Student Dependent Visa UK – Check Your Eligibility
Who Can Apply for a Student Dependent Visa?
If you are applying for a Student Visa in the UK, your partner and children may be eligible to apply for a Student Dependent Visa. This allows them to join you in the UK or extend their stay if they are already in the country.
To qualify, you must be:
- A government-sponsored student on a course longer than six months.
- A full-time postgraduate student (RQF Level 7 or above) on a course lasting at least nine months.
For postgraduate courses starting on or after January 1, 2024, dependents are only allowed if you are studying:
- A PhD or doctorate (RQF Level 8).
- A research-based higher degree.
Who Counts as a Dependent?
A dependent can be:
- Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
- Your child under 18, including those born in the UK during your stay.
You must provide proof of your relationship, such as:
- A marriage certificate for your partner.
- A birth certificate for your child.
Additional Requirements for Children
Your child must be:
✔️ Unmarried and not in a civil partnership.
✔️ Living with you, unless in full-time education at a boarding school or university.
You need to submit at least two documents confirming their address, such as:
📜 Bank statement
📜 NHS registration document
📜 University or college letter
Financial Requirements for Dependents
Your partner and child must prove they have enough money to support themselves while in the UK. This is in addition to the funds you need for your own Student Visa.
💰 Required Funds (for up to 9 months):
- £845 per month (for courses in London).
- £680 per month (for courses outside London).
You or your dependents must hold this amount for at least 28 consecutive days.
Who Doesn’t Need to Prove Financial Support?
Your dependents do not need to show funds if:
✅ They have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.
✅ You both apply from a differential evidence requirement country.
However, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may still request proof of funds.
How to Apply for a Student Dependent Visa?
Applying from Outside the UK
Your partner and children must apply online:
📌 Application number required – You’ll need your Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN) from your own visa application.
📌 Biometric data – Dependents must visit a visa application centre to submit fingerprints and a photograph.
Applying from Inside the UK
Your dependents can apply to:
✔️ Extend their stay when you extend your Student Visa.
✔️ Switch to a Student Dependent Visa before their current visa expires.
They cannot switch if they currently hold:
❌ Visitor visa
❌ Short-term student visa
❌ Parent of a Child Student visa
❌ Seasonal worker visa
❌ Domestic worker visa
Visa Fees and Processing Time
💰 Visa Application Fee: £490 per person.
💰 Healthcare Surcharge: Additional fee required, based on the visa duration.
📅 Processing time:
- 3 weeks (if applying outside the UK).
- 8 weeks (if applying inside the UK).
- Priority service may be available for a faster decision.
What Happens After Applying?
✅ If approved, dependents will receive an eVisa linked to their UKVI account.
✅ Their visa will expire on the same date as yours.
🚨 Travel Restrictions: Dependents must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, or the Channel Islands while waiting for a decision.
Bringing a Child Born in the UK
A child born in the UK does not automatically become a British citizen. You must apply for their dependent visa before traveling with them.
You must provide a full UK birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Student Dependent Visa can be a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility criteria. Make sure you check your financial requirements, submit the correct documents, and apply before deadlines.
Source / Ref.: Gov.uk Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.
