The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa, also known as the Elderly Dependent Visa, allows elderly family members of British citizens or those with settled status to join them in the UK.
This visa is strictly for individuals who:
- Require long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability, and
- Cannot obtain such care in their home country, even with financial support from their UK relative.
However, it is important to note that fewer than 4% of ADR visa applications are approved, making it one of the most challenging visa routes in the UK.
Key-takeways:
- Objective: The ADR visa enables geriatric dependents who require long-term care to join their UK family in the event that care is unavailable or prohibitive in their home country.
- Low approval rate: The strict evidence requirements for care dependency result in a success rate of less than 4%.
- Financial support from the UK sponsor, medical documentation, and evidence that care is unavailable abroad are the primary requirements.
- Fortifying the application: Seek legal counsel and submit comprehensive medical and financial documentation.
In the event of rejection, there are three options: appeal (within 28 days), reapply with more robust evidence, or explore alternative visas.
Overview:
The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa, also referred to as the Elderly Dependent Visa, is a visa that is specifically intended to enable elderly relatives of UK citizens or permanent residents to relocate and establish themselves in the United Kingdom.
This visa is applicable to individuals who are financially dependent on a family member residing in the United Kingdom and necessitate long-term personal assistance as a result of age, illness, or disability. It provides the applicant with the right to permanently reside in the United Kingdom, without any time restrictions.
The ADR visa permits indefinite residence, provided that the original conditions of dependency and the need for personal care are still met, in contrast to other visa categories that may necessitate periodic extensions or reassessments.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the ADR visa (under Appendix Adult Dependent Relative), you must prove that:
- The applicant is the parent, grandparent, sibling, or child (aged 18 or older) of the UK sponsor.
- They require daily assistance with personal tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or cooking.
- Adequate care cannot be obtained or afforded in their current country of residence, despite support from the UK sponsor.
- The UK sponsor can fully financially support the applicant for at least five years without relying on public funds.
Check Also: UK Spouse Visa Requirements – Check Here
ADR Visa Success Rate:
Between 2017 and 2020:
- 908 applications were submitted
- Only 35 were approved
- Resulting in a success rate of less than 4%
The primary challenge is proving that suitable care truly does not exist or is unaffordable in the applicant’s home country.
Impact of Appendix Adult Dependent Relative:
To bolster your Elderly Dependent Visa application, it is essential to provide compelling evidence of the applicant’s medical requirements and the inadequacy of care in their native country. Please provide financial documentation, medical reports, and documents that demonstrate that care is either unavailable or prohibitive.
Ensure that all documents are accurate and comply with the Home Office’s standards. The likelihood of approval can be enhanced by a well-organized application that includes legal guidance. If the request is denied, either provide additional evidence to support an appeal or reapply with the help of an expert.
How to Strengthen Your ADR Visa Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Provide Medical Evidence
- Submit detailed and recent medical reports describing the condition and care needs.
- Prove Lack of Suitable Care
- Include documents showing the unavailability or prohibitive cost of care in the home country, such as expert letters or reports from care facilities.
- Demonstrate Sponsor’s Financial Capacity
- Provide evidence of income, savings, housing arrangements, and the ability to support the relative for five years without public funds.
- Seek Professional Legal Advice
- Immigration solicitors can ensure your application is well-prepared and meets Home Office standards.
What to Do if Your ADR Visa is Refused
There are several options if your application is refused:
Appeal the Decision
- Appeals must be lodged within 28 days of receiving the refusal notice.
- Appeals should address errors in legal interpretation or highlight overlooked evidence.
- Legal assistance is strongly recommended for the appeals process.
Reapply
- A new application can be submitted after addressing the reasons for the initial refusal.
- Additional or stronger evidence should be provided.
- Treat any reapplication as a completely fresh case.
Explore Alternative Visas
- If an ADR visa is unlikely to succeed, consider other options, such as:
- Long-term visit visas
- Family visas
- Private medical treatment visas (where appropriate)
Each alternative has different requirements, so a thorough assessment is essential.
Why Professional Legal Help Matters?
Spouse Visa Lawyers specialise in complex UK family immigration cases and ADR visa refusals. We offer:
- Comprehensive guidance on preparing a strong application
- Legal representation for appeals
- Strategic advice on alternative visa routes
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it easy to get an Elderly Dependent Visa?
No. The requirements are very strict, and applications often get refused because the Home Office believes care can be arranged in the applicant’s home country.
What is the Elderly Dependent Visa in the UK?
It’s officially called the Adult Dependent Relative visa. It allows elderly parents, grandparents, or other dependent relatives to join family members who are settled in the UK or British citizens.
Who can apply for this visa?
Elderly parents, grandparents, siblings, sons, daughters, or other close relatives who need long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability.