UK Dependent Visa Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

The UK dependent visa are a straightforward demand for those traveling to the country under a family member. This visa’s application, costs, and process are pretty different from any other kind of UK visa.

You see, there are two ways to apply for a UK dependent visa: Applying outside the UK or applying in the UK. I will focus more on applying from outside the UK, especially from Nigeria.

According to the government of the UK, joining your civil partner, parent, or spouse as a dependent costs ₦3,502,617 for each dependent, assuming you applied outside the country. Meanwhile, if you apply within the country, the cost will reduce to ₦1,964,571 for each dependent.

Aside from the cost, other vital parts, like how you can apply for this dependent visa, are essential travel information you need to have. With this blog post, I will take you through each process accordingly.

Who can apply for the UK dependent visa?

Before you can qualify for this visa, you must either be the spouse or the civil partner of the sponsor or the child. A sponsor is an eligible candidate for a UK work, business, student, or ancestry visa.

As the married or civil partner of a sponsor, you must have lived together for at least two years. More so, as long as the sponsor stays in the UK, both of you must live together, and you must receive financial support from them.

What qualifies the child to become eligible for this visa is that the child must be under 18 years of age. The only reason a dependent will not live with the primary visa holder is if they stay in a boarding school.

Also Read:  How Much is UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria Now?

How long does it take for UK dependent visa to be approved?

It takes about 24 weeks (6 months) to process a dependent UK visa. It is not wise to book your flight before trying to process your visa. Otherwise, the embassy might refund your visa application fee if they find out.

If you are in a hurry to travel, there is an option to fast-track your application for a fee. When you decide to go through this route, you must ensure that you are applying from outside the UK.

Fast-tracking your UK dependent visa application will reduce the due date from 24 weeks down to between five to thirty working days. The only reason why it may take longer than thirty days is if the embassy needs to ask you more questions.

UK dependent visa requirements

At the embassy, claiming you are a dependent is not enough to qualify you for a visa of that caliber. The UK dependent visa requirement you must fulfill includes the following:

• Proof that you are genuinely the spouse or child of the primary visa holder
• Evidence of the funds to carry you while in the UK
• Proof that you will live together with the main visa holder while in the UK
• Show evidence of your identity and how you met the UK dependent requirements

You can now present the documents listed below when you have shown all evidence, and the embassy has confirmed them.

1. Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN).

Any of them will come from the main visa holder to link the applications together.

2. Proof of funds

This means it might be in bank statements. A proof that shows that you have enough money which has not been touched for more than a month

3. Passports

Present a valid Nigerian passport. It must have two blank pages during your application.

4. Proof of dependency

You must present evidence to show that you live under the same roof as the main visa holder (sponsor). If the dependent will be staying at a boarding school or living in the university, they must provide evidence and prove that they reside in the same address as the sponsor.

5. Evidence of relationship

This is where you present documents supporting your relationship claims to the primary visa holder. These documents include:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Civil partnership certificate

6. Your visa fee

You have to calculate your visa fee according to each dependent.

How to apply for the UK dependent visa in Nigeria

Suppose you have all your UK dependent visa requirements. The next thing to do is locate where to submit them and how to go about it. First, you must visit the nearest embassy and begin your application.

• Go over to the UK Immigration official website.
• Click on the correct visa you wish to apply for
• Fill out the application form correctly
• Pay for your visa fee
• Book an appointment
• Attend your visa appointment early and bright with the documents the embassy will list for you.
• Submit your biometric
• Wait for the embassy or application center to process your visa application and get back to you.
• The embassy will communicate every other information to you via email or SMS.

 Where can I submit my dependent visa application in Nigeria?

There are about four UK visa application centers in Nigeria: three in Lagos, Nigeria, and one in Abuja, Nigeria. You will find the address below in case you need to visit there.

UK visa application Center in Abuja

El Yakubu Building, plot 1129 Zakariya Maimalari Street, Central Business District, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.

Lagos Island Center

Churchgate building, tower 2 Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Ikeja Center

Etiebets Place, Ground and First Floora, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Lekki Phase I Center

The Manor, Plot 110 Admiral Ayinla Way Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos 105102, Nigeria.

What are the new rules for dependent visas in the UK?

The UK government released a new immigration rule for those planning to come to the UK on a dependent visa. Though the rule was announced in July 2023, it took effect in January 2024.

This rule states that no international students studying in the UK will be allowed to bring in their dependents with their student visas again.

However, this rule does not apply to those doing their postgraduate research program. Anyone still trying to immigrate to the UK via the dependent visa route must ensure their sponsor does not apply for an undergraduate or master’s degree course.