Dependent visas

Dependent visas: bring your family together.

A dependent visa lets a partner or child join a family member who is studying, working or living in another country. It is one of the most common reasons families come to us, often when a husband, wife or parent has already moved abroad.

Partnersand children under 18
Work rightsfor many dependants
Freefirst eligibility check
View from an aeroplane window above the cloudsEligibility checkbefore you spend anythingFree first consultationwith our visa team
Who can apply

Who can usually join a family member abroad.

Rules differ by country and visa type, and they change often. We check your eligibility first.

Husbands and wivesSpouses and civil partners of people working, studying or living abroad.
Long-term partnersUnmarried partners who have lived together, where the country allows it.
Children under 18Children of a visa holder or resident, joining their parent abroad.
Families of skilled workersPartners and children of many skilled work visa holders.
Families of research studentsPartners and children of PhD and research students in many countries.
Families of residentsPartners and children of permanent residents and citizens, through family routes.
Popular destinations

Bringing family: country highlights.

Good news for families in many of the most popular destinations. We check the rules for your family member’s visa.

United KingdomSkilled Worker families can usually joinPartners can work in almost any jobPhD and research students can bring family
CanadaSpouses of master’s and PhD students can workOpen work permits for spouses of many skilled workersChildren can come too
AustraliaPartners and children can be included in most skilled visasPhD students can bring their familyPartners of PhD students can work
New ZealandPartner work visas for many skilled workers’ partnersPartners of master’s and PhD students can workChildren can study at school
IrelandCritical Skills permit holders can bring familySpouses can work without their own permitChildren can join too
GermanyEU Blue Card families can joinBlue Card spouses do not need German firstFamily members can work
How we help

Your dependent visa, step by step.

  1. Eligibility checkWe look at your family member’s visa and your circumstances.
  2. Personal checklistProof of relationship, financial evidence and your sponsor’s documents.
  3. Document reviewWe check every document carefully before anything is submitted.
  4. Online applicationWe complete the application with you and pay attention to every detail.
  5. BiometricsWe book your appointment and tell you exactly what to bring.
  6. Decision and travelWe support you until you receive your decision and are ready to fly.
Checklist

What you will usually need.

Every application is different, and we give you a personal checklist. These are the usual starting points.

Proof of your relationshipMarriage certificate, for partnersBirth certificates, for childrenPhotos and joint documents, where helpfulValid passports for each family member
From your family member abroadCopy of their passport and visa or eVisaProof of their job, course or residenceFinancial evidence, if requiredProof of address abroad
Reviews

Families we have helped reunite.

Ms. Betsy was extremely helpful, professional and supportive with my daughter’s dependent visa. The process can be stressful when it involves your child, but her expertise and attention to detail gave us great peace of mind.AAlbin S.Google review · Dependent visa
Great experience with Haven Overseas for my Australian partner visa and visitor visa. The team was very friendly and guided me from start to finish. I received my visitor visa without any complications and have reached Australia.BBasil K.Google review · Australia partner visa
Their team provided clear guidance at every step and handled the documentation professionally and efficiently. Thanks to their support, I received my dependent visa smoothly without any issues.AAarav S.Google review · Dependent visa
I had a very good experience with this agency while processing my father’s visit visa and my child’s dependent visa. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and guided me through every step of the process.SShintu J.Google review · Visit and dependent visas
Read more

Helpful guides from our blog.

FAQ

Dependent visas: your questions answered.

Who can apply for a dependent visa?

Usually husbands, wives and partners, and children under 18, of someone who is working, studying or living abroad. The exact rules depend on the country and on your family member’s visa.

Can my family join me if I work in the UK?

Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders can usually join them in the UK, and partners can work in almost any job. We check the rules for your family member’s role and visa.

Can my family join me if I study in the UK?

Yes, if you are studying a PhD or another research-based postgraduate degree, or you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months. Your partner and children can join you on a dependant visa.

Can my spouse work on a dependent visa?

In many countries, yes. In the UK, Skilled Worker dependants can work. In Canada, spouses of master’s and PhD students and of many skilled workers can get an open work permit. We explain the rules for your destination.

What documents prove our relationship?

Usually a marriage certificate for partners and birth certificates for children, along with photos, joint documents or other evidence where helpful. We tell you exactly what your application needs.

Can children join a parent abroad?

Yes. Children under 18 can usually be included as dependants of a parent with a work, study or residence visa that allows family members.

How long does a dependent visa take?

It depends on the country and visa type. We give you a realistic timeline at the start and help you apply as early as possible.

Should we apply together or separately?

Sometimes dependants apply at the same time as the main applicant, and sometimes later. We advise on the best timing for your family.

More visa services

Other ways we can help.

Check your dependent visa eligibility

Book a free consultation at our Kozhikode or Kochi office, or talk to us on phone or WhatsApp.

Visa decisions are made by the immigration authorities of each country. We make sure your application is complete, accurate and clearly presented. Rules and fees change often, so we always check the latest official guidance with you.