Adult Dependent Relative Visa Solicitors

Caring for an elderly or vulnerable family member can place significant emotional and practical strain on families, particularly when relatives live abroad.

The UK adult dependent relative visa route is one of the most complex areas of UK immigration law, with strict requirements designed to ensure that only individuals who genuinely need long-term, personal care can join their family in the UK.

Applications must demonstrate both medical necessity and the absence of adequate care in the applicant’s home country, and even small gaps in the evidence can affect the outcome.

At BHD Solicitors, we help families navigate the Adult Dependent Relative Visa route and secure the necessary support for their loved ones.

Contact our Adult Dependent Relative Visa Solicitors in London and Croydon

For further information and a free telephone consultation, call our London or Croydon offices today on 0208 681 5128 and speak to one of our senior lawyers.

Our Adult Dependent Relative Visa services in London and Croydon

This route allows Adult Dependent Relatives of British citizens, holders of indefinite leave to remain, holders of leave under Appendix EU, Refugees or beneficiaries of Humanitarian Protection to settle in the UK.

Applicants must be a parent, grandparent, sibling aged 18 years or above, adult son or daughter, of a person in the UK with British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, leave under Appendix EU, refugee status or humanitarian protection.

The applicant must, as a result of age, illness or disability, require long-term personal care.
The applicant must be unable, even with the financial help of family, to obtain the required level of care in their country of residence because it is not available, and there is no person who can reasonably provide it.

The applicant must be adequately maintained, accommodated and cared for in the UK by the UK based family member, without recourse to public funds.

Adult Dependent Relative Visas have one of the highest refusal rates of all immigration routes. Statistics indicate that 96% of applications are refused. It is therefore imperative to obtain legal advice and assistance.

Our immigration solicitors have specialist training in this area and are best placed to guide you through this process.

Obtaining good quality advice can prevent applications from being delayed or refused, which can cause a lot of stress for applicants and their family members.

Our Immigration lawyers provide comprehensive advice and submit well prepared bespoke applications to UK Visas and Immigration. Our aim is to ensure that in each case, country specific evidence and relevant medical documentation are fully and properly submitted with detailed representation to emphasise that all the rules are met for the application to be approved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Dependent Relative Visas

 What is the Adult Dependent Relative visa for?

The Adult Dependent Relative visa is designed to allow elderly or disabled relatives who require long-term personal care to join their family in the UK.

It provides a route for individuals whose care needs cannot reasonably be met in their home country, ensuring that they can live with close family members who can provide the necessary support and assistance for daily living.

Who qualifies as an adult dependent relative for a UK visa?

Eligible applicants are generally parents, grandparents, or other adult relatives who are dependent on a UK-based family member for long-term personal care.

The relative must demonstrate a genuine need for ongoing care and that this level of support is not available or affordable in their home country. Applicants must also be outside the UK when applying and meet the Home Office’s strict medical and dependency requirements.

What is the financial requirement for sponsoring an Adult Dependent Relative visa applicant?

Sponsors must show they have sufficient funds to provide for the relative’s long-term care without recourse to public funds. This includes covering housing, living expenses, and any medical or personal care costs.

There is no fixed salary threshold, but evidence of stable, sustainable income and financial resources is essential. The Home Office will carefully assess whether the sponsor can meet all care needs for the duration of the relative’s stay.

What is the cost for the Adult Dependent Relative visa?

The Adult Dependent Relative visa fee includes the standard visa application cost and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Fees are typically higher than standard family visas due to the complex assessment involved.

Applicants should budget for medical assessments, translations, and supporting documentation. Costs can vary depending on nationality and location of application, so applicants should check the Home Office fee schedule before submitting to ensure all financial requirements are met.

Can an elderly parent get this visa?

Yes, an Adult Dependent Relative visa may be available for elderly parents if they require long-term personal care that cannot be provided in their home country.

The visa is specifically intended for adult relatives in need of substantial care, rather than short-term or occasional assistance. Eligibility is dependent on demonstrating both the necessity of care and the sponsor’s ability to provide for the parent without relying on public funds in the UK.

Does the relative need long-term personal care?

Yes, the Home Office requires clear evidence that the applicant cannot live independently and needs ongoing, substantial personal care. Short-term assistance or routine support does not meet the threshold.

Applicants must show that without this care, their health or wellbeing would be seriously at risk. Evidence from medical professionals, care assessments, and reports from social services or other agencies is typically required to demonstrate the level of care needed.

Can the care be available or affordable in their home country?

No. The Home Office will only approve an Adult Dependent Relative visa if it is shown that the necessary care is either unavailable or unaffordable in the applicant’s home country. This includes formal care services, family support, and healthcare provision.

Applicants must provide evidence of local care options and demonstrate why these are insufficient, unaffordable, or inaccessible, highlighting that the UK sponsor is uniquely able to meet the care needs.

Can the applicant work in the UK if the visa is granted?

No. Adult Dependent visa holders are not permitted to work in the UK. The visa is specifically designed for individuals who require care, not for employment purposes. Access to public funds is also restricted.

The visa focuses on providing long-term support from a family member, ensuring the applicant’s wellbeing is maintained while relying on the sponsor for financial and personal care needs.

Must the application be made from outside the UK?

Yes. Adult Dependent Relative visa applications must generally be submitted from outside the UK. Applicants cannot switch to this visa from within the UK. This requirement ensures the Home Office can assess eligibility and dependency before entry.

In exceptional circumstances, applicants may seek guidance on alternative routes if already in the UK, but standard applications should always be made from the applicant’s home country or another country where they have legal residence.

How long does the visa decision usually take?

Decisions for Adult Dependent Relative visas typically take several months due to the detailed assessment of care needs, financial evidence, and supporting documentation. Processing can be longer if additional information or medical reports are required.

Applicants should allow ample time and prepare comprehensive documentation to reduce delays. The Home Office may also schedule interviews or request further evidence, which can extend the decision timeline significantly.

Can an adult sibling (brother/sister) apply for this visa?

Generally, adult siblings are not eligible for the Adult Dependent Relative visa. The route is primarily intended for parents, grandparents, or other adult relatives who are financially and practically dependent on a UK sponsor for long-term personal care.

Siblings would need to demonstrate extraordinary dependency circumstances, which are rarely approved, as the Home Office prioritises applications where care cannot be provided in the home country and where the applicant is directly dependent on the UK-based family member.

If a parent applies, can their spouse (the other parent) be included?

No. The spouse or partner of an adult dependent relative cannot automatically be included in the application. Each applicant must meet the Home Office criteria individually. If both parents require care, separate applications are usually necessary, with each needing to demonstrate dependency and the inability to obtain care in their home country.

Dependent family members must also satisfy the Adult Dependent Relative visa requirements independently to gain permission to join the sponsor in the UK.

Contact our Adult Dependent Relative Visa Solicitors in London and Croydon

For further information and a free telephone consultation, call our London or Croydon offices today on 0208 681 5128 and speak to one of our senior lawyers.