UK Student Dependant Visa Immigration Lawyer in London

UK Student Dependant Visa: Expert Legal Support in London

If you are a student holding or applying for a UK Student Visa, enabling your family to join you is a significant step. The UK Student Dependant Visa offers this pathway for your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and dependent children to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom. However, recent changes in immigration rules mean that not all Student Visa holders are eligible to bring dependants. At Conroy Baker Ltd., our dedicated UK Student Dependant Visa immigration lawyer in London team understands these evolving regulations. We offer precise and compassionate legal services to ensure a smooth and successful application process for your loved ones.

The eligibility for the UK Student Dependant Visa underwent significant changes in 2024. Currently, only main applicants studying a postgraduate course for a minimum period of nine months, or those on an international scholarship, are generally eligible to bring dependants. Our UK Student Dependant Visa immigration lawyer in London specialists will assess each dependant’s circumstances meticulously against these criteria:

Applicants must be the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or a dependent child (under 18, or 18 and over if they were dependent when the main visa was granted and have not ceased to be dependent since) of an eligible Student Visa holder.

For partners, providing robust evidence that your relationship is genuine and subsisting is crucial.

Dependants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves financially in the UK without relying on public funds. The specific amount required is currently £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each subsequent child, in addition to the main student’s funds.

Dependants must not have a history of relying on public funds.

All applicants must meet general immigration suitability requirements.

Applying for a UK Student Dependant Visa requires meticulous preparation and the accurate submission of documents. Our UK Student Dependant Visa immigration lawyer in London team will guide you through each necessary step, ensuring all requirements are met:

We conduct a thorough assessment to confirm each family member meets the specific dependant criteria under the current rules.

We provide tailored checklists and assist in gathering all necessary evidence. This typically includes:

• Passport and other identity documents.
• Proof of genuine and subsisting relationship (for partners).
• Proof of sole or shared parental responsibility (for children applying without both parents).
• Sponsor’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Proof of financial maintenance.
• Proof of accommodation in the UK.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test report (if applicable).
• English language proficiency proof (if applicable, though generally not required for dependants, it is worth clarifying specific cases).

We ensure all online application forms are precisely completed, thereby reducing the possibility of errors or delays.

We guide you through the process of paying the mandatory government application fees (currently £490). This is not inclusive of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

The IHS, currently £1,035 for each year of the visa, is generally applicable for Student Dependant Visas. We will ensure this is paid correctly.

We assist with arranging and attending biometrics appointments for fingerprints and photographs.

We oversee the submission of your application and monitor its progress, handling any queries from the Home Office on your behalf.

Upon successful grant of a UK Student Dependant Visa, your family members can live, work, and study in the United Kingdom. This provides significant flexibility for dependants to integrate into British society. You can extend this visa in line with the main Student Visa holder’s extension, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

If your UK Student Dependant Visa application is refused, it is important to act quickly. You may have the option to apply for an Administrative Review to challenge the decision based on a caseworking error, or to reapply with stronger evidence after addressing the refusal reasons. Seeking professional guidance at this stage is crucial. Our immigration lawyers in London are experienced in assessing refusal reasons and advising on the best course of action.

It is important to note that the UK Student Dependant Visa route generally does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify for ILR, you must typically switch to another visa category that leads to settlement, such as a Skilled Worker Visa. If your sponsor switches to a visa route that leads to settlement, you will need to apply for a new Dependant Visa under their new route, as you cannot continue to stay in the UK on a Student Dependant Visa if they no longer hold a Student Visa themselves. Our Top UK Immigration & Business Advisors in the UK can provide strategic advice on long-term immigration planning.

The UK Student Dependant Visa application, particularly with the recent rule changes, requires meticulous preparation and a thorough understanding of the specific requirements. Errors, especially regarding financial maintenance or relationship evidence, can lead to frustrating delays or refusal.

As Top UK Immigration & Business Advisors in the UK, Conroy Baker Ltd. offers a holistic and client-focused approach, combining unparalleled expertise to deliver outstanding immigration solutions. Supporting Your Study in the UK, With Your Family by Your Side.

Our comprehensive services for Student Dependants include:

Navigating the latest rules to confirm your eligibility.

Guiding you in compiling robust and compelling evidence.

Minimizing potential errors and processing delays.

Providing expert assistance if an application is refused.

Advice on extending your visa and transitioning to routes that lead to settlement.

We are committed to helping your family secure their future in the UK while you pursue your academic goals.