Does the UK allow dependents on a Student visa?

Yes, the UK allows dependents on a Student visa, but eligibility is restricted, especially after new rules from January 2024, primarily allowing dependents for PhD/research students or government-sponsored students on long, full-time courses, while most other students (like taught Master's) generally cannot bring family, with exceptions for those who started courses before the changes. Eligible dependants include a husband, wife, civil partner, or child under 18.

Does the UK Student visa allow dependents?

Student route: bringing your family. If you are on the Student route, you may be eligible to bring your dependants (family members) with you to the UK. Only some family members can join you in the UK and there are rules and requirements that they may need to meet.

Can I take my husband with me on a Student visa in the UK?

Your partner and children ('dependants') may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK. You must be one of the following: a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months.

How long does it take to get a student dependent visa in the UK?

What Is the processing time for the UK Student Dependent Visa? The processing time for the UK Student Dependent visa depends on where you're applying from and the application fee you pay. The Dependant visa processing duration can go up to 12 weeks if you apply from outside the UK.

What is the 28 days rule in the UK student visa?

London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. You'll need to prove you have extra money for each family member you bring with you. You must have this money for at least 28 days in a row. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

UK Immigration Changes 2026 | Student, Dependent, Skilled work VISA

Is it hard to get a dependent visa in the UK?

They'll need to apply for an 'adult dependent relative visa'. These visas are very hard to get and they cost over £3,000 - your family member won't get their money back if their application is refused. The rules are different if you want to sponsor your partner.

Can I bring my family to the UK while studying?

You can usually bring dependants to join you in the following circumstances: If your course is a postgraduate course and it's at least 9 months long. However, if your postgraduate level course started on or after 1 January 2024, it must be either a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8), or a research-based higher degree.

Do student visas allow spouses?

Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas.

How much does a UK dependant visa cost?

The UK spouse visa application fee in 2026 is £1,321 if your application is made inside the UK and £1,938 if your application is made outside the UK. Other costs include Immigration Healthcare Surcharge £1,035 for each year.

What is the disadvantage of a UK dependent visa?

One of the main disadvantages of the UK Dependent Visa is that it can be quite restrictive. The eligibility criteria can be very strict, and proving relationships can be complex. Unless a person fits within the Home Office criteria, they will not be able to join you on a Dependent Visa.

How long can I stay in the UK on a student visa?

If you're 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it's below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

Which countries allow spouse with student visa 2025?

• Spouse visa Canada. Canada allows you to bring your spouse or common-law partner with you to the country. ...
• Spouse visa Australia. ...
• Spouse visa United States of America (USA) ...
• Spouse visa United Kingdom (UK) ...
• Spouse visa Germany. ...
• Spouse visa New Zealand. ...
• Spouse visa Finland. ...
• Spouse visa Denmark.

Who qualifies for a UK Dependent visa?

A dependant partner or child is any of the following: your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner. your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay. your child over 18 if they currently have permission ('leave to enter' or 'leave to remain') to be in the UK as your dependant.

What are the new rules for international students in UK 2025?

From Tuesday 11 November 2025, all students applying for a Student visa have to show an increased amount of maintenance funds. The new requirement is now £1,529 per month for up to 9 months.

How long does a UK Student visa take?

It normally takes up to 15 days for you to receive a decision, but could be longer at peak times, so make sure you apply early enough. August is the peak month for UK student visa applications. Beat the rush and apply before August, if possible, to allow time to travel for September course start dates.

Can I bring my wife on a student visa?

You can apply to bring family during the student visa process, or at a later date. This means that they can join you before or after you begin studying.

Can I add my husband to my student visa?

A spouse or de facto partner can be added as a secondary applicant to a student visa application. Couples may need to provide evidence to support the claimed relationship, including a marriage certificate or proof of living together.

Can I bring my wife on an F1 visa?

F-1 and J-1: Bring Dependents. If you're on an F-1 visa, your spouse and children under 21 are eligible for F-2 visa status. F-2 visa holders are not allowed to work. F-2 spouses may enroll in a part-time course of study in the U.S.

Is the UK still accepting dependants?

You can apply to bring a dependant to the UK if you are: Studying a PhD, other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree course of more than 9 months this includes Masters by Research and MPhil but NOT MRes; a Government sponsored student on a full-time course of 6 months or longer.

How much does a UK Student visa cost?

Applying for your student visa

This costs £524 per applicant. If you want a priority or super-priority service, it will cost more. Please note: from January 2025 onwards, you must register with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and apply for an eVisa. See more guidance in the FAQs section below.

How long can dependents stay in the UK?

Dependant visas are typically granted for the same duration as permission given to the main visa holder. For example, if the main visa holder has a 2-year visa, the Dependant visa will also be granted for 2 years.

How much bank balance is required for an UK spouse visa?

The requirements that an applicant must meet in order to obtain a spouse visa are set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. These rules contain a minimum income requirement of at least £29,000 or a cash savings requirement of at least £88,500 (or a combination of both).

Can we get a dependent visa on a student visa in the UK?

Who can bring dependants to the UK. You can bring your husband, wife, unmarried partner, and children (under 18) to the UK with you as a Student dependant if one of the following applies to you: You are studying for a PhD, other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree course of 9 months or more.

How long does a UK dependent visa take to be approved?

How long does it take to process a UK Family Visa? UK Family Visas, including partner and spouse visas, generally take about 12 weeks to process when applied for from outside the UK. If you apply from within the UK, it can take up to 8 weeks. However, these timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the case.