Graduate Dependant Visa UK 

If you’re an international student who has graduated from a UK university and is now working under the Graduate visa route in the United Kingdom, you might be wondering whether your partner or children can join you in the UK.

The good news is that it’s still possible but with some important changes introduced by the UK Home Office in April 2024, which affect who can apply and when.

In this updated guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Graduate Dependant Visa UK, including eligibility requirements, application process, costs, and recent policy updates.

What Is the Graduate Dependant Visa?

The Graduate Dependant Visa allows eligible family members of someone holding a valid UK Graduate visa to live in the UK for the same duration as the main visa holder.

This visa route was designed to help international graduates settle into life in the UK while keeping their loved ones close. However, following the UK government’s decision to restrict new dependant applications for Student visa holders starting April 2024, there are now stricter rules about who can join you under the Graduate visa.

Who Can Apply as a Graduate Dependant in 2025?

Under the latest immigration rules, only certain family members qualify as dependants. The key point to remember is:

You can only bring dependants who were already legally living with you in the UK during your Student visa period.

Eligible Family Members:

• Your spouse or civil partner
• Your unmarried partner, provided you have lived together in a relationship for at least two years
• Your children under 18
• Your children aged 18 or older, but only if they were already in the UK as your dependant during your Student visa

Extended family members such as parents, siblings, or other relatives do not qualify under this route.

Key Rule Changes Introduced in 2025

From April 2024, the UK government made significant changes to the immigration system affecting dependants. These changes continue to impact applications in 2025

No New Dependants After Course Completion

• If your partner or child was not already in the UK as your legal dependant during your Student visa, you cannot add them now under the Graduate visa.
• This means: no new relationships formed after your course ends will allow your partner to join you via this route.

New Partners Need Alternative Routes

• If you started a new relationship after switching to your Graduate visa, you cannot use the Graduate Dependant Visa for your partner.
• In such cases, you may consider applying for a Partner visa (Family Visa), which has more stringent financial and language requirements.

Requirements for the Graduate Dependant Visa

Before applying, make sure you meet all the necessary conditions:

• The main applicant must hold a valid Graduate visa
• The dependant must have been your legal dependant during your Student visa period
• You must provide genuine relationship evidence
• Applications must be submitted either from outside the UK or from within if the dependant already holds a valid visa
• There is no English language requirement for dependants
• You may need to show you can support your family financially without relying on public funds

How to Apply for a Graduate Dependant Visa in 2025

The application process is straightforward, but attention to detail is crucial to avoid delays or refusals.

Application Process

• Apply Online: Use the official UK Visas and Immigration website to start your application.
• Pay Visa Fees and IHS: Pay the applicable visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Book Biometrics Appointment: Attend a local visa centre to give fingerprints and a photo.
• Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of required documents online.
• Wait for Decision: Most decisions take between 3 to 8 weeks depending on location.

Required Documents for Graduate Dependant Visa

Make sure you include the following supporting documents:

• Valid passport for each applicant
• Marriage certificate or civil partnership document
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of cohabitation (joint tenancy agreement, bank statements, utility bills)
• Evidence of your current Graduate visa status (e.g., eVisa / BRP details)
• TB test results (if applying from a listed country)

Missing any of these could result in delays or even refusal, so double-check everything before submitting.

Graduate Dependants Visa Fees in 2025

Visa costs have increased slightly in 2025. Here’s the latest breakdown:

Visa Application Fee

• £880 per person

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

• £1,035 per year per person

Rights of Graduate Dependants in the UK

Once approved, dependants enjoy a wide range of rights during their stay:

What They Can Do:

• Work full-time, part-time, freelance, or self-employed (except professional sports roles)
• Study at any level (including university courses)
• Travel freely in and out of the UK
• Open a UK bank account and rent property

What They Cannot Do:

• Claim most types of public benefits or social assistance
• Work as a professional athlete or coach

These freedoms make the Graduate Dependant Visa a great option for families looking to settle temporarily in the UK.

Can You Extend the Graduate Dependant Visa or Get ILR?

One thing to note: the Graduate visa and its dependant route are non-renewable. Once the visa expires after two years, you cannot extend it.

Also, this visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent residency.

However, if you or your dependant secure a job offer that meets the criteria for another visa category such as the Skilled Worker visa you may be able to switch routes and eventually qualify for settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bring my partner on a Graduate Dependant Visa?

Yes, but only if they were already your legal dependant during your Student visa period. If not, you’ll need to explore alternative options like the Partner visa.

Can my child come with me on a Graduate Dependant Visa?

Children under 18 can apply. Those over 18 can only join if they were already your dependant during your Student visa.

Can my dependant work in the UK?

Yes, full-time, part-time, or freelance. There are no hour limits or restrictions on job type (except professional sports).

Can I switch to the Graduate Dependant Visa from another visa?

Only if you’re already in the UK as a dependant of the same person. Otherwise, switching may not be possible.

Does the Graduate Dependant Visa lead to permanent residency?

Not directly. But switching to another visa route like Skilled Worker may open a path to ILR later.

The Graduate Dependant Visa UK 2025 remains a valuable option for international graduates who want to keep their family close while building their career in the UK.

However, due to recent rule changes, you can only bring dependants who were already with you during your Student visa period. New partners or children added after graduation do not qualify under this route.

If you’re unsure whether your family qualifies, or need help preparing your application, speaking to an experienced immigration adviser can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth process.

Need Help Applying?

Still have questions about bringing your family to the UK under the Graduate Dependant Visa?

Call us today at 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment for free initial immigration advice.

Our team of expert immigration solicitors in Manchester can help you understand your options, prepare your documents, and guide you through every step of the process with clear, honest support.

Let us help you keep your family together while you build your future in the UK.