Family Reunion & Dependants

If you are in the UK on a work visa, student visa or another qualifying route, your immediate family members — typically your spouse or civil partner, and your dependent children under 18 — may be eligible to join you as your dependants. Dependants generally receive leave in line with your own visa and may be entitled to work in the UK (subject to the restrictions on your visa category).

• Spouse or civil partner dependants
• Unmarried partner dependants (cohabiting for two or more years)
• Dependent children under 18
• In certain circumstances, adult dependent relatives

If you have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK, your pre-flight spouse or civil partner and children under 18 may be able to join you through the refugee family reunion route. Applications under this route are free of charge and are considered as a priority by the Home Office. Our solicitors have extensive experience with refugee family reunion cases, many of which involve complex circumstances and require careful handling.

• Applications for the pre-flight spouse or partner of a refugee
• Applications for the dependent children of a refugee
• Advice on the eligibility and documentary requirements
• Preparation of covering letters and supporting evidence
• Assistance where applications have been refused

Bringing an elderly or seriously ill relative to the UK is one of the most challenging immigration routes. Adult dependent relative applications require the sponsor to demonstrate that the relative requires long-term personal care that is not available or affordable in their home country, and that the sponsor in the UK can provide the required level of care without recourse to public funds. Our solicitors will give you an honest assessment of your prospects and guide you through every step of the process.