A1.17 Dependent Visa¶
UK Dependent Visa (Student Route) – October 2025 Update
Official link: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-members
1. Eligibility (Main Applicant Requirements)
The Student Visa holder must be either:
A government-sponsored student studying for more than 6 months, OR
A full-time postgraduate student (RQF level 7 or above) on a course lasting 9 months or longer
For postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024:
Must be a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8) or a research-based higher degree
Undergraduate students cannot bring dependants
2. Eligible Dependants
Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
Children under 18 (including those born during your stay in the UK)
Children requirements:
Must provide birth certificate/court order/government-issued household register
16-17 year-olds must prove they are not living independently (not married/in civil partnership)
Must be unmarried and not in a civil partnership
3. Relationship Evidence
Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or birth certificates
For unmarried partners: proof of cohabitation for at least 2 years
4. Financial Requirements
Dependants must show separate maintenance funds:
Inside London: £845 per person per month (up to 9 months)
Outside London: £680 per person per month (up to 9 months)
Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before application
Exemptions:
Dependant has lived in UK with valid visa for 12+ months
You're from a "differentiated evidence requirement" country applying simultaneously
5. Application Process
Outside UK: Apply online → attend visa application centre for biometrics
Inside UK: Apply online → attend UKVCAS service point for biometrics
Do not travel outside Common Travel Area while application pending
UK-born children: Require dependent visa for travel (not automatically British)
6. Visa Details
Validity: Matches main Student Visa duration
Costs:
Ø Application fee: £524
Ø Immigration Health Surcharge
Ø Optional priority service available
Outcome: Successful applicants receive eVisa (visa vignette for outside-UK applications)
Key Reminders
Unmarried partners: Must prove 2+ years cohabitation with evidence including:
Ø Joint bank statements/utility bills/council tax
Ø Mortgage/rental agreements
Ø Correspondence at same address
Ø Photos/travel documents/communication records
Document translation: All Chinese documents require certified English translations
Visa rights: Dependants can:
Ø Work full-time (apply for National Insurance Number)
Ø Study full/part-time
Ø Apply for other UK visas (e.g., Graduate Route, work visas)
Ø Open bank accounts
Ø Apply for visas to other countries
Council tax: Full-time students and their dependants are exempt
Application timing: Can apply mid-course if visa validity sufficient (e.g., 4-5 months remaining)
Communication: Check official emails regularly and verify sender authenticity