What Are the Rules for Dependents on a UK Student Visa?

Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students, and bringing family along can be a crucial factor in ensuring comfort, stability, and emotional support during the course of study. The UK offers the option for certain student visa holders to bring family members, known as dependents, to live with them while they study. However, the rules governing who can bring dependents, who qualifies as a dependent, and what rights these dependents have are quite specific.

This article breaks down the current rules for dependents on a UK Student Visa, covering eligibility, application process, rights and responsibilities, and recent policy changes that could impact prospective students and their families.

Who Can Bring Dependents on a UK Student Visa?

Not all student visa holders in the UK are allowed to bring dependents. As of recent UK Home Office policy, only a limited group of students are eligible to bring family members with them. These include:

Eligible Students

• Government-sponsored students: If you are studying a full-time course that lasts 6 months or longer and you are financially sponsored by your government, you can bring dependents.
  
  

• Postgraduate students on a research-based program: If you are enrolled in a postgraduate level course designated as a PhD or other doctoral qualification (RQF Level 8) or a research-based higher degree that lasts 9 months or longer, you are allowed to bring dependents.
  
  

This means undergraduate students and most taught master’s students are no longer eligible to bring dependents to the UK, as part of the UK government's effort to reduce net migration numbers. This change, effective from January 2024, marked a significant policy shift from previous years when many more students were allowed to bring their families.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

The UK Home Office has clearly defined who can be classified as a dependent under the Student Visa category. Dependents include:

• Husband, wife or civil partner
  
  

• Unmarried or same-sex partner, provided you have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years
  
  

• Children under the age of 18, including biological children or adopted children
  
  

It’s important to note that parents, siblings, or extended family members do not qualify as dependents under this visa category.

Financial Requirements for Dependents

One of the most important aspects of the visa application for dependents is proving sufficient financial support. The main student and each dependent must show they can support themselves in the UK without relying on public funds.

Financial Thresholds (as of 2024)

Dependents must show:

• £845 per month (up to 9 months) for those living in London
  
  

• £680 per month (up to 9 months) for those living outside London
  
  

For example, if you’re studying in London and plan to bring your partner and one child, you’d need to show:

• £845 × 9 = £7,605 (per dependent)
  
  

• Total: £7,605 × 2 = £15,210, in addition to your own maintenance funds.
  
  

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days in a regulated bank account, and the evidence must be dated within 31 days of the visa application.

Application Process for Dependents

Each dependent must apply for their own visa, either at the same time as the student or later, depending on circumstances.

Application Requirements

Each dependent must provide:

• A valid passport
  
  

• Biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
  
  

• Tuberculosis test results (for certain countries)
  
  

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate for children, cohabitation evidence for unmarried partners)
  
  

• Financial evidence
  
  

• Consent from the child’s other parent if applicable
  
  

Applications are submitted online, and the visa fee is the same as the main applicant’s, currently £490 (subject to change). Dependents must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £776 per year for each dependent.

Rights and Restrictions for Dependents

Dependent family members are granted their own visas, generally valid for the same duration as the main student’s visa. While in the UK, they have specific rights and responsibilities.

Work Rights

• Spouses and partners can work full-time, including self-employment, but not as a professional sportsperson or coach.
  
  

• Children are allowed to attend state schools.
  
  

However, these rights only apply if the student is enrolled in a postgraduate research-based course or is government-sponsored. If the student’s eligibility status changes (e.g., switching to a different visa type), the dependent’s rights may also change.

No Access to Public Funds

Dependents are not entitled to public benefits, such as housing support, child benefits, or tax credits. It's essential to plan finances accordingly.

Children Born in the UK

If a child is born in the UK while the parent is on a Student Visa, the child does not automatically become a British citizen. Parents must apply for a visa for the child if they plan to travel in and out of the UK, or if the child stays beyond 6 months.

Switching to Other Visas and Settling in the UK

Dependents on a Student Visa may later become eligible to switch to other visa categories from within the UK, such as:

• Skilled Worker Visa
  
  

• Graduate Route (for the main student)
  
  

• Family Visas
  
  

However, Student Dependent Visas do not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), but time spent under this visa may count towards residency under some pathways if later switched to an eligible visa.

Recent Policy Changes and Their Impact

January 2024 Changes

The most significant recent change came into effect in January 2024, when the UK government restricted the right to bring dependents to only:

• Postgraduate research students
  
  

• Government-sponsored students
  
  

This change was introduced to curb immigration levels and ensure that the UK student visa route remains primarily focused on education rather than family migration.

Graduate Route

Under the Graduate Visa, which allows students to stay in the UK for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after completing their course, dependents can stay as long as:

• They were already dependents under the Student Visa
  
  

• The application for the Graduate Visa is made from within the UK
  
  

New dependents cannot be added under this route unless the main applicant switches to a different visa type.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Apply early: Processing times can vary, and applying early reduces the risk of delays.
  
  

• Check document requirements carefully: Incomplete applications may be rejected or delayed.
  
  

• Maintain strong financial records: This is one of the most common reasons for visa refusals.
  
  

• Avoid overstaying: Ensure all family members understand their visa validity and comply with immigration laws.
  
  

Conclusion

Bringing dependents to the UK on a Student Visa can be a life-changing opportunity for many families. However, it is tightly regulated and subject to evolving immigration policies. As of 2024, only students in specific postgraduate research programs or those sponsored by their governments are eligible to bring family members.

For those who qualify, the UK offers a stable and supportive environment for dependents, including the right to work for partners and access to education for children. Yet, it's critical to plan thoroughly, understand the financial requirements, and stay informed about ongoing policy changes.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult the official UK government website or seek professional immigration advice.