) and senior care worker (SOC 6146) roles from bringing family members to the UK. This restriction applies to all new Health and Care Worker Visa applications in these roles.
• However, the change does not affect those who were already granted a visa in this route before the rule change. Existing workers can continue to sponsor dependents under transitional protections.
• From 22 July 2025, there are further amendments affecting Dependents of work-route visa holders (for example, under the Skilled Worker route), including tighter criteria for “medium-skilled” roles and when Dependents may apply.
• Other changes relate to eligibility for Dependents, processing times, visa fees, and digital status for Dependents (e-visa rollout).

It is essential to check the latest version of the rules when you apply, because the eligibility for bringing a UK dependent visa is now more closely tied to the main visa holder’s route, occupation, and date of application.

Who Can Apply for a Dependent Visa?

A Dependent on a UK visa is usually a spouse or civil partner, an unmarried partner (in certain circumstances), or a child under 18 if they’re outside the UK (an older child is allowed if they’re already in the UK) of a person who holds an eligible UK visa or immigration status. For example, under the Skilled Worker visa route, the guidance states: “Your partner and children may also be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependents’.”

In practical terms:

• A partner must be married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or they must have lived together for at least two years (in applicable circumstances).
• A child who is under 18 can apply as a Dependent from outside the UK. They do not need to already hold dependent permission. A child who is 18 or over can only be included if they already have permission as a Dependent on the same route. In that case, they can extend their Dependent visa from inside the UK, but they cannot make a first-time Dependent application from outside the UK.
• The main visa holder must hold a route that allows dependents (some occupations and visa types now limit this). For example, some “medium-skilled” or care-worker routes no longer permit dependents if the main applicant begins their visa on or after certain dates.
• For care workers and senior care workers, there is a complete ban on new Dependents for anyone who starts their visa on or after 11 March 2024. Only workers who already held permission in these roles before 11 March 2024 retain the right to bring or extend Dependents under transitional protections.
• A similar rule now applies to certain medium-skilled roles. If the occupation no longer permits Dependents under the updated immigration rules, applicants who enter the route after the relevant rule change date cannot bring new Dependents. Those who already held permission before the change may continue to do so under transitional arrangements.
• These restrictions make it essential to check the occupation code and the applicant’s first grant date before confirming whether Dependents are allowed.

If you are unsure whether your route allows a Dependent visa UK, you should seek advice or refer to official guidance.

UK Dependent Visa Requirements

When applying for a UK dependent visa, you will need to meet several primary requirements.
These broadly cover:

• Proving your relationship to the main visa holder (spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner).
• Showing the main visa holder is on a qualifying UK visa route that permits dependents.
• Meeting financial requirements to ensure the Dependent will be maintained without recourse to public funds (though for many work-route Dependents, the requirement is minimal).
• Providing documents that confirm identity, relationship, immigration history and genuine intention to live together, as well as any mandatory checks such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) and a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if the applicant is from a country where these are required.
• Complying with any additional rules applicable to the specific visa route (for example, occupation code thresholds, visa expiry alignment, life-cycle rules).
• It is important to emphasise that the exact requirements vary depending on the main applicant’s visa route, the occupation, and when they applied. Always use the up-to-date Immigration Rules or official Home Office guidance.

UK Dependent Visa Application Process

Here is a step-by-step overview of how to apply for a Dependent  visa in the UK:

1. Check eligibility – confirm that the main visa holder’s route permits dependents and that you meet the relationship and age criteria.
2. Complete the online application form – Dependents apply either from outside the UK (entry clearance) or from within the UK (if switching or extending). Use the correct visa category (dependent of work route, student route, etc.).
3. Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – this includes the cost of the Dependent visa UK application.
4. Book and attend a biometric appointment – fingerprints and photo at a Visa Application Centre.
5. Upload or submit supporting documents – identity, relationship, financial evidence, address, and immigration history.
6. Wait for a decision – in many cases, the decision is given within eight weeks or less for dependents outside the UK, but it depends on the route.
7. Processing times differ depending on where the dependent applies from.
   • Outside the UK: For Dependents of Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker routes, the standard processing time is usually around 3 weeks.
   • Inside the UK: In-country dependent applications normally take around 8 weeks under the standard service.
     Priority and super-priority services may be available in some locations for faster decisions.
8. Receive permission – if approved, the visa will normally run for the same length as the main visa holder’s, and the Dependent may travel or stay accordingly.

Many providers or recruitment agencies assist with every stage of the UK dependent visa application to ensure accuracy and speed.

Dependent Visa Financial Requirements

The financial requirement for a Dependent visa UK varies strongly depending on the main visa route. For example, under the Skilled Worker Dependent route, the main applicant (or Dependent ) may only need to show funds such as £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child, held for 28 days.

• By contrast, the UK Family Visa under Appendix FM (for the spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person) now requires a minimum income of £29,000 for most new partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024.
• The previous threshold of £18,600 still applies only in transitional cases, meaning applicants who first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner under protected rules.
• When applying as a Dependent under a work visa route, you must show that the required maintenance funds have been held for at least 28 consecutive days within the 31 days before the applicant submits their biometrics. The Home Office checks the balance on the most recent statement, so you must provide up-to-date evidence that clearly covers the full 28-day period.
• If the balance drops below the required amount at any point during those 28 days, the application may be refused. Many refusals happen because applicants provide old statements or do not meet the full 28-day requirement.

UK Dependent Visa Documents Checklist

Below is a commonly required documents checklist for a UK Dependent visa; additional documents may be required depending on your route:

• Valid passport(s) of the Dependent and main visa holder
• A recent photograph of the dependent
• The Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN) of the main applicant, so that the dependent’s application can be linked.
• Evidence of relationship: marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate, or proof of partnership for unmarried partners.
• For children: birth certificate, evidence of dependency if aged over 18, if you’re already inside the UK and applying for an extension of the visa
• Proof of residence together (utility bills, rental agreement, bank statements) – It is a mandatory document for both inside-UK and outside-UK applications. Additionally, if the application is being submitted from outside the UK, then both the main applicant’s address proof and the address proof of the dependent applicant must be provided.
• Bank statements showing funds held for the required period (if applicable)
• Biometric appointment confirmation
• Proof that the main applicant’s visa route allows dependents and that they are in a valid status
• If applicable: translation of documents not in English or Welsh
• Any route-specific documents (employment contract of main applicant, letter from employer, registration with regulators).
• Ensure all documents are clear, recent, and meet the Home Office’s requirements to reduce the risk of delays or refusal.

How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

To proceed with your application:

1. Determine whether you are applying from outside the UK (entry clearance) or inside the UK (extension or switching).
2. Visit the appropriate Gov.UK application page for a dependent visa of the relevant route (for example, a dependent of a Skilled Worker or a dependent of a Student).
3. Fill in the correct online form, pay the fee, pay the IHS if required, and upload documents.
4. Book and attend your biometric appointment as indicated.
5. Submit your application and await a decision. Keep your contact details and address updated.
6. Once approved, you or the Dependent may travel to/dwell in the UK, and you will receive the visa decision, sometimes as an e-visa or digital status.
7. Taking care to prepare thoroughly and early will help you avoid common pitfalls such as insufficient funds, missing relationship evidence, or linking errors.

Dependent Visa Validity and Conditions

The validity of a Dependent visa in the UK is typically for the same duration as the main visa holder’s permission to stay. For example, if the main applicant’s visa lasts three years, the Dependent will normally be granted three years too.

Key conditions to note:

• Dependents are normally free to work or study in the UK (depending on the main visa route).
• They must not claim most public funds unless permitted.
• They must comply with any specific conditions of the route (for example, must live with the sponsor or not work in certain roles).
• You must ensure your status remains valid; if the main applicant changes route, leaves the UK, or loses status, the Dependent’s permission may be affected.
• Understanding the conditions helps you avoid unintended consequences such as visa lapse or restricted rights.

Dependent Visa to Settlement (ILR)

A Dependent who holds a UK visa route may, in many cases, become eligible for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR) either when the main applicant becomes settled or through their own qualifying route. For example, if the main applicant obtains ILR, a Dependent can apply for settlement provided they continue to meet relationship, residence, and immigration history requirements.

However, you must verify the specific settlement eligibility rules for your route because the “Dependent visa” itself does not automatically lead to ILR. Factors such as continuous residence, absence limits, type of visa, and dates of application will determine eligibility.

Common Reasons for UK Dependent Visa Refusals

Several recurring issues cause the refusal of UK dependent visa applications. Avoiding these pitfalls improves your chances:

• Insufficient financial evidence, or funds not held for the required period (for example, less than 28 days).
• Failure to demonstrate a genuine relationship or cohabitation evidence (for partnered applications).
• Applying under a route that does not allow dependents (for example, new applicants under certain care worker categories). Davidson Morris
• Using the wrong application form or failing to link the application properly to the main applicant.
• Missing or invalid documentation (wrong translations, expired passports, missing biometric info).
• Absence of maintenance accommodation or failure to show that the Dependent will be adequately housed.
• Overlooking expiry or changes in the main applicant’s status, which may invalidate the Dependent application.
• By checking these common areas, you reduce the risk of delay or refusal and improve your chance of success.

Sole Parental Responsibility for Single-Parent Applicants

For single-parent or sole-parent applications, the Home Office applies additional scrutiny. The applicant must show not only the biological or legal relationship with the child, but also that they have sole parental responsibility. This means proving they are the only parent who makes the major decisions for the child and who provides financial, physical and emotional support.
The Home Office expects clear evidence, such as:

• Proof that the other parent is not involved in the child’s life (for example, absence of contact, legal orders, or credible statements explaining circumstances).
• Court orders, guardianship documents or parental responsibility orders, where relevant.
• Evidence showing the child lives with the applicant and relies on them for daily care.
• Evidence of financial support, such as bank transfers, school fee payments or living costs.
• Letters from schools, healthcare professionals or local authorities confirming who cares for the child.

A Dependent visa may be refused if the decision-maker is not satisfied that the applicant has sole responsibility, or if evidence is incomplete or unclear.

This requirement is especially important for applicants applying from outside the UK, as entry clearance officers focus heavily on who has day-to-day control of the child.

Other UK Visa Application Services We Deliver

At WESolutions, we specialise in recruiting healthcare professionals and provide full visa application support for families. We also assist with the applicants from other sectors apart from healthcare in their dependent visa applications. Our services include:

• Assessment of eligibility for a UK Dependent  visa for the spouse/child of healthcare professionals
• Support with the UK dependent visa application process and form completion
• Guidance on UK dependent visa cost, maintenance funds, documentation checklist, and biometric requirements
• Advice on how the dependent visa links to long-term settlement (ILR) and the immigration status of the main applicant
• Holistic immigration planning for healthcare workers and their families, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations every step of the way
• Contact us today to review your circumstances and begin your family’s journey to the UK.