For many Indian professionals and students planning a future in the United Kingdom, the journey is not just about personal ambition but also about building a life with their family. The UK Dependent Visa is the official route to making this happen, allowing you to bring your loved ones with you. However, navigating the complexities of UK immigration law can be daunting.
This comprehensive guide is designed for Indian applicants in 2025. It provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the UK Dependent Visa, covering crucial eligibility criteria, the updated financial requirements, the complete application process from India, and the rights your family will have once in the UK. While this article offers detailed guidance, always consult the official GOV.UK website for the most current regulations before starting your application.
What is a UK Dependent Visa, and Who Can Apply?
A UK Dependent Visa is a type of entry clearance granted to the family members of a person who holds a valid UK visa, often referred to as the ‘main applicant’ or ‘sponsor’. It allows your family to live with you in the UK for the duration of your visa.
The Home Office has a strict definition of who qualifies as a dependent. For Indian applicants, this typically includes:
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- Spouse or Civil Partner: You must be legally married or in a civil partnership that is recognised in the UK. A critical part of the application is proving that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
- Unmarried Partner: If you are not married, you can still apply, but you must prove that you have been in a relationship akin to a marriage and have been living together for at least two years.
- Children under 18: Your children can apply as your dependents. If you and your child's other parent are both moving to the UK, you must apply together.
- Children over 18: It is extremely rare for children over 18 to qualify. They would only be eligible in exceptional circumstances, such as if they are not leading an independent life due to medical reasons and are fully financially dependent on you.
Dependents are linked to the main applicant's visa. This means they can usually only apply if the sponsor holds or is applying for a qualifying visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, or certain Student visas. Note that significant restrictions were introduced in 2024, preventing most international students, apart from those on postgraduate research courses, from bringing dependents.
Eligibility Requirements for Indian Applicants in 2025
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the most critical part of the application. A failure to provide the correct evidence in the right format is a common reason for refusal.
Sponsor Visa Requirements for a Dependent Visa UK
The foundation of a dependent application is the sponsor's visa. The sponsor must have valid permission to be in the UK under a route that allows dependents. For most Indian professionals, this will be the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa. The dependent can apply at the same time as the main applicant or at a later date.
Proof of Relationship (Crucial for Indian Applicants)
You must provide robust evidence of your connection to the dependent. For Indian citizens, this means submitting clear and official documentation.
- For a Spouse/Partner: A registered Marriage Certificate is essential. For unmarried partners, evidence of two years of cohabitation is required. This can include joint rental agreements, joint bank account statements, or a series of official letters addressed to both partners at the same address over the two-year period.
- For a Child: A Birth Certificate that clearly lists the names of the parents is the primary document.
In addition to these core documents, supplementary evidence like wedding photographs, travel itineraries from trips taken together, and communication logs can help strengthen the application.
Financial Requirements for the Dependent Visa UK: Maintenance Funds
You must prove that you can support your dependents financially without needing to access public funds in the UK. This is known as the 'maintenance requirement'. The amount you need to show depends on the visa route and the number of dependents.
For a Skilled Worker visa holder, as of early 2025, the maintenance funds required are:
- £285 (₹33K) for your partner
- £315 (₹37K) for one child
- £200 (₹23K) for each additional child
These funds must be held in your or your dependent's bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the date of application. For applicants from India, this translates to showing a significant sum in Rupees. For instance, to bring a partner and one child, you would need to show £600. At a conversion rate of £1 = ₹116.98, this is approximately ₹70,200, which must be consistently available in your account for the 28-day period.
Note: The sponsor's employer can certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which would exempt the applicant from needing to show personal savings.
UK Dependent Visa Accommodation Requirements
You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation for your entire family in the UK without overcrowding. This can be proven with a tenancy agreement, property deeds, or an official letter from a landlord or the property owner confirming the family can live there.
English Language Requirements for the Dependent Visa UK
Partners applying as dependents of a Skilled Worker must meet a minimum English language requirement. This can be satisfied in several ways:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider at a minimum of A1 level on the CEFR scale.
- Holding a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English and verified by ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC).
- Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.
How to Apply for a Dependent Visa UK from India: Step-by-Step Process
The application process is methodical. Following these steps carefully will ensure a smooth experience.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Compile a comprehensive file of all required documents as listed above. Ensure any documents not in English or Welsh are accompanied by a certified translation. Create a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
All applications must be completed online via the official GOV.UK website. It is vital to select the correct application form that corresponds to the main applicant's visa category. You will need the main applicant's application reference number (GWF or UAN) to link the applications.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
You must pay the visa application fee online. As of 2025, the fee for most dependent visas applied for from outside the UK is similar to the main applicant's fee. Additionally, every applicant must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS). The current IHS fee is £1,035 per person per year (approximately ₹1,08,675).
Step 4: Book an Appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
After paying the fees, you will be directed to the VFS Global website, the UKVI's commercial partner in India. Here, you will book an appointment at a VAC in a major Indian city like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Chennai to provide your biometrics.
Step 5: Attend the Appointment and Submit Documents
At the VAC, your fingerprints will be scanned, and a digital photograph will be taken. You will also submit your passport and any other required documents, although many documents can now be uploaded online prior to the appointment.
Step 6: Wait for the Decision
Standard processing time for applications made from India can range from 12 to 24 weeks. Priority and Super Priority services are often available at an additional cost for a faster decision, sometimes within a few working days.
Rights and Restrictions: Working & Studying on a Dependent Visa UK
A Dependent Visa comes with significant rights, allowing for a full life in the UK.
- Work: Most dependents of Skilled Workers have the right to work full-time in almost any sector. The only common restrictions are on working as a professional sportsperson or coach.
- Study: Dependents are free to enrol in courses of study, from language classes to university degrees.
- Access to NHS: Having paid the IHS, dependents have the same access to the National Health Service as any permanent resident.
- Public Funds: A key restriction is that dependents cannot claim most UK benefits or public funds.
Common Reasons for UK Dependent Visa Refusals for Indian Applicants
To increase your chances of success, be aware of these common pitfalls:
- Insufficient Proof of Relationship: Failing to convince the case officer that the relationship is genuine and subsisting.
- Incorrect Financial Evidence: Not meeting the maintenance fund requirement exactly as specified, such as funds dipping below the required amount during the 28-day period.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: Submitting expired documents, incorrect application forms, or missing translations.
- Failure to Disclose Information: Not being truthful about previous immigration history or criminal convictions.
Conclusion
Bringing your family to the UK is a significant step that requires careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. By understanding the requirements and preparing your application thoroughly, you can navigate the process successfully and begin your new life together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)
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Q. Can I bring my parents as dependents to the UK?
Ans. This is extremely difficult. Parents fall under the 'Adult Dependent Relative' route, which has very strict requirements. You must prove they need long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks due to age or illness, and that this care is not available or affordable in India.
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Q. What if my child is turning 18 soon?
Ans. The child must be under 18 on the date of application. If they turn 18 while the application is being processed, their application will still be considered as a child.
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Q. Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for my child?
Ans. Yes, the IHS fee must be paid for every dependent, including children, for the full duration of the visa.
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Q. Can my dependent partner switch to a Skilled Worker visa later?
Ans. Yes. If your partner finds a job with a licensed sponsor in the UK, they can apply to switch from their dependent visa to a Skilled Worker visa in their own right from within the UK.
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Q. How much is the UK dependent visa fee in Indian Rupees?
Ans. The fee varies by visa type and length. A dependent visa linked to a Skilled Worker visa for up to 3 years costs £625 (approx. ₹73,115). The IHS fee of £1,035 (approx. ₹1,21,080) per year is an additional, significant cost. Always check the latest fees on the GOV.UK website.
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