If you have a partner or child who you wish to bring to the UK while you're studying, they may be eligible to apply for a visa as your dependant. This lets them live in the UK for the same duration as you, the primary visa holder.
The main qualifying criteria are that the main applicant (the student) must be:
- studying a postgraduate research degree (RQF level 8 or above) lasting 9 months or more, or
- studying a postgraduate degree (RQF level 7 or above) that you started before 1 January 2024 and lasting 9 months or more, or
- sponsored by a government for a course of 6 months or more in length.
Your dependants may also be eligible if you don't meet the criteria, but they currently hold or have recently held a dependant visa.
Please use our interactive guide to find out if your partner or child are eligible to apply.
What does a dependant need?
A dependant needs:
- proof of their relationship to the student (e.g. marriage or birth certificate),
- financial evidence that they can support themselves in the UK,
- to apply at the same time or after the main Student visa holder.
- work (with some restrictions)
- study
- live in the UK for the same duration as the Student visa holder.