One of the biggest concerns for persons looking to obtain a permit or visa in the permanent immigration category is whether their partners, spouses and children will be able to stay with them in the UK. Fortunately the UK immigration rules and regulation do make provision for dependants in the form of the dependency visa.

How to qualify

In order to qualify for this type of visa, you must be the spouse, unmarried or civil partner of the main applicant. Children under the age of 18 years may also accompany the main applicant to the UK as dependants. If you are applying as a dependant on someone who is an EEA national the dependency age for children is 21.

It is sometimes possible for a child to accompany one parent to the UK, but special rules apply, and we advise you to contact us to ascertain your particular status.

Children over 18 need to qualify independently under the Immigration rules for rights of residence in the UK. Exceptional applications for children over 18 to accompany parents as dependents may be possible in very restricted circumstances.

Length of stay and right to work

The visa will be granted for the same period as the main applicant.

There are no work restrictions on the holder of a dependency visa.

Permanent residence

It is possible for dependants to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided that the main applicant obtains Indefinite Leave to Remain at the same time, and the dependant has spent sufficient time in the UK over the preceding period as applicable in each individual case.