- Can I bring dependants to the UK?
- Who counts as a dependant?
- Bringing a spouse or civil partner
- Bringing an unmarried partner
- Bringing children to the UK
- Other important considerations
- Accommodation
- Healthcare
- Childcare and education
- Can dependants work in the UK?
- If your relationship breaks down
Can I bring dependants to the UK?
Whether you can bring dependants depends on when you started your course and the type of course you are studying.
If you started your course before 1 January 2024
You may be able to bring dependants if:
- You are government sponsored and studying a course lasting more than six months, or
- You are studying a postgraduate course lasting at least nine months.
If you started your course on or after 1 January 2024
You may be able to bring dependants if:
- You have a scholarship or sponsorship from a national government and are studying a full-time course lasting at least six months, or
- You are studying a full-time Master's by Research (not a Master's with Advanced Research) or a PhD lasting at least nine months.
Further guidance is available from:
Who counts as a dependant?
A dependant is a family member who may be eligible to come to the UK with you while you study.
This can include:
- Your spouse (husband or wife)
- Your civil partner
- Your unmarried partner (if eligible)
- Your children (if eligible)
Bringing a spouse or civil partner
Bringing a spouse or civil partner
To apply as your dependant, your spouse or civil partner must show that:
- Your marriage or civil partnership is recognised by UK law.
- You intend to live together in the UK.
- Your relationship is genuine and continuing.
- You have suitable accommodation and enough money to support yourselves without relying on public funds.
- They will comply with any work restrictions that apply to their visa.
- They intend to leave the UK at the end of their permitted stay.
Definitions
Spouse
A person to whom you are legally married.
Civil partner
A person with whom you have entered into a legally recognised civil partnership.
Bringing an unmarried partner
Your partner may be eligible to apply as your dependant if you can show:
- Evidence of a relationship lasting at least two years.
- That you intend to live together in the UK.
- Your relationship is genuine and continuing.
- You have suitable accommodation and enough money to support yourselves without relying on public funds.
- They will comply with any work restrictions that apply to their visa.
- They intend to leave the UK at the end of their permitted stay.
Definition
Partner
An unmarried or same-sex partner with whom you have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.
Bringing children to the UK
To apply as your dependant, your children must:
- Be your children (for example, evidenced by a birth certificate or adoption papers).
- Normally be under 18 years old.
- Not be married, in a civil partnership or living independently.
- Be adequately accommodated and supported without public funds.
- Leave the UK when your immigration permission ends.
Parents travelling with children
Normally, both parents must come to the UK unless:
- The other parent has died.
- You have sole responsibility for the child's upbringing.
- There are other serious or compelling reasons why the child should live with you in the UK.
If an exception applies, you should include supporting evidence with the child's application.
Important
Children must be under 18 when they first enter the UK as your dependant.
Other family members cannot normally be sponsored as Student Visa dependants. They would need to apply under another immigration route, such as a Visitor Visa, Skilled Worker Visa or Student Visa in their own right.
Other important considerations
Accommodation
The University does not provide family accommodation or accommodation for married couples.
If you are bringing dependants, you will need to arrange private accommodation.
For advice, see:
Health care
Your spouse and children can access healthcare in the same way as you, subject to immigration rules.
Further information is available on the UKCISA website.
Please note that dependants cannot register with the University Medical Centre on campus and must register with a local GP practice instead.
Childcare and education
Childcare
Free schooling is generally only available from age five.
If you have younger children, you will need to arrange childcare.
The University's Hatfield Day Nursery accepts children aged between three months and five years.
Places are limited, so you should apply as early as possible.
School education
Children aged 5 to 16 must attend school in the UK.
State schools are free and children can usually join during the school year, subject to places being available.
School availability depends on:
- Where you live
- Your child's age
- Spaces available at local schools
Further information is available from Hertfordshire County Council.
Higher education
Dependants can study full-time or part-time at higher education level.
If a dependant starts a course that continues after your Student Visa ends, they may need to apply for their own visa to remain in the UK and complete their studies.
Can dependants work in the UK?
If you have immigration permission for 12 months or longer, your dependants will usually be granted permission to work.
Before starting work, your dependant should check the conditions on their immigration permission.
If their visa states:
"No recourse to public funds"
they can normally:
- Work full-time
- Work part-time
- Be self-employed
- Start a business
If their visa states:
"No work" or "Work prohibited"
they cannot undertake paid or unpaid work.
If your relationship breaks down
If you separate or divorce, either the main Student Visa holder or the dependant must notify the Home Office.
You can do this through the GOV.UK reporting process or by submitting the appropriate form.
Further information is available on the GOV.UK website.