Bringing your dependants to the UK
In addition to reading the guidance below, please ensure that you have read UKBA's Dependants Policy Guidance (version 02/2012). The relevant sections are for family members of a Tier 4 (General) Student.
Research degree students: If you are coming to LSHTM to study a full-time, one-year MSc, PhD or DrPH course then you should read the information below for further guidance about bringing family to the UK.
Split Study MSc students: As your course is less than one year, it does not permit you to bring dependants with you unless you are a government sponsored student studying for over 6 months. You should contact your local Embassy for further guidance on this matter.
Dependants of students
Can I bring family members with me to the UK on a dependant's visa?
Dependants are defined as:
- husband / wife
- civil partner
- unmarried or same-sex partner (you must have lived together for at least 2 years in a relationship akin to marriage)
- children aged under 18
- children aged 18 or over but only if they are already in the UK with immigration permission as your dependants
Please remember, your course must be at postgraduate level and must last 52 weeks or more (LSHTM full-time MSc, DrPH and PhD courses meet this criterion).
Which visa application form do I need for my family members?
VAF10 - available here.
Can I bring my child(ren) if my spouse / partner is not coming with me?
This is not permitted unless i) you are the sole surviving parent, or ii) you have had sole responsibility for the child's upbringing, or iii) there are serious compelling or other considerations (we do not have a definition of this but you should assume that "serious compelling considerations" refer only to extraordinary circumstances).
If both parents are responsible for looking after a child, then you must both come with the child to the UK. If you have 'sole responsibility' for your child, you will need to provide strong supporting evidence of this to the UKBA with your child's visa application. We advise you to make your child's application at the same time as your own visa application.
How much does it cost to apply for a dependant's visa?
The cost for dependant visas is now equal to the cost of application for a main applicant. Therefore, each dependant applying pays £255 in local currency.
Can my partner / spouse work in the UK on a dependants visa?
Dependants are entitled to work unlimited hours in the UK (as long as the visa does not prohibit work).
If you want your family members to stay with you, they must have a sum which represents two thirds of the amount of money you need. This applies to each family member, regardless of age. So, if you are studying in London, you need (from April 2012) £1000 a month for yourself, plus £600 a month for each family member (up to a maximum of £5400 for each family member). Please see the dependants policy guidance for full details of what evidence is required / acceptable.
