Ensures Family Unity and Care
This visa category enables elderly parents or other adult relatives, who are reliant on a settled family member in the UK, to reside permanently with their loved ones. It is designed to address situations where the relative cannot live independently due to age, illness, or disability and requires continuous support from family.

Pathway to Permanent Settlement
Successful applicants are granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) immediately upon arrival, offering a direct route to settlement. This eliminates the need for multiple visa renewals and provides long-term security and stability for the applicant.

Access to Healthcare and Social Benefits
Once settled, visa holders can access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) without additional costs. They may also be eligible for certain public benefits, ensuring they receive the essential care and support they require.

No Restriction on Employment or Study
While most Adult Dependent Relatives may not seek employment due to their age or health condition, this visa does not impose limitations on work or education. Should the applicant wish to contribute or engage in learning, they are legally permitted to do so.

Long-Term Family Support and Emotional Well-being
Living with close family members significantly improves emotional and mental well-being, especially for elderly individuals. This visa allows families to stay together, providing essential emotional, physical, and financial support.

Assessment Duration: The time required for the Home Office to process an Adult Dependent Relative Visa application can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the applicant’s personal circumstances. Typically, straightforward applications may be reviewed within several months, while more intricate cases might require a longer assessment period.

Case Complexity & Documentation: The accuracy and completeness of the submitted evidence play a crucial role in determining the processing speed. Applications supported by clear, detailed documentation and compelling proof of dependency tend to progress more smoothly compared to those requiring additional clarification or supplementary requests.

Home Office Backlog & Prioritization: Delays can arise due to seasonal demand spikes, administrative backlogs, or prioritization of specific visa categories. Immigration authorities occasionally reallocate resources, which may impact the timeline for Adult Dependent Relative Visa decisions.

Requests for Further Information: If the Home Office requires additional documents or schedules an interview to evaluate the claim of dependency, this will inevitably extend the overall processing period. Prompt responses to such requests can help minimize further delays.

Estimated Timeframe: While there is no fixed guarantee, applicants are generally advised to anticipate a timeframe ranging from 3 to 9 months for a decision. However, this estimate is subject to change based on the aforementioned factors.

The application fee for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances and location.

Government-imposed visa charges are subject to periodic updates; it is crucial to verify the latest fees before submission.

Additional costs may arise, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric enrolment, and supporting document certification.

Legal assistance or representation fees are separate from government charges and will depend on the complexity of the case.

Currency exchange rates and international payment processing fees may slightly influence the final payable amount.

Applicants should allocate funds for potential supplementary expenses, such as translations of documents or expedited services.