Dependant visas

Who can apply as a dependant?

If you started your course in September 2023 (or if you have started your course earlier), you will be able to have dependants with you (partner and children), if one of the below applies to you:

  • You are a postgraduate student (this doesn't include pre-masters) and your course is at least 9 months long 
  • You are a UK or Overseas government-sponsored student and then your course has to be at least six months long

If you started a course on 1 January 2024 or after, you will be able to have dependants with you (partner and children), if one of the below applies to you:

  • You are going to study a PhD course, other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree (this doesn't include taught master students) of nine months or longer - if you are unsure whether your course meet this requirement, please contact ISAT
  • You are a UK or Overseas government-sponsored student and then your course has to be at least six months long

If you do not meet the above requirements, then your family will only be able to visit you for short periods of time with a Visitor visa.

More information about eligible courses on this UKCISA webpage.

Who can be your dependant?

Your partner

Your partner can be:

  • your husband or wife
  • your civil partner (civil partners are same or opposite sex couples who have registered their partnership therefore have gained formal, legal recognition of their relationship)
  • your unmarried partner or same-sex partner. You would need to be in a relationship similar to a marriage or civil partnership with your partner for at least 2 years prior to applying for the dependant visa. You will need to evidence this as part of your application.

In all these cases, you must be both 18 years old (or older) at the time you apply for the immigration status and you both must intend to live together in the UK. 

Your child/children

If your child is applying for the dependant visa for the first time, they must be younger than 18 years old at the time of the application and they must not be leading an independent life.

If you have a child dependant then the other parent must also be with you in the UK unless:

  • you are the sole surviving parent, or
  • you have had sole responsibility for the child's upbringing, or
  • there are other serious or compelling reasons and suitable arrangements have been made in the UK for the child's care.

When here with child dependants, the other parent cannot be here with a visitor visa. 

Applying for a Student dependant visa

When to apply

A dependant can apply at the same time as the student or after. The dependant visa end date should match the end date of the Student visa. If applying in the UK, then the dependant must apply before their current visa end date.

How to apply in the UK

Please refer to the Student visa Gov webpage for full information. 

Your dependant cannot apply in the UK if they are on immigration bail or if their latest immigration permission was one of the following:

  • as a visitor; or
  • as a short-term student; or
  • as a parent of a Student/Tier 4 (Child); or
  • as a Seasonal Worker; or
  • as a Domestic Worker in a Private Household; or
  • outside the Immigration Rules.

How to apply outside the UK

Please refer to the Student visa Gov webpage for full information. 

Frequently asked questions