What is a UK Student Dependent Visa?

To be eligible for a UK student dependent visa, there are a number of different criteria that you must meet. This includes:

• Suitable course and qualification requirement: The main student visa holder must be on an approved course that allows dependents
• Relationship requirement: You must be the spouse, partner, or child of the main student visa holder
• Financial requirement: You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK

Below, we explore each of these 3 major requirements in further detail. In addition to these main requirements, you will need to satisfy the health and good character requirements, although there is no need to substantiate your English language ability for this visa.

Following changes to the immigration rules in January 2024, UK student dependent visas have been restricted to certain courses and qualifications. For you to be able to qualify as a dependent, the main student visa holder must meet one of the following criteria:

• They must be a government-sponsored student enrolled in a course lasting for more than 6 months.
• They are a full-time student undertaking a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or higher) with a duration of at least 9 months.

If your postgraduate level course commenced on or after 1 January 2024, it must also fall into one of these two categories:

• A PhD or equivalent doctorate (RQF level 8).
• A research-oriented higher degree.

If the student is enrolled in a course outside of this criteria, it won’t be possible for them to bring dependents to the UK.

The last major requirement is the financial requirement. This requirement has been introduced to ensure that visa holders and their dependents have sufficient savings to support themselves inside the UK. How much money dependents need to show depends on the length of the studies and where the main visa holder is studying.

They must show either:

• £845 per month (for a maximum of 9 months) for courses located in London.
• £680 per month (for a maximum of 9 months) for courses outside of London.

If the dependents are applying at the same time as the main applicant, you must demonstrate savings to cover the course fees, plus maintenance funds for the main applicant and dependents. However, if the dependents are applying separately at a different time, they only need to show they have sufficient funds to support themselves.

Proving You Have the Money

You must maintain the required amount in an account in your names for at least 28 consecutive days. This will need to be proven by bank statements that show the balance has been maintained for the full period. The end date of this 28-day period must fall within 31 days of the visa application date.

Exceptions to the Financial Requirement

Dependents who have held a valid visa in the UK for a minimum of 12 months are exempt from meeting the financial requirement. It is also possible to get an exemption where dependents originate from a country specified under the ‘differential evidence requirement’ and are submitting their application at the same time as the main applicant.

The cost for a student dependent visa is £490, regardless of the length of the visa and whether you applied within the UK or from overseas. In addition to the visa cost, you will have to pay several other compulsory fees, and depending on your circumstances, you may incur other additional costs.

The following is a summary of all the fees you must pay for a student dependent visa:

• Application Fee: The UK student dependent visa application fee is £490  per applicant. This fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of the application
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): In addition to the application fee, all dependents must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online upon submission. Student dependent visa holders currently pay the reduced IHS fee of £776 per year.  When submitting your application, you must pay the IHS fee in full for the duration of your visa. For example, a payment of £2,328 would be payable for a 3-year visa.
• Biometric Enrolment Fee: You are generally charged a fee for submitting your biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) at a visa application center. This fee varies by country and center but typically falls within the range of £100 to £200. Cheaper appointments tend to be booked up well in advance, so plan ahead to save money.

In addition to the above fees, there may be supplementary charges for English language proficiency tests, tuberculosis tests, or translation services if required. If you opt for a priority service to expedite your application, you must also pay an additional fee.

The timing and procedures for applying for a student dependent visa differ based on whether you’re applying from outside or inside the UK. Things can also vary slightly depending on whether you’re applying at the same time as the main applicant or separately.

Applications Made from Outside the UK

You can submit your application alongside the main applicant up to 6 months before the course’s proposed start date. If you’re applying separately, you can apply any time after the main applicant has been issued with their visa. Typically, overseas applications are processed swiftly, with decisions returned within 3 weeks.

Applications made from Inside the UK

If you’re already in the UK with a valid visa, you can apply alongside the main applicant 3 months before the course begins. If you’re applying separately, you can apply any time after the main applicant has been issued with their visa. It’s crucial to apply before your current visa expires. Once you’ve submitted your application, expect a decision within 8 weeks.

For expedited processing, you can opt for a priority service application. These services are typically available overseas and within the UK, although volumes and availability may vary by location. These services ensure a much speedier decision, sometimes within 1 working day. However, they come with additional fees, and availability can be scarce.

The student dependent visa offers various advantages to holders, including the right to work, study and reside within the UK.

Holders of this visa can:

• Engage in full-time or part-time employment with any employer without the need for sponsorship fro the employer.
• Pursue education on a full-time or part-time basis at recognised schools, colleges, or universities in the UK.
• Enjoy the freedom to enter and exit the UK at their discretion.
• Apply for visa extensions to prolong their stay in the UK.

It’s important to recognise that the visa comes with certain limitations, particularly regarding access to public funds:

• Typically, student dependent visa holders cannot access most UK public funds, including welfare benefits and social housing.
• Nevertheless, there are some exceptions, such as access to healthcare services provided by the National Health Service (NHS).