Planning to bring your spouse or children with you to the UK? The UK Dependent Visa has become one of the most restricted areas of UK immigration since January 2024, and most Nepali students are no longer eligible, regardless of how much money they have in the bank.
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This guide covers exactly who qualifies in 2027, the eligibility criteria and requirements involved, what it costs from Nepal, the documents checklist, and the mistakes that get applications refused. Whether you’re looking into a Student Dependent Partner visa or a dependent visa for your children, this guide walks through both. If you haven’t yet confirmed your own eligibility for the UK Student visa itself, our UK Student Visa guide covers that first step in full, and our Study in UK hub has the full picture on courses, intakes, and costs.
Key takeaway: Only postgraduate research students, PhD students, and government-sponsored students qualify for a UK Dependent Visa. If you’re on a taught master’s (MSc, MA, MBA), an undergraduate degree, or a diploma, your family cannot join you under the Student route, no matter your bank balance.
What Is a UK Dependent Visa?
A UK dependent visa (formally called a Student Dependent Partner or Student Dependent Child visa) lets an eligible international student’s family live with them in the UK for the duration of their course.
Eligible dependents are:
- A husband, wife, or civil partner
- An unmarried partner, provided you’ve lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years
- A child under 18
Each dependent submits a separate online application, pays a separate visa fee, and generally receives permission that runs alongside the student’s own visa.
UK Dependent Visa Eligibility: Who Can Actually Bring Dependents in 2027?
This is where most confusion, and most outdated blog content, comes from. Since 1 January 2024, the UK Dependent Visa eligibility rules apply to any course starting on or after that date. You can only bring a partner or child if you fall into one of these groups:
1. PhD and doctoral students
If you’re studying a PhD or another doctoral qualification lasting 9 months or longer, you can bring dependents. This is the most straightforward category.
2. Research-based postgraduate students
A “research-based higher degree” means a postgraduate programme where the independent research component is larger than the taught component, measured by student effort, not just by the course name.
This is the detail most guides get wrong: an MRes or a master’s with “research” in the title is not automatically eligible. Some universities do not classify their MRes as research-based at all. The only reliable proof is your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies): a genuinely research-based course will show the letters “RE” in the academic level field (for example, a code ending in _RE). Always ask your university’s international office to confirm this in writing before you plan around it, and never rely on the course title alone. You can cross-check the official rules on the gov.uk Student visa: family members page, which is the authoritative source the Home Office uses.
If you’re still choosing between course types, it’s worth reading this alongside our main UK Student Visa guide, since course classification affects both your own visa and your family’s eligibility together.
3. Government-sponsored students
You qualify if your study is funded by a national government, a government department, or an official government scholarship body (e.g. a Chevening or Commonwealth-type award), for a full-time course of at least 6 months, at any academic level. A private scholarship from a bank or company does not count: the funding must come from a government or an international scholarship agency.
Who cannot bring dependents
If none of the above applies, dependents are not permitted, even if you can prove substantial savings. This includes students on:
- MBA, MA, MSc, and other taught master’s courses
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Foundation, diploma, pre-sessional English, and short courses
The scale of this change is significant: in the year ending December 2025, only around 19,600 dependent visas were issued alongside student visas UK-wide, down from a peak of over 150,000 before the 2024 rule change. If bringing your family is a priority, it needs to shape your course choice from the start, not be an afterthought.
Spouse and Partner Eligibility (UK Dependent Visa)
Married or civil partner
You’ll need to prove the relationship is genuine, typically through:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Matching names across passport and other documents
- Evidence of a shared life together (address history, communication, visits)
If your marriage certificate is in Nepali, you must submit a certified English translation alongside the original, never the translation alone.
Unmarried partner
You must show you’ve lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years before the application. Typical evidence includes joint bank records, a shared tenancy or address history, and utility bills in both names. Weak or inconsistent evidence is one of the most common reasons this category gets refused.
Children’s Eligibility (Child Visa)
A child dependent must be under 18, unmarried, not in a civil partnership, and have a genuine ongoing relationship with the parent. Expect to provide the child’s birth certificate (showing the parent’s name), passport, and, where the child has lived apart from a parent for education, a clear explanation plus consent from any other parent with parental responsibility.
UK Dependent Visa Financial Requirement (2026/27 Rates)
Budgeting for a UK Dependent Visa means covering two separate pots of money: the student’s own maintenance funds, and a separate UK Dependent Visa maintenance amount for each dependent. Many guides only list the dependent figures and leave out the student’s own requirement, which leads to significant underbudgeting. For a fuller breakdown of day-to-day expenses, see our cost of living in the UK guide.
Student’s own maintenance funds
These increased in 2025 and remain the current published rates going into 2027:
| Location | Monthly amount | Maximum (9 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Inside London | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 |
This is on top of any unpaid tuition fees shown on the CAS, and is required whether or not the student is bringing dependents.
Dependent maintenance funds
These thresholds have held steady since well before 2024 and remain the current published rates going into 2027. Each dependent needs, on top of the student’s own required funds above:
| Location | Monthly amount | Maximum (9 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Inside London | £845 | £7,605 per dependent |
| Outside London | £680 | £6,120 per dependent |
Worked example (outside London, student + one spouse + one child):
- Student’s own funds: £1,171 × 9 months = £10,539
- Spouse: £680 × 9 months = £6,120
- Child: £680 × 9 months = £6,120
- Combined maintenance total: £22,779, before any unpaid tuition fees
This is a meaningfully larger number than the dependent figures alone suggest, so build your budget from both tables together.
The 28-day rule
The required balance must sit in the account for 28 consecutive days, and the closing date of that 28-day period must fall within 31 days of the application date. It must not dip below the required amount at any point. This applies to the student and every dependent.
Common reasons this evidence gets rejected: sudden large deposits with no explanation, mismatched account names, statements that are too old, or unclear fixed-deposit arrangements. Always confirm the current threshold on the official gov.uk student visa finance guidance before relying on any figure, including this one, since Home Office rules can change with little notice.
UK Dependent Visa Fees and Cost (2027)
The Home Office last raised most UK Dependent Visa fees on 8 April 2026, and fee reviews have followed an annual April pattern for several years running, so budget for a further small increase if you’re applying close to April 2027. As it stands, current costs are:
- Visa application fee: £558 per person (this applies to the student and to each dependent; there’s no discount for applying as a family)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year of visa length, for students and their dependents (this is the discounted student/dependent rate; the standard adult rate elsewhere is £1,035/year)
Worked example: a spouse and one child joining a student on a 3-year PhD would pay roughly £558 × 2 in visa fees (£1,116) plus £776 × 3 years × 2 people in IHS (£4,656), around £5,772 in fees and health surcharge alone, before maintenance funds, translations, TB tests, or flights.
Always check the official gov.uk fees page on the day you pay, since fees and exchange rates move independently of any published guide, and a 2027 fee update could land before your application date.
Documents Checklist by Applicant (UK Dependent Visa)
The exact list depends on whether you’re applying as a spouse, an unmarried partner, or a child, but everyone shares a common core. Here’s what to prepare for each:
Every dependent needs:
- Valid passport
- Completed online application
- The student’s application reference (GWF or UAN number) and CAS details
- Financial evidence for the 28-day period
- TB certificate, if required (see below)
- Certified English translations of any Nepali-language documents
Spouse/partner, additionally:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or 2-year cohabitation evidence
- Relationship history and shared address proof
Child, additionally:
- Birth certificate showing parent details
- Consent letter from the other parent, where applicable
TB Test Requirement
Nepal remains on the Home Office’s list of countries where applicants staying 6 months or more must complete a TB test at an approved clinic before applying. Each dependent typically needs their own certificate. Check the current UK-approved TB clinic list for Nepal; using an unapproved clinic will invalidate the result.
The Nepal NOC (No Objection Certificate for UK Dependent Visa)
The NOC is a mandatory Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) document for every Nepali student going abroad. It isn’t specific to dependents, but you can’t transfer tuition or living-cost funds through a Nepali bank without one, and your visa file is treated as incomplete without it.
Going into 2027:
- Applied for entirely online at noc.moest.gov.np
- Fee: NPR 2,000
- Processing time: 1–5 working days once documents are verified
- It’s tied to one course and one intake, so a change of offer or a refused visa means reapplying
Start this early. It’s a small step, but a delay here can push your whole family’s timeline back by days you don’t have close to intake.
Step-by-Step Application Process (UK Dependent Visa)
Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, the application itself follows a fairly fixed sequence. Here’s how it typically runs from Nepal, start to finish:
- Confirm eligibility first. Get written confirmation from your university on whether your course is research-based, and check your CAS for the “RE” marker.
- Gather relationship evidence for each dependent, with certified translations for anything in Nepali.
- Budget the full family cost: student funds, dependent funds, unpaid tuition, visa fees, IHS, TB tests, translations, and travel.
- Start the 28-day fund-holding period and avoid last-minute large deposits.
- Apply for the NOC through the MoEST portal.
- Submit the student’s visa application, then each dependent’s application separately, using the student’s GWF/UAN reference.
- Pay each fee: visa fee and IHS per person.
- Book biometrics. In Nepal, this is done through VFS Global, which runs the UK visa application centres in Kathmandu and Pokhara on behalf of UKVI. Each dependent attends in person with their original passport and application reference.
- Upload documents under the correct category. Mislabelled files are a common cause of delay.
- Attend an interview if requested, and answer plainly and consistently.
- Wait for the decision. Standard processing is around 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK, though complex cases can take longer. You can track progress after biometrics through the VFS Global tracking portal using your reference number.
- Set up your UKVI account to access the eVisa once approved, and check the name, expiry date, and work conditions carefully.
You can apply up to 6 months before the course start date. Applying early gives you a buffer if something needs correcting.
Can a Partner with a UK Dependent Visa Work or Study in the UK?
Most partners of eligible research/PhD students can work full-time, in almost any role, with no minimum-skill or hourly restriction. The main exceptions are professional sportsperson or sports coach roles. Always confirm your exact conditions on your eVisa rather than assuming, since conditions can vary by case.
A dependent can also study, though some subjects may trigger additional checks (such as ATAS); confirm with the institution before enrolling.
Neither IELTS nor PTE is normally required for a dependent application; the assessment instead focuses on the relationship, identity, and financial evidence.
Common Reasons Applications Get Refused for UK Dependent Visa
Most refusals trace back to a handful of recurring, avoidable mistakes:
- The sponsoring student’s course doesn’t actually qualify (a taught master’s, or a “research-titled” course the university doesn’t classify as research-based)
- Weak, inconsistent, or unexplained relationship evidence
- Funds that dip below the required amount during the 28-day window, or unexplained large deposits
- Missing or unapproved TB certificates
- Documents submitted without certified translation
- Inconsistent answers at interview
Planning Timeline from Nepal
Work backwards from your intended start date, and give each stage its own window rather than compressing everything into the final month:
- 9–12 months before: Choose a genuinely eligible course; confirm research classification in writing; start collecting relationship documents.
- 6–9 months before: Apply to the university; sort passports and English test results.
- 3–6 months before: Receive your CAS; confirm dependent eligibility with the university; start the 28-day fund-holding period.
- 1–3 months before: Complete TB tests; apply for the NOC; submit visa applications; attend biometrics.
For the September intake, start your dependent paperwork by June or July. This is when VFS Global centres in Nepal get busiest, and slots for biometrics appointments fill up fastest. Check our UK intakes guide to plan around the right window for your course.
For the January intake, aim to start by October or early November. Starting within these windows gives you room to fix a weak bank statement or a missing translation without missing your course start date. UKCISA’s guidance on bringing your family is a useful independent cross-check alongside this timeline.
FAQs (UK Dependent Visa)
Can a master’s student bring their spouse to the UK in 2027?
Generally, no. Only students on a genuinely research-based master’s (confirmed by the “RE” marker on the CAS), a PhD or other doctorate, or a government-sponsored course of 6 months or more can bring a spouse. Students on a standard taught master’s (MSc, MA, MBA, LLM) cannot bring dependents, regardless of savings or course length.
How much money do I need to bring my spouse and one child to the UK?
You need to cover both your own maintenance funds and a separate amount per dependent. Outside London: your own £1,171/month (£10,539 for 9 months) plus £680 per dependent per month (£680 × 9 × 2 = £12,240 for a spouse and child) — a combined total of £22,779. Inside London: your own £1,529/month (£13,761) plus £845 per dependent per month (£15,210 for two dependents) — a combined total of £28,971. This is on top of any unpaid tuition fees, and all of it must be held for 28 consecutive days.
What is the UK dependent visa fee in 2027?
The current fee is £558 per applicant, charged separately for the student and each dependent. Each dependent also pays the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £776 per year of visa length. Fees are reviewed annually, usually in April, so confirm the exact figure on gov.uk before paying.
Does an unmarried partner qualify for a UK dependent visa?
Yes, but only if you have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years before applying. You’ll need to prove this with evidence such as joint bank statements, a shared tenancy agreement, and utility bills in both names.
Can my dependent work in the UK on a Student dependent visa?
Yes. Partners of eligible research or PhD students can generally work full-time in almost any role, with no hourly limit. The only common exceptions are working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. Always check the exact work conditions listed on the dependent’s own eVisa.
Do I still need an NOC if my family is coming with me?
Yes. The No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required for every Nepali student studying abroad, separate from any dependent visa requirement. It’s applied for online through noc.moest.gov.np, costs NPR 2,000, and typically takes 1–5 working days to process.
How long does a UK dependent visa take to process from Nepal?
Standard processing for applications made from outside the UK is around 3 weeks. This can take longer if the Home Office requests further documents or an interview, so it’s best to apply as early as possible within the 6-month window before your course starts.
Can I apply for my dependent’s visa at the same time as my own?
Yes, and it’s usually simpler to do so. The dependent’s application is linked to the student’s using the student’s GWF or UAN reference number, but each family member still submits a separate form, pays a separate fee, and needs their own supporting documents.
What is the most common reason UK dependent visa applications are refused?
The most frequent refusal reason is that the sponsoring student’s course doesn’t actually qualify, often because a course with “research” in its name isn’t classified as research-based by the university. Weak relationship evidence and financial documents that fail the 28-day rule are the next most common issues.
Do dependents need to take an English test (IELTS or PTE)?
No. A Student dependent application does not require an English language test. The assessment instead focuses on proving the relationship, identity, and financial requirement.
Can a dependent switch to a Student visa in the UK?
Yes. A dependent already in the UK can switch to their own Student visa if they receive an offer from a licensed UK institution, obtain their own CAS, and meet the financial requirement. The application must be submitted before their current dependent visa expires.
How ICCC Can Help
Getting the course classification right is the single biggest factor in whether your family can join you, and it’s also the easiest thing to get wrong by relying on a course title alone. ICCC helps Nepali students and families:
- Confirm whether a specific course is genuinely dependent-eligible before you accept an offer
- Plan the full family budget, including maintenance funds, fees, and IHS
- Prepare relationship and financial documentation
- Navigate the NOC and TB test process
- Prepare for visa interviews
ICCC cannot guarantee a visa outcome, that decision sits entirely with UKVI, but getting the groundwork right from day one is what prevents refusals. If you haven’t finalised your course yet, start with our UK Student Visa guide to understand how course choice, CAS details, and dependent eligibility all connect.
Contact ICCC for a free profile review before you commit to a course or pay a deposit.
Rules, fees, and thresholds referenced above reflect UK Home Office guidance current as of late 2026, going into the 2027 intake cycle, and can change, particularly fees and maintenance figures, which have followed a pattern of annual increases each April. Always verify the latest figures on gov.uk before submitting any application or making financial commitments.
