If you currently hold a UK Spouse Visa, you can apply to add your dependent children to your visa either at the time of application or after your own visa has been granted. This allows your family to live together lawfully in the UK under the same visa route, provided all eligibility requirements are met under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
Who Can Apply as a Dependant
Eligible dependants include:
- Children under the age of 18 at the date of application.
- Children aged 18 or over who were previously granted leave as dependants under the same family route.
- Stepchildren, adopted children, or other children who are part of the household and dependent on the main applicant.
Each dependant must have their own application form, but applications can be submitted together with the main applicant to simplify processing.
Eligibility Requirements
To successfully add a child or dependant to your UK Spouse Visa, you must show that:
- The main visa holder has valid leave under the Spouse or Partner Route.
- The child or dependant will live permanently with the parents in the UK.
- The financial requirement is met, including an additional income threshold for each child (£3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child).
- There is adequate accommodation available for the whole family.
- All dependants meet the health and character requirements, including TB testing if required.
Documents Required
You must submit evidence that meets Home Office standards under Appendix FM-SE. Required documents include:
- Children’s birth certificates showing both parents’ names.
- Passports and biometric residence permits (if applicable).
- Proof of relationship to the main applicant (e.g., custody or adoption documents if relevant).
- Evidence of income or savings meeting the required thresholds.
- Proof of accommodation suitable for all family members.
- Consent letters from any non-applying parents with parental responsibility, if applicable.
Refer to our Documents Checklist (2026) for detailed requirements.
Application Process
Applications for dependants can be made at the same time as the main Spouse Visa application or after the main visa has been issued. The process involves:
- Completing the online dependant application via the GOV.UK Family Visa portal.
- Paying the application and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees for each child.
- Booking a biometric appointment for every applicant.
- Uploading documents via the digital upload service.
Fees and Processing Times
As of November 2026:
- Application fee (per child): £1,846 for in-country applications or £1,846 for applications made from abroad.
- IHS fee: £1,035 per year, per dependant.
- Processing time: 8–12 weeks on standard service, or faster via Priority and Super Priority services.
After Your Application
Once granted, dependants receive the same visa validity as the main Spouse Visa holder. Their leave will be linked to the main applicant’s visa expiry date. They can live, study, and if eligible — work in the UK. Dependants must apply for an extension or ILR at the same time as the main visa holder to maintain lawful residence.
Extending or Applying for ILR
Children and dependants can extend their visa under the Spouse Visa FLR(M) route and later qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing five continuous years in the UK as dependants.
If Refused
If your application to add a dependant is refused, the decision letter will explain the reasons. You may:
- Request an Administrative Review or appeal where applicable.
- Reapply with stronger documentation addressing the refusal points.
- Seek professional advice from Michael Gibbons or another regulated immigration solicitor.
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: 7 January 2026.