One of the main reasons people travel abroad is to provide a better standard of living for themselves and their families. Countries created the Dependent Visa to assist families in living together.
The visa enables professionals, students, permanent residents, and others to relocate their families who live in another country to their new home country.
What Is A Dependent Visa?
A dependent visa is a specific type of visa that allows primary applicants’ dependents to accompany them abroad.
With this kind of visa, a dependent can stay with the primary applicant, travel and explore, study in an educational institution (in some cases), and work (in some cases).
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Who Is Considered A Dependent?
To be considered a dependent, you must be a family member of a qualified migrant. Qualified dependents are classified under:
- Spouse
- A child (Usually under 18 years of age)
- A civil companion
- An unmarried partner who has been in a marriage-like relationship with you for at least two years
Types Of Dependent Visa
- Temporary Visa
- Permanent Visa
Eligibility For Applying For A Dependent Visa
Countries have different dependent visa eligibility criteria. There are no specific eligibility criteria. However, here is a list of the frequently required criteria:
- Applicants must have a valid passport
- The sponsor must have enough money to support the dependents
- Proof of the sponsor’s employment
- Medical examination and evidence of adequate insurance for dependents
- Application completed with fee enclosed
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Documents Required For A Dependent Visa
The following documents are required to obtain a dependent visa:
- Valid passport
- Documents to establish relationship e.g. marriage certificate
- Dependent children’s birth certificates
- Proof of fund of the sponsor
- Medical test results
- Proof of the sponsor’s employment
- Other documents that are comparable to the Certificate of Eligibility
All documentation must be accurate and meet the stated specifications according to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If you do not comply, your application may be refused or rejected. Any documents not written in one of the UK’s official languages (English or Welsh) must be translated by a certified professional translator.
Also, note that UKVI can carry out checks to ensure the validity and accuracy of documentation. Any irregularities may raise suspicions of deception which may result in application rejection as well as a 10-year ban from obtaining future entry clearance to the UK.
How To Apply For A Dependent Visa
After going through your eligibility checklist to ensure you are qualified as a dependent, the following steps are how to apply for the visa.
- Gather the necessary documents
- Fill and complete the application form
- Pay the necessary visa fees
- Go to your local embassy or consulate
- The documents will be verified by the consulate
- Following verification, they will make a decision
- If you meet all of the requirements, you will be granted a dependent visa.
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What Is The Processing Time of A Dependent Visa?
The processing time for a dependent visa application is determined by the country to which you are applying. A Dependent visa from outside the UK may take up to 12 weeks to process from the date of your visa appointment.
The current service standard from within the UK is 8 weeks from the appointment date. Priority and super-priority services are available for an additional fee. The priority service reduces the decision time to 5 working days, while the super-priority service reduces the decision time to 24 hours.
Advantages of a Dependent Visa
You will be able to work and study in the UK as a dependent (with some restrictions), and your children will be able to attend either a state or private school. Of course, your family will stay together and be able to enjoy life in a new country.
You may also be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after completing a relevant qualifying period.
