Renewing dependant visas

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will accept applications for renewal up to three months before the visa expiry date, if made within the UK. Dependants are advised to begin the application process at least two months before their dependant visa is due to expire. A dependant must apply to extend their leave to remain in the UK before their current visa expires. Sending an application after their current leave has expired will mean that they have overstayed in the UK - the consequences of this are serious.

In most cases dependants can apply to renew their Points Based System (PBS) Dependant visa at the same time as the main applicant applies to renew their Student Visa, meaning all passports and documents can be submitted together. 

The online application form contains details of all the supporting documents dependants are required to submit with their application. Where applicable, these documents are the same as the documents needed for student applicants applying from overseas.

• Student dependants who apply for Student dependant permission from within the UK and who have been living in the UK with immigration permission or 12 months or longer when they apply do not need to meet the financial requirements. 
• A dependant needs to show that they have access to £6,120 (£680 per month for nine months) for maintenance.  These funds must be held for a consecutive 28-day period with the end date no earlier than 31 days before the date of application. 

If the dependant meets the following criteria they do not have to produce financial documentation when applying for their dependant visa:

• both the dependant and the main applicant are considered 'low risk' applicants
• the dependant is applying at the same time as the main applicant
• the main applicant holds the same nationality as the dependant

In most cases, if your Dependant Visa is valid for 12 months or more, you will be allowed to work in the UK.

Dependants who are allowed to work can take any form of employment, except as a doctor or dentist in training. You should check your visa stamp carefully for any additional conditions that have been applied. Dependants do, however, need to demonstrate that they are able to accommodate and maintain themselves without recourse to public funds and without relying on any potential future income in the UK. See UKCISA information for dependants for further information.

If your Dependant Visa is for 12 months or more, you may also study full or part time if you wish.

Dependants are entitled to the same NHS (National Health Service) care as full-time students. See healthcare for international students for more information.

See also our information on schools and childcare and living in York.

Birth in the UK does not automatically make a baby a British citizen. The baby needs to have a parent with British citizenship, or settled status in the UK, in order to be born British.

If your baby is not a British citizen, it is okay for them to remain in the UK without making an immigration application. However, the baby will require immigration permission to re-enter the UK after any travel abroad.  It should also be noted that after your baby reaches three months of age, they will be liable to pay for NHS treatment.  Therefore, you are advised to apply for a Dependant visa as soon as possible after the baby's birth.  As part of the visa application process you will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for your baby, but in doing so they then become exempt from other NHS charges. 

You can apply online via the gov.uk website.