Bringing your partner or family to the UK: dependant visa basics

If you are living in the UK on a visa, you may be able to bring your partner and children with you as “dependants.” The rules vary significantly depending on your visa type, and they have changed considerably in recent years - so this guide gives you the framework to understand the process, but you must always check the current official rules before you apply.

Who counts as a dependant?

• Partner - your spouse, civil partner, or (in some cases) an unmarried partner of two or more years if you can evidence the relationship.
• Children - dependent children under 18 (and in some cases over 18 if they were previously granted leave as a dependant and have not since lived independently).

Parents, siblings, and other relatives generally do not qualify as dependants on most routes - they would need their own visa.

Skilled Worker visa dependants

If you hold a Skilled Worker visa, your partner and children can usually apply to join you as dependants. As a guide, there is a minimum salary threshold that must be met - but this threshold has changed in recent years and may change again. Do not rely on figures from community groups or older guides. Always check the current requirement at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children before applying.

Student visa dependants

The rules on student dependants have tightened significantly. From early 2024, most international students can no longer bring dependants unless they are enrolled on a government-funded postgraduate research programme, or are government or international sponsored students. If you are on a standard student route, you should assume you cannot bring dependants unless the official page confirms otherwise. Always verify at gov.uk/dependant-visa.

The financial requirement

Most dependant applications require you to show you have enough money to support your family without relying on public funds. The specific amounts depend on your visa route and how many dependants you are bringing. These figures are set by the Home Office and updated periodically - check the current requirement on the official page for your specific visa type before you budget.

Applying from outside the UK vs inside the UK

• From outside the UK - your dependant applies for a visa from their home country (in this case, Nepal) before travelling. They will need to attend a visa application centre, provide biometrics, and submit supporting documents.
• From inside the UK - if your dependant is already in the UK on another visa (for example, as a visitor), they may be able to apply to switch - but visitor visas do not allow in-country switching in most cases. Check carefully before relying on this route.

Healthcare surcharge

Dependant applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application, giving them access to the NHS. The fee is calculated per year of leave granted. The current amount is shown during the online application - as a guide, it has been several hundred pounds per person per year, but check the official calculator for the current figure.

Rules change - always check GOV.UK

UK immigration rules change frequently, sometimes with little notice. Figures you read in community forums, WhatsApp groups, or even older guides (including this one) may be out of date. The only reliable source is GOV.UK itself. If the application is complex or if there is any doubt, consider consulting a regulated immigration adviser (OISC-registered) or solicitor.

Start with the official dependant visa guidance: gov.uk/dependant-visa and gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children.