Dependant Visas

If you would like members of your family who are dependent on you to live with you in the UK whilst you are studying, they may be able to apply for a Dependant Visa. Please note that immigration requirements (and restrictions e.g. working in the UK) may vary depending when you applied for your student visa and on the level and length of your study.

Read the guidance on the UKCISA website to check if they are eligible to apply as your dependant.   

Applying in the UK

If you or your dependants are already in the UK and need to extend their Dependant Visa, they should each apply using the UKBA PBS (Dependant) application form.

Download the (PBS) Dependant application form and Guidance Notes here

Applying from your home country

If you would like your dependent family members to join you in the UK, or if you are applying to come to the UK together at the same time, they may each be able to apply for a Dependant Visa. This will enable them to stay with you as long as you can support them financially and provide suitable accommodation for them. 

Under no circumstances should your family members apply for, or accept a Visitor Visa if they wish to stay with you in the UK for longer than six months. If they do enter the UK on a Visitor Visa, they will have to leave after a maximum of six months.

Download the current Application Form VAF10 - PBS Migrant and Guidance Notes here

Dependants & working in the UK

Please read our information on working in the UK on a Dependant Visa and how it might affect you or your family.

Dependants & studying in the UK

If your spouse is here as your dependant, she or he can study either full-time or, unlike you, part-time and distance learning.