International student support

Student dependants (family members)

This information is for dependants of Student Visa applicants / holders.  

UKVI say "dependants" are:

  • your husband, wife or civil partner, or
  • your unmarried partner
  • your child under 18 years old - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

Who can bring dependants?

You can only bring dependants if you are:

  • studying a PhD or research-based postgraduate degree, or
  • financially sponsored by a government on a course lasting more than 6 months

If you started your course before 1 January 2024

Different rules may apply. If your dependants already have visas, they can usually extend their visas with you, provided they continue to meet the requirements.

Babies born in the UK

If your child is born in the UK, they do not automatically receive a visa.

You can apply for a dependant visa for your child if you are eligible to have dependants in the UK (for example, if you are studying a PhD or are government-sponsored).

To apply, you must:

  • both be living in the UK with valid immigration permission
  • meet the dependant visa requirements at the time of application

You should apply for your baby’s visa if they will:

  • travel outside the UK and return, or
  • remain in the UK long-term

You do not need to apply immediately if your child will remain in the UK and will not travel.

For further guidance, see the UKCISA website.

Applying for a dependant visa

Your dependant (partner or child) can apply for a dependant visa:

  • at the same time as you, or
  • at a later date, while you are still a current student

If applying later, you must have already received your Student visa, completed registration (including visa registration), and started your course.

Where to apply

  • Outside the UK: apply from your home country (or country of residence)
  • Inside the UK: apply before your current visa expires
  • Application guidance and links to the forms for both inside and outside the UK can be found on the UKVI webpages

Some visa types (such as Visitor visas) do not allow switching to a dependant visa inside the UK. In these cases, your dependant must apply from outside the UK.

How to apply

Each dependant must complete an online visa application form:

  • Partner and child applications are submitted separately

You will need to:

1. Complete the online application and pay:

You may be able to pay extra for a faster decision.

2. Upload supporting documents

3. Provide biometric information (via an app or appointment)

Documents required

Dependants will usually need:

  • Passport and current visa (if applying in the UK)
  • Evidence of relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificate)
  • Financial evidence (maintenance funds)
  • The Student’s visa or CAS details

Financial requirement

Dependants must usually show:

If applying in the UK and living here for 12 months or more, financial evidence may not be required. 

After applying

  • UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact the applicant with a decision
  • If approved, dependants will receive:
    • a digital visa (eVisa)
    • and, if applying from outside the UK, a visa vignette (sticker) for travel

Check all details carefully before travelling to the UK.

Important

  • You must still be a current student when your dependant applies
  • Child dependants must be under 18 and not living independently
  • Do not travel outside the UK while an in-country application is pending, as this may withdraw the application

Useful links