For most people, a move to the UK is only worth it if their family can come too. The good news is that the UK’s Dependant visa route is built exactly for this it lets the partner and children of many visa holders join them to build a life together in the UK. Watching your family reunite on UK soil is one of the most rewarding moments of the whole journey.
But here’s the catch: the rules changed a lot in 2024 and 2025, and not every visa holder can bring dependants anymore. Getting the relationship evidence, the money, and the timing right is essential. In this guide, we’ll make it all clear: who qualifies, what you need, the full process, and how to avoid the mistakes that get genuine families refused. Let’s bring your loved ones home to you.
What Is a UK Dependant Visa?
A Dependant visa lets the partner and children of a main UK visa holder join them to live in the UK for as long as the main visa is valid. Dependants can usually work and study, and they build up residence towards settlement alongside the main applicant. Key point: a Dependant visa isn’t a standalone route it’s linked to the main visa holder’s route, and the exact rules depend on which visa the main person holds.
Who Can Sponsor a Dependant?
Not every visa allows dependants. The main routes that generally can bring partners and children include:
- Skilled Worker visa holders (subject to skill-level rules).
- Student visa holders — but only on eligible postgraduate research courses (like a PhD).
- Global Talent, Innovator Founder, and several other work routes.
- Graduate Route dependants already in the UK may stay (new overseas dependants generally can’t join).
Who Qualifies as a Dependant?
A “dependant” means a partner or a child. Here’s who qualifies:
Partner
- Husband, wife, or civil partner, or
- Unmarried partner living together for 2+ years
- In a genuine, subsisting relationship
- Both aged 18 or over
Child
- Under 18 at the date of application
- Not married or in a civil partnership
- Not living an independent life
- Both parents usually applying (or valid reasons/consent)
Important 2024-25 Restrictions You Must Know
Several big changes now limit who can bring dependants. Don’t get caught out:
- Most taught Master’s students can no longer bring dependants only eligible postgraduate research students (like PhD) can.
- Health & Care Workers generally can’t bring new dependants (since March 2024), with limited exceptions.
- Skilled Worker skill level rose to RQF Level 6 (July 2025), affecting some roles’ dependant eligibility.
- Each dependant pays a separate fee there’s no family discount.
The Money Rules Maintenance Funds
Most dependants must show enough money to support themselves in the UK without relying on public funds. For a Skilled Worker dependant, the maintenance amounts are:
Maintenance Funds (Skilled Worker Dependant)
Documents You’ll Need
Strong, consistent documents are the heart of a successful dependant application. Typically you’ll need:
- Valid passport for each dependant.
- Relationship proof marriage or civil partnership certificate, or 2+ years of cohabitation evidence for unmarried partners.
- Children’s birth certificates listing both parents.
- Main applicant’s visa details or CoS reference.
- Financial evidence bank statements showing the maintenance funds (unless waived).
- TB test certificate required for applicants from Pakistan.
- Apostille / legalisation Pakistani marriage and birth certificates often need attestation.
- Child consent letter from the other parent, where one parent isn’t travelling.
Not sure if your family qualifies or what you need?
The dependant rules are complex and change often. Let Westside Visa check your eligibility, confirm your documents, and make sure your family’s application is airtight before you apply.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant, or later — but always before the main visa expires. Here’s the journey:
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Confirm eligibility
Check the main visa holder’s route allows dependants in 2026, and that each family member meets the relationship rules.
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Gather your documents
Collect passports, relationship and birth certificates (attested), financial evidence, and TB test certificates.
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Prepare finances (if required)
Hold the maintenance funds for 28 consecutive days, with a correctly dated statement unless your situation is exempt.
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Apply online on GOV.UK
Each dependant completes their own application on the official GOV.UK dependant page, linking to the main applicant. Pay the fee and IHS for each person.
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Attend biometrics at VFS
Each dependant books a VFS Global appointment in Pakistan for fingerprints and photo, and submits documents.
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Wait for the decision & travel together
Decisions usually take around 3 weeks. Once approved, your family can travel and start life together in the UK!
Costs & Work Rights
What it costs
Each dependant pays a separate visa fee (there’s no family discount), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each person, charged upfront for the full visa length. For a family, this adds up so budget carefully.
- Visa fee one per dependant, per application.
- IHS — per dependant, per year of the visa (children pay a slightly lower rate).
- TB test per dependant, at an approved clinic.
Work & study rights
The great news: dependant partners generally have full work rights (except as a professional sportsperson), and children can attend school. This means your family can fully contribute and thrive in the UK.
Genuine Relationship & Consistent Finances Why They Decide Your Case
Two things sit at the heart of every dependant application: proving your relationship is genuine, and showing your finances are consistent and honest.
Prove a genuine, subsisting relationship
The Home Office wants to see that your relationship is real and ongoing — not arranged just for a visa. Strong evidence includes your marriage certificate, photos together over time, communication records, joint finances or responsibilities, and evidence of living together. For unmarried partners, the 2+ years of cohabitation evidence is essential.
Consistency in your financial documents
Where funds are required, they must be genuinely available and steadily held. A sudden large deposit right before applying raises doubts officers want to see money that’s really yours, not borrowed to pass the visa. Keep your statements consistent, and explain any big transactions with proof.
Common Reasons for Refusal and How to Beat Them First
Most dependant refusals come down to a handful of avoidable issues. Fix these before you apply:
Main visa route doesn’t allow dependants
Applying when the main holder’s route (e.g. a taught Master’s) can’t sponsor dependants leads straight to refusal.
Fix it first: Confirm the main visa route actually allows dependants in 2026 before spending on any application.
Weak relationship evidence
Not enough proof of a genuine relationship (or 2 years’ cohabitation for unmarried partners) causes doubts.
Fix it first: Build strong evidence certificates, photos, communication, joint responsibilities showing a real, ongoing relationship.
Missing attestation or documents
Un-attested marriage/birth certificates, or a missing child consent letter, are top causes of refusal for Pakistani families.
Fix it first: Get your certificates apostilled/attested in Pakistan early, and prepare a child consent letter where needed.
Inconsistent or sudden finances
Maintenance funds not held long enough, or a sudden deposit before applying, breaks the money rules.
Fix it first: Hold the required funds for the full 28 days, keep them steady, and explain any large deposits with proof.
Errors or mismatched details
Details that don’t match the main applicant’s records, or mistakes in the form, cause delays and refusals.
Fix it first: Make every detail consistent with the main applicant’s application, and review everything before submitting.
How Westside Visa Reunites Your Family and Fixes Refusals
Here’s the honest truth: no one can “guarantee” a visa the decision always rests with the UK Home Office. But you can make your family’s application as strong as possible. And that’s exactly where we come in.
At Westside Visa, our consultants in DHA Lahore help Pakistani families reunite in the UK with confidence. We help you:
- Confirm eligibility whether the main route allows dependants in 2026.
- Build strong relationship evidence that proves a genuine bond.
- Get documents attested and prepare the child consent letter.
- Master the money rules so your finances are consistent and clear.
- Spot and fix red flags before you submit not after a costly refusal.
And if your family has already faced a refusal, don’t lose hope we’re expert at finding the real problem, fixing it, and rebuilding a stronger case. Many of our success stories started with a “no”. Think of us as your teammate honest, experienced, and fully on your side, working to reunite your family.
UK Dependant Visa Quick Facts
Rules, fees, and financial amounts change regularly and vary by the main applicant’s route always confirm the latest details on the official GOV.UK dependant guidance before applying.
Bring Your Family Home to You
Don’t let complex rules or a small mistake keep your loved ones apart. Let Westside Visa help you build a strong dependant application and reunite your family in the UK book your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who counts as a dependant? +
A dependant is the partner or child of the main visa holder. A partner must be a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner living together for 2+ years. A child must be under 18, unmarried, and not living independently.
Can a Student visa holder bring dependants? +
Only in limited cases. Since 2024, most taught Master’s students can no longer bring dependants only eligible postgraduate research students (like PhD candidates) can. Always confirm your specific course qualifies.
How much money do dependants need to show? +
For Skilled Worker dependants: £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child, held for 28 consecutive days. This may be waived if the family has been in the UK for 12+ months or the employer certifies maintenance. Student dependants face higher amounts.
Can my partner work in the UK on a dependant visa? +
Yes. Dependant partners generally have full work rights (except as a professional sportsperson), and children can attend school. This lets your whole family contribute and settle in.
Do I need to attest my marriage and birth certificates? +
Often yes. Marriage and birth certificates from Pakistan usually need apostille or legalisation before they’re accepted. Get this done in Pakistan early a missing attestation is a common cause of delay or refusal.
Can my family apply at the same time as me? +
Yes. Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant, or join later but always before the main visa expires. Each person submits their own application and pays their own fee.
Does Westside Visa help with dependant applications? +
Yes from checking eligibility and building relationship evidence to attesting documents and getting the finances right. We can’t guarantee a visa (no honest consultant can), but we make sure your family’s application is as strong as possible. Contact us to get started.
Explore More Visa Guides
Planning your UK journey? We’ve got you covered:
- Family & spouse visas reunite with your loved ones.
- Student visas study at top UK universities.
- Visit visas tourism, family, and short trips.
- Contact Westside Visa book your free consultation.
Ready to reunite your family in the UK?
Whether you’re bringing your partner, your children, or your whole family, Westside Visa guides you every step of the way — with honest, expert advice you can trust.
Disclaimer: This blog is general information only and not legal advice. UK Dependant visa rules, financial amounts, fees, and processing times change regularly, vary by the main applicant’s route, and were correct at the time of writing. Always confirm current requirements on the official GOV.UK dependant guidance and seek personalised guidance from Westside Visa before applying. The final decision on any visa rests solely with the UK Home Office.
