As a UK immigration advisor with years of experience assisting international families, I understand how important it is for students to keep their loved ones close while pursuing their studies.
If you are an international student in the UK, the UK Dependent Visa allows eligible family members—such as your spouse or children—to live with you during your course of study.
However, due to the UK Government’s 2025 immigration policy updates, not all student visa holders can bring dependents. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through:
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Who qualifies for a UK Dependent Visa
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2025 rule changes affecting international students
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Required documents, financial proof, and application steps
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Visa fees and where to apply (including guidance for Nigerian applicants)
Read Also: How to Apply for the UK Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa) in 2025
What Is a UK Dependent Visa?
The UK Dependent Visa allows immediate family members of a primary visa holder (commonly known as the “sponsor”) to live in the UK during the sponsor’s stay. This includes dependents of international students, skilled workers, and other eligible categories.
Eligible dependents include:
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Your husband, wife, or civil partner
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Your unmarried partner (you must have lived together for at least 2 years)
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Your children under 18 years of age
Dependent visa holders may live, work, or study in the UK, although they cannot access public funds. In many cases, they may also apply for a visa extension, and eventually qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
UK Student Dependent Visa Policy Update (2025)
Following recent Home Office changes effective from January 2025, not all international students are eligible to bring dependents. The eligibility now depends on your study level and sponsorship status.
📣 You can bring dependents only if:
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You are government-sponsored, and your full-time course lasts more than 6 months, or
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You are enrolled in a postgraduate program (Master’s or PhD) that appears on the UK’s list of eligible programmes and lasts 9 months or longer
🎓 Note: Undergraduate students are no longer permitted to bring dependents unless they are fully government-sponsored.
UK Dependent Visa Eligibility Criteria
🔹 Spouse or Unmarried Partner
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Must be legally married or in a civil partnership
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Unmarried partners must prove a relationship of at least two years (shared bills, lease agreements, joint accounts, etc.)
Apply Also: UK Student Visa with Work Opportunities (2025 Guide)
🔹 Children Under 18
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Must be your biological or adopted children
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Both parents must be in the UK, or applying at the same time
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If only one parent is applying, they must have sole responsibility or prove exceptional circumstances
🔹 Children Over 18
Children already in the UK as dependents may be eligible to extend their visa if:
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They were granted permission as your dependent while under 18
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They are not married and still dependent on you financially
Financial Requirements for a UK Dependent Visa
To prove you can support your dependents without relying on public funds, you must show sufficient funds in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
Required amounts (2025):
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£845/month per dependent – if studying in London
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£680/month per dependent – if studying outside London
These funds must be shown as cash savings in your bank account, and dated no more than 31 days before your application.
✅ Exemption: If you’ve been in the UK for 12 months or more on your current visa, you may not need to show financial proof again.
Required Documents for a UK Dependent Visa Application
Be sure to prepare the following supporting documents for each dependent:
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Valid passport
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Marriage or civil partnership certificate (for spouses)
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Proof of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
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Birth certificate (for children)
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Proof of financial support (bank statements)
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Proof of your UK student visa (CAS, BRP, etc.)
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Tuberculosis test results (required for Nigerians and others)
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Criminal record certificate (where applicable)
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Visa application form and payment confirmation
💡 Tip: Ensure all documents are translated into English and certified, if not originally in English.
How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa
Step-by-Step Process:
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Apply online via the official UK Government visa portal.
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Complete the visa application form for each dependent.
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Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
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Visa Fee: ~£490 per dependent
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IHS: £1,035/year per applicant
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Book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
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Attend the appointment to submit biometrics (photo + fingerprints) and provide your supporting documents.
🌍 Applying from Nigeria: UK Dependent Visa Centres
If you’re applying from Nigeria, your biometric appointment must be scheduled at one of the UK Visa Application Centres in:
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Abuja
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Lagos – Ikeja
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Lagos – Victoria Island
⏱️ Expect processing times of 3 to 6 weeks depending on the visa type and peak periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (UK Dependent Visa 2025)
1. Can dependents work in the UK?
Yes, spouses and partners on a dependent visa can usually work full-time in the UK. Children can attend school.
2. Do dependents need to pass an English language test?
Not initially. However, to apply for ILR or citizenship, they must meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK test.
3. What if my visa is refused?
If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal or reapply. We recommend seeking legal advice before reapplying.
4. Can I switch to a Dependent Visa from within the UK?
In some cases, yes — especially if you’re already on a valid visa and meet the eligibility rules. Check with a qualified immigration advisor.
