Adult Dependant Relative Visa UK 2025

Bringing a parent, grandparent, or other close relative to live with you in the UK is not always straightforward. The Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) visa is the route that allows certain family members with long-term care needs to join their loved ones in the UK.

This guide explains the rules, eligibility criteria, costs, and application process for the Adult Dependent Relative visa in 2025, as well as common reasons for refusals and how to improve your chances of success.

What is the Adult Dependant Relative Visa?

The Adult Dependant Relative visa UK is part of the family visa category. It allows British citizens and people with settled status to sponsor close adult relatives who need long-term care due to age, illness, or disability.

Unlike other visas, this route is designed specifically for family reunification in cases where the applicant cannot receive the required level of care in their home country, even with help from their sponsor.

If granted, the visa usually leads to indefinite leave to enter (settlement) where the sponsor is already a British citizen or settled in the UK. If the sponsor has limited leave, the visa will be granted in line with that leave.

Who Qualifies for an ADR Visa?

Not every relative is eligible. The rules are strict and applicants must provide detailed supporting evidence.

Eligible relatives

• Parents aged 18 or over
• Grandparents
• Brothers or sisters aged 18 or over
• Sons or daughters aged 18 or over

If one parent or grandparent qualifies, their partner can usually apply with them even if they do not have care needs themselves.

Who can sponsor an ADR visa?

The UK-based sponsor must be at least 18 and be:

• A British or Irish citizen living in the UK
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status
• Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection
• An EEA national with limited leave under Appendix EU

Dependency requirements

To qualify, the applicant must show they cannot manage daily life without long-term personal care and that this support cannot reasonably be provided in their home country.

• Physical dependency: where age, disability, or illness means the applicant cannot carry out basic tasks such as washing, dressing, or cooking.
• Financial dependency: where the applicant relies on the sponsor for financial support.
• Emotional dependency: sometimes considered if medical or psychological evidence shows the applicant needs to be with their UK-based family.

Financial requirements for sponsors

The sponsor must prove they can maintain and accommodate the applicant without access to public funds.

The Home Office applies a formula comparing the sponsor’s income (after housing costs) with what a similar UK family would receive on Income Support. If the sponsor’s resources are at least that amount, the requirement is met.

Adult Dependent Relative Visa Application Process

Applying for this visa can be complex. Here is the typical step-by-step process.

Step-by-step guide

• Check eligibility:  confirm that both the applicant and sponsor meet the rules.
• Gather evidence: medical records, proof of relationship, financial evidence, and care assessments.
• Apply online: through the home office website.
• Pay application fees: plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Submit biometrics: fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.
• Provide supporting documents: uploaded or submitted in person.
• Wait for a decision: usually within 12 weeks if applying outside the UK.

Documents you will need

• Birth or marriage certificates proving relationship
• Independent medical evidence confirming care needs
• Proof that care cannot be provided in the home country
• Sponsor’s financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, accommodation details)
• Sponsor’s signed undertaking to support the applicant without public funds

Visa costs 

Cost type	Amount	Notes
Application fee (outside UK)	£3,413	Payable per applicant
Application fee (inside UK)	£1,321	If eligible to apply from inside UK
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035 per year (aged 18+)	Grants access to the NHS
Biometric enrolment fee	£19.20	For fingerprints and photograph

For example, a three-year visa would require an upfront IHS payment of £3,105 for an adult.

Processing times

• Outside the UK: usually within 12 weeks
• Inside the UK: usually within 8 weeks

Delays may happen if documents are missing, further checks are needed, or there is a high volume of applications at UKVI.

Rights and Restrictions of ADR Visa Holders

What visa holders can do

• Live in the UK for the length of their visa
• Work in the UK without restrictions
• Access healthcare through the NHS after paying the IHS
• Study at UK institutions
• Apply for ILR after meeting the residency requirement

What visa holders cannot do

• Claim public funds or benefits
• Rely on state housing support
• Spend long periods outside the UK without risking settlement eligibility

Path to settlement and citizenship

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): usually after 5 years’ continuous residence. More here: ILR guide.
• British citizenship: after at least one year with ILR, provided the applicant meets English language requirements and passes the Life in the UK test.

Common Reasons for Refused ADR Visa Applications

Refusals are unfortunately common because the rules are very restrictive. Common reasons include:

• Lack of medical evidence proving daily care needs
• Home Office deciding care can reasonably be provided in the home country (e.g. carers, nursing homes, or family members available)
• Insufficient financial proof from the sponsor
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Suitability concerns, such as criminal convictions
• Not showing “exceptional circumstances” where strict rules are not met but Article 8 (right to family life) applies

How to Improve Your Chances of a Successful Application

• Strong medical evidence: reports from doctors or specialists explaining why care is essential and cannot be provided abroad.
• Detailed financial documents: showing the sponsor has stable income and housing.
• Evidence of care unavailability abroad: such as letters from local authorities or hospitals confirming care is not available or affordable.
• Clear explanation in covering letters: making it easy for UKVI decision makers to follow the case.
• Legal advice: because ADR visas are often refused, many families work with immigration solicitors in Manchester to prepare a strong application.

Example: A retired parent with advanced Parkinson’s disease living overseas might show medical evidence of daily care needs, alongside local health authority letters confirming that specialised care is not available. The UK-based son or daughter can then provide financial proof of being able to support them in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an Adult Dependent Relative in UK immigration? 

An adult relative, such as a parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child, who cannot care for themselves due to illness, age, or disability.

Can I bring my parents to the UK permanently? 

Yes, if you meet the ADR visa requirements and can show they need long-term care that cannot be provided in their country.

Can I bring my brother or sister to the UK on an ADR visa? 

Yes, but only if they can prove dependency due to care needs and you can show you meet the financial and eligibility criteria.

Can ADR visa holders work in the UK? 

Yes, ADR visa holders are allowed to work and study, but they cannot claim public funds.

What happens if my ADR visa is refused? 

You may be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, especially if refusal breaches Article 8 (right to family life). Professional advice is strongly recommended.

Need help with your ADR visa application? 

With strict rules and high refusal rates, professional support is crucial. Let our experienced solicitors in Manchester guide you through every step from gathering medical evidence to submitting a compelling application.

Call 0161 464 4140 or book a free online initial consultation.