UK Dependant Visa Proof of Funds – Amounts and Documents

The UK Dependant Visa allows eligible family members, such as a partner or child, to join the main visa holder in the UK. This includes dependants of those holding long-term visas like the Skilled Worker Visa, Graduate Visa, and other qualifying routes.

A key requirement when applying for a UK Dependant Visa is meeting the financial requirement. This means you must prove you have sufficient funds to support your dependants without relying on public funds. The goal is to ensure applicants can sustain themselves and their families during their stay in the UK.

Understanding the Proof of Funds Requirement:

The proof of funds requirement is crucial for UK visa applications, especially for dependant visas. Essentially, it means providing financial evidence to show you have enough money to cover the living costs of yourself and any dependants, without needing public funds.

This requirement applies to both initial applications and extensions. You must show that the required funds have been held for a consecutive 28-day period, ending no more than 31 days before your visa application date. This ensures you can cover essential expenses like housing, food, and general living costs upon arriving in the UK.

Enforced by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), this financial requirement protects public resources. Demonstrating financial stability reassures the Home Office that the visa applicant and their dependants will be self-sufficient and won’t become a burden on the UK welfare system.

Amount of Funds Required for a UK Dependant Visa:

The amount of funds required for a UK Dependant Visa varies depending on the visa category held by the main applicant and the number of dependants involved. Below are the requirements for several visa types:

Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

If the main applicant holds a Skilled Worker Visa, each dependant must demonstrate they have at least:

• £285 for a partner
• £315 for the first child
• £200 for each additional child

These amounts are in addition to the funds the main applicant must show to meet their own maintenance requirements.

Student Dependant Visa

Dependants of Student Visa holders must show they have:

• £845 per month (for up to 9 months) if the main applicant is studying in London
• £680 per month (for up to 9 months) if studying outside London

However, from 2024, not all foreign student visa holders are permitted to bring dependants. Only PhD or research-based higher degree students can bring dependants under current rules.

Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)

If you hold a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa and wish to bring dependants, you must show sufficient funds to support each dependant for the first 12 months of their stay. Specifically, you need at least £1,890 available for each dependant.

Innovator Founder Visa

For Innovator Founder visa holders, the financial requirement is the same as for the Skilled Worker visa:

• £285 for a partner
• £315 for the first child
• £200 for each additional child

Check Also: Documenting Your Long-Distance Civil Partnership in UK

Acceptable Forms of Financial Evidence:

When applying for a UK Dependant Visa, it’s crucial to provide acceptable evidence showing you have the necessary funds to support your dependants. The UK Home Office has strict guidelines on what types of financial documents are valid. Ensuring your documentation meets these standards is essential for a successful application.

Key requirements include:

• Regulated Financial Institutions: Funds must be held in a financial institution regulated by the appropriate authority in the country where it operates, and must use electronic record-keeping. This allows UKVI to verify the legitimacy of your funds.
• Ownership of the Account:
  • The account must belong to either the applicant or their dependant partner who is applying simultaneously or already holds permission.
  • For dependent children and student visas, a parent or legal guardian can hold the funds.
  • For Child Student visas, funds may also be held by a close relative or private foster carer responsible for the child’s care.
  • For visa routes allowing third-party support, funds can be held by a third party.
• Type of Account:
  Funds must be kept in a personal bank or building society account. Acceptable accounts include current accounts, deposit accounts, savings accounts, pensions (if funds can be withdrawn), or investment accounts, as long as the funds are immediately accessible.

Examples of Acceptable Accounts:

Funds must be available during the application period and not locked away in fixed-term deposits or other accounts where the money cannot be easily withdrawn. UKVI must be assured that the applicant can access the funds to support themselves and their dependants while in the UK.

Acceptable accounts include:

• Personal bank accounts (current or savings) in the name of the applicant, their partner, or an eligible third party
• Building society accounts meeting regulatory requirements
• Pension accounts permitting fund withdrawals
• Investment accounts that allow immediate access to the required funds

UKVI conducts verification checks to ensure both the financial documents and the institutions holding the funds meet their standards. Therefore, providing accurate and verifiable financial documentation from recognised and regulated financial institutions is crucial.

Let Spouse Visa Lawyers Help You:

At Spouse Visa Lawyers, we offer expert guidance and comprehensive support for your UK Dependant Visa application. Our experienced team will help you prepare the required documents, navigate complex immigration rules, and address any concerns you may have.

Whether you’re applying from within the UK or overseas, we’re here to help you and your family move forward with confidence. Contact us today and take the first step towards reuniting with your loved ones in the UK.

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