Dependant Visa
Principal applicants in the UK on specific visa categories may "sponsor" their dependent family members to apply for a Dependent visa. The Dependent visa will allow the family member to join the principal applicant in the UK from overseas, accompany the Main Applicant in moving to the UK, or enable the family member, already resident, to continue living together with the Main Applicant in the UK.
The Dependant visa is for the family members of people who have or are applying for visas in various categories, including: Workers, Temporary Workers, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Start-Ups, Representatives of overseas business, Global Talent migrants, Student Visas and those with visas granted based on UK ancestry and many others. The Dependants must be planning to join their sponsor.
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY AS DEPENDANT
Relationship Requirements
To qualify for a Dependant visa, you must be a dependant family member of the main applicant. A 'dependant' is defined as being a:
• Spouse or civil partner;
• Unmarried or same-sex partner;
• Child aged under 18 years at the time of application.
To obtain a Dependant Visa as a spouse or partner, you must be the spouse or partner of someone who is either:
• In the UK, on a relevant visa; or
• Applying for a visa at the same time as you are making your application for a Dependant Visa.
Same-sex or unmarried partners must also be able to show they have been in a genuine subsisting relationship akin to marriage for the past two years.
Children may apply for a Dependant Visa if:
• Both parents are applying for entry clearance at the same time; or
• Both parents are already in the UK, and the child is applying to join them; or;
• One parent is already in the UK, and the other parent is applying for entry to join them along with the child.
Dependants must show that they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship and intend to live with the Main Applicant in the UK. Children must be under 18 years old unless they have turned 18 further to an application or original grant of (continuous) leave as a dependant. Children must not be leading an independent life (be financially independent).
Financial Requirements
In most cases, the applicant will need to show that they can maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds (state benefits). The dependants in some categories may need to evidence a specified level of funds in their bank account or have a certification of maintenance from the sponsor. Other dependants, such as dependants of UK ancestry holders, may need to evidence "adequate" funds without a specific level needing to be met.
DURATION OF STAY
The Dependant visa duration will always match the main applicant's visa duration.
If the main applicant has (or will have) indefinite leave to remain, their dependents can also apply for ILR. If a dependant is not eligible for ILR at the same time as the Main Applicant, they can normally extend their visa under the dependant route until they qualify.
Most immigration applications have strict factual and evidential requirements that are not necessarily straightforward to comprehend or satisfy. LS Legal Solicitors are well versed and highly experienced in providing advice and assistance on immigration applications. We appreciate that many of the requirements may seem overly complex and onerous. However, we guarantee to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
For the quickest response, please WhatsApp or call us on +44 (0) 75 3595 9450. You can also contact us via email at info@LSLegaLUK.com or use the contact form to discuss your requirements further or arrange an appointment with one of our experts.
