UK Dependent Visa Explained
For many students, pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom is a dream come true. The UK offers world-renowned universities, a vibrant multicultural society, and access to exciting career opportunities. However, for married students or those with families, one pressing question often arises: Can my spouse and children join me while I study in the UK?
This is where the UK Dependent Visa comes into play. It allows eligible family members of international students to live in the UK during the course of study…
“Can my spouse or children join me while I study in the UK?”
The answer is a resounding yes—through the UK Dependent Visa. This visa route allows eligible family members to accompany international students during their studies. At Globexa Immigration, widely known for offering the Best Immigration Services in Panipat and Haryana, we specialize in guiding students and their families through this process.
Whether you’re searching for a “visa counselor near me”, planning to study in the UK, or looking to bring your spouse along, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know about the UK Dependent Visa.
1. What Is a UK Dependent Visa?
The UK Dependent Visa is designed for family members of individuals who are already in the UK on a Student Visa, Work Visa, or similar long-term visa. In the case of international students, this visa allows your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18 to live with you in the UK during your course.
This visa opens up numerous opportunities for your dependents, including the ability to work, study, and access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
2. Who Can Bring Dependents on a UK Student Visa?
Not all students can bring dependents. You must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for dependents to join you:
You can bring dependents if:
You are enrolled in a full-time postgraduate course (RQF Level 7 or above) lasting 9 months or longer at a Higher Education Provider.
You are sponsored by a government on a course that is longer than 6 months.
You cannot bring dependents if:
You’re studying an undergraduate degree, unless you’re a government-sponsored student.
You’re enrolled in a short-term course or pre-sessional English program.
Tip: Not sure whether your course qualifies? Contact our experts at Globexa Immigration, the most trusted Visa Counselors in Haryana, for a free consultation.
3. Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
The UK Home Office defines a “dependent” as:
Your husband, wife, or civil partner
Your unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years)
Your children under the age of 18
Parents, siblings, or other extended family members are not eligible for a Dependent Visa under the student route.
4. What Are the Requirements for a Dependent Visa?
To bring your family to the UK while you study, both you and your dependents must meet specific requirements:
1. Proof of Relationship
You must provide original documents to show your relationship is genuine, such as:
Marriage certificate (for spouses)
Birth certificate (for children)
Cohabitation documents (for unmarried partners)
2. Financial Requirements
You must prove that you can support your dependents without public funds:
£845/month (inside London)
£680/month (outside London)
These amounts must be shown for up to 9 months, depending on your course length.
💡 At Globexa Immigration, we help you prepare bank statements that meet all Home Office standards.
3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Each dependent must pay the IHS to access NHS services. This is around £776 per year per person.
4. Visa Fees
Each dependent must also pay a visa fee, usually £490, depending on your home country.
5. Can Your Spouse Work in the UK?
Yes! This is one of the biggest advantages of the UK Dependent Visa.
Your spouse or partner can:
Work full-time in any sector
Start a business
Be self-employed or freelance
However, they cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
This opportunity not only helps with family income but also allows your spouse to build a career in the UK while you study.
6. Can Children Study in the UK?
Absolutely. Children on a dependent visa can:
Attend state-funded schools for free
Enroll in private schools if preferred
Participate in the UK’s world-class education system
Your child’s education in the UK could be a stepping stone toward permanent settlement and future opportunities.
7. How Long Is the Dependent Visa Valid?
Your dependents’ visa will be valid for the same duration as your own Student Visa. If you extend your visa, they will also need to apply for extensions.
What Happens After Your Course Ends?
After completing your course, you may switch to a Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa). The good news? Your dependents can also apply to extend their stay with you.
Eventually, if you transition to a Skilled Worker Visa, your dependents can remain in the UK and even apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous stay.
8. Application Process: Step by Step
Collect all necessary documents
Prepare financial proof
Apply online through the UK government visa portal
Pay IHS and visa fees
Schedule a biometrics appointment
Wait for decision (usually 3–8 weeks)
✅ Need assistance? Globexa Immigration offers end-to-end visa filing support so you don’t have to worry about mistakes or delays.
9. Why Choose Globexa Immigration?
When it comes to UK visas, you need a trusted, experienced, and licensed consultant to guide you through. That’s where Globexa Immigration comes in.
We are widely recognized for providing:
The Best Immigration Services in Panipat
Trusted Visa Counselors near you
Personalized guidance for UK Study Visas
Complete Dependent Visa filing for spouse and children
Document verification and interview preparation
Post-landing support and settlement advice
With offices in Haryana and a dedicated UK visa team, we have helped hundreds of students study in the UK with their spouse and families.
Final Thoughts
Moving abroad for education is a big step — and it’s even bigger when you’re doing it with your family. The UK Dependent Visa ensures that you don’t have to sacrifice family unity while pursuing your academic goals.
At Globexa Immigration, we stand beside you at every stage. From university selection to dependent visa filing, we’re here to make your dream of studying in the UK with your spouse and children a reality.
