United Kingdom · Visa guide
United Kingdom · Visa guideUnited Kingdom Dependent & Family Visa
The UK narrowed student dependants sharply in January 2024 — most taught master's students can no longer bring family. Knowing which category you fall into before you plan is the whole game.
- ProcessingFamily applications from India are typically decided in weeks; priority services exist at extra cost
- Visa categoryDependent & Family Visa
- Your guideOne consultant
Start here
United Kingdom Dependent & Family Visa — overview
The 2024 change that decides most cases
In January 2024 the UK removed the right to bring dependants for most students. Today it survives for PhD and doctoral students, research-based postgraduate courses, and government-sponsored students. A one-year taught master's — the route most Indian students take — generally does not carry it.
This is the first thing we check, because everything else is wasted effort if the answer is no. If any consultant tells you a taught master's can bring family, ask them to show you the current rule in writing.
Where families genuinely succeed
The work routes remain open: Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker visa holders may bring a partner and children, subject to the financial requirement. So do the research-degree students. If bringing family matters more than the specific course, that fact should shape which course you choose — a decision worth making before you pay a deposit.
The evidence officers actually read
Refusals here cluster around relationship evidence, not money. A marriage certificate proves a wedding happened; the rule asks whether a relationship is genuine and continuing. What works is boring and cumulative: joint accounts, correspondence at a shared address, remittances, photographs spread across years rather than one ceremony. What fails is a thin folder assembled the week before applying.
The cost people underestimate
Each dependant pays their own application fee and their own Immigration Health Surcharge, up front, for the whole visa length. For a family of three across several years this is frequently the largest single line in the budget — larger than tuition instalments. We put the full number in front of you before anything is filed.
6 items
Documents you need
Main applicant in an eligible category
PhD/research postgraduate student, government-sponsored student, or a work route that permits dependants. Check this first — it decides everything.
Proof of relationship
Marriage or civil partnership certificate for a partner; birth certificates for children. Plus evidence of a genuine subsisting relationship — joint finances, correspondence, photographs across time.
Maintenance funds for each dependant
A set amount per dependant held for a defined period before applying. Figures are revised — we confirm the current requirement for your file.
Immigration Health Surcharge per person
Paid up front for the full visa length, for every dependant. Budget for it as a main cost, not an afterthought.
TB test certificates
Required for applicants resident in India, including children over the relevant age.
Accommodation and care arrangements for children
Where children apply, evidence of adequate accommodation and, where relevant, both parents' consent.
6 steps
How the process works
Typical processing: Family applications from India are typically decided in weeks; priority services exist at extra cost. Apply after the main applicant has their visa or at the same time.
Step 1
Confirm the main applicant may bring dependants
The 2024 rules make this the first and most decisive check.
Step 2
Assemble relationship evidence over time
Not a last-minute folder — officers read the timeline.
Step 3
Each dependant applies online with their own reference
Linked to the main applicant's application.
Step 4
Pay fees and the health surcharge
Per person, in full, at application.
Step 5
Biometrics at a VFS centre in India
For each family member, including children.
Step 6
Decision, then travel and activate status
Follow the instruction in each decision letter — the UK has moved to digital status.
4 answers
Frequently asked questions
Q.Can I bring my wife on a UK student visa?
Only if your course is a PhD, a doctoral programme, or a research-based postgraduate course, or you are government-sponsored. The January 2024 change removed dependants for most taught master's students. If someone tells you otherwise for a one-year taught master's, ask them to show you the current rule in writing.
Q.How much money do we need to show for dependants?
A set maintenance amount per dependant, held for a defined period before the application. The figures are revised by the Home Office, so we verify the current ones for your file rather than quoting a number that may have moved.
Q.Why do relationship documents matter so much?
Because the certificate proves a marriage happened, not that a relationship is genuine and continuing — which is what the rule actually asks. Files that show a documented shared life over time succeed; files with only a certificate and photographs from one day are the ones that get refused.
Q.Can my dependants work in the UK?
Dependants of eligible visa holders generally have work rights, with restrictions in some categories. Rules differ by route and are revised, so confirm for your specific category before anyone counts on that income.
Why it matters
Going it alone vs filing with us
On your own
- Guessing the document list — one missing or wrongly formatted paper triggers a refusal.
- Generic cover letters copied from the internet that officers recognise and flag.
- No read on peak rejection windows or what this visa post is strict about.
- Government and VFS fees are non-refundable — money lost if you are refused.
- A refusal stamp follows you and weakens every future visa application.
With Lifeset Overseas
- An honest case assessment before you spend a rupee on government fees.
- A file built to the embassy's exact checklist and in the exact order.
- Weak finances, ties or purpose identified and fixed before submission.
- Previously refused? We can rescue and rebuild the file.
- Every case handled by one consultant, end to end.
Refused before?
A refusal isn't the end
A refusal is not a permanent bar — but it only improves if the actual reason is found and answered, and nobody can tell you a second application will succeed. If a United Kingdom visa has been refused, we:
- Read the actual refusal letter and pinpoint the real gaps.
- Advise whether to pull the officer's notes (CAIPS / GCMS) for the true reason.
- Identify which part was weak — funds, employment, purpose or ties.
- Tell you honestly whether to reapply now or strengthen the file first.
- Rebuild a stronger application — same fixed fee, refusal or first try.
Your next step
Ready to start your Dependent & Family Visa?
A visa file is won or lost on the small things — a mismatched date, a thin financial trail, a document formatted wrong. We go deep into your profile, build every document properly, and give you an honest verdict before you commit. If your case isn't ready, we'll tell you — and tell you exactly how to fix it.
Free, honest assessment
We read your full profile and tell you straight whether your case is ready — before you pay anything.
Your file, built right
Every document prepared, apostilled, translated and stress-tested the way the embassy expects.
One consultant, end to end
The same person handles your case from the first call to the visa decision — no hand-offs.
We handle the process
VFS appointment, biometrics, submission and follow-up — we manage the moving parts for you.
licensed (No. 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024)Fixed fees agreed upfrontWe won’t take a case we believe will fail
Other United Kingdom visas
UK Standard Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor visa — to visit the UK for tourism, holidays and visiting family or friends, for up to 6 months.
UK Business Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor visa used for business — meetings, conferences, negotiations and trade fairs in the UK.
UK Short-Term Study Visit
The Standard Visitor visa used to study a short course of up to 6 months at an accredited UK institution.
UK Medical Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor visa used to receive private medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
Start here · One message away
Don’t leave your visa to chance.Let’s build a stronger file together.
- Honest assessment
- Fixed all-in fees
- No handovers between staff
- Licensed in Patiala
Let’s discuss your case
Message us on WhatsApp — share your visa goal and a consultant from our Punjab-licensed consultancy takes it from there. No forms, no call centres.