Can I bring my family on a UK Student visa?

Only students on postgraduate courses of 9 months or more, or government-sponsored students, can bring dependants. Undergraduate students cannot bring dependants to the UK on a Student visa.

Can my dependant work in the UK?

Yes. A Student visa dependant can work full-time in the UK without restrictions. They can take any job and there are no limits on hours. They cannot access public funds.

How much does a Student visa dependant application cost?

The application fee is £490 per dependant. Each dependant also pays the Immigration Health Surcharge at £776 per year. So a dependant joining for a 1-year course would pay approximately £1,266 in total.

Can I add a dependant after arriving in the UK?

Yes, your dependant can apply to join you after you arrive in the UK. They apply for entry clearance from outside the UK using the same process. They need to show the relationship and that you meet the financial requirements.

Student Visa Dependants Guide 2026

Since 2024, only postgraduate students on courses lasting 9 months or more and government-sponsored students can bring dependants to the UK. This guide covers eligibility, application costs, financial requirements, and the work rights available to dependants.

Who Can Bring Dependants?

The rules on Student visa dependants changed significantly in January 2024. Under the current rules, you can bring a partner and children to the UK only if:

You are studying a postgraduate course (master's, PhD, or other postgraduate qualification) lasting 9 months or more at an institution with a track record of compliance, or
You are a government-sponsored student funded by your home government or an international scholarship agency.

If you are studying an undergraduate degree, a pre-sessional English course, or a short course, you cannot bring dependants regardless of the course length. This was one of the biggest changes introduced in the 2024 immigration rule changes.

Who Counts as a Dependant?

Your husband, wife, or civil partner. You must be legally married or in a civil partnership.
Your unmarried partner. You must have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years.
Your children under 18. This includes biological and adopted children.

Other family members (parents, siblings, adult children) cannot come as dependants on a Student visa. For other family routes, see our adult dependent relative guide.

Costs

Each dependant pays separately:

Application fee: £490 per person
Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year per person (discounted student dependant rate)
Biometrics: Free if using the IDV app

For a family of three (you plus partner and one child) on a 1-year master's course, the total dependant costs alone would be approximately £2,532 (2 x £490 + 2 x £776). This is on top of your own student visa financial requirements. For a full breakdown of visa costs, see our UK visa fees guide.

Financial Requirements

You must show you can support each dependant financially. The maintenance amounts for dependants are:

London: £845 per month per dependant (for up to 9 months)
Outside London: £680 per month per dependant (for up to 9 months)

These amounts are in addition to your own maintenance requirement. The funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application date. See our financial documents guide for detailed advice on preparing your evidence.

Work Rights for Dependants

Student visa dependants have full work rights in the UK. They can:

Work full-time for any employer
Be self-employed
Study

Unlike the main student, dependants are not restricted in their working hours. This can be a significant source of family income during your studies. However, dependants cannot access public funds (benefits, housing assistance, etc.).

How to Apply

Your dependant can apply either at the same time as your main application or after you have received your visa:

You apply first. Submit your Student visa application and receive your CAS number.
Dependant applies. They apply online on GOV.UK, referencing your CAS number and visa details.
Pay fees and IHS. The dependant pays their own fees and IHS.
Biometrics. The dependant provides biometrics at a visa application centre or uses the IDV app.
Submit documents. Evidence of the relationship, your student status, and financial support.

Documents Needed

Valid passport for the dependant
Marriage certificate or evidence of 2-year cohabitation
Birth certificate (for children)
Financial evidence showing maintenance funds
Your CAS and Student visa details
TB test certificate (if from a listed country)

Next Steps

Check if your course qualifies you to bring dependants and calculate the full financial cost, including your own tuition and living costs. Speak to your university's international student team for guidance.

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