UK Dependant Visa Requirements: Your Essential Guide For Nigerians

Planning to bring your family with you to the United Kingdom? The UK Dependant Visa is your family's ticket to join you. It's not a visa you can get on its own; it's tied directly to a family member—the "main applicant"—who already has or is applying for a valid UK visa to work or study in the UK.

Think of it this way: the main applicant's visa is the key that unlocks the door for their spouse and children to join them.

Your Guide to the UK Dependant Visa

For many Nigerians, the dream of moving to the UK is a family affair. Whether you’re a doctor heading to a new job in Manchester or a PhD student starting research in London, being able to bring your spouse and children along is a top priority. The UK Dependant Visa is the official pathway that makes this family reunion possible.

This visa allows your immediate family to live with you in the UK. In many cases, it also gives them the right to work or study.

However, a successful application requires meticulous preparation. It’s not as simple as just showing you're related. You need to meet a very specific set of UK dependant visa requirements that cover your financial standing, your documents, and, most importantly, the main applicant’s visa status. The UK Home Office scrutinises every single detail.

Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

The UK Home Office is very specific about who they consider a dependant. The list generally includes:

Your husband, wife, civil partner, or an unmarried partner you've been in a long-term relationship with.
Your child under 18 years old.
Your child over 18, but only if they are already in the UK as your dependant and are extending their stay.

A good way to picture it is to think of the main applicant as an anchor. The dependant visas are like smaller boats tied securely to it. As long as the anchor is firmly in place and meets all the rules, the boats can remain. But if the anchor is moved or pulled up, the boats are directly affected. This is why the main applicant's visa is so critical to the whole process.

Why Is This Information So Important Now?

UK immigration policies are constantly changing, and we’ve seen some major changes recently. The rules that worked for someone who travelled last year might not be the same today, especially for students wanting to bring family. This makes staying on top of the current guidelines absolutely essential for anyone applying from Nigeria.

Even a small mistake or relying on old gist can lead to a costly visa refusal, causing huge stress and heartbreaking delays for your family.

For a wider look at the general entry rules, it’s worth reading our comprehensive guide on UK visa requirements for Nigerian citizens. This article will build on that, diving deep into the specifics of bringing your loved ones with you.

Checking Your Eligibility as a Dependant

Before you even start pricing flight tickets, the very first step is figuring out if you're actually eligible. This is a big one. The UK Home Office has strict rules about who can join a visa holder, and you have to meet their requirements to the letter. It’s not just about being related; it’s about proving that relationship exactly how they want you to.

Your entire application really boils down to two things: the type of visa the main applicant has, and your specific relationship to them. Let's get into the details of who actually makes the cut.

Who Is Considered an Eligible Dependant

For most work and study visas, the UK government generally recognises three types of dependants. Getting these definitions right is the foundation of your entire application.

Spouse or Civil Partner: This is usually the most straightforward. You must be legally married or in a civil partnership that is recognised in the UK. Your marriage certificate from the registry is your golden ticket here.
Child Under 18: This applies to your biological or legally adopted child, as long as they aren't married or living an independent life. Crucially, they must be under 18 when you first apply.
Unmarried Partner: Now, this is where it gets a bit trickier and requires a lot more proof. You and the main applicant must have been living together in a relationship like a marriage for at least two continuous years right before you apply.

The unmarried partner rule is a common hurdle for many Nigerian applicants. Just being engaged or in a long-term relationship isn't enough. The Home Office needs to see cold, hard proof that you’ve shared a home.

Think of the 2-year rule as building a case file. You're not just submitting a single document; you're collecting a trail of evidence over time that tells a clear story of your shared life at a shared address for at least 24 months.

For example, from your time in Nigeria, you’ll need a combination of things like:

A joint tenancy agreement for your flat in Lekki or Abuja.
Shared utility bills (like electricity or waste management bills) with both your names on them.
Bank statements from a joint account showing regular activity over the two years.
Official letters from a bank or government agency sent to both of you at the same address.

The Special Case for Children

When you're applying for a child, the Home Office is very particular about confirming the parental relationship. If both parents are moving to the UK—one as the main applicant and the other as their dependant—the process is much simpler.

But, if only one parent is the main applicant and the other parent isn't applying to come to the UK, you’ll have to prove you have sole responsibility for the child. This is a very high bar to clear and requires compelling evidence, like court documents or detailed letters explaining why the other parent is not involved in the child's upbringing.

Which Visas Still Allow Dependants

Recent changes to UK immigration rules have really shaken things up, especially for students. Not every visa holder can bring their family anymore, so you absolutely must check the specific rules for the main applicant's visa.

This image gives you a general idea of the timeline you can expect once you've confirmed you're eligible and have submitted your application.

As you can see, the waiting game for the Home Office decision is often the longest part of the journey.

To make things clearer for Nigerian families trying to navigate these changes, we've put together a quick guide on the most common visa routes and whether they still allow you to bring your loved ones.

Which UK Visas Allow You to Bring Dependants

Main Applicant Visa Type	Spouse or Partner Eligible?	Children Under 18 Eligible?	Important Notes for Nigerians
Skilled Worker Visa	Yes	Yes	This is the go-to route for Nigerian professionals and fully supports bringing your immediate family.
Health and Care Worker Visa	Yes	Yes	Similar to the Skilled Worker visa, this route allows doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to bring their partner and kids.
Student Visa (Postgraduate Research)	Yes	Yes	Only students on PhDs or other doctorate-level research programmes are now allowed to bring dependants.
Student Visa (Taught Master's/Bachelor's)	No	No	This is a huge change. As of January 2024, if you're coming for a taught Master's (MSc/MA) or Bachelor's (BSc/BA), you cannot bring your family.
Global Talent Visa	Yes	Yes	This visa for recognised leaders in their field has full dependant permissions.
Innovator Founder Visa	Yes	Yes	Entrepreneurs coming to the UK on this route are eligible to have their family join them.

The key takeaway here is to always double-check the specific rules for your visa category, as things can and do change. The shift in student visa rules is a perfect example of why you can't rely on old information.

Meeting the Crucial Financial Requirement

Let's be honest, this is the part of the application that causes the most sleepless nights for Nigerians. The UK Home Office needs absolute certainty that you and your family can stand on your own two feet financially without needing to access public funds. Getting this 'proof of funds' part right isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable. So many applications fall flat at this hurdle.

Think of it like this: just as a landlord in Lekki wants to see your proof of income before handing over the keys to a new flat, the UKVI needs to see you have enough cash set aside to cover your living costs when you first arrive. It’s all about proving you won’t be a financial burden.

How Much Money Do You Actually Need?

The exact amount you'll need to show isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. It depends on the main applicant’s visa category and their specific situation. However, for dependants of Skilled Workers or students, there's a pretty clear structure.

The main applicant must have enough to support themselves, plus an additional, specific amount for each family member joining them. Here's a typical breakdown of the funds required for each dependant:

£285 for your partner or spouse.
£315 for your first child.
£200 for every other child after the first one.

So, if a Skilled Worker from Abuja is bringing their spouse and two children, they need to show their own funds, plus £285 (for the spouse) + £315 (for the first child) + £200 (for the second child). That’s a total of £800 just for the dependants. Always double-check the latest figures on the official GOV.UK website, because these amounts can and do change.

There's one rule you absolutely cannot break: the 28-day rule. The full required amount must sit in your bank account (or the main applicant's) for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply. If the balance dips below the required amount, even by one Naira for one day, it’s an automatic refusal. The closing balance on your bank statement must also be dated within 31 days of your application.

Presenting Your Bank Statements the Right Way

The Home Office is incredibly particular about how you show your financial proof. You can't just screenshot your banking app and call it a day. Your bank statements must be official documents, printed on the letterhead of a recognised Nigerian bank like GTBank, Zenith Bank, or Access Bank.

Each page must clearly show:

Your name (or the main applicant's).
The account number.
The date the statement was printed.
The bank’s official name and logo.
A day-by-day running balance that proves the money never left the account for the full 28 days.

This is not the time for blurry photocopies or missing pages. Every single detail has to be perfect to meet the UK dependant visa requirements.

Common Nigerian Scenarios and How to Handle Them

In Nigeria, we know that family helps family. So, what happens if your parents or a generous uncle gifts you the money for your proof of funds? This is a very common situation, but you have to handle it carefully to avoid suspicion.

If you receive a large cash gift, that money must be in your account for the entire 28-day period. A huge, unexplained deposit that shows up just a few days before you print your statement is a massive red flag for the Home Office. They'll likely assume it’s a temporary loan ("sponsorship"), not genuine funds.

If a relative is officially sponsoring you, they need to provide a formal letter of support. This isn't just a quick note; it's a legal document that confirms:

Their relationship to you.
Their explicit permission for you to use their funds for your visa.
The exact amount of money they are making available to you.

Along with this letter, they must also provide their own bank statements, showing the funds have been in their account for at least 28 days. This approach makes your financial evidence transparent and credible, removing any doubts that could sink your application.

Getting Your Paperwork in Order: Your Document Checklist

Right, you’ve confirmed you’re eligible and have the funds sorted. Now for the part that trips up so many people: the documents.

Think of this as building a case file for the Home Office. Every single paper you submit is a piece of evidence proving your application is genuine and that you meet all the UK dependant visa requirements. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about telling a clear, undeniable story with official proof.

For many Nigerians, this is where a small mistake can create a huge headache. A missing detail or a document in the wrong format can grind your entire application to a halt. So, let’s go beyond a simple checklist and get into the ‘why’ behind each document, so you can gather everything with confidence.

The Non-Negotiables: Core Identity Documents

This first batch of documents is all about establishing who you are and your direct link to the main visa holder. These are the absolute basics, and they have to be originals or officially certified copies.

Your Current Passport: You’ll need your valid international passport, and it must have at least one completely blank page for the visa sticker (vignette). Crucially, make sure it won’t expire during your planned stay in the UK.
The Main Applicant's Visa Status: You have to show proof of the main applicant's visa. This will either be their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if they are already in the UK, or their visa application number if you’re both applying at the same time.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate: This is a strict health requirement for anyone coming from Nigeria for more than six months. You must get this test done at a clinic specifically approved by the Home Office. In Nigeria, these are designated IOM clinics in Lagos and Abuja. A certificate from any other hospital, no matter how reputable, will be rejected flat out.

Proving Your Relationship is Genuine

This is where the Home Office scrutinises your application most intensely. They need to be convinced that your relationship is real and ongoing, not just a means to get a visa. The evidence you provide has to be solid and show a history.

For Spouses and Civil Partners: Your government-issued marriage or civil partnership certificate is the key document here. But what makes it ‘official’ for UKVI? It must be the full certificate from a marriage registry. Simply providing a church blessing document or a traditional marriage certificate that hasn't been officially registered with the government won't be enough.
For Unmarried Partners: This route requires the most evidence by far. You have to prove you’ve been living together in a relationship that’s like a marriage for at least two years. For Nigerian couples, this means pulling together things like a joint tenancy agreement for your home in Port Harcourt, shared electricity or water bills, or bank statements from a joint account showing activity over that entire 24-month period.

The Home Office is looking for a consistent, documented pattern of a shared life. A single bill or one letter won't cut it. Imagine you're creating a photo album of your life together, but with official papers. You need evidence from the beginning, middle, and end of that two-year period to prove your cohabitation has been continuous.

How to Build a Powerful 'Proof of Relationship' File

On top of the official certificates, you need to add supporting documents that bring your relationship to life. For Nigerian couples, this is your chance to paint a full picture. Consider including:

Photographs Together: Don't just send a few selfies. Gather photos from different family events over the years—weddings, naming ceremonies, holidays. Make sure they include other family and friends to show your relationship is known and accepted by your community.
Communication Logs: Screenshots of your WhatsApp chats, call logs, or emails that span your relationship can be very effective. This shows regular contact, which is especially important if you’ve spent any time living apart.
Shared Financials: This is strong evidence. Think about receipts for big joint purchases, records of money transfers between you (for things like rent or shopping), or any documents showing shared financial commitments.
Official Mail to the Same Address: Any official letters from banks, employers, or even the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) that are addressed to both of you at the same address over time are excellent proof.

Why Getting the Details Right is More Critical Than Ever

Let's be clear: the UK's immigration environment is getting tougher. Recent Home Office statistics reveal a sharp drop in family-related visas. Applications for family visas, which include dependant applications for spouses and children, fell by nearly 25%, and the number of visas actually granted dropped by 15% compared to the year before. You can read more about what these UK immigration statistics mean for new applicants.

This data sends a clear message: there is zero room for error. A perfectly organised and complete set of documents isn't just a good idea—it's your best strategy for getting an approval in this challenging climate. Double-check that every document is clear, easy to read, and, if not in English, is accompanied by a fully certified translation.

Navigating the New Rules for Student Dependants

This is a big one, and it's a topic that's caused a lot of stress and confusion for Nigerian families. In early 2024, the UK government rolled out some major policy changes, and it completely changed the game for international students who wanted to bring their families along. What used to be a standard plan for anyone doing a Master’s degree is now, for the most part, off the table.

Getting a handle on these new rules isn't just a good idea; it's absolutely critical. Imagine paying a massive tuition deposit for a course in the UK, only to find out later that your spouse and kids can't join you. It's a truly heartbreaking and financially devastating mistake to make.

The policy shift was quite sudden, and the impact was immediate. The number of student dependant visas issued to Nigerians dropped dramatically, from 59,053 in the year ending September 2023 to just a fraction of that after the rules took effect.

So, Who Can Still Bring Dependants?

The new rules are very specific, and there isn't much wiggle room. For most students coming for undergraduate (BSc/BA) or taught Master's programmes (MSc/MA), the door is now closed. That dream of having your family with you while you study in the UK is, unfortunately, no longer possible through the Student visa route.

There is, however, one very clear exception. You can still bring your partner and children with you as dependants if you are:

A student on a postgraduate course that is research-based, like a PhD or another doctorate-level qualification.
A government-sponsored student whose course is longer than six months.

Essentially, the UK has tightened this privilege, reserving it for those undertaking the highest levels of academic research. If your course doesn't fall into one of those two narrow categories, you won't be able to bring your family as dependants.

Think of it like this: the UK now makes a clear distinction between students who are 'learning' on taught courses and those who are 'researching' in PhD-level programmes. Only the researchers keep the automatic right for their family to join them on dependant visas.

Practical Advice If You're Affected

If you're in the majority who can no longer bring family, it's a difficult pill to swallow, but you do have some things to consider. It just means your planning has to look a little different.

You could start by looking into other visa pathways for your partner. Do they have skills and a potential job offer that could make them eligible for a Skilled Worker visa in their own right? This would be a completely separate application based on their own merits. For a deeper look at these policy shifts, check out our guide on the new UK immigration white paper and how it affects students.

Another route is to plan for your family to come for shorter stays on a Standard Visitor visa. Be warned, though, this visa comes with very strict rules—they can't work or make the UK their home. For families who do manage to bring dependants, especially with school-aged children, exploring online homeschooling in the UK can be a fantastic, flexible educational option.

At the end of the day, these new uk dependant visa requirements mean you have to be realistic and plan your journey with this new reality front and centre.

Rules for Skilled and Healthcare Worker Dependants

If you're a Nigerian professional moving to the UK on a work visa, this is still your most solid and dependable option for bringing your family along. Thankfully, unlike the major shake-up we’ve seen for students, the rules for dependants of Skilled Workers and Health and Care Workers have remained pretty consistent. That's a huge relief if you're a doctor, engineer, IT specialist, or another professional with a UK job offer.

But don't mistake "stable" for "easy." The UK Home Office is looking at every application with a fine-tooth comb. Every single piece of your submission, from your marriage certificate to your bank statements, has to be absolutely spot-on. There's just no wiggle room for errors anymore.

Understanding the Current Climate

While the rules themselves haven't shifted, the atmosphere certainly has. We're seeing a significant drop in the number of dependant visas being granted alongside work visas. Home Office figures show a major decrease in UK immigration through dependant routes tied to work and study. For the year ending in June, grants for main work visa applicants dropped by 36% to 182,553.

The drop was even more dramatic on the Health and Care Worker route, which saw a staggering 77% fall in grants. Unsurprisingly, dependant applications followed suit, plummeting from a peak of 23,300 in one month to just 3,400 a year later. You can dig deeper into these UK immigration statistics on lauradevine.com.

What this tells us is that while the door is still open for skilled workers and their families, it’s being guarded much more closely. A meticulously prepared application isn't just a good idea—it's your only strategy.

Your Dependant Application Checklist

To give yourself the best chance of success, you need to gather your documents with precision. The process is quite similar to other dependant applications, but the focus here is proving your direct link to the main worker.

Here’s what your essential document file must contain:

Proof of Relationship: This means your official, government-issued marriage certificate or your child’s birth certificate. If you're unmarried partners, get ready to prove you've lived together for two years. Think joint tenancy agreements, shared utility bills, or bank statements sent to the same address in Nigeria.
Financial Maintenance: You have to show you can support your family without needing public funds. The magic numbers are typically £285 for your partner, £315 for your first child, and £200 for each additional child. This money must have been in your (or the main applicant's) bank account for at least 28 days straight.
TB Test Certificate: This is a non-negotiable health screening from a Home Office-approved clinic in either Lagos or Abuja.
Valid Passports: Make sure everyone applying has a valid international passport with enough empty pages.

Think of your application as a bridge connecting your family in Nigeria to your new life in the UK. Each document is a crucial support pillar. If one pillar is weak or missing—like a poorly presented bank statement or an unofficial marriage certificate—the entire bridge could be considered unsafe by the visa officer, leading to a refusal.

A Key Advantage for Workers

Here’s a fantastic perk of the work visa route: your UK employer can cover your maintenance funds. If your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) explicitly states that your employer will maintain and accommodate your dependants, you might not need to show personal bank statements for that amount.

This can be a massive weight off your shoulders. Always check your CoS document carefully to see if this support is included. For a closer look at how these rules impact professionals, check out our guide on the new UK immigration white paper and how it affects workers. It’s a critical advantage that simplifies the process for many Nigerian families.

Your Dependant Visa Questions Answered

When you’re deep in the visa process, a lot of specific questions can pop up. Let's tackle some of the most common ones we hear from Nigerian families to clear up any lingering confusion.

Can I Switch to a Dependant Visa While I’m Already in the UK?

Absolutely. In most situations, you can apply to switch to a dependant visa from within the UK. The main rule is that your current visa can't be a visitor visa or another type of short-term stay.

You’ll need to complete the full online application and prove you meet all the uk dependant visa requirements before your current permission expires. Getting this done on time is vital, as it ensures you remain in the UK legally while your new application is being processed.

What Happens If My Partner’s Main Visa Gets Cancelled?

This is a really important one to understand. Your dependant visa is directly linked to the main visa holder's status. If their visa is cancelled, shortened, or they decide to leave the UK for good, your right to stay is also affected.

The Home Office usually gives you a 60-day window to either leave the UK or apply for a different visa that you qualify for on your own. If you ever find yourself in this situation, it's crucial to seek expert immigration advice immediately to figure out your next steps.

As a Student's Dependant, Can I Work Full-Time?

Yes, you can! If you're the dependant of a student on a postgraduate research course (like a PhD), you typically have the right to work full-time. This is a huge benefit, especially since the student themselves usually has limits on how many hours they can work.

But always, always double-check the work conditions printed on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) the moment you get it. That card is your official guide to what you’re allowed to do.

Don't forget, the rules changed for dependants of students on taught courses (like Master's or Bachelor's degrees). Unfortunately, dependants are no longer eligible to join students on these types of courses.

Do My Kids Need to Take an English Test?

No, you can breathe a sigh of relief on this one. Children under 18 who are applying as dependants do not have to pass an English language test.

This requirement is usually for the adults in the application – partners or the main visa holders – on certain routes like the Skilled Worker visa. For your children, it's all about proving their relationship to you and showing you can support them financially.

Feeling overwhelmed and just want straight answers? JapaChat is Nigeria’s first AI immigration expert, built to give you instant, accurate guidance on all your visa questions. Cut through the noise and get the clarity you need to plan your move. Sign up for free at JapaChat and start your journey with confidence.

UK Dependant Visa Requirements: Your Essential Guide for Nigerians