In 2025, the UK Dependent Visa remains a critical pathway for the families of international students and skilled workers who wish to relocate together. Whether you are a postgraduate student, a qualified professional, or a government-sponsored applicant, this guide explains the latest rules, eligibility criteria, costs, and rights of dependents in the UK.
A UK Dependent Visa enables eligible family members, including partners and children, to join or accompany a main visa holder in the UK. The rules have evolved, especially for student dependents, in 2025.
Who Is Eligible for a UK Dependent Visa?
You can apply for a dependent visa in the UK if you are:
- The husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner of the main visa holder.
- The child under 18 years old (including those born in the UK during your stay).
- A child over 18, only if they are already in the UK with leave as a dependent.
UK Dependent Visa New Rules in 2025
As of July 27, 2025, the UK government updated the rules for dependents joining international students and workers. These changes, introduced under White Paper 2025, aim to reduce net migration and tighten eligibility requirements for certain visa categories.
Student Visa Holders: Who Can Bring Dependents?
In 2025, the UK has narrowed the criteria for students bringing family members:
- Allowed: Students enrolled in a PhD or research-based postgraduate course (RQF Level 8) lasting at least 9 months.
- Allowed: Students on government-sponsored full-time programs lasting more than 6 months.
- Not Allowed: Students studying taught Master’s degrees, unless the course is officially government-funded.
Important: If you started your course before January 1, 2024, you may still be eligible under the previous rules.
Care Workers and Senior Care Workers :
Since March 11, 2024, care workers can only bring dependents if:
- They received their Skilled Worker visa before March 11, 2024, and
- They’re still working in the same job or with the same employer.
Medium-Skilled Jobs: New Restrictions
If you’re working in a medium-skilled occupation (but not in care):
- You cannot bring dependents under the new Skilled Worker rules unless you:
- Had your Skilled Worker visa before July 22, 2025
- Are still on that visa, renewing it, or changing jobs within the same occupation code
This rule impacts many applicants, so always check your visa category before applying.
Who Can Still Bring Dependents?
You can still bring your spouse and children if you are:
- A Skilled Worker (non-care role)
- A Global Talent Visa holder
- On an eligible long-term work visa
Make sure you meet the financial and relationship proof requirements when applying.
UK Dependent Visa Requirements in 2025
Documents Needed:
- Marriage or birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Your visa reference number (GWF or UAN)
- Proof of funds (see below)
- Proof that the child lives with you (e.g., NHS letter, bank statement)
Financial Requirement:
Each dependent must show £680 per month (up to 9 months):
– £6,120 for a visa longer than 9 months.
Exemption: Dependents in the UK for 12 months or more on a valid visa don’t need to show proof of funds.
UK Dependent Visa for Spouse and Children
Spouses and children can accompany students and workers who meet eligibility. You must show evidence that:
- Marriage certificate for spouses
- Birth certificate for children
- Proof you live together if unmarried partners – An unmarried partner if you have been in a relationship similar to marriage or a civil partnership for at least 2 years. This would normally be evidenced by having lived together for the 2 years before making the visa application.
Each dependent will receive a visa that expires on the same date as yours.
UK Dependent Visa Cost
- Visa application fee: £524 (per person)
- Healthcare surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (same as main applicant)
- Optional priority services (varies by location)
Student Dependent Visa in the UK
In 2025, student dependents are only allowed if the student:
- Is enrolled in a PhD or doctorate program (RQF 8)
- Is government-sponsored and has been studying for more than 6 months
This change limits dependent eligibility for most taught Master’s programs.
Do I Need IELTS for a UK Dependent Visa?
Can Dependents Work Full-Time in the UK?
Can I Switch from a UK Dependent Visa to a Work Visa?
Apply for a UK Dependent Visa From Inside or Outside the UK
Children Born in the UK
Summary of UK Dependent Visa in 2025
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | £524 per dependent |
| Health surcharge | £776 per year |
| Financial proof | £680/month per dependent (up to 9 months) |
| Work rights | Allowed, except in sports |
| Eligibility for students | Only for PhD/research-based programs or govt-sponsored |
FAQs
Yes, but under new rules, only certain students can bring dependents:
- You're enrolled in a PhD or research-based postgraduate course (RQF Level 8) that lasts at least 9 months, OR
- You're a government-sponsored student on a full-time course that is 6 months or longer.
If your course is a taught Master's (not research-based), and it starts on or after 1 January 2024, you cannot bring dependents—unless you meet the exceptions.
Yes, children can enroll in school once they receive a dependent visa.
Dependents are your close family members, including:
- Your husband, wife, or civil partner
- Your unmarried partner, if you’ve lived together in a relationship like marriage for at least 2 years
- Your child under 18 (including those born in the UK during your stay)
- In some cases, children over 18 already in the UK as your dependent can extend
You’ll need to show evidence of your relationship, like a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of cohabitation.
To bring a dependent, you must show you can financially support them. For each dependent, you need:
- £680 per month, for up to 9 months (maximum: £6,120)
This amount must be in your or your partner’s bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days before the application date.
You don’t need to show this if:
- The dependent has been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months, or
- You're both nationals of countries under the UK’s differentiation arrangements and applying at the same time
Currently, IELTS or any English language test is not required for UK dependent visa applicants (such as spouses or children). However, starting soon, new rules will require adult dependents of students or workers to show basic English proficiency
Yes! If your dependent is 16 or older, they can work full-time with very few restrictions.
They can:
- Work for any employer
- Be self-employed
- Start their own business
They cannot:
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
Work as a doctor or dentist in training (with some exceptions for visas granted after 5 October 2020)
Yes. Dependents can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa or other work routes from within the UK if:
- They meet the job and sponsorship criteria
- The switch happens before their current visa expires
This is a common pathway for dependents looking to build their career in the UK.
From outside the UK:
- Apply online through the UK government visa portal
- Submit biometric information at a Visa Application Centre
- Provide necessary documents (passport, financial proof, relationship proof)
From inside the UK:
- You can apply to extend or switch to a dependent visa
- Must not be on a visit visa, short-term student visa, or seasonal worker visa
- Biometrics are submitted via UKVCAS
- Supporting documents can be uploaded online or scanned during the appointment
Children born in the UK do not automatically become British citizens.
- If the child will travel outside the UK or needs healthcare beyond 3 months, apply for a dependent visa
- Both parents should be in the UK for the application unless one has sole responsibility
Yes, they can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which allows stays up to 6 months. However:
- They cannot work or study long-term
- No access to free NHS services
- Not suitable if your family plans to live with you long-term
- Visa application fee: £524 per person
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year per person
- Optional: Fast-track or premium services (cost varies by country)
- Valid passport
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of 2 years of cohabitation)
- Financial evidence (bank statements, sponsor letter)
- TB test certificate if required for your country
- The main applicant’s visa decision letter or BRP copy
All non-English documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Your dependent’s visa will be valid as long as your visa is. For example, if your student visa ends in 2026, your spouse's and child’s visas will also expire then.
The UK Dependent Visa in 2025 remains a lifeline for international families. However, with stricter rules for student dependents, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility, costs, and timeline for application.
Need help preparing your UK Dependent Visa application? STS Global Education provides comprehensive support, including document verification, visa processing, and compliance guidance
