If you’re an international student in the UK, you may be able to bring your partner and children to live with you. This is possible through the Student Dependant Visa scheme. In this guide, we’ll explain the requirements, costs, how to apply, and recent changes to the rules for Student Dependant Visas.
Who Can Apply for a Student Dependant Visa?
To apply for a Student Dependant Visa, the main student visa holder must be enrolled in a full-time, postgraduate-level course (usually at least 9 months long), or be a government-sponsored student or a Doctorate Extension Scheme student.
Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse or civil partner of the main student visa holder
- Unmarried partner (if you have lived together for at least 2 years)
- Children under 18
Each dependant must have enough money to support themselves in the UK. The amount needed depends on where the main student is studying:
- If studying in London: £845 per month for up to 9 months
- If studying outside London: £680 per month for up to 9 months
However, the fund’s requirement does not apply if the defendant has already been in the UK for 12 months or more.
How Much Does a Student Dependant Visa Cost?
The fees for a Student Dependant Visa are:
- £363 for applications made outside the UK
- £490 for applications made inside the UK
In addition, each dependant must pay the healthcare surcharge to access the NHS (National Health Service). The surcharge is currently £470 per year per person. For example, if you have two dependants, the surcharge would be £940 for the year.
How to Apply for a Student Dependant Visa
To apply for a Student Dependant Visa, follow these steps:
- Complete the visa application form online. You can apply for your dependants at the same time as your student visa application, or later if they are already in the UK.
- Pay the application fees and healthcare surcharge.
- Book an appointment for biometric checks (fingerprints and photos) at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) office or a visa application center.
- Upload the required documents, such as:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificate for children)
- Financial evidence to show that your dependants have enough money to support themselves
- Proof of address for children aged 16 or 17
- If applying for both a student visa and a Student dependent visa at the same time, you will need to show that you have enough funds for your course and to support all applicants.
Once the application is approved, your dependents can travel to the UK and join you. They will need to collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of arrival. Their visa will be valid for the same period as your student visa.
Recent Changes to Student Dependant Visas
On 23 May 2023, the UK government announced changes to the Student Dependant Visa rules, with plans to implement them in January 2024. The new rules include:
- Limiting the right to bring dependants: International students on postgraduate research courses will be the only ones allowed to bring dependants.
- No work visa switch before completing studies: Students will no longer be able to switch to a work visa before finishing their course.
- Review of maintenance requirements: The financial requirements for students and dependants may be updated.
- Stronger measures against fraudulent applications: Efforts will increase to prevent the abuse of the system by dishonest education agents.
The government has stated that these changes aim to control migration and reduce pressure on public services, while still welcoming students who make the greatest contributions to the UK economy.
We will continue to update you on any further changes to the Student Dependant Visa rules as they become clearer.
The Student Dependant Visa allows your family to join you while you study in the UK. However, recent changes to the rules mean that starting in January 2024, fewer students will be able to bring their dependents with them. If you’re considering applying for a Student Dependant Visa, it’s important to stay informed about these changes and ensure you meet all the requirements.
If you need help with your Student Dependant Visa application or have questions about how the new rules might affect you, Law and Visas can provide expert guidance.
