UK Student Dependent Visa: Can Your Family Join You?
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Study AbroadUK Student Dependent Visa: Can Your Family Join You?
Planning to study in the UK and wondering whether your spouse or children can come with you? The UK Student Dependent Visa is designed for eligible family members of international students. However, UK immigration rules have undergone changes recently, so it’s important to understand who qualifies, what the application process involves, and what life is like for dependents in the UK.
This blog covers everything Indian students need to know about bringing their dependents while studying in the UK.
Who Can Bring Dependents on a UK Student Visa?
As of the latest UK immigration updates (effective 2024–2025), only certain categories of international students can bring their family members as dependents:
✅ You can bring dependents if you are:
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Sponsored by a UK government or an international scholarship scheme, or
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Studying a postgraduate research programme (e.g. PhD, MPhil, or a research-based Master's degree)
Note: From January 2024, Master’s students on taught courses (e.g. MBA, MA, MSc) are no longer allowed to bring dependents unless they are government-sponsored or enrolled in a PhD.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
The UK Home Office defines a dependent as:
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Your spouse or civil partner
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Your unmarried partner (you must have lived together for at least 2 years)
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Children under 18 years old (born before or during your UK stay)
Parents, siblings, or extended family members do not qualify as dependents under this visa.
UK Student Dependent Visa Requirements
Each dependent must meet certain criteria:
✅ 1. Proof of Relationship
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Marriage certificate for spouses
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Birth certificate for children
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Cohabitation proof for unmarried partners
✅ 2. Financial Requirements
You must show that you (or your sponsor) can support your dependents during their stay:
| Location | Maintenance Funds (Per Dependent) |
|---|---|
| Inside London | £845 per month (up to 9 months) |
| Outside London | £680 per month (up to 9 months) |
For example, if your course is 9 months long and you’re studying in London with one dependent, you’ll need:
£845 x 9 = £7,605 for the dependent (in addition to your own fund requirement).
✅ 3. Valid Passport & Visa Application
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Each dependent must submit a separate visa application.
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Biometric information and tuberculosis (TB) test results may be required.
How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa
Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Apply Online at the UK Government’s official visa website.
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Prepare Supporting Documents, including:
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Passport
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Proof of funds
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Relationship evidence
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TB test results
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Pay the Visa Fee (~£490 per dependent)
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Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (~£776/year per person)
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Attend a Biometric Appointment at a Visa Application Centre
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Wait for a Decision (usually 3–6 weeks)
Can Dependents Work or Study in the UK?
Yes, under certain conditions:
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Spouses/partners are generally allowed to work full-time, except as a professional sportsperson.
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They may also study short or part-time courses.
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Children under 18 can attend school in the UK (public or private), usually free in state schools.
Note: If you are not enrolled in a research course, your dependent may not be granted a visa under current rules.
Duration of the Dependent Visa
The visa duration for your dependents will match the length of your student visa. If you extend your course or switch to a different visa (e.g., Graduate Visa), your dependents will need to apply for an extension or switch as well.
Post-Study Options for Dependents
If you switch to a Graduate Route Visa after completing your degree:
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Your dependents can also switch to the Graduate Visa (if they’re already in the UK as dependents).
Challenges and Considerations
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Cost of living in the UK is high, especially with dependents.
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Limited housing options for families near universities.
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Healthcare and schooling are good but come with administrative steps.
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There may be emotional adjustments as your family settles into a new culture.
Why Choose Pollster Education?
At Pollster Education, we guide not just students, but their families too! We help you:
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Understand UK Student Visa & Dependent Visa policies
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Prepare and review all documents
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Meet financial and sponsorship requirements
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Explore accommodation and schooling options in the UK
Let our expert UK admission consultants in Mumbai make your transition abroad smooth for the whole family.
While recent changes have made it harder for some international students to bring dependents to the UK, there are still opportunities for research students and government-sponsored scholars. If you’re eligible, your family can live, study, and even work in the UK—making it a more enriching experience.
