Dependants

On this page you can find information on:

• Who is eligible to bring dependants to the UK
• Applications outside the UK
• Applications within the UK

Who can bring dependants to the UK

You can bring your husband, wife, unmarried partner, and children (under 18) to the UK with you as a Student dependant if one of the following applies to you:

• You are studying for a PhD, other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree course of 9 months or more
• You are a government-sponsored student and studying a course at any level of 6 months or more

Your dependants can apply to enter the UK at the same time as you or they can apply separately at a later date. If they do not apply at the same time as you they should ensure that you have received your visa before they make an application themselves.

Applications from outside the UK

If you are applying from outside the UK you will need to provide the documents listed below. All documents must be originals and should be accompanied by a fully verified translation if they are not in English.  

• Application form: Completed online.
• Application fees: paid in local currency
• Passport(s): You should submit any passports that you have ever used to enter the UK.
• Financial evidence: Each dependant will be required to show that they have the equivalent of £845 for each month of the main applicant’s leave, up to a maximum of 9 months (£7,605). 

• Funds can be either in the dependant’s name or the main applicant’s name. This can be one or a mixture of the following :

  • Bank statements: The money must have been in the account for a period of at least 28 consecutive days. It is extremely important that you do not drop below this total amount even for one day or your visa will be refused. The final date of this 28 day period must not be more than 31 days before the immigration application is made.
  • Scholarship: If the main applicant is receiving sponsorship from an official financial sponsor that is able to provide for dependants as well, you can use that as proof of funds. In this case you must provide an official letter which specifically names your dependant(s). Any difference will have to be made up by other sources.
• Proof of relationship: Dependants must show proof of relationship to the student such as marriage certificates and birth certificates. You will need to provide evidence to show that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. For example, at least 6 different documents from different sources demonstrating that you have lived together at the same address for at least 2 years.

• If dependants are applying from outside the UK at a different time from the student, they should also provide:

  • Proof of student’s visa status: Copies of the student’s visa and passport details pages.
  • Proof of student’s enrolment: A Student Status letter from UCL confirming that the student is currently enrolled at the University.

Applications from within the UK

You can either extend your Dependant visa in the UK or switch into the Student Dependant visa category from another category in the UK (excluding visitor categories).

You apply for a Student Dependant visa using the same application process as the main PBS Student applicant.   

You will need the following for your application:

• Application fees: Standard Service, 24 hour & 5 day Priority Services
• Passport(s): You should submit any passports that you have ever used to enter the UK.
• Financial evidence: If you have been resident in the UK for less than 12 months then each dependant will be required to show that they have the equivalent of £845 for each month of the main applicant’s leave, up to a maximum of 9 months (£7,605).

• Funds can be either in the dependant’s name or the main applicant’s name. This can be one or a mixture of the following :

  • Bank statements:The money must have been in the account for a period of at least 28 consecutive days. It is extremely important that you do not drop below this total amount even for one day or your visa will be refused. The final date of this 28 day period must not be more than 31 days before the immigration application is made.
  • Scholarship: If the main applicant is receiving sponsorship from an official financial sponsor that is able to provide for dependants as well, you can use that as proof of funds. In this case you must provide an official letter which specifically names your dependant(s). Any difference will have to be made up by other sources.

• Proof of address: If the dependant child is over the age of 16, they need to show two extra documents dated in the last month to confirm the dependant’s residential address
• Proof of relationship: If the dependant is switching into the dependant category they may be required to show proof of relationship. You will need to provide evidence to show that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. For example, at least 6 different documents from different sources demonstrating that you have lived together at the same address for at least 2 years.
• Submitting your application: You enrol your biometrics and upload your supporting documents at a Core Centre/Service Point. You will be redirected to the ‘Sopra Steria’ website to book an appointment at your nearest location, you will have the choice of a free service at one of the 6 CORE CENTRES or for an additional fee you may wish to travel to one of the 50 Enhanced Service Points. Optional added-value services will also be available. If your application includes family members, you will all need to attend an appointment at the same time.

Whichever service you choose you will leave the Core Centre/Service Point with all your evidence including your travel document – Please do not leave the UK until a decision is made on your application otherwise it will lead to your application being withdrawn!