Global Talent Dependant Visa UK 

Moving to the UK on a Global Talent visa is an exciting step, especially if you’re building a career in research, tech, the arts, or academia. But what about your loved ones? The good news is, the UK allows your immediate family to come with you through the Global Talent Dependant Visa. This means your partner and children can join you, live in the UK, work or study, and even settle permanently if they wish.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Global Talent Dependant Visa who qualifies, how to apply, what’s allowed, and how it all fits into your family’s long-term plans in the UK.

What Is a Global Talent Dependant Visa?

The Global Talent Dependant Visa is for the immediate family members of someone who holds a Global Talent visa. It allows partners and children to live in the UK while the main visa holder builds their career.

Once approved, dependants can:

• Live with the main applicant in the UK
• Work in most jobs (without needing a sponsor)
• Study at schools, colleges, or universities
• Travel in and out of the country without any issue
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years

It’s designed to support families moving to the UK together, so you don’t have to choose between your career and being with the people you care about.

Who Can Apply as a Dependant?

Not everyone qualifies as a dependant under this route, so it’s worth knowing who can apply.

Eligible Family Members

You can apply as a dependant if you’re:

• The spouse or civil partner of the Global Talent visa holder
• An unmarried partner, as long as you can show you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least two years
• A child under 18
• A child over 18, but only if they’re already in the UK as a dependant and not living independently

Relationship Proof Required

To get the visa, you’ll need to show your relationship is real and still ongoing. You might be asked to submit:

• A marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
• Joint utility bills, tenancy agreements, or other evidence of living together (for unmarried partners)
• Birth certificates for children
• Evidence that the main visa holder still holds a valid Global Talent visa UK

For unmarried partners, it’s particularly important to show solid evidence of your shared life not just visits or messages.

What Are the Requirements for a Global Talent Dependant?

Applying for this visa is fairly straightforward, but there are a few important conditions to meet:

• The person you’re joining must already have a valid Global Talent visa
• Your relationship with them must be genuine and still ongoing
• Children must be financially dependent on the main visa holder and not married or living on their own
• If the dependant has been in the UK less than 12 months, you may need to show proof of financial support
• If you’re applying from certain countries, you’ll need a TB test certificate

There’s no minimum income requirement for this visa in most cases, which makes it easier for families to qualify.

How To Apply for a Global Talent Dependant Visa

Whether you’re applying from overseas or already in the UK on another visa, the process is fairly similar. It’s important to prepare everything in advance so your application isn’t delayed.

Application Process

Here’s how the process usually goes:

• Apply online through the official UK Government visa portal
• Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Book an appointment to provide your biometrics (photo and fingerprints)
• Submit your documents digitally or in-person, depending on your location
• Wait for a decision this can take 3 to 8 weeks depending on where you apply from

If you’re already in the UK and meet the criteria, you can switch to this visa from another valid visa category.

Documents You’ll Need

Make sure you have:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Proof of your relationship (marriage or birth certificates, or evidence of cohabitation)
• A copy of the Global Talent visa of the main applicant
• A TB test certificate (if it applies in your country)
• Financial documents (only if required)

Missing documents are one of the most common reasons for delays, so double-check before you apply.

Visa Costs & Duration

Here’s what to expect in terms of cost and how long the visa will last:

• Visa application fee: Around £766 per applicant
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year per person

The dependant visa will be valid for the same length of time as the main Global Talent visa. So, if your partner has a three-year visa, yours will also last three years.

You can extend the visa later or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet the rules.

What Can Dependants Do in the UK?

Being a dependant doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines. You’ll have the freedom to live a full life in the UK, including working or studying.

You Can

• Work in most jobs without needing sponsorship
• Study at any level, including university
• Travel in and out of the UK freely
• Live here for the full duration of the main applicant’s visa

You Cannot

• Apply for or receive public funds (benefits)
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach

Apart from those two limitations, you’ll have a lot of flexibility to build your own path while your partner or parent works under the Global Talent route.

Can Global Talent Dependants Get ILR?

Yes, dependants can settle in the UK permanently by applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.

You don’t need to wait for the main visa holder to get ILR first dependants can apply independently if they meet all the requirements.

To apply, you must:

• Have lived in the UK on a dependant visa for 5 continuous years
• Meet the absence limits (usually no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months)
• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Show that you’re of good character

Once you’ve been granted ILR, you’ll no longer need to renew your visa, and you’ll be on the path to British citizenship.

FAQs – Global Talent Dependant Visa

Can I bring my family to the UK on a Global Talent visa?

Yes. If you have a valid Global Talent visa, your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as dependants.

Can dependants work on a Global Talent visa?

Yes, dependants are allowed to work in most roles. The only exception is that they cannot be employed as professional athletes or sports coaches.

How long can dependants stay in the UK?

They can stay as long as the main visa holder. If your visa is extended or you apply for settlement, your family can do the same.

Can I switch to a Global Talent Dependant visa from another UK visa?

Yes. If you’re already in the UK on an eligible visa, you can apply to switch to a dependant visa from inside the country.

The Global Talent Dependant Visa is a great way to keep families together during a big life change. It gives partners and children the opportunity to build their own lives in the UK whether that’s through work, education, or simply supporting the main visa holder on their career journey.

It’s flexible, family-friendly, and designed with long-term settlement in mind. If you’re thinking about applying, having the right advice and support can make the whole process smoother.

Need Help Applying for a Global Talent Dependant Visa?

Let us help your family stay together in the UK.

Are you joining a loved one in the UK under the Global Talent Visa ? Make sure your dependant application is handled correctly from the start.

Speak to an experienced immigration adviser today, call 0161 464 4140 or book your free initial consultation online. At solicitors in Manchester, we provide straightforward, expert support to help you stay with your family in the UK.

Let us take the stress out of your visa process with personalised guidance and practical solutions designed for your situation.