Adult Dependent Relative Visa: Caring for Family Members in the UK
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa allows non-UK adult family members to join their close relatives in the UK. This visa is designed for individuals who need long-term care from a family member living in the UK due to illness, disability, or age-related issues and are unable to receive adequate care in their home country.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials, from eligibility to application, so you can confidently navigate the process.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials, from eligibility to application, so you can confidently navigate the process.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa, the following requirements must be met:
- Relationship Requirement: You must be the:
- Parent, grandparent, adult sibling, or adult child of a British citizen or someone with settled status (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain, refugee status).
- Dependency Requirement: You must demonstrate that:
- You need long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability.
- You cannot get the care you need in your home country, either because it is not available or affordable.
- Sponsor Requirement:
- Your UK-based relative must show they can support, accommodate, and care for you without you relying on public funds.
Required Documents for the Application
To apply for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa, you’ll need to provide:
- Proof of relationship: Birth certificates, family registration documents, or court orders.
- Medical evidence: Doctor’s reports or medical records proving your need for long-term care.
- Proof of your relative’s UK status: Documents showing your sponsor’s citizenship or settled status.
- Financial documents: Bank statements, payslips, or proof of savings showing that your sponsor can support you without public funds.
How Long Can You Stay on an Adult Dependent Relative Visa?
If granted, the Adult Dependent Relative Visa allows you to live in the UK permanently. You’ll be given Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) upon arrival, enabling you to stay in the UK without time restrictions.
Can You Work or Study on This Visa?
Although the Adult Dependent Relative Visa is primarily for those needing long-term care, you are allowed to:
- Work in the UK (if able to).
- Study in the UK.
- However, given the nature of the visa, most applicants are unlikely to seek employment due to their care needs.
Visa Application: What You Need to Know
Here is a breakdown of the visa fees:
- Submit Your Application: After receiving your endorsement letter, submit the visa application online. You will need to pay the visa fee and provide all necessary documentation.
- Documents You Need:
- Endorsement letter from the recognized body
- Valid passport or travel ID
- Proof of financial stability (you’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents)
- Pay the Fees:
- Visa application fee: The fee is the same for both leaders and emerging leaders.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is an additional annual charge for both adults and children, providing access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Visa Costs and Application Process
Here’s an overview of the costs involved:
- Visa application fee: The fee varies depending on whether you apply from outside the UK.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Although this visa grants Indefinite Leave to Remain, the IHS may apply under certain circumstances during the application process.
- Application Steps:
- Complete the Online Application: Submit the visa application on the gov.uk website.
- Prepare Medical and Financial Documents: Collect evidence of your medical condition, relationship, and your sponsor’s financial capability.
- Attend Biometric Appointment: Provide your fingerprints and photo.
- Wait for the Decision: Visa processing typically takes 12 weeks, though complex cases may take longer.
Conclusion
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa provides a way for elderly or disabled family members to receive long-term care from their relatives in the UK. With the correct documentation and proof of dependency, this visa offers a direct route to permanent residency.
If you need assistance with your visa application, our team is here to help ensure your application meets all the requirements for success.
If you need assistance with your visa application, our team is here to help ensure your application meets all the requirements for success.
