You can only bring dependants to the UK if you are:
- studying a PhD or other research-based postgraduate programme, or
- financially sponsored by a government on a course lasting longer than 6 months
If you started your course before 1 January 2024, different rules may apply.
Where dependants already hold immigration permission as your dependant, they can normally apply to extend their visas with you, provided they continue to meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Your dependant (partner or child) may apply for a dependant visa either:
- at the same time as your Student visa application, or
- at a later stage while you remain a current student
If the application is being made at a later date, you must already have received your Student visa, completed registration (including visa registration), and commenced your course.
Where to apply
Applications can be made:
- outside the UK, from the applicant’s home country or country of residence, or
- inside the UK, before the dependant’s current visa expires
Guidance and application links for both inside and outside the UK applications are available on the UKVI webpages.
Please note that some immigration categories, including Visitor visas, do not permit switching to a dependant visa from within the UK. In these circumstances, the dependant must apply from outside the UK.
How to apply
Each dependant must submit their own online visa application form. Partner and child applications are completed separately.
As part of the application process, dependants will need to:
- Complete the online application and pay:
- the visa application fee: £524 (£558 from 8 April 2026)
- the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year
Priority services may be available at an additional cost for faster processing. - Upload supporting documents
- Provide biometric information using either:
- the UKVI app, or
- a biometric appointment
Documents required
Dependants will usually need to provide:
- a passport and current visa (if applying inside the UK)
- evidence of relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate
- financial evidence showing the required maintenance funds
- the Student’s visa or CAS details
After applying
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact the applicant with the outcome of the application.
If the application is successful, dependants will receive:
- a digital immigration status (eVisa), and
- where applying from outside the UK, a visa vignette (sticker) to allow travel to the UK
All visa details should be checked carefully before travelling.
Important information
- You must still hold current student status at the time your dependant applies
- Child dependants must be under the age of 18 and must not be living independently
- Dependants should not travel outside the UK while an in-country application is pending, as this may result in the application being automatically withdrawn
Your partner and children must either:
They’ll need your application number - you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.
As part of their application, they’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit).
They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK.
They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.
How long they can stay?
If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.
Your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visa either:
This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay.
Your partner or child cannot apply to switch in the UK if they have one of the following visas:
- A visit visa
- A short-term student visa
- A Parent of a Child Student Visa
- A seasonal worker visa
- A domestic worker in a private household visa
Fees
Each person will need to pay:
How to apply
Your partner and child must apply online. They must either:
They’ll need your application number - you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.
As part of their application, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).
They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:
- Upload them into the online service
- Have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment
They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.
Getting a faster decision
They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.
