A Guide to Extending Dependent Visas for Family Members in the UK

Moving to the United Kingdom as an international student, worker, or immigrant can be both exciting and overwhelming. For many, one of the top priorities is bringing their family along and ensuring that everyone remains legally able to stay. While obtaining an initial dependent visa is one major step, extending that visa when it’s about to expire is equally important.

Dependent visas allow spouses, partners, and children to live in the UK alongside the primary visa holder. But what happens when the original visa is nearing its expiration? How do you go about extending the stay of your family members?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about extending dependent visas in the UK—who qualifies, how to apply, key documentation, fees, timelines, and some useful tips to avoid common pitfalls. This article is designed for families of Skilled Workers, Student Visa holders, Global Talent route applicants, Innovator or Start-up route holders, and other long-term residents with eligible visas.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent in the UK?

Before we dive into the extension process, it’s essential to understand who is legally considered a “dependent” under UK immigration rules.

A dependent family member usually includes:

• Spouse or civil partner

• Unmarried partner (if you’ve been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years)

• Children under 18 (at the time of application)

• Children over 18 (only in special circumstances, such as if they were already in the UK as dependents before turning 18 and remain financially and emotionally reliant on their parents)

Note: Parents, siblings, or extended family members typically cannot apply as dependents unless under very exceptional compassionate circumstances.

When Should You Apply for an Extension?

Dependent visas must be extended before the current visa expires. It’s generally advisable to apply no more than 28 days before the expiry date. Waiting too long can lead to an “overstayer” status, which can complicate future applications and potentially affect the primary visa holder’s status too.

If your family member’s visa expires before you submit an extension application, they may be required to leave the UK and reapply from their home country. This can be costly and stressful, so timely application is crucial.

Can You Apply at the Same Time as the Main Visa Holder?

Yes, and in many cases, it’s the recommended approach. If the main visa holder is also applying for an extension or switching to another visa category, dependents can apply simultaneously. Doing so ensures alignment in visa durations and can simplify future extensions or routes to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

However, dependents can also apply separately if the main applicant has already secured their visa extension.

General Requirements for Dependent Visa Extensions

The exact requirements vary based on the main visa category, but the core criteria for dependents typically include:

1. Relationship Evidence

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate

• Proof of ongoing cohabitation (for unmarried partners)

• Birth certificates for children

• Letters, photos, or shared bills to demonstrate relationship continuity

2. Financial Requirements

• You must prove that the family has enough funds to support themselves without claiming public funds.

• For Skilled Worker visa holders, the minimum maintenance funds (unless the sponsor certifies maintenance) may look like:

  • £285 for the partner

  • £315 for one child

  • £200 for each additional child

These funds must usually be held for 28 consecutive days in a bank account before the application.

3. Immigration Status

• The dependent must currently be in the UK legally and must not have overstayed their previous visa.

4. Accommodation

• There should be adequate accommodation for the whole family that does not breach overcrowding regulations.

5. Language Requirements

For some visa categories and if applying for further leave (beyond 2.5 years), adult dependents may be required to show knowledge of English (A1 level or higher).

How to Apply for a Dependent Visa Extension in the UK

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the application process:

Step 1: Gather Documentation

Prepare your supporting documents well in advance. This typically includes:

• Passports of applicant and dependent

• BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) cards

• Evidence of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, photos, tenancy agreements)

• Financial documents (bank statements, sponsor letter)

• Proof of accommodation

• Immigration history (previous visas)

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

The form you fill out will depend on the visa route. For example:

• For Skilled Worker dependents, you’ll use the “Dependent Partner or Child” application form

• For Student dependents: there’s a separate Student Dependant form

Each form must be completed accurately and in full. Minor mistakes can delay processing or result in refusal.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee and IHS

Application fees as of recent updates:

• Around £1,048 per person for a standard extension

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £624 per person per year for adults and £470 for children

Be prepared to pay these at the time of submission.

Step 4: Book and Attend a Biometrics Appointment

After submission, the applicant will be asked to book an appointment at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) center to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Depending on your location and the level of service you choose, there may be extra costs for faster appointments or scanning services.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary:

• Standard service: up to 8 weeks

• Priority service (additional cost): often within 5 working days

• Super priority: 24-hour processing (in select cases)

Your BRP will be delivered by courier once the application is approved.

Extending Dependent Visas for Children

Children can apply as dependents of either or both parents. Some special considerations:

• If both parents are in the UK, they usually must both have valid visas or be applying together.

• If only one parent is in the UK, more documentation will be required to show why the child is solely dependent on that parent.

• For teenagers over 16, you’ll need to prove they live with you (e.g., school letters, GP records) and are not living independently.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Applying Late
   Missing deadlines can put your family’s entire legal stay at risk.

2. Wrong Application Form
   Use the correct dependent form relevant to the main visa holder’s category.

3. Insufficient Financial Proof
   Inadequate evidence of maintenance funds is one of the most common reasons for refusals.

4. Document Discrepancies
   Names, dates, or addresses that don’t match across documents raise red flags.

5. Incomplete Immigration History
   Failing to disclose previous refusals, overstays, or visa issues can lead to bans.

6. Overstaying
   Even a few days of overstaying without a valid application can have serious consequences.

What Happens After the Extension Is Granted?

Once approved:

• Your dependent receives a new BRP with an updated expiry date

• They can continue to work, study, or attend school as permitted

• They remain subject to the same conditions as the original visa (e.g., no access to public funds)

If the main visa holder becomes eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), dependents can typically apply for ILR at the same time—provided they meet the eligibility timeline and conditions.

Can Dependents Work or Study in the UK?

Yes, dependent visa holders are usually granted broad rights to work and study.

• Spouses and partners: Can work full-time in most professions

• Children: Can attend school or college

• Restrictions: Very few jobs (e.g., sports coaching, doctors in training) may be restricted

However, all dependents must comply with the terms stated on their visa. Engaging in work or study not permitted by the visa can result in cancellation.

Switching Between Visa Categories

In some cases, a dependent may want to switch to another visa type in the UK (e.g., Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa). This is usually permitted from within the UK, but they must meet the requirements for the new visa independently.

Once a dependent switches to their own visa category, they are no longer considered a dependent, and the rules around extension, fees, and settlement change accordingly.

Toward Permanent Residency: Indefinite Leave to Remain

If the main visa holder is on a path to ILR, dependent family members can also qualify—typically after 5 years of continuous lawful residence.

Requirements often include:

• Living with the sponsor

• No serious criminal convictions

• English language proficiency (for adults)

• Passing the Life in the UK Test (for adults)

Dependent children under 18 usually don’t have to pass tests but must meet residence requirements.

Final Thoughts

Extending dependent visas in the UK is a crucial process that can directly impact your family’s ability to stay together and build a life in the country. While it may seem daunting, with the right preparation, attention to timelines, and accurate documentation, the process can be smooth and successful.

Whether your spouse is building a career in the UK or you’re here on a student visa and want your children by your side, taking proactive steps early ensures you stay on the right track. Avoid last-minute stress, stay informed, and treat every application with the attention it deserves.

Your family’s future in the UK is worth every detail.