Who can I add as a dependant on my UK visa?

You can typically add your spouse or civil partner, unmarried partner (if you have lived together for at least 2 years), and children under 18. The exact eligibility depends on your visa category. Some routes, such as the Student visa, have restrictions on dependant access.

How much does it cost to add a dependant?

The visa application fee for a dependant is generally the same as the main applicant's fee for that route. Each dependant also pays the Immigration Health Surcharge. For a Skilled Worker dependant, expect to pay the visa fee plus the IHS for the duration of the visa.

Can my dependant work in the UK?

In most cases, yes. Dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders, for example, can work in any job without restriction. However, dependants on some visa routes may face limitations. Check the conditions on the dependant's visa or BRP.

Can I add a dependant after my visa has been granted?

Yes. Your dependant can apply to join you at any time while your visa is valid. They do not need to apply at the same time as you. They will need to submit their own application referencing your visa details.

Adding a Dependant to Your UK Visa: Complete Guide

Most UK work and study visas allow you to bring dependants — your partner and children. Each dependant must submit their own visa application, pay fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge, and meet specific eligibility criteria. This guide covers the full process.

Who Counts as a Dependant

Under the UK immigration rules, a dependant is a close family member who is financially or personally dependent on the main visa holder. The categories are:

Spouse or civil partner: You must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognised under UK law.
Unmarried partner: You must have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years.
Children under 18: Your biological children, adopted children, or children for whom you have legal responsibility.

Other family members (parents, siblings, adult children) generally cannot be added as dependants on most work or study visas. There is a separate adult dependent relative route for elderly parents or grandparents, but it has strict requirements.

Which Visa Routes Allow Dependants

Most UK visa routes allow dependants, but the rules vary:

Skilled Worker visa: Dependants can join you and work without restriction.
Global Talent visa: Dependants allowed with full work rights.
Student visa: Only postgraduate research students and government-sponsored students can bring dependants in most cases.
Graduate route: Dependants who were already in the UK as your Student visa dependant can switch.
Ancestry visa: Dependants can join you and work freely.

For the full rules on each visa route, check the GOV.UK family visa pages.

Costs for Adding a Dependant

Each dependant must pay:

Visa application fee: This is generally the same as the fee for the main applicant's visa route. For the Skilled Worker route, this ranges from around £719 to £1,420 depending on the length and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Currently £1,035 per year for most routes. Children under 18 pay a reduced rate.
Biometrics fee: Included in the application fee for most applicants applying from outside the UK.

The total cost per dependant can be significant. For a 3-year Skilled Worker visa, expect to pay roughly £4,000 or more per dependant in fees and IHS alone. Plan your immigration budget accordingly.

How to Apply

The process depends on whether your dependant is applying from outside or inside the UK:

Applying from Outside the UK

Complete the dependant visa application on GOV.UK
Pay the visa fee and IHS
Book and attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre
Submit supporting documents
Wait for a decision (processing times vary by route)

Applying from Inside the UK

Apply online as a dependant, referencing the main applicant's visa details
Pay the visa fee and IHS
Attend a biometrics appointment or use the UKVCAS app
Submit supporting documents

Documents You Will Need

The exact documents depend on your visa route, but typically include:

The dependant's valid passport
Evidence of the relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate for children)
The main applicant's visa details or BRP number
Proof of funds if required by the route
TB test certificate if applying from a listed country
English language test result (for partners on some routes)

Dependant Work Rights

Dependants on most work visas can work in the UK without restriction. They can take any job at any skill level and do not need a sponsor. This applies to dependants of Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Ancestry visa holders, among others.

Some restrictions apply to dependants on other routes. Always check the conditions printed on the dependant's BRP or eVisa.

Next Steps

Confirm which visa route you hold and check whether it allows dependants. Gather the required documents, budget for the fees, and apply either at the same time as your own visa or separately. If your situation is complex, consider speaking with an immigration adviser.

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