The UK allows international students to bring their spouse, civil partner, and children to accompany them during their studies through the Student Dependent Visa, enabling families to stay together while pursuing British education.

What is UK Student Dependent Visa?

The Student Dependent Visa (officially part of the Student Route) allows international students to bring eligible family members to the UK for the duration of their studies. Studying in the UK with family provides valuable support while gaining world-class education.

Key Features:

• Duration: Matches main student visa period
• Work Rights: Dependents can work full-time (20+ hours weekly)
• Study Rights: Can pursue courses in UK
• Healthcare: Access to NHS with Immigration Health Surcharge
• Travel: Can travel in/out of UK with main visa holder or independently

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply as Dependent:

Eligible Family Members:

• Spouse: Legally married partner
• Civil Partner: Registered civil partnership
• Unmarried Partner: Cohabiting relationship (minimum 2 years proven)
• Children Under 18: Biological or legally adopted children

Who CANNOT Apply:

• Parents of student
• Siblings
• Adult children (18+ years)
• Other relatives
• Friends or extended family

Student Eligibility Criteria (Main Applicant):

The student MUST meet these requirements:

Course Level Requirements:

• Postgraduate Level 7+: Master’s degree (9+ months) or PhD
• Government-Sponsored Students: Any course length if sponsored
• NOT Eligible: Undergraduate (bachelor’s), foundation, pre-sessional English, short courses under 9 months

Important Limitation: Most undergraduate and foundation students CANNOT bring dependents. Only postgraduate (Master’s/PhD) and government-sponsored students qualify.

Financial Requirements:

• Main Student: Must show additional funds for dependents
• Spouse/Partner: £845 per month for up to 9 months (£7,605 total)
• Each Child: £680 per month for up to 9 months (£6,120 each)
• Example: Student + spouse + 1 child = £14,000+ (beyond student’s own requirement)

Relationship Requirements:

• Marriage Certificate: Legally valid marriage recognized in UK
• Cohabitation Evidence: For unmarried partners, 2+ years living together proof
• Birth Certificates: For children showing parentage
• Genuine Relationship: Evidence of ongoing, authentic relationship

English Language: Dependents do NOT need English proficiency tests (unlike some other countries).

Professional student profile evaluation from AEC Overseas determines dependent visa eligibility based on your course level and financial capacity.

Financial Requirements in Detail

Calculation Formula:

For Main Student + Spouse:

• Student’s maintenance: £1,334/month × 9 months = £12,006 (London) OR £1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 (outside London)
• Spouse additional: £845/month × 9 months = £7,605
• Total Required: £19,611 (London) or £16,812 (outside London)

For Main Student + Spouse + 1 Child:

• Student: £12,006 (London) or £9,207 (outside London)
• Spouse: £7,605
• Child: £6,120
• Total Required: £25,731 (London) or £22,932 (outside London)

For Main Student + Spouse + 2 Children:

• Student: £12,006 (London) or £9,207 (outside London)
• Spouse: £7,605
• Child 1: £6,120
• Child 2: £6,120
• Total Required: £31,851 (London) or £29,052 (outside London)

Plus First Year Tuition: Must also show tuition fees paid or available (typically £15,000-£35,000 depending on course).

Evidence Required:

• Bank Statements: 28 consecutive days showing required amount
• Statement Date: Within 31 days of visa application
• Held in: Student’s name, parent’s name (with consent letter), or financial sponsor
• Financial Sponsor: Official letter if government/company sponsored

Education Loans: UK-approved student loans can cover maintenance for student but typically NOT for dependents. Dependents’ maintenance must be shown in cash savings.

Financial planning support from AEC Overseas helps calculate exact requirements and plan finances accordingly.

Application Process

Timing:

• Apply: Up to 3 months before travel date
• Together or Separately: Can apply with main student or join later
• Processing: 3 weeks standard from outside UK (8 weeks from within UK)

Step 1: Gather Documents (2-3 weeks)

For All Dependents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Relationship proof (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
• Passport-size photographs
• Tuberculosis test certificate (for applicable countries including India)
• Financial evidence (bank statements)
• Accommodation details in UK

For Main Student (to support dependent application):

• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
• Student visa grant letter or BRP card
• University enrollment letter
• Academic qualifications
• Passport copy

For Married Couples:

• Marriage certificate (original + certified translation if not in English)
• Joint financial documents
• Photographs together spanning relationship
• Communication records (optional but helpful)

For Unmarried Partners:

• 2+ years cohabitation proof (joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements)
• Relationship history explanation
• Statutory declaration of relationship
• Photographs and communication records

For Children:

• Birth certificates showing both parents
• Custody documents (if applicable)
• School records
• Consent from other parent (if not accompanying)

Step 2: Complete Online Application

• Create account on UK visa application website
• Complete online form for each dependent separately
• Pay visa fees online
• Book biometrics appointment at VFS Global

Step 3: Biometrics and Document Submission

• Attend VFS Global center
• Provide fingerprints and photograph
• Submit supporting documents
• Receive acknowledgment receipt

Step 4: Processing and Decision

• Standard: 3 weeks from outside UK
• Priority: 5 working days (additional £500 per person)
• Super Priority: 24 hours (additional £1,000 per person, limited availability)

Step 5: Receive Visa

• Decision notification via email
• Collect passport with visa vignette (30-day entry clearance)
• Must enter UK within 30 days of vignette start date
• Collect BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) within 10 days of UK arrival

Expert visa guidance from AEC Overseas manages entire dependent visa application ensuring accuracy and timely processing.

Visa Fees and Costs

Application Fees (Per Person, from outside UK):

• Dependent Visa Application: £490 per dependent
• Family Example: Spouse + 1 child = £980
• Priority Processing: Additional £500 per person (optional)
• Super Priority: Additional £1,000 per person (optional, limited)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

• Rate: £470 per person per year
• Calculation: Course duration + extra months
• Example: 2-year Master’s = 2.5 years × £470 = £1,175 per person
• Family Example: Spouse + 1 child for 2.5 years = £2,350

Other Costs:

• VFS Service Charge: £50-€120 per person
• Document Translation: £30-£100 per document (if needed)
• Courier/Premium Lounge: £50-£150 (optional)
• Tuberculosis Test: ₹5,000-₹7,000 per person (for Indian applicants)

Total Cost Example (Spouse + 1 Child for 2-year Master’s):

• Visa fees: £980
• IHS: £2,350
• VFS charges: £200
• TB tests: ₹14,000 (approximately £135)
• Total: Approximately £3,665 (₹3.8 lakhs)

Plus Living Costs in UK:

• Accommodation: £800-£1,500 monthly (family)
• Food: £400-£600 monthly
• Transport: £100-£200 monthly
• Utilities: £150-£250 monthly
• Total Monthly: £1,450-£2,550 (family of 3)
• Annual: £17,400-£30,600

Work Rights for Dependents

Employment Permissions:

For Spouse/Partner Dependents:

• Full-Time Work: Can work unlimited hours (no 20-hour restriction like student)
• Any Job: Any employer, any sector, any skill level
• Self-Employment: Can establish own business
• Multiple Jobs: Can work for multiple employers
• No Sponsorship Needed: Don’t require work permit or employer sponsorship

For Child Dependents:

• Under 16: Cannot work (education focus)
• 16-18 Years: Limited part-time work during school holidays only

Practical Benefits:

• Income Generation: Spouse’s salary significantly offsets living costs
• Financial Relief: Reduces burden on main student’s funds
• Career Continuity: Spouse maintains employment history
• UK Experience: Builds valuable international work experience

Typical Spouse Employment:

• Retail/Hospitality: £10-£13 per hour (£1,600-£2,080 monthly full-time)
• Administrative: £12-£16 per hour (£1,920-£2,560 monthly)
• Teaching/Education: £15-£25 per hour
• IT/Professional: £20-£35 per hour (if qualified)
• Healthcare: £12-£20 per hour (HCAs, care assistants)

Job Search Resources:

• Indeed.co.uk, Reed.co.uk, Totaljobs.com
• Local job centers (Jobcentre Plus)
• Recruitment agencies (Manpower, Adecco, Reed)
• Networking through community groups

Study Rights for Dependents

Spouse/Partner Can:

• Study Part-Time: Any course, any level
• Study Full-Time: Any course, any level
• No Restrictions: Can pursue degrees, diplomas, certifications
• No Additional Visa: Study on dependent visa (don’t need separate student visa)

Children Can:

• State Schools (Ages 5-18): FREE access to public education
• Private Schools: Can attend fee-paying schools (£10,000-£30,000 annually)
• Further Education: College courses at 16+
• University: Can apply as home/international student (fees depend on residency)

Important Consideration: If spouse wants to be PRIMARY student (not dependent), they should apply for separate student visa instead. Benefits different (e.g., own post-study work rights).

Living in UK as Student Family

Accommodation Options:

University Family Accommodation:

• Availability: Limited spaces, book early
• Cost: £800-£1,500 monthly (1-2 bedroom flats)
• Benefits: On-campus convenience, student community
• Drawback: Limited availability, higher cost than private market

Private Rental:

• 1-Bedroom Flat: £700-£1,200 monthly (outside London), £1,200-£2,000 (London)
• 2-Bedroom Flat: £900-£1,500 monthly (outside London), £1,500-£2,500 (London)
• Requirements: Deposit (4-6 weeks rent), references, right-to-rent check
• Resources: Rightmove.co.uk, Zoopla.co.uk, SpareRoom.co.uk

Support Services:

For Families:

• University family support offices
• International student societies
• Family-friendly events and activities
• Childcare facilities (some universities)
• NHS healthcare access

For Children:

• School enrollment support from local councils
• Free school meals (eligible families)
• School uniforms assistance programs
• After-school clubs and activities
• Language support (EAL – English as Additional Language)

Indian Community Support:

• Active Indian communities in most UK cities
• Cultural events, festivals (Diwali, Holi)
• Indian grocery stores, restaurants
• Hindi/regional language classes for children
• Support networks for families

Extension and Transition

Extending Dependent Visa:

When Student Extends: If main student extends their visa (e.g., progressing from Master’s to PhD), dependents can extend too:

• Apply: Before current visa expires
• Requirements: Same as original application
• Fees: Same application and IHS fees
• Must Requalify: Show continued relationship, updated finances

If Student Switches to Work Visa: When student transitions to Skilled Worker or Graduate Route after studies, dependents can switch too:

• Graduate Route: Dependents can join/extend on Graduate Route dependent visa
• Skilled Worker: Can switch to Skilled Worker dependent visa
• Better Work Rights: Continue working full-time

If Relationship Changes:

Divorce/Separation:

• Dependent visa becomes invalid if relationship ends
• Must leave UK or apply for different visa category
• Exceptions: Domestic violence victims may apply to remain

Child Turns 18:

• Child dependent visa expires when turn 18
• Can apply for own student visa if continuing education
• Can apply for work visa if employed
• Otherwise must return home

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

Emotional Support:

• Family together during studies
• Reduced homesickness and stress
• Spousal support during challenging academic periods
• Children maintain family unit

Financial Benefits:

• Spouse’s income offsets living costs
• Shared accommodation reduces per-person costs
• Family members contribute to household
• Dual income makes UK stay more affordable

Educational Opportunities:

• Free quality education for children (state schools)
• Spouse can upgrade qualifications
• Exposure to British education system
• Language skills development for all

Long-Term Benefits:

• Family gains UK experience together
• Children develop international perspective
• Potential pathway to settlement (if student transitions to work)
• Valuable addition to family CV

Disadvantages:

High Financial Burden:

• Significant upfront visa costs (£3,000-£5,000 for family)
• Must show substantial savings (£15,000-£30,000+)
• Higher living costs (accommodation, food for family)
• Education loans typically don’t cover dependents

Limited Eligibility:

• Only postgraduate students qualify (no undergraduate)
• Course must be 9+ months
• Excludes most international students (bachelor’s, foundation)

Career Disruption:

• Spouse may need to leave established career in home country
• UK job market competitive, may not find equivalent role
• Professional qualifications may not transfer
• Starting over career-wise

Children’s Education:

• Disruption to children’s schooling
• Curriculum differences (CBSE/ICSE vs UK system)
• Potential language barriers initially
• Settling-in challenges

Visa Dependency:

• Dependent status ties to main student
• If student drops out or visa cancelled, entire family must leave
• Cannot remain independently if relationship ends
• Uncertainty if student faces immigration issues

Alternatives to Dependent Visa

If Not Eligible or Too Expensive:

Option 1: Family Visits UK Short-Term

• Visit visa (6 months standard visitor)
• Family can visit during holidays
• Lower cost than dependent visa
• Cannot work or study long-term

Option 2: Spouse Studies Separately

• Spouse applies for own student visa
• Both pursue degrees simultaneously
• Each has own post-study work rights
• Higher overall cost but potential long-term benefits

Option 3: Remote Support

• Family remains in home country
• Regular video calls, visits during breaks
• Lower financial burden
• Spouse maintains career/income at home

Option 4: Wait for Post-Study Work

• Complete studies alone
• Apply for Graduate Route (2 years)
• Secure employment, switch to Skilled Worker visa
• Bring family on Skilled Worker dependent visa (better long-term)

Success Tips for Dependent Applications

Financial Documentation:

• Maintain required funds for 28+ consecutive days
• Avoid large sudden deposits close to application
• Clear source of funds explanation
• Use established bank accounts

Relationship Evidence:

• Strong documentation of genuine relationship
• Variety of evidence (photos, joint documents, communication)
• Cover entire relationship period, not just recent
• Show ongoing nature of relationship

Application Accuracy:

• Complete forms carefully, no errors
• Consistent information across all documents
• All document dates valid and current
• Professional translations if needed

Timing:

• Apply well before intended travel (3+ months before)
• Allow buffer time for processing
• Don’t book flights until visa approved
• Coordinate main student and dependent applications

Professional Support: Consider immigration advisor for complex cases:

• Unmarried partners (2-year cohabitation proof)
• Previous visa refusals
• Financial situations requiring explanation
• Step-children or custody situations

Comprehensive AEC Overseas support ensures dependent applications succeed with proper documentation and strategic planning.

How AEC Overseas Supports Dependent Visa Applications

Bringing family to UK requires careful financial planning and documentation. AEC Overseas comprehensive services include:

Eligibility Assessment:

• Determine if student qualifies for dependent visa
• Evaluate financial capacity for family
• Assess relationship documentation strength
• Advise on timing and strategy

Financial Planning:

• Calculate exact maintenance requirements
• Advise on fund presentation strategies
• Education loan guidance (for main student)
• Alternative funding exploration

Document Preparation:

• Complete checklist for each dependent
• Review relationship evidence
• Verify financial documentation
• Ensure all translations and certifications

Application Management:

• Online form completion
• Document upload and submission
• VFS appointment coordination
• Priority processing arrangements (if needed)

Family Settlement Support:

• Accommodation search assistance
• School enrollment guidance for children
• Job search resources for spouse
• Community connections

Extension and Transition:

• Dependent visa extensions
• Switching to Graduate/Work dependent visas
• Long-term settlement planning

Success Record:

• 95%+ approval rate for dependent applications
• 29,000+ successful student placements
• Specialized UK family visa expertise
• End-to-end support from admission to family arrival

Ready to bring your family to UK? Contact AEC Overseas today and let India’s most trusted education consultancy assess your dependent visa eligibility, plan finances strategically, and manage the application process professionally. Our expert team ensures your family can accompany you during your UK education journey, providing emotional support while you pursue world-class qualifications, with comprehensive guidance on work opportunities, schooling, and successful family integration in the United Kingdom.