UK Rules for Students’ Dependent Visa
The rules for dependants (partners and children) on a UK Student visa remain restricted following major changes implemented on 1 January 2024. These restrictions have not been significantly altered in 2025 or early 2026, based on official UK government sources.
Who Can Bring Dependants?
You (as the main Student visa holder) can bring your partner (husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and children (under 18, including those born in the UK during your stay) only if you meet one of these criteria:
- You are a government-sponsored student (full sponsorship from a national government or international scholarship agency covering fees and living costs) for a full-time course lasting longer than 6 months.
- You are a full-time student on a postgraduate-level course (RQF level 7 or above) lasting 9 months or longer at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
For courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, the postgraduate course must specifically be:
- A PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8), or
- A research-based higher degree (where research exceeds taught components).
Undergraduate students and those on taught (non-research) postgraduate courses (e.g., most Master’s degrees) generally cannot bring dependants unless they qualify under the government sponsorship exception.
Key Eligibility and Requirements for Dependants
- Relationship proof — Marriage/civil partnership certificate for partners, birth certificate for children, plus evidence the relationship is genuine (e.g., shared address documents).
- Financial requirements — Each dependant needs additional funds (beyond what you need as the student):
- £845 per month (up to 9 months) for courses in London.
- £680 per month (up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
- Application process — Dependants apply as “Dependant partner visa” or “Dependant child visa”. They can apply at the same time as you or separately (but must align with your visa). If born in the UK, a dependant visa is needed for travel in/out.
- Rights — Successful dependants get a visa matching yours in length. Partners/children over 16 can usually work full-time (with some restrictions).
These rules aim to reduce net migration while prioritizing high-level research students. Dependants already in the UK from pre-2024 courses can often extend.
For the most accurate and personalized advice, always check the official GOV.UK pages (e.g., Student visa: Your partner and children) or consult a registered immigration advisor, as rules can evolve with new Statements of Changes. If your situation involves a pre-2024 course or specific sponsorship, transitional provisions may apply.
