In UK visa applications, dependents typically include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18. However, delineating eligibility criteria and familial relationships is crucial before applying for your dependant visa in the UK.
Learn more below, and to apply. If you have further questions, contact SI-UK for a free consultation today.
Student Dependent Visa - What You Need to Know
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for bringing dependents to the UK depend on several factors. For instance, students enrolled in courses lasting nine months or more, sponsored by universities or government-sponsored scholars, are often eligible to bring their families along. Furthermore, those applying for specific schemes, such as the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES), are also included in this category.
Application Essentials
Securing a UK student visa for dependents demands careful attention to documentation and procedural requirements. Whether applying online from within or outside the UK, adhering to defined UK student-dependent visa processing time limits and guidelines is imperative for a seamless process. Moreover, completing separate applications for each dependent and furnishing accurate information is essential to avoid delays or complications.
Required Documents
- Student PBS Dependent Form: Complete the Student PBS dependent form accurately.
- Passport and Travel Documents: Provide a current passport or travel document, including any previous documents containing your UK Visa.
- BRP Card: Include your current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for entry clearance.
- Dependent Police Registration Certificate: If applying within the UK, submit a dependent police registration certificate.
- Tuberculosis Certificate: If you stay in the UK for over six months or apply from outside the UK, a Tuberculosis Certificate may be required, depending on your country's screening requirements.
- UK Student Visa or BRP Copy: If applying separately from the student, include front and back copies of the UK student visa or BRP.
- University Enrollment Letter: Provide a letter confirming the student's enrollment.
- Birth Certificate for Child Dependents: For children born in the UK or abroad, submit a birth certificate demonstrating the relationship between the student visa holder and the child.
- Evidence of Relationship: Depending on marital status, submit relevant evidence such as marriage certificates, emails, phone logs, family photos, or letters to prove the relationship with the dependent.
- Financial Evidence: Provide evidence that the dependent can cover financial requirements, such as £6120 per dependent and £680 per month for up to nine months.
- Proof for Children Aged 16 or Above: Children aged 16 or above must prove they have not formed an independent family or led an independent life. This may include a letter from their educational institution, NHS registration document, or bank account statements.
Employment Restrictions
While dependents above 16 can work in the UK during the primary applicant's study period, it's vital to understand the limitations and exclusions regarding access to social benefits. Dependents must navigate the issues with UK labour laws and obtain the necessary permissions to engage in employment activities. Additionally, exploring alternative avenues such as internships or volunteering opportunities can further enhance the dependent's experience in the UK.
Applying for a UK Student Dependent Visa
With distinct application pathways tailored to varying circumstances, understanding the nuances of each route is indispensable. Whether applying simultaneously with the primary applicant or separately for dependents born in the UK, adhering to the prescribed procedures is paramount. Moreover, seeking guidance from immigration experts or legal professionals can provide invaluable assistance in navigating complex application routes and ensuring compliance with UK regulations regarding dependent student visas.
Required Documents
Gathering requisite documents for the UK student visa dependent application demands meticulous attention. From passport copies, university enrollment letters, marriage certificates, and financial statements, meticulous documentation is pivotal for a successful outcome. Moreover, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of each document and adhering to specific formatting requirements is essential to avoid delays or complications during the application process.
Application Process
- Online Form Submission: Complete the UK student dependent visa application online with accurate information from the official visa centre website.
- Consultation and Preparation: Seek guidance from an immigration lawyer to review your application and prepare the necessary documents.
- Email Confirmation and Submission: Finalise your application through the provided email link and gather the required documents for submission at the visa centre.
- Visa Appointment: Attend your scheduled appointment at the visa centre with all necessary documents to avoid rescheduling.
- Biometric Enrollment: Schedule an appointment for biometric enrollment at a designated service point, providing fingerprints, photographs, and supporting documents.
- Visa Decision: We await correspondence from UK Visas and Immigration regarding your application decision.
- Entry Clearance and BRP: Upon approval, receive a 30-day entry clearance permit and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the Post Office within 10 days upon arrival in the UK.
Fees
Upon completing the application form and gathering the necessary documents, applicants must proceed with the payment of the UK student visa application fee.
Outside the UK, the fee is £348 per dependent, while within the UK, it ranges from £475 for standard applications to £1,275 for super-priority applications. Additionally, applicants must pay the immigration health surcharge to access the National Health Service during their stay in the UK, covering medical expenses without the need for private insurance.
Rejection Causes
Inadequate documentation, failure to meet financial criteria, or discrepancies in the information provided may be reasons for a dependent visa application's rejection. By addressing these issues proactively, students can enhance their chances of a successful visa application.
Study in the UK
Are you aspiring to study in the UK? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India to learn all about the student dependent visa in the UK, programme selection, and university applications.
FAQ
Can Indian students bring family members on a dependent visa while studying in the UK?
Indian students studying in the UK can bring their family members, such as spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18, on a dependent visa, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.
Can Indian students switch their visa status to a dependent visa while studying in the UK?
Indian students studying in the UK can switch their visa status to a dependent visa while already in the country, provided they meet the requirements and submit the necessary documentation.
Is it possible for Indian students to extend their dependent visas to their family members in the UK?
Indian students can apply to extend their dependent visas to their family members while they are in the UK. However, they must meet the eligibility criteria and apply before the visa expires.
Are there any age restrictions for dependents accompanying Indian students?
Typically, dependents accompanying Indian students must be under 18. However, there may be exceptions or variations in certain circumstances, so it's essential to consult the specific visa requirements and guidelines.
Can dependents of Indian students access educational facilities in the UK?
Dependents of Indian students on a dependent visa in the UK can access educational facilities, such as schools and colleges, based on their age and the visa regulations. However, they may need to meet certain criteria and adhere to any restrictions their visa status imposes.
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