UK Dependant Visa New Rules

On 23rd May 2023, Ms. Suella Braverman, Home Secretary of the UK, published a ministerial statement on the official website of the Home Department with a list of new rules on international students’ rights. She stated that, from 1st January 2024, international students cannot bring their UK dependant Visa on their student visas, if they are not pursuing a research-oriented course in UK universities. She also stated that, as of July 17, international students cannot switch their student visas to skilled-worker visas until they complete their university studies.

Why UK Is Not Accepting Dependants?

According to the information received from the Home Department of theUK government, this decision was made to control the net immigration rate in the country. Statistical reports show that the UK government had to grant almost 1,36,000 visas to the dependants of international students by the end of December 2022.

So, the authorities had to find a way to cut down the net immigration rate without compromising their aim of hosting 6,00,000 international students in UK by the year 2030. Consequently, they proposed a set of new rules to apply for a dependant visa in the UK. Isn’t UK accepting all dependants? No, UK accepts dependants who fulfil certain conditions.

Who Are Eligible For A UK Dependant Visa?

According to the new policy of the UK Home Department, one can apply for a student dependant visa only if the primary visa holder is studying a research-based course in any of the accredited UK universities. (Dependants who are now in the UK can extend their visa if they are eligible to do so.)

Documents Required For Student Dependant Visa

1. A valid Passport

The applicant must hold a valid passport of their home country.

2. Relationship Certificate

They must provide evidence to prove the applicant’s relationship status with the student visa holder, such as

(i) a marriage certificate

(ii) a civil partnership certificate

(iii) a tenancy agreement if they are in a live-in relationship

(iv) and a birth certificate for children.

3. Copy Of BRP

Dependant visa applicants have to submit the main applicant’s visa decision letter or a copy of their BRP (Biometric Residence Permit).

4. CAS Number

Dependants have to submit the CAS number and other course details of the student visa holder.

5. Sponsor Licence Number

Applicants are required to submit the Sponsor licence number of the education provider of the student visa holder.

6. Bank Statements

Dependants have to submit their bank account statements to prove that they have sufficient funds for their expenses in the UK. They should at least have £6,120 per dependant in their bank account.

7. GWF Or UAN

Applicants have to submit the Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN) of the student visa holder that is usually found in the emails or letters from the Home Department. If the child is 16 or 17 years old and is dependant on the student visa holder, they need to submit some extra documents as evidence to prove that they are depending on the student visa holder for their expenses.

Along With These Extra Documents, Children Have To Submit Any Two Of The Following Documents

1. A Bank Statements

2. NHS registration document

3. Credit card bills

4. Driving license

5. An official letter from their university head.

Alternate Ways To Apply For A UK Dependant Visa

Is there any other way to apply for a UK dependant visa? Yes. You can apply for a dependant visa in UK if your partner or parent receives a skilled worker visa.

Eligibility For A Skilled Worker Visa

1. You should have completed your current course of study.

2. You must find a licensed UK employer in the UK.

3. You have to receive a “certificate of sponsorship” from your employer in which they should clearly mention your job role.

4. Your job role must be in the list of eligible occupations.

5. You must receive a minimum amount of salary as approved by the   government.

6. You should be proficient in the English language.

Documents Required For A Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

1. Passport

Applicants of a worker route dependant visa need a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.

2. Travel History

Based on the circumstances of the applicants, they may have to submit their travel history for the past 10 years.

3. Relationship Certificate

Applicants must prove their relationship with the primary visa holder by submitting a relationship certificate, such as

1. a marriage certificate

2. a civil partnership certificate

3. or a legal document that proves that they are living together at least for a duration of 2 years for the unmarried partners.

4. Income Certificate

Applicants have to provide the primary visa holder’s income proof to show that they can take care of their expenses in the UK.

5. Copy Of BRP And Visa Of Main Applicant

Applicants have to submit a copy of the BRP and Visa of the Primary visa holder.

6. Consent Letter

Children below 18 years old have to submit a consent letter from their parents.

Application Process: UK Dependant Visa

The application process is the same for both student-dependant visas and skilled worker-dependant visas.

1. Apply Online

Applicants can open the official website of the UK visa application centre. Then, they have to fill in proper and accurate details in the form.

2. Book An Appointment

Once you reach the documentation stage, book an appointment with an immigration Attorney. You can proceed further with your application and pay the fees once you consult the immigration Attorney and seek guidance from them.

3. Check Emails Regularly

Do check your email regularly. Once you receive an email to complete your application, bring all the necessary documents with you to proceed with your application to the Visa application centre.

4. Book An Appointment At A BRP Service Point

After completing the online application, you have to book an appointment at the biometric service point to provide your biometric details, such as fingerprints and photographs.

5. Get The visa

If you fulfil all the requirements of a UK dependant visa, you’ll receive your visa within 12 weeks from the date of your visa application.

6. Reach UK Before Your Vignette Expires

Once you successfully complete your visa application, a vignette (sticker) will be placed on your passport. A vignette of a 6-month dependant visa will expire 90 days from the date of issue. So, applicants must be ready to move to the UK within the expiration of their vignette.

Can Dependents Work In The UK?

Dependants Of International Students In UK Can Work If;

1. The international student is studying a full-time research-oriented course that lasts more than 9 months in an accredited university, or

2. The international student is going to enrol in a full-time research- oriented course for more than 9 months and have a sponsor acceptance certificate.

Dependants Can Work In Any Field Except

1. As a professional sportsperson, and

2. As a Doctor or Dentist.