UK Ancestry Dependant Visa 

If you’re in the UK on an Ancestry Visa and wondering how your family can join you, you’re not alone. Many people on this route want to bring their loved ones over to share in the opportunities and settle into life together. The UK Ancestry Dependant Visa allows your partner and children to live with you in the UK. They’ll have the right to work, study, and access public services making it easier to build a stable family life here.

This guide breaks everything down clearly from who qualifies to what’s needed in the application so you can move forward with confidence.

What Is a UK Ancestry Dependant Visa?

The UK Ancestry Dependant Visa is for family members of someone who already holds a UK Ancestry Visa. It allows those family members to join the main visa holder in the UK and live alongside them.

Dependants on this visa can:

• Work in most roles without restrictions
• Study at UK schools, colleges, or universities
• Use the NHS (once the Immigration Health Surcharge is paid)

The dependant’s visa is linked to the main Ancestry Visa holder. So if the main visa is valid for five years, the dependant’s visa will match that length. It also opens the door to permanent settlement after five years.

Who Can Apply as a Dependant?

The visa is open to close family members mainly partners and children but there are a few rules around who qualifies.

Eligible Family Members

• Husband, wife or civil partner
• Unmarried partner, but you’ll need to show that you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least two years
• Children under 18
• Older children can only qualify in very limited cases, such as if they’re already living in the UK as your dependant and still rely on you financially

Relationship Evidence

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will want to see proof that your relationship is genuine and long-term.

You may need:

• A marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of cohabitation (like joint bills or tenancy agreements) if you’re unmarried partners
• Birth certificates for any children
• Evidence showing the main visa holder’s status and ongoing presence in the UK

It’s important to provide strong evidence to avoid delays or refusals. The more organised your documents are, the smoother the process tends to be.

What Are the Requirements?

To apply for a UK Ancestry Dependant Visa, you need to meet a few basic conditions:

• The main visa holder must hold a valid UK Ancestry Visa
• You must prove you’re in a genuine and ongoing relationship
• You should be able to support yourselves financially, without needing public funds
• Children applying must still be dependent on the main applicant they shouldn’t be living independently or have started their own families
• A TB test certificate may be needed if applying from a listed country

Unlike other visas, there’s no English language requirement for dependants on the Ancestry route.

How To Apply for a UK Ancestry Dependant Visa

The application process can be done online. It’s fairly straightforward but needs to be handled carefully to avoid mistakes.

Application Process

• Fill in the online application form for each dependant
• Upload all your supporting documents
• Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Book and attend a biometric appointment or use the ID Check app if available
• Wait for a decision (usually between 3 and 8 weeks, depending on where you apply)

Required Documents

• Valid passport for each applicant
• Proof of your relationship to the main visa holder
• The main visa holder’s BRP or visa grant notice
• TB test certificate, if needed

Make sure all documents are translated if they’re not in English or Welsh.

Visa Fees and Processing Times

Here’s what to expect in terms of cost and waiting times:

• Visa fee: Around £682 per person from outside the UK & £1,321 within the UK (this may change yearly)
• IHS: £1,035 per year, per applicant (unless exempt)
• Processing time: Usually 3 to 8 weeks
• Priority service: Available in some countries for an extra fee

Paying the IHS gives access to NHS services, including GP visits and hospital care.

What Can Dependants Do on This Visa?

Once granted, the UK Ancestry Dependant Visa offers a lot of flexibility.

What They Can Do:

• Work full-time or part-time in almost any job 
• Study at school, college or university
• Travel in and out of the UK freely 
• Access NHS services (after paying the IHS)

What They Can’t Do:

• Claim public funds or welfare benefits 
• Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach

This visa gives real independence to your family while tying them to your own immigration status.

Extending or Switching the Dependant Visa

You can extend a UK Ancestry Dependant Visa as long as the main visa holder remains eligible and continues to stay in the UK.

If your family is already in the UK on a different visa, they may be able to switch to the Ancestry Dependant route, but there are some rules.

• You can’t switch from a visit visa
• The applicant must have legal immigration status
• Each dependant must apply separately there’s no joint application for families

Settlement – Can Dependants Get ILR?

Yes, dependants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once they’ve lived in the UK continuously for five years on this visa.

Here’s what’s required:

• You must have stayed in the UK legally and continuously for five years
• You must pass the Life in the UK Test (if aged 18 or over)
• You must meet the absence requirements – usually not more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 month period

Dependants can apply for ILR either at the same time as the main visa holder or separately. After holding ILR for a year, they may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

FAQs – UK Ancestry Dependant Visa

Can I bring my spouse on a UK Ancestry Visa?

Yes. Your husband, wife or partner can apply as a dependant if you meet the eligibility rules. You’ll need to prove your relationship with documents like a marriage certificate or evidence of living together.

Can my children go to school in the UK as dependants?

Absolutely. Children under 18 can attend state schools in the UK free of charge.

Do I need to show savings for a dependant visa?

Most applicants don’t need to show a set amount of savings. But you’ll be expected to prove that your family can be supported without claiming benefits. This could include payslips, bank statements or letters from an employer.

Can dependants work in the UK?

Yes, they’re free to take up almost any job, whether part-time or full-time. They can also start their own business if they like.

Bringing your family to the UK on a UK Ancestry Dependant Visa is a great way to build a shared life here. Whether it’s your partner joining you or your children settling into school, this route provides a clear path to stay together and thrive. With work and study rights, access to healthcare, and the chance to gain permanent status after five years, the visa gives your loved ones real security and independence.

Want help bringing your family to the UK on a UK Ancestry Dependant Visa?

Call us today on 0161 464 4140 to speak with one of our experienced solicitors in Manchester. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online at your convenience. We offer free initial legal advice to help you understand your rights and options. Don’t hesitate get the expert support you need now.