Dependants (family members)

Who can be a Tier 4 dependant?

The only family members that can be granted a Tier 4 Dependant visa are a Tier 4 student’s:

• Husband or wife,
• Civil partner
• Unmarried/same-sex partner
• Child or children. Children must be under 18 years old, or over 18 years old, but in the UK already with permission as a dependant child.

Tier 4 students can only bring dependants to the UK if:

• You are government-sponsored and your course is over six months long or,
• You are studying a Masters degree or higher that is 12 months or longer or,
• You are already in the UK with dependants and need to extend your stay in the UK to study a course that is at least six months long.

How to apply

If applying from outside of the UK, your dependant will need to complete application form VAF10 and pay the equivalent of £298 in local currency.

If your dependant is in the UK and applying to extend their visa with you, their details can be included in your Tier 4 ‘print and send’ application (see Applying for Tier 4). The cost of adding dependants to your application is £305 or £680 if applying in person at a Public Enquiry Office (PEO). If your dependants are applying separately to you, they will need to complete the form Tier 4 PBS Dependant. This application will cost £406 or £781 at a PEO. 

Proof of the relationship will need to be provided with the application. This will be a marriage certificate, proof of accommodation (utility bills, bank statements) and/or birth certificate.

Maintenance requirements

Each dependant will need to show that they have £450 each month for the length of the course. If you have established presence, you will need to show £450 for two months (£900) or for the length of the course up to nine months (£4,050) if you don’t have established presence.

See Maintenance (funds) for details on what qualifies as established presence and what evidence can be provided.