The UK dependant visa rules in 2026 continue to evolve under stricter immigration controls aimed at reducing net migration while supporting family reunification for skilled workers and eligible students.
These rules allow partners and children of main visa holders to join them in the UK, but recent changes have introduced limitations, particularly for lower-skilled roles and care workers. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility criteria, key updates, application fees, step-by-step processes, and essential requirements for a successful application.
Overview of UK Dependant Visa 2026
The UK dependant visa primarily applies to family members of individuals holding visas such as Skilled Worker, Student (postgraduate), or certain other routes like Global Talent.
In 2026, the system emphasises genuine relationships, financial independence, and alignment with the main applicant’s visa conditions, reflecting the government’s focus on high-skilled migration. Dependants can live, work (except as sportspeople), and study in the UK, but they must not access most public funds.
Family members must apply separately, linking their application to the main applicant’s via a unique reference number or family linking code. Visas typically match the duration of the main visa, with extensions possible before expiry.
For 2026, heightened scrutiny on relationships and finances ensures only sustainable family moves are approved, amid broader reforms like raised skill thresholds.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Dependant Visa
Eligibility for the UK dependant visa hinges on the main applicant’s status and the family relationship’s authenticity.
Partners include spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners in a genuine relationship evidenced by at least two years of cohabitation or equivalent commitment, such as regular communication and shared financial support.
Children qualify if under 18 at application, unmarried, and not leading independent lives; those over 18 may extend if already dependants and dependent.
Applicants must prove the relationship with documents like marriage certificates, birth certificates, or joint financial records. No serious criminal record is permitted, and dependants must intend to live with the main applicant.
Financial self-sufficiency is key: dependants need £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 per additional child, held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of application—unless waived for those in the UK over 12 months or employer-sponsored.
For applications from outside the UK, tuberculosis tests may apply depending on the country, and English language proof is not mandatory for dependants but recommended for integration.
New Changes in UK Dependant Visa Rules 2026
Significant updates to UK dependant visa rules from 2025 carry over into 2026, tightening access for certain occupations. The skill threshold for Skilled Worker visas rose to RQF Level 6 (degree-equivalent) from July 2025, barring dependants for new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) roles below this level.
Care workers and senior care workers face the strictest curbs: dependants are prohibited unless the worker held a visa before March 11, 2024, or for specific child exceptions like UK-born children or sole parents.
Medium-skilled jobs (non-care) allow dependants only if employment predates July 22, 2025. Student dependant rules remain for postgraduate (RQF 7+) courses over nine months or government-sponsored programmes over six months, but 2026 sees higher English requirements for some family routes and contribution-based settlement tweaks.
These changes aim to curb low-skilled migration while protecting existing families, with no automatic settlement for all dependants—requiring five years’ continuous residence.
UK Dependant Visa Fees 2026 Breakdown
Application fees for UK dependant visas in 2026 vary by location, duration, and route, excluding the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
For Skilled Worker dependants applying outside the UK, expect £719 per person for up to three years or £1,420 for longer stays; inside the UK, it’s £827 or £1,636 respectively. Student dependants pay £524 plus IHS when extending in-country.
The IHS stands at £1,035 annually per adult (£776 reduced for children/students), mandatory for stays over six months except exemptions like Health and Care visas. Priority services add £500–£1,000 for faster processing. Below is a detailed fee table for common scenarios:
| Visa Type | Location | Duration | Application Fee (per person) | IHS (per year) |
| Skilled Worker Dependant | Outside UK | Up to 3 years | £719 | £1,035 (adult) |
| Skilled Worker Dependant | Outside UK | Over 3 years | £1,420 | £1,035 (adult) |
| Skilled Worker Dependant | Inside UK | Up to 3 years | £827 | £1,035 (adult) |
| Student Dependant Extension | Inside UK | Varies | £524 | £776 (child/student rate) |
| Child Dependant (additional) | Outside UK | Matches main | Same as above | £776 (under 18) |
Biometrics are free, but invalid applications incur £28. Fees are non-refundable, underscoring the need for thorough preparation.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Dependant Visa
Applying for a UK dependant visa begins with eligibility checks and document gathering. Start online via the GOV.UK portal, selecting the dependant route matching the main visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Partner/Child). Enter the main applicant’s GWF/UAN or family linking code to connect applications.
Submit identity proof via the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)/UKVCAS point, including biometrics. Upload or present supporting documents: passports, relationship proof, finances (bank statements over 28 days), accommodation evidence (tenancy/mortgage), and TB certificate if required. Pay fees and IHS online.
Processing takes three weeks outside the UK or eight weeks inside; priority options expedite to five working days. Successful applicants receive an eVisa via UKVI account, linked to passports for travel. Appeals are possible for refusals, but prevention through complete evidence is ideal.
Required Documents for UK Dependant Visa 2026
Comprehensive documentation is crucial for UK dependant visa approval in 2026. Core items include valid passports, the main applicant’s visa copy, and relationship evidence: marriage/civil partnership certificates for partners, birth certificates naming both parents for children. For unmarried partners, provide two years’ cohabitation proof like joint bills, photos, or correspondence.
Financial documents feature bank statements (last three months), payslips, or savings exceeding thresholds by 2.5 times (e.g., £88,500 for £29,000 income equivalent, though dependant-specific is lower). Accommodation proof via tenancy agreements or letters confirms no public housing burden. Children over 16 need dependency evidence; UK-born require full birth certificates.
TB tests from approved clinics apply for select nationalities, alongside translations for non-English documents. Organise chronologically for clarity.
Financial and Accommodation Requirements
Financial requirements ensure dependants avoid public funds, mandating specific savings or income. Beyond personal maintenance (£285/partner, etc.), main applicants often prove overall support via employment/pensions. Savings must be held 28 days, cashable, and over £16,000 typically excludes other sources unless combined.
Accommodation must be adequate, exclusive, and non-overcrowded, evidenced by landlord letters, deeds, or council valuations. No statutory housing duty arises. These rules promote self-reliance in 2026’s tighter framework.
Rights and Restrictions for Dependant Visa Holders
UK dependant visa holders enjoy broad rights: full-time work (non-sport), study, and travel, with five-year paths to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) matching the main applicant. They access NHS via IHS but not most benefits or State Pension.
Restrictions include no self-employment as sports coach and travel bans during in-UK extensions. Children must apply before 18 for continuity. Post-study, dependants align with Graduate visa transitions if eligible.
Path to Settlement on UK Dependant Visa
Settlement via ILR requires five continuous years on dependant visas, absent no more than 180 days yearly. Continuous genuine relationship, English B1 level (for ILR), and Life in the UK test apply. Fees reach £3,029 per adult; exemptions rare. 2026 reforms stress contributions like taxes for approval.
Common Pitfalls in UK Dependant Visa Applications
Incomplete finances or weak relationship proof cause most refusals. Overlooking new occupation bans or TB tests delays processes. Applying from invalid in-UK statuses (e.g., visitor visas) voids claims. Timely extensions prevent gaps.
UK Dependant Visa for Skilled Workers vs Students
Skilled Worker dependants face occupation-specific curbs but offer work rights. Student dependants suit postgrads/PhDs, needing course proof and higher maintenance (£845 London/month). Tables highlight differences:
| Aspect | Skilled Worker Dependant | Student Dependant |
| Main Eligibility | RQF6+ jobs, pre-2025 for medium-skilled | Postgrad 9m+ or gov-sponsored 6m+ |
| Maintenance Funds | £285 partner + £315/£200 children | £845/£680 monthly (London/out) |
| Work Rights | Yes, full-time | Yes, but limited post-course |
| Key Restriction | Care/TSL bans | PhD/research only from 2024 |
FAQs on UK Dependant Visa Rules 2026
Q1: Can care workers bring dependants in 2026?
A: Only if sponsored before March 11, 2024, or for child exceptions.
Q2: What is the IHS cost for a child dependant?
A: £776 per year, reduced rate.
Q3: How long for processing outside the UK?
A: Usually three weeks.
Q4: Do dependants need English tests?
A: Not required, but beneficial.
Q5: Can dependants settle after five years?
A: Yes, with residency and tests.