What Do You Need To Know Before You Invite Them?

According to UK government data, around 120,000 immigrants are granted settlement to remain in the country indefinitely, and 200,000 gain citizenship each year. If you are one of these individuals and wish to bring your parents over to join you in the country, particularly if they require your care, you will need an Adult Relative Dependent visa.

Obtaining this visa can be a complex process, so seeking assistance from an immigration lawyer or advisor is recommended to understand eligibility criteria and navigate the application process.

Understanding the Adult Dependent Relative Visa

The Adult Dependent Relative visa is essential if you are a British citizen or have settled status in the UK and wish to have an adult relative join you. This can include an adult child, sibling, parent, or grandparent. With this visa, you can bring your foreign parent or parents into the country for an unlimited period, as long as you maintain your citizenship or special status.

This visa also applies if you have valid refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK, have limited leave under Appendix EU, or are from the EU or EEA with pre-settled status. You must have been living in the UK before January 2021 for this to be applicable.

The following sections will cover the eligibility requirements for the visa, application process, and necessary documentation.

Eligibility Criteria

In addition to the requirements for you as a sponsor, there are specific criteria that your relative must meet when applying for the visa:

• They currently reside outside the UK.


• Your relative requires long-term care in their daily life due to age, disability, or illness.


• They are unable to access appropriate care in their current location, either due to cost or lack of family support.

Financial Requirements

In addition to the basic criteria, you can only sponsor your dependents to come to the UK if you meet the income threshold for a sponsor. This ensures that your relative's accommodation, living expenses, and care can be covered without requiring state assistance.

The income requirement varies based on circumstances. To calculate the weekly income requirement, you need to combine specified amounts according to Citizens Advice.

Applying for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa

Your relative will usually need to submit the Adult Dependent Relative visa application from outside the UK by completing Appendix 1 (Form VAF4A) and providing supporting documentation to demonstrate eligibility.

The application fee is £3,250, but it is reduced to £1,048 if the application is made from within the UK. Processing time is typically around 12 weeks, but delays may occur if there are issues with the application or backlog at the Home Office.

Required Documents

Supporting documentation is crucial for any UK visa application. Standard documents include proof of financial eligibility, care plan, undertaking to provide support without state assistance, medical documentation, proof of relationship, tuberculosis test results, passport, criminal record details, and translations if necessary.

Starting a New Life in the UK with an Adult Relative Dependent Visa

The Adult Relative Dependent visa allows you to bring your dependent relatives into the country permanently, ensuring they receive proper care and quality of life. Navigating the application process can be challenging, so working with an immigration lawyer or advisor is advisable to increase your chances of success.