If you’re planning to study in London, you may be wondering: Can I bring my family to the UK while studying in London? The answer depends on your course level, the type of visa you hold, and your financial capacity. This guide covers everything you need to know about bringing dependants (spouse, partner, or children) to the UK as a student.
Table des matières:
Who Can Bring Dependants to the UK on a Student Visa?
Under the UK’s Student Route (formerly Tier 4), only certain students can bring family members. Since January 2024, new restrictions apply to most postgraduate students. Here’s the breakdown:
- Full-time PhD or doctoral students – can bring dependants.
- Students on government-sponsored courses lasting more than 6 months – can bring dependants (if sponsorship covers family).
- Students studying a full-time postgraduate course at a higher education institution with a research-based component (e.g., PhD, EngD, or other research degrees) – can bring dependants.
- Students on other courses (e.g., bachelor’s, taught master’s) – generally cannot bring dependants unless they started their visa before January 2024 or fall under transitional arrangements.
If you started your course before 1 January 2024 and your visa was granted under the old rules, you may still be able to bring dependants. Check your visa vignette or BRP for details.
What About Students on Short Courses or English Language Courses?
Short-term study visa holders (for courses up to 11 months) cannot bring dependants. Similarly, students on a Student Visitor visa (pre-2020) are not eligible.
Definition of ‘Family’ Under UK Immigration Rules
The UK Home Office defines ‘dependant’ as:
- Your spouse or civil partner
- Your unmarried partner (if you have lived together for at least 2 years)
- Your children under 18 at the time of application
Other relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents) are not eligible as dependants. They must apply for a separate visa (e.g., Standard Visitor visa) to visit you temporarily.
Financial Requirements for Bringing Family to London
To bring your family, you must prove you have enough money to support them without relying on public funds. The amount depends on where you study (London vs. elsewhere) and the number of dependants.
Financial Evidence: London Rates
| Dependant Type | Monthly Amount Needed | Total for 9 Months (if course is 9+ months) |
|---|---|---|
| First dependant (partner) | £845 | £7,605 |
| Each additional child | £625 | £5,625 per child |
You must show this money has been held in your bank account (or your dependant’s) for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the application date.
Note: If you have already paid for your accommodation (e.g., university halls) for the full period, you can deduct that amount from the financial requirement. You must provide proof of payment.
How to Apply for Dependant Visas
Your dependants must apply online from their home country (or from the UK if they are already here with valid leave). The process involves:
- Online application – Complete the ‘Dependant of a Student’ form on GOV.UK.
- Biometrics – Attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and photo.
- Documents – Submit required evidence (see checklist below).
- Decision – Standard processing takes 3 weeks (priority services available at extra cost).
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (for each dependant)
- Proof of relationship: marriage/civil partnership certificate, birth certificate (for children), or evidence of 2 years cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
- Financial evidence (bank statements, scholarship letter, or sponsor letter)
- Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number – your dependant must include it in their application
- Your valid Student visa (or BRP) if you are already in the UK
- TB test results (if applicable from certain countries)
- Consent letter from the other parent if you are bringing a child alone
Can Dependants Work in the UK?
Yes! Dependants of Student Route visa holders are generally allowed to work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) in the UK, except for certain restricted occupations (e.g., professional sportsperson or doctor in training). They can also study (subject to ATAS requirements if applicable).
This is a major advantage, as it allows your partner to contribute financially while you study.
What About Children and Schooling?
Children of Student visa holders can attend state-funded schools in the UK free of charge. You do not need a separate visa for their schooling. However, if your child is over 4 and under 16, they must be enrolled in full-time education (state or private).
For children under 4, you can arrange childcare (nursery, childminder) at your own cost. London has many options, but costs can be high – budget accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Dependant Visas
- Insufficient funds – Not showing the required amount for the full 28-day period is a top reason for refusal.
- Wrong visa category – Applying as a ‘Dependant of a Student’ when you are not eligible (e.g., for a taught master’s course started after 1 Jan 2024).
- Missing relationship evidence – For unmarried partners, you need strong proof of 2 years cohabitation (e.g., joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements).
- Late application – Apply well before your course starts to avoid delays.
- Not updating CAS – Ensure your CAS includes dependant details if you are applying together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring my parents to the UK while I study?
No, parents are not considered dependants under the Student Route. They can visit you on a Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months at a time, but they cannot live with you long-term.
2. My partner and I are not married – can they still come?
Yes, if you can prove you have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years. Acceptable evidence includes joint tenancy agreements, shared utility bills, and joint bank accounts.
3. Can I bring my child if I am a single parent?
Yes, but you must provide evidence of sole responsibility for the child (e.g., court order, death certificate of other parent, or a letter of consent from the other parent).
4. What if my financial situation changes after I arrive?
You must still meet the maintenance requirement at the time of application. After arrival, your dependants can work, which can help support the family. However, you cannot rely on public funds.
5. Can my dependant switch to a different visa while in the UK?
Yes, they may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa or other eligible route if they find a qualifying job. They cannot switch to a Student visa as a main applicant unless they meet the requirements independently.
6. Do I need to renew my dependants’ visas when I extend mine?
Yes, if you extend your Student visa, your dependants must apply for an extension at the same time, providing updated financial evidence and relationship proof.
Practical Steps: Your Action Plan for Bringing Family to London
- Confirm your eligibility – Check if your course and visa type allow dependants.
- Calculate total funds needed – Include tuition fees, living costs for yourself, and living costs for each dependant.
- Gather financial documents – Ensure bank statements show the required amount for 28 consecutive days.
- Prepare relationship evidence – Collect marriage certificates, birth certificates, or cohabitation proof.
- Apply for your Student visa first (if not already done) – Your dependants need your CAS number.
- Submit dependant applications – Apply together if possible, or after you receive your visa.
- Arrange accommodation – Consider family-friendly areas in London like Greenwich, Kingston, or Ealing.
- Plan for schooling and childcare – Research local schools and nursery options.
Bringing your family to the UK while studying in London is a major decision with significant logistical and financial implications. By understanding the rules, preparing thoroughly, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can make the process smoother. Always check the latest Home Office guidance, as immigration rules can change.
Photo by ANTHR_Photoblog on Pixabay
I’m starting a taught master’s in September 2024. Can I bring my wife and child?
Unfortunately, under the new rules effective January 2024, students on taught master’s courses generally cannot bring dependants. There are exceptions if you started your visa before 2024 or if your course is a research-based postgraduate degree. You may want to consider a PhD if bringing your family is essential.
What if my child turns 18 after we apply? Can they still come as a dependant?
Your child must be under 18 at the time of application. If they turn 18 during the visa process or after, they can still be included if they applied before turning 18. Once in the UK, they can stay as a dependant until your visa expires, provided they were under 18 at application.
I already paid my university accommodation for the year. Can I deduct that from the financial requirement?
Yes, you can deduct the amount you’ve paid for accommodation if it covers the full period. You must provide a receipt or confirmation from the university showing the payment. The remaining funds must still meet the maintenance requirement for your dependants.
Great article! Does the 2-year cohabitation rule for unmarried partners apply if we have a joint mortgage?
Yes, a joint mortgage is strong evidence of living together for at least 2 years. You’ll need to provide documents like tenancy agreements, utility bills, or bank statements covering that period. The Home Office wants proof of a durable relationship akin to marriage.
Can my parents visit me while I study? They’re not dependants, right?
Correct. Parents are not eligible as dependants. They can apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit you for up to 6 months. They’ll need to show ties to their home country and proof of funds for the trip. They cannot work or study during their stay.
I’m on a PhD scholarship. Do I still need to show the £845 per month for my partner?
Yes, unless your scholarship explicitly covers dependant living costs. You can use the scholarship letter as evidence of funds if it states the amount and duration. If it doesn’t cover dependants, you must show the required savings separately.