UK Student Visa Dependents: Complete Family Accompaniment Guide

From AVID’s Immigration Simplified Resource Center

Bringing your family to the UK while you study isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about building a life together in a new country. As seasoned immigration experts, we’ve guided hundreds of families through this process, and we know the difference between applications that sail through and those that face unnecessary delays.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK student visa dependents, from eligibility requirements to the real-world challenges most guides won’t mention.

Understanding UK Student Visa Dependents

When you’re accepted for studies in the UK, you may be eligible to bring certain family members with you as dependents. This isn’t automatic—specific criteria must be met, and the financial and documentation requirements are substantial.

What this means for you: Your dependent visa applications are intrinsically linked to your student visa. If your student visa is refused or curtailed, your dependents’ visas are automatically affected.

Who Counts as a Dependent?

The UK government defines dependents very specifically:

• Your spouse or civil partner
• Your unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for at least 2 years)
• Your children under 18
• Children over 18 who are already in the UK as your dependents

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Many applicants assume step-children or adopted children automatically qualify. While they can be included, you need specific documentation proving legal guardianship or adoption—not just living arrangements.

Course Level Restrictions

Not all students can bring dependents. You must be studying:

• A PhD program (any duration)
• A doctorate by research
• A government-sponsored course lasting 6+ months
• A postgraduate course lasting 9+ months at a Higher Education Institution with a track record of compliance

What this means for you: If you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree or shorter courses, you cannot bring dependents—regardless of your financial capacity or family circumstances.

Eligible Family Members: Building Your Case

Spouse and Partner Requirements

Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting. The Home Office scrutinizes marriage and partnership evidence heavily, particularly for recent marriages or relationships formed shortly before application.

Documentation you’ll need:

• Original marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of cohabitation (joint bank statements, tenancy agreements, utility bills)
• Photos spanning your relationship timeline
• Communication records if you’ve lived apart
• Evidence of meeting in person if you met online

If you’re applying from countries with high refusal rates: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria face additional scrutiny. Provide extensive relationship evidence going back at least 2 years, including family acknowledgment of your relationship and evidence of cultural ceremonies.

Children: Age and Dependency Criteria

Children must be under 18 and dependent on you financially. The Home Office defines “dependent” strictly—children living independently or receiving significant financial support from others may not qualify.

Required documentation for children:

• Full birth certificates showing both parents
• Evidence of sole responsibility (if applicable)
• Court orders for custody arrangements
• School enrollment letters (if already in education)
• Medical records if they have ongoing health needs

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Parents often assume children from previous relationships automatically qualify. If you don’t have sole legal responsibility, you need written consent from the other parent, notarized and legally verified.

Adult Children: Limited Circumstances

Children over 18 can only be included if they’re already in the UK as your dependents. New applications for adult children as dependents aren’t accepted under student visa routes.

Financial Requirements: The Reality Check

This is where most applications face challenges. You must prove you can financially support your entire family without relying on public funds.

Base Financial Requirements

For courses starting September 2024 or later:

• Main applicant: £1,334 per month (£12,006 for 9 months)
• First dependent: £845 per month (£7,605 for 9 months)
• Each additional dependent: £680 per month (£6,120 for 9 months)

What this means for you: A family of four (student + spouse + 2 children) needs to show £26,451 for a 9-month course—this is in addition to tuition fees.

Evidence Requirements: The 28-Day Rule

All financial evidence must be dated within 28 days of your online application. This includes:

• Bank statements showing required balance for 28 consecutive days
• Official sponsor letters
• Scholarship award letters
• Student loan documentation

Critical timing mistake we’ve seen: Many families gather documents over weeks, not realizing all dates must fall within the same 28-day window. Start your document collection only when you’re ready to submit immediately.

Acceptable Sources of Funding

Personal funds: Must be in accounts held by you or your spouse/partner for at least 28 days. Parents’ accounts don’t count unless funds are officially gifted to you with proper documentation.

Official sponsorship: Government or international organization scholarships that specifically cover dependent costs.

Student loans: Only loans that explicitly cover living costs and dependents.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Even if you meet minimum requirements, showing 20-30% additional funds demonstrates financial stability and strengthens your application significantly.

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Application Process: Strategic Timing

Simultaneous vs. Separate Applications

Best practice from AVID experts: Always apply simultaneously when possible. Separate applications create unnecessary complications and processing delays.

When simultaneous applications aren’t possible:

• If you’re already in the UK on a student visa
• If family circumstances change after your initial application
• If dependents are joining you mid-studies

Documentation Strategy

What really happens behind the scenes: Case workers spend approximately 15-20 minutes reviewing each application. Your documents must tell a clear, immediate story.

Document organization that works:

1. Cover letter summarizing your family situation
2. Relationship evidence (clearly labeled and chronological)
3. Financial documents (highlighted with explanatory notes)
4. Academic documents (course details and progression)
5. Accommodation evidence
6. Insurance documentation

Processing Timelines: Managing Expectations

Standard processing times:

• From outside the UK: 3-6 weeks
• From inside the UK: 8-12 weeks
• Premium services: 5-10 working days (additional cost)

Real challenge we’ve seen: Families often underestimate processing time and make irreversible commitments (selling property, ending employment) before receiving decisions.

Dependent Rights and Restrictions: Life in the UK

Work Permissions for Spouses

Your spouse/partner can work in most jobs but cannot:

• Be self-employed or start a business
• Work as a professional sportsperson
• Take permanent employment

What this means for you: Your spouse can contribute to family income, but career progression may be limited. Plan accordingly for long-term financial sustainability.

Children’s Education Access

Dependent children can attend state schools free of charge—a significant benefit worth approximately £15,000-£25,000 per year per child in private school fees.

If you’re applying from countries where English isn’t the primary language: Research schools with strong ESL (English as a Second Language) support in your chosen area. Some areas have better integration programs than others.

Healthcare Through the NHS

All dependents must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (currently £1,035 per year per person) but then receive full NHS access equivalent to UK residents.

Healthcare planning consideration: Existing medical conditions should be disclosed in applications, and you should research specialist services availability in your chosen location.

Public Funds Restrictions

Dependents cannot access:

• Housing benefit
• Income support
• Tax credits
• Universal credit
• Other means-tested benefits

What this means for you: You must be entirely financially self-sufficient. Emergency financial planning is crucial.

Family Life Considerations: Practical Planning

Accommodation Requirements

You must provide adequate accommodation for your entire family. The Home Office doesn’t specify exact requirements, but overcrowding can lead to visa refusals or future complications.

Practical guideline from AVID experts: Budget for at least a 2-bedroom property for families with children, regardless of children’s ages or gender. Shared accommodation with other families rarely meets adequacy requirements.

Educational Continuity

Planning consideration most families miss: UK academic years and curricula differ significantly from other countries. Children may need academic support or grade placement adjustments.

If your children excel academically: Research grammar schools and selective admission processes early. Applications often occur a year before enrollment.

Building Support Networks

Reality check from seasoned experts: Family adjustment is often more challenging than academic adjustment. Research community groups, religious organizations, and cultural associations in your target area before arrival.