Dependants
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Dependants
We understand that you may want to bring family members with you to the UK during your time of study. International Student Support can advise you and your dependants around the Student Route Visa application process.
Please note International Student Support offers guidance with joint student + dependant visa applications. We do not support dependant-only visa applications. If you require dependant-only visa support, you could seek the assistance of an immigration solicitor.
Who is a Dependant?
Your partner and your children are the only family members who can be your Student Route Dependant. Your partner can be:
- Your wife
- Your husband
- Your civil partner
- Your unmarried partner
Your children must be under 18 years old at the time they apply. When bringing a Student Route Dependant child to the UK, BOTH parents must also be coming to the UK.
If only one parent is living in the UK please speak to International Student Support as there are limited exceptions to this requirement.
Who can bring a Dependant?
Bringing dependants to join you in the UK will depend on the type of course you are studying and the duration of your stay in the UK. You can only bring dependants if you are studying a course that is 9 months or more and sponsored by the University on a course at RQF level 7 and above.
If, however you are government-sponsored student undertaking a course that is 6 months or more you will be eligible to bring dependants to the UK.
Financial Requirements
Each dependant you bring to the UK must provide evidence that they hold a certain amount of money. This is £680 for every month of their valid visa permission, or £6,120 if their visa is 9 months or more (for each dependant).
This money can be held by the dependant or by you in a bank or building society account.
If you are financially sponsored, you will need to provide an official sponsorship letter.
Family visiting the UK
If your family members are not eligible for a Student Route dependant visa, they could visit you under the Standard Visitor Visa route. This allows visitors to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.