UK dependant visas (2026): eligibility, new rules, fees, and evidence

A dependent visa in the UK allows family members, partners, children, and adult relatives, to join visa sponsors on separate applications. Recent changes to Skilled Worker dependent visa eligibility mean that sponsorship rules now vary by job level. Application fees and health surcharges are substantial and vary by location, visa length, and applicant age. Financial thresholds require sponsors to meet a minimum threshold set by the Home Office. Given rule changes, varied eligibility criteria, and substantial financial implications, consulting a regulated immigration solicitor is strongly recommended before applying.

Discover exactly who qualifies, what you’ll pay, and how recent rule changes affect your family’s UK future.

What is a UK dependent visa and who qualifies?

A dependent visa UK allows family members to stay with, or join, someone already in the UK on an eligible sponsor visa. Unlike a family visa (used when no sponsor is present), dependant visa applications are linked directly to the sponsor’s visa duration and conditions.

Who qualifies as a dependant

• Partners: Spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners (requiring 2+ years proof of relationship).
• Children: Under 18 years old, including those born in the UK during a sponsor’s stay; over-18 children may apply if already holding dependant status.
• Adult dependent relatives: Typically parents or grandparents requiring care (specialist sponsorship requirements apply).

Which visa holders can sponsor dependants

Skilled Worker visa holders can sponsor dependants only if employed in roles at RQF Level 6 or above (graduate-level), with narrow exceptions for care workers and sole parents. Student visa holders face restrictions; generally, only PhD or research-based postgraduate students (9+ months) can sponsor. Graduate visa holders cannot bring new dependants from overseas. Other routes including High Potential Individual and certain work visas permit dependants under specific criteria.

Dependent visa UK financial requirements: The maintenance threshold

Financial requirements depend entirely on the sponsor’s visa route. Skilled Worker dependants follow maintenance rules; family visas rely on minimum income thresholds.

Required funds by dependant type

• Partner: £285
• First child: £315
• Each additional child: £200

For family visas (non-Skilled Worker routes), the minimum income requirement is £29,000 annually for the sponsor. This baseline applies whether sponsoring a partner alone or with multiple children; no additional income is required per dependant under current rules, though this differs from earlier guidance.

How dependants affect calculations

Skilled Worker sponsors typically do not need higher personal income when adding dependants. Instead, dependants themselves must demonstrate the maintenance funds above. For family visa routes, combined sponsor income of £29,000 covers all dependants without escalation.

Using savings instead of income

If income falls short, cash savings can bridge the gap. The first £16,000 is disregarded; amounts exceeding this divide by 2.5 to calculate equivalent annual income. Savings must be held in regulated financial institutions for specified periods.

Dependent visa UK costs and fees in 2026

Total cost for a dependent visa UK application combines three distinct components. The financial burden varies significantly based on location of application and visa duration, making upfront budgeting essential.

Application fees by location

• Inside the UK: £1,321 per dependant
• Outside the UK: £1,938 per dependant
• Adult dependent relatives: £3,413 (outside) or £1,321 (inside)

Application fees are payable upfront and non-refundable, regardless of outcome. Multiple dependants each pay separately.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Health surcharge costs depend on visa length and applicant age. Adults pay £1,035 per year (£3,105 for 3-year visa). Children under 18 and student dependants pay £776 annually (£1,552 for 2-year visa). Applications inside the UK for partial years pay half-yearly rates.

Biometric fees

There is no separate biometric fee for dependent visas. Fingerprint and photograph collection is included in the application process at designated service points.

Work rights for dependants: Employment and self-employment rules

Dependent visa UK holders generally enjoy broad work rights, though restrictions apply by dependant category and sponsor visa type. Partners and adult dependants can work in most occupations and industries without additional permission.

Partner work rights

• Full employment: Can work full-time or part-time in any occupation except professional sportspersons or coaches.
• Self-employment: Permitted to establish businesses, become sole traders, or operate freelance work.
• Study: Allowed to pursue qualifications or courses alongside employment.

Child work restrictions

Children under school leaving age follow UK child employment law. From age 13, part-time work is permitted during term time (maximum 12 hours weekly) and school holidays. Once reaching school leaving age (typically 16), dependent children can work full-time. However, minors aged 15–16 in employment during school holidays face maximum 35-hour weekly limits, including 8-hour weekday caps.

Self-employment rules

Both partners and children aged 18+ can register as self-employed. No separate visa sponsorship is required. However, self-employment dependants must declare income and comply with tax obligations.

Extend dependent visa UK: Renewals and switching routes

Dependent visa UK extensions must be submitted before the current visa expires. Timing is critical: apply too early and your application risks rejection; apply late and you breach immigration rules. Extensions follow the same sponsorship rules as the original dependent visa application.

When to apply

• Timing window: Up to 28 days before expiry (applies within UK)
• Processing time: Usually 8 weeks; plan applications 2–3 months before expiry
• Automatic renewal: No, dependants must submit separate extension applications

Extensions must meet original sponsorship criteria. If the sponsor’s circumstances have changed (job level, employer, or visa type), eligibility may be affected. For Skilled Worker dependants, medium-skilled job sponsorship rules apply (those with CoS issued before 22 July 2025 retain transitional rights).

Switching visa categories

Dependants currently on student dependent visa or other routes may switch to different visa categories, subject to sponsorship eligibility and Home Office rules. Partners cannot switch without meeting relationship criteria; children must remain unmarried.

What counts towards dependent visa settlement: ILR eligibility

Dependent visa UK holders can pursue Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) by meeting continuous residence and eligibility criteria. Time spent as a dependant counts fully towards the qualifying period, provided residence is lawful and unbroken.

Continuous residence requirements

• Standard period: 5 years of lawful, continuous residence (current rule).
• Proposed changes: The Government has proposed an ‘earned settlement’ model extending the baseline to 10 years, but this has not yet been implemented and remains subject to consultation.
• Absence limits: Maximum 180 days absent per rolling 12-month period during qualifying time.

Time counted towards ILR

All time on dependent visa counts; partners and children need not requalify separately. Children under 18 at first entry continue counting time as they extend visas. Partners cannot count time on their own previous visa; only time as your dependant applies.

Pathways to settlement

Dependants apply for ILR once meeting residence periods and relationship/financial criteria. Partners must pass Life in the UK Test and English language requirements. Children aged 18+ must also meet these standards unless sole surviving parent circumstances apply.

Recent changes and 2026 updates: What Dependants need to know

Dependent visa UK rules have undergone significant changes since mid-2025, with further updates rolling out through 2026.

Key rule changes affecting dependants

• Skilled Worker restrictions: From 22 July 2025, Skilled Worker dependent visa eligibility restricted to RQF Level 6+ roles (graduate-level). Medium-skilled job holders cannot sponsor dependants unless employment began before this date.
• Family visa income: £29,000 threshold remains unchanged (no additional costs for dependent children).
• Digital transformation: eVisas replace physical stickers; applications from October 2025 onwards receive only digital status.

Procedural changes

Dependent visa applications now transition entirely to eVisa format. Applicants must set up UKVI accounts and access immigration status digitally. Processing times remain 8 weeks (inside UK) and 12 weeks (outside UK).

Impact for dependants

Existing applicants sponsored before 22 July 2025 retain transitional rights. Those applying after this date face tighter eligibility. Proposed “earned settlement” rules (10-year ILR pathway) remain under consultation; current 5-year route applies to active applications.

FAQs

Can my dependent visa be refused if the sponsor loses their job? If your sponsor’s visa expires or is cancelled, your dependent visa also ends; you may apply for alternative routes if circumstances permit, but job loss alone doesn’t automatically cancel dependant status if the main visa remains valid.

How long can I stay outside the UK on a dependent visa? You can stay abroad for up to 180 days per rolling 12-month period without breaking continuous residence; exceeding this risks settlement eligibility and visa renewal complications.

Can my dependent visa be used to sponsor family members of my own? No, dependent visas do not carry sponsorship rights; only the main visa holder can sponsor dependants, meaning you cannot bring your own family members as additional dependants.

Dependent visa UK applications demand precision on eligibility, finances, and documentation. Recent rule changes, particularly Skilled Worker restrictions, require early clarity. Understanding pathways to settlement and work rights ensures family reunification succeeds without costly delays or rejections.

This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice; always consult a regulated immigration solicitor for case-specific guidance.

Get expert dependent visa support!

Qredible connects you with regulated immigration solicitors specialising in family visas; vetted, experienced, and ready to simplify your application from start to settlement.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Skilled Worker sponsors need RQF Level 6+ roles (from 22 July 2025); Student and Graduate visa holders face restrictions. Partners and children must meet relationship and financial criteria.
• Application fees £1,321–£1,938 plus health surcharges £776–£1,035 annually. Sponsors need £29,000 income; dependants must hold maintenance funds (£285–£315).
• Settlement requires 5 years continuous residence (proposed 10 years), with maximum 180-day absences per year. Recent rule changes demand early legal verification.