The UK student dependent visa type is one of the most well-known among students who are willing to bring their family members with them. Dependents usually include civil partners, spouses, unmarried partners, and children below eighteen years old. However, the UK student dependent visa new rules can vary based on the program of students. Master’s or PhD students can typically take their family members with them without many restrictions.
On the other hand, undergraduate as well as postgraduate students might have stricter rules about whether their partner, spouse, or kids can join them while studying in the United Kingdom. However, those who are extending their UK student visa or kids who are now more than eighteen years old can apply for permission to stay in the UK as dependents. It is essential to understand the eligibility criteria and requirements before applying for a dependent visa UK.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Student Dependent Visa
The UK dependent visa new rules for bringing family members along with you as dependents depend on numerous factors. Let’s discuss the eligibility criteria below:
- Students studying courses for around nine months or longer can usually bring their family with them.
- Students sponsored by their government or university for their studies are eligible to apply for dependent student visa for UK.
- Students applying under specific courses like the DES (Doctorate Extension Scheme) might also bring their dependents.
Student Dependent Visa UK Requirements
For student dependent visa requirements, there is a list of documents that is mandatory for applying. Let’s have a look at these documents below:
- Student PBS Dependent Form
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Valid Passport
- Financial proof (bank statements/sponsorship)
- Police registration certificate (if needed)
- Birth certificate (for kids)
- Marriage certificate (for UK student visa with spouse)
- Evidence for unmarried partners
- Copies of student visa or BRP
- University enrollment letter
- Additional documents for kids above sixteen
Application Process for UK Dependent Visa Application
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for UK student visa dependent for you:
- Fill out the UK study visa with spouse or UK dependent visa application online using the official visa website.
- Get advice from an immigration professional to check your application and make sure all documents are ready.
- Confirm your student visa UK application through the email link and gather the required documents for submission.
- Attend your visa appointment at the visa center at the scheduled time with all mandatory documents.
- Schedule a biometric appointment to provide a photo, fingerprints, and additional paperwork if required.
- Wait for UK student dependent visa processing time from UK Visas and Immigration after submitting everything.
- If approved, receive a thirty-day entry permit.
- Collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) from the Post Office within ten days of arriving in the United Kingdom.
UK Student Dependent Visa New Rules 2024
The UK government has introduced new dependent visa rules for international students in 2024. Under these rules, master’s students can no longer bring their dependents to the United Kingdom. However, students enrolled in postgraduate research courses are still allowed to bring their family members.
The purpose of these changes is to stop the misuse of student visas for work purposes and reduce the number of migrants. Moreover, students cannot switch to a Skilled Worker visa until they finish their studies. Theis UK dependent visa news is created to protect the visa system as well as public services.
UK Dependent Student Visa Fee from Pakistan
After filling out the application form and collecting the required documents, applicants need to pay the UK dependent visa fee from Pakistan. The fee is around 348 pounds for each dependent if applying from outside the United Kingdom. If applying from within the United Kingdom, it costs around 475 pounds for a standard application and 1,275 pounds for a super-priority application.
Candidates also have to pay the immigration health surcharge, which permits them to use the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom for medical care without needing private insurance.
Conclusion
The UK Student Dependent Visa is a popular option for students planning to study in the United Kingdom. A dependent refers to your spouse or kids. This visa allows eligible students to take their family members with them. However, the United Kingdom Home Office has introduced new rules to specify who can bring dependents. Not all. It is crucial for students to understand these rules, as they play a vital role in planning their studies and staying in the country. If you are interested in studying in the UK, contact our experts at Dunya Consultants.
FAQs
What is dependent visa for UK?
A dependent visa is a type of visa that lets family members join you in the UK. With this visa, dependents can stay in the country to study, work, and travel.
What is UK student dependent visa processing time?
The processing time depends on where you apply from. If you apply from outside the UK, it usually takes about three weeks to process, starting from the date of your biometric appointment.
How to get a UK study visa with spouse?
If you are applying with your partner, you will have to provide sufficient money to pay for your program and to support yourself and your family members.