Overview of the 2025 Dependents Policy
From 1 January 2024, the UK government imposed a decisive restriction on who may bring dependents under a Student (Study) Route visa. In 2025, the framework remains intact: only post-graduate research students (PhD, Edd, MPhil, MRes, or any RQF Level 8 programme) and nationally-sponsored students on courses of at least six months may be joined by partners or children. GOV.UKGOV.UK
For thousands of international families, this change represents the single most important lifestyle consideration when planning to study in Britain. Below, we provide an authoritative, detail-rich guide so you can confidently prepare your application.
Who Qualifies as a “Dependant” in 2025?
| Relationship | Age Limit | Minimum 2 years’ cohabitation or evidence of serious commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Civil Partner | None | Proof of a genuine relationship is required |
| Unmarried Partner | None | Must not be married or leading an independent life |
| Child | Under 18 at initial application (over-18 renewals allowed if continuously dependent) | Must not be married nor leading an independent life |
A dependant must intend to reside with the principal student during their stay and have adequate maintenance funds. DavidsonMorris | Solicitors
Eligibility: Which Students Can Bring Dependents?
1. Post-Graduate Research Students
- Doctoral candidates (PhD, DPhil, Edd, etc.)
- Master’s by Research (MRes / MScR) lasting ≥ 9 months
- Integrated PhD programmes
Universities confirm whether a degree is classified as ‘research-based’. The University of Edinburgh International Students Cambridge
2. Government-Sponsored Students
If you are funded in full—tuition fees and living costs—by a national or regional government (UK or overseas) for a programme of ≥ 6 months, you may bring your family, even if the course is taught rather than research. GOV.UK
3. Transitional Protection
Students who enrolled before 1 January 2024 and were already in the UK with dependents retain the right to extend those dependents’ leave, provided the principal applicant’s visa category and course remain continuous. Universitio
Financial Requirements for Dependents
Maintenance Thresholds (Outside London vs Inside London)
- Principal applicant: £1,023 p.m. (outside Greater London) or £1,334 p.m. (inside) for up to 9 months.
- Each dependent: £680 p.m. (outside) or £845 p.m. (inside) for the same period.
Evidence must be cash funds held for ≥ 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application date, or an official sponsorship letter covering the family. DavidsonMorris | Solicitors
Application Process Step-by-Step
1. Gather Documentation
- Valid passports for each family member.
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates).
- Financial evidence meeting the thresholds above.
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) shows the course level and end date.
- ATAS certificate (if relevant) for certain research fields.
2. Online Visa Application
Dependants apply individually as “PBS Dependant—Student.” The system auto-links their file to the principal applicant’s Global Web Form (GWF) reference.
3. Biometrics & Healthcare Surcharge
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)—£776 per person per year (25 and under) or £1,035 for adults.
- Book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or use UK VCAS if applying in the country.
4. Decision & BRP Collection
Average processing time abroad is 3 weeks; priority options shorten this to 5 working days. Successful applicants collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.
Rights & Restrictions for Dependents
| Aspect | Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Work | Full-time employment (including self-employment) except as a professional sportsperson | Work as a doctor or dentist in training unless they meet specific exemptions |
| Study | Any full-time or part-time course without separate sponsorship | N/A |
| Public Funds | None; families must be financially self-sufficient | Claiming welfare benefits or public housing |
Common Pitfalls & How We Avoid Them
Insufficient Proof of Genuine Relationship
We include dated photographs, joint lease agreements, shared bank statements, and affidavits to demonstrate a continuing partnership where formal marriage is absent.
Undervaluing Funds in Foreign Currency
The Home Office converts savings using OANDA’s spot rate on the application day. We always maintain a buffer of at least 10 % above the minimum to mitigate exchange volatility.
Mismatched Course Codes
Course codes on the CAS must align with the study level eligible for dependents. We verify every digit—an incorrect RQF level can trigger refusal.
Alternatives When Dependants Cannot Join
- Graduate Route Planning – Spouses may wait until the main applicant finishes a taught master’s, then reunite once the student switches to the Graduate Visa, which again allows dependents.
- Skilled Worker Sponsorship – Some partners secure a UK job offer and apply for their visa, bypassing the dependent restriction.
- Visitor Visa for Short Stays – Family members can still visit for up to 6 months, but cannot work or study.
Future Outlook: Will Rules Tighten Further?
Parliamentary briefings in early 2025 indicated the government will review the policy in mid-2026 after assessing migration figures. For now, no additional restrictions are scheduled, but a change of administration could revisit the question. Staying informed through official Home Office statements is essential. Latest news & breaking headlines
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my newborn in the UK be added as a dependent?
Yes. Babies born in Britain to a Student-Route parent automatically qualify for leave in line with the principal visa, but must apply before leaving the country.
Do dependents need separate tuberculosis (TB) screening?
Only if residing outside the UK in a country on the TB-testing list for more than 6 months. Children under 11 are screened via questionnaire but may still need a clinic visit.
Is cohabitation proof mandatory for married couples?
No, marriage certificates suffice. However, supplementary evidence of shared living strengthens credibility, especially for relationships under two years old.
Can a dependent spouse start a business?
Yes—dependent partners can be self-employed, establish a UK-registered company, and even sponsor workers, provided they respect sector-specific licensing rules.
What happens if the main student switches to a Skilled Worker visa?
Dependants may switch in country to Skilled Worker Dependants without returning home, provided they apply before their current leave expires.
Key Takeaways
- Only Phd-level or government-sponsored students may bring family in 2025.
- Financial criteria remain strict: £680–£845 per month per dependent.
- Proof of relationship and compliance documentation are vital to avoid refusals.
- Dependants enjoy broad work rights but no access to public funds.
- Taught master’s students must explore alternative reunification strategies.
For tailored advice and flawless application packages, we leverage deep immigration expertise and real-time policy monitoring, ensuring your family’s UK venture starts on the strongest legal footing.
