The dependants of a student studying an eligible course in the UK can apply for a student dependant visa to live in the UK with the student visa holder. An application for a student dependent visa is made in accordance with the requirements as set out in Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules.
The Student Dependant Visa UK route allows eligible family members of certain international students to live in the UK during the student's course of study. However, significant changes to the Immigration Rules have restricted who can bring dependants under the Student route, making professional legal advice more important than ever.
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At Premium Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors provide expert legal advice and representation for Student Dependant Visa applications, extensions, refusals, and related immigration matters. We assist clients throughout the UK and worldwide through telephone, video conferencing, email, and face-to-face consultations.
- Page Contents
- Free Immigration Advice
- Student Dependant Visa Applications
- What is a Student Dependant Visa?
- Who Can Bring Dependants?
- Eligibility Requirements
- Work Rights for Dependants
- Study Rights for Dependants
- Application Process
- Common Refusal Reasons
- How Our Solicitors Can Help
- Why Choose Us?
- Our Team of Immigration Solicitors
- Book an Appointment
- Our Fixed Fees
- Get a Quote
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Free Immigration Advice for a Dependant Visa UK
Our specialist team of dependant visa solicitors can provide a 5-minute one-off free immigration advice for a dependant visa application. Ask a question online to our specialist team of immigration solicitors for free immigration advice online, or book an appointment online for detailed immigration advice and consultation with one of our immigration solicitors concerning your dependent visa application.
Student Dependant Visa Applications
As specialist dependant visa solicitors, we can provide expert immigration advice and legal representations for the following applications for dependants of a student:
- Entry Clearance for Student Dependant Visa UK
- Switching to a Student Dependant Visa UK
- Extension of Student Dependant Visa UK
- Administrative Review of UK Visa Refusal
What is a Student Dependant Visa?
A Student Dependant Visa allows eligible family members of a Student visa holder to accompany or join the student in the UK. A dependant may include:
- Husband, wife or civil partner
- Unmarried partner
- Children under the age of 18
Each dependant must make a separate visa application and satisfy the relevant Immigration Rules.
Who Can Bring Dependants to the UK?
The rules changed significantly from January 2024. Most international students can no longer bring dependants to the UK.
Currently, dependants are generally permitted only where the student is:
A Postgraduate Research Student
You may be able to bring dependants if you are studying:
A PhD programme
A doctorate degree
A research-based higher degree
A full-time postgraduate research course lasting at least 9 months
A Government-Sponsored Student
You may also qualify if:
You are sponsored by a government for a course lasting more than 6 months
Existing Student Dependants
Certain dependants who already hold permission under previous Immigration Rules may be able to extend their stay in the UK.
Who Cannot Bring Dependants?
Generally, you cannot bring dependants if you are:
- An undergraduate student
- Studying a taught Bachelor's degree
- Studying a taught Master's degree that does not qualify under the research exception
- Attending a short-term course
- Enrolled on a course lasting less than 9 months
The Home Office introduced these restrictions to reduce net migration associated with the Student route.
Student Dependant Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Student Dependant Visa, applicants must satisfy various requirements including:
Relationship Requirement
You must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship with the Student visa holder.
Evidence may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Civil partnership certificate
- Evidence of cohabitation
- Birth certificates for children
- Family photographs and correspondence
Financial Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK unless exempt under the Immigration Rules.
The amount required depends on:
- Whether the student is studying in London or outside London
- The number of dependants applying
- Whether the applicant qualifies for an exemption
Careful preparation of financial evidence is essential to avoid refusal.
Can Student Dependants Work in the UK?
Yes. Most partners of eligible Student visa holders can:
- Work full-time
- Be self-employed
- Establish a business
- Take up skilled or unskilled employment
This flexibility makes the Student Dependant Visa an attractive option for families relocating to the UK.
However, certain restrictions may apply in limited circumstances.
Can Student Dependants Study in the UK?
Yes. Student dependants can usually:
- Attend schools in the UK
- Undertake further education
- Enrol in university courses
Children may access education in accordance with UK law and local authority arrangements.
Student Dependant Visa Application Process
Our solicitors can assist with every stage of the application process:
Step 1 – Eligibility Assessment
We assess whether the student and dependants meet the Immigration Rules.
Step 2 – Document Preparation
We prepare and review all supporting evidence.
Step 3 – Online Application
We complete and submit the visa application forms.
Step 4 – Biometric Enrolment
Applicants attend a visa application centre to provide biometrics.
Step 5 – Decision
The Home Office considers the application and issues a decision.
Student Dependant Visa Extension
Dependants may be able to extend their visas where:
- The student extends their Student visa
- The dependant continues to meet the Immigration Rules
- The family relationship continues to exist
Applications should be submitted before the current visa expires.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Student Dependant Visa applications may be refused for reasons such as:
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Failure to prove the relationship
- Incorrect documentation
- Inconsistent information
- Failure to meet immigration requirements
Our solicitors can help minimise the risk of refusal by ensuring your application is thoroughly prepared.
How Premium Solicitors Can Help
At Premium Solicitors, we provide specialist legal advice for:
- Student Dependant Visa applications
- Student Dependant Visa extensions
- Visa refusals and re-applications
- Switching immigration categories
- Family visa applications
- Long-term immigration planning
Our immigration solicitors have extensive experience helping families successfully relocate to the UK.
Why Choose Premium Solicitors?
- Specialist Immigration Solicitors
- Fixed Fee Services
- Open 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year
- Remote Services Available Worldwide
- Fast and Responsive Communication
- Excellent Client Reviews
- Representation Throughout the UK
Specialist Immigration Solicitors for Dependant Visas
Our immigration solicitors are specialists in UK visa applications for student dependants. As one of the best immigration solicitors, we have an excellent track record of helping clients obtain UK visas as student dependants. Our highly experienced and fully qualified immigration solicitors can provide fast, friendly, reliable, and fixed-fee immigration advice and legal representation for your UK visa as a student dependant.
The high quality of UK visa and immigration legal services provided by our best team of immigration lawyers is self-evident from the 5-star Google Reviews rating by 99% of our clients. Our London-based immigration solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of UK visa and immigration cases. Our team of highly regarded immigration solicitors brings together more than 6 decades of collective, specialised expertise in successfully handling UK visa and immigration applications.
Meet Our Team of Immigration Solicitors in London
At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our immigration solicitors in London. We understand that immigration matters are life-changing events, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the dependent visa process with professionalism and care.
Our team comprises a diverse group of immigration solicitors, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your immigration needs.
Arshad Mahmood
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Tushita Scalzullo
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Nargis Khodadady
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Asad Malik
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Alina Rizvi
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Victoria Gbenoba
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Nazamah Munir Akhtar
Immigration SolicitorLanguages Spoken By Our Team
At Premium Solicitors, we prioritise clear and effective communication in all legal matters. Our team of specialist solicitors offers multilingual legal services, ensuring clients receive accurate advice in a language they fully understand.
By removing language barriers, we help minimise misunderstandings and handle your case with clarity and confidence.
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Schedule Your Consultation With Our Immigration Solicitors
Are you seeking expert immigration advice and consultation from our highly experienced and qualified team of immigration solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated dependent visa specialists. Our expert team of immigration solicitors and advisors can provide detailed immigration advice and consultation, face-to-face in our offices in London and Birmingham or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:
Our immigration lawyers are ready to assist you with your UK student dependant visa. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.
Our Fixed Fees for Student Dependant Visas
Our fixed fees for dependant visa applications are as given in the fee table below:
| Our Service | Our Fixed Fees Range |
| Full service for dependant visa Entry Clearance to cover all the work until the decision by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) | From £1,000 to £1,500 (no VAT) |
| Full service for switching into a dependant visa from inside the UK to cover our work until a decision on your application | From £1,00 + VAT to £1,500 + VAT |
| Full service for the extension of dependant visa from inside the UK to cover our work until a decision on your application | From £1,000 + VAT to £1,500 + VAT |
| Full service for ILR as a dependant to cover our work until the decision on your application | From £1,000 + VAT to £1,500 + VAT |
Our fixed fee will depend on the complexity of the matter and the volume of work involved in your application. In addition to our fixed fee for assisting you with your application, you must pay the Home Office UKVI fees separately.
Flexible Payment Plan
We offer flexible payment options, allowing you to pay your agreed fixed fee in two instalments. We will require you to pay half of the agreed fixed fee at the time of initial instructions when we start working on your matter, and the remaining half at the time of online submission of your immigration application.
Get a Fixed Fee Quote for Your Student Dependant Visa
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Ready to get started? Use the link below to request a fixed-fee quote tailored to your needs.
How to Engage Us for Your Immigration Matter?
You can instruct immigration solicitors in London at Premium Solicitors for your immigration matter by getting in contact with us using one of the following means of contact:
Call Us: 0044 20 3930 3900
Email Us: info@premiumsolicitors.co.uk
Complete Enquiry Form: Send your enquiry through our website enquiry form
Book an Appointment Online: You can book an appointment with one of our specialist immigration solicitors in London for detailed immigration advice and consultation on your immigration matter.
FAQs - Student Dependant Visa UK
The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about a student dependant visa UK:
A Student Dependant Visa allows eligible family members of certain international students in the UK to join or accompany the main Student visa holder. Dependants may include a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and dependent children. The dependant visa is linked to the immigration status of the Student visa holder.
You may be eligible to apply if you are:
- The husband, wife, or civil partner of the Student visa holder.
- An unmarried partner who has lived with the Student visa holder in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years.
- A child under the age of 18 who is financially dependent on the Student visa holder.
However, only certain Student visa holders can bring dependants under the current UK Immigration Rules.
No. Since January 2024, most students studying taught courses are no longer permitted to bring dependants to the UK. Generally, dependants are only permitted where the Student visa holder is:
- Studying a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
- Undertaking a research-based higher degree.
- Sponsored by a government for a course lasting six months or longer.
The eligibility requirements should be carefully reviewed before making an application.
Yes. A Student dependant can apply for entry clearance from outside the UK before travelling to the UK. The application is usually submitted online and applicants must attend a biometric appointment if required.
In some circumstances, it may be possible to switch into the Student Dependant route from within the UK. However, eligibility depends on the applicant's current immigration status and the specific immigration rules in force at the time of application.
Professional legal advice is recommended before submitting a switching application.
Applicants must demonstrate that sufficient funds are available to support themselves in the UK unless they qualify for an exemption.
The amount required depends on:
- The location of the sponsoring student.
- The number of dependants applying.
- Whether the applicant has already been living lawfully in the UK.
The financial requirement must usually be evidenced through bank statements or other acceptable documents.
In most cases, Student dependants are permitted to work in the UK. They can generally:
- Work full-time.
- Be self-employed in certain circumstances.
- Undertake voluntary work.
However, some restrictions may apply, and dependants cannot usually work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Yes. Student dependants are generally allowed to study in the UK, including at schools, colleges, and universities, subject to compliance with UK immigration rules.
A Student Dependant Visa is usually granted for the same period as the Student visa holder's permission to stay in the UK. If the Student visa is extended, the dependant may also apply to extend their visa.
Yes. Dependent children under the age of 18 may be eligible to apply. Parents must usually demonstrate that suitable arrangements exist for the child's care and accommodation in the UK.
Yes. Once the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has been paid as part of the visa application, Student dependants can generally access NHS healthcare services in the UK.
The Student Dependant route itself does not directly lead to settlement. However, if the main visa holder later switches to a route that leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), dependants may also be able to switch and eventually qualify for settlement subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
Yes. If the Student visa holder extends their permission to stay in the UK and remains eligible to have dependants, family members may apply to extend their dependant visas before their current visas expire.
Yes. A student dependant can switch to other visa categories from inside the UK. It is very common for student dependants to switch to a skilled worker visa or a student visa category.
Documents required for the student dependant visa may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances. The required documents may include:
- Valid passport.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship.
- Evidence of cohabitation for unmarried partners.
- Birth certificates for dependent children.
- Financial evidence.
- Proof of the Student visa holder's immigration status.
Additional documents may be required depending on individual circumstances.
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Failure to meet the financial requirements.
- Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
- Missing supporting documents.
- Incorrect application forms.
- Concerns regarding credibility or eligibility.
A refusal should be carefully reviewed by an experienced immigration solicitor to determine the available options.
If your application is refused, you should seek legal advice immediately. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to:
- Submit a fresh application.
- Request an Administrative Review where available.
- Challenge the decision through other legal remedies.
Premium Solicitors can assess your refusal decision and advise on the most suitable course of action.
Premium Solicitors has extensive experience assisting families with Student Dependant Visa applications, visa extensions, switching applications, and immigration appeals. Our specialist immigration solicitors provide clear legal advice, document checking services, and comprehensive application support to maximise the prospects of a successful outcome.
We offer fixed-fee services, remote appointments, and assistance to clients throughout the UK and internationally.