Dependant Visa UK for Egyptians
The UK Dependant Visa enables the family members of those already in the UK on a work visa to join them. Therefore, the Egyptian family members of Egyptians working on a UK visa can stay in the UK with them.
The process can be complicated, however, and this means applicants should speak to a well-versed immigration lawyer. At Total Law, we can help you apply and understand the requirements for this visa type. Just call us at +44 (0)333 305 9375 to get started.
Page Contents
What is the UK Dependant Visa? An Overview for Family Members
The UK Dependant Visa is a type of visa available for the dependant family members of migrants entering the UK through an eligible UK visa route. This is available for family and work visas. Dependent Visas are no longer available for Student Visas and for care workers on the Health and Care Worker Visa.
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria in order to apply. This visa is available to immediate family members of visa applicants, such as partners and children.
UK Dependant Visa Eligibility Criteria - Who is Eligible to Apply?
Overview
For Egyptian family members to be eligible for the Dependant Visa, they need to fulfil certain eligibility criteria. The criteria will vary depending on what type of visa the primary applicant is on in the UK. However, the general criteria can include the following:
- The spouse, partner, or parent must be in the UK via a valid, eligible visa, have ILR (indefinite leave to remain), be a British citizen, be a refugee, or be someone with humanitarian protection.
- The primary applicant will need to be on an eligible visa, and the applying family members will need to be relatives eligible for a Dependant visa.
- The applicant will need to pass the general UK grounds for admission, including having no immigration violations or transgressions and having a clean immigration history.
- The applicant must not intend on staying in the UK when and/or if their visa should expire.
- Should the applicant be applying to join their spouse or partner:
- Both applicants will need to be over the age of 18 at the time the application is made.
- The applicant and their partner must be in a marriage or a civil partnership that is recognised in the UK on a legal basis.
- If the applicant and their partner are not in a marriage or civil partnership, then they must have been living together for at least 2 years before the date they apply.
- The applicant and their partner must be in a subsisting and genuine relationship and must intend on living together for the duration of the visa.
- Children who are over 16 years of age must be financially dependent on the applicant or their partner to be able to apply.
- The applicant must meet the financial requirements for dependants.
- The applicant must not have had any of the listed visas previously:
- A UK Visitor Visa.
- A Short-Term Study Visa held on or after April 2015.
- A Parent of a Tier 4 Student Visa, held on or after April 2015.
For an applicant to qualify for a Dependant Visa, they must be a dependant family member of an eligible migrant. The UK immigration rules define a dependent individual as a person who is one of the following:
- A husband, wife, or civil partner of a qualifying migrant.
- An unmarried or same-sex partner of a qualifying migrant.
- A child aged under 18 years at the time of application.
It is unlikely that any other members of the qualifying migrant family would be successful in obtaining dependent status; however, in some cases, a financially dependent child over the age of 18 may qualify if they are both financially dependent and are unmarried.
For an applicant to obtain a Dependant Visa as a partner or spouse, the applying party must be the partner or spouse of a person who is:
- In the UK on a relevant qualifying visa, or.
- Is applying for a visa at the same time as the applicant is making their application for a Dependant Visa.
A child will only be eligible to apply for a Dependant Visa in the following instances:
- Both parents are applying for entry to the UK at the same time.
- Both parents are already residing in the UK, and the child is applying to join them.
- One parent is already in the UK, while the other parent is applying to join them alongside the child.
A child can also apply for a Dependant Visa of a sole parent in the following instances:
- The parent is the only surviving parent.
- The parent has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing.
- There are compelling or serious reasons why the child can apply exceptionally as the dependent of only one of their parents.
Requirements To Apply
When a primary applicant applies for a UK visa, their partner and children will be eligible to apply to join or stay with the primary applicant as dependents. Dependants will each have to create a separate application.
Should the partner or child of the applicant have a successful application, they should expect their visa to end on the same date as the primary applicant’s visa. If a child is applying and their parents have visas that expire on different dates, they should expect their visa to end on an earlier date.
Applicants who are the first in their family to apply can obtain a family linking code that will connect the applications. Family members can then use the same code to apply.
The child of the primary applicant will need to be able to prove the following:
- They live with the primary applicant unless they live away from home due to full-time education.
- They are not married or in a civil partnership.
Additionally, proof of address will be required. This can include:
- Bank statements.
- Driving licences.
- Credit card bills.
- Official letters from universities or colleges the individual attends.
- An NHS registration document.
UK Dependant Visa Requirements - What Do You Need to Apply?
What are the requirements for dependent visa in UK from Egypt?
Egyptians applying for a Dependant Visa will need to provide specific documentation to support their application. These documents will include the following:
- The applicant’s valid passport.
- Evidence of the relationship the applicant has with the main applicant can be shown in many ways, depending on the relationship:
- If the couple is married or is in a civil partnership, the applicant should provide the marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate. There will also be a requirement to show that there is evidence that the relationship is subsisting. This will require heeding Home Office advice and providing official documentation that the applicant and their partner are living together. If this is not the case, it is advisable to seek out legal assistance from a lawyer here at Total Law. For help with your application, call us at +44 (0)333 305 9375.
- If the couple is not married, they will need to provide evidence that they have been living together in a relationship that is similar to a marriage for a minimum of two years. Documents are only considered from official sources and will need to cover a minimum 2-year period. Documents used to evidence this can include utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements, and official correspondence between the partner and the applicant to show they have lived at the same address.
- Where there are dependent children, a birth certificate or the equivalent of a birth certificate that is an official government-issued document will be required to demonstrate the relationship. Children who are over 16 years of age upon application will need documentation that confirms their residential address from 2 separate sources; this will be needed to provide proof they do not lead an independent life from their parents.
- The applicant will also require the outcome of the primary applicant’s application decision if the dependent family member is applying separately from them. The dependent should also provide the primary applicant’s decision letter or a copy of their biometric residence permit (BRP) in this instance.
Financial Requirements
As well as the requirements applicants need to meet to be eligible, they must also be able to support themselves financially. This can be provided by the dependents or by the primary applicant, and it is to ensure that the applicants overall do not become a burden on the state during their time in the UK.
- £285 is required on top of the financial requirements for the primary applicant for their partner to join them.
- £315 is required on top of the financial requirements for the primary applicant for one child to join them.
- £200 is required for each additional child that will be joining the primary applicant on top of the typical financial requirements of their UK visa.
The primary applicant or their dependents must have the relevant fees available for 28 consecutive days. The 28th day must be within 31 days of the visa application.
The applicant will typically have to show evidence of this when they apply. However, there are exceptions, such as for those who have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months. Or those who have an employer who can cover the family costs
How To Apply For The UK Dependant Visa
Overview
How an applicant applies for the Dependant Visa will depend on where they are applying from. The application process will differ slightly depending on whether or not the applicant is applying from within the UK or outside of the UK.
Applying From outside The UK
Those applying from outside of the UK will need to apply online as a partner or child from outside of the UK and will need to complete a separate application and pay the relevant visa fees. It is important to note that an applicant needs to apply for their visa before they travel to the UK.
The applicant will need to have the primary applicant’s application number; this will be achievable when they apply. This number will be either known as a GWF (Global Web Form) or a UAN (Unique Application Number).
As a part of the application, the partner and children of the primary applicant will need to prove their identities. The applicant will need to prove their identity by doing one of the following:
- Have their photograph and fingerprints taken at a Visa Application Centre to get a BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). The two available VAC’s in Egypt are Alexandra and Cairo.
- Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan their ID document; they will also need to create or sign into their UKVI account (UK Visas and Immigration).
The applicants will be informed of what they need to do when they apply.
Applying From Inside The UK
Those who are applying from inside the UK and are switching or extending their visa will have to note that their dependents’s visas will still only be valid until the original end date. They will also need to apply to extend or switch their visa at the same time as the primary applicant or any time before their current visa expires.
Dependants applying from inside the UK will need to provide proof of identity as well, either at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service) or using the UK Immigration: ID Check application.
If the applicants are inside the UK at the time of applying, they must not travel outside of the UK until they receive a decision.
Family Visa Fees in UK
| Visa Application | Fee outside the UK | Fee inside the UK |
| Family Visa For spouse or partner, fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, child, parent of a UK citizen, or UK resident with settled status (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain) | £1,938 | £1,321 |
| Adult Dependent Visa for adults who need to be looked after by a relative | £3,413 | £1,258 |
| Family visa for relative with ‘Protection Status’ such as Humanitarian Protection or Refugee Status | £404 | £1,258 |
Tier 2 (Skilled Worker Dependent Visa) or PBS Dependent Visa. Holders of the following Tier 2 visas may qualify to bring dependents, based on meeting the requirements, including the financial support and salary thresholds:
| £769 to £1,751 | £769 to £1,751 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per child, and £1035 per adult for every year your permission is granted. | £776 per child, and £1035 per adult for every year your permission is granted. |
| Biometric fees |
|
|
| Parent of a Student child visa (up to 12 months) | £865 | £865 |
| Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a victim of domestic abuse and dependant children under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse to the Immigration Rules | £3,029 | £3,029 |
| Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant) | Exempt (Free of charge) | Exempt (Free of charge) |
Settlement for current and former members of HM armed forces, and their dependants
| £3,029 | £3,029 |
| Dependants of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces | £865 | £865 |
| Exempt (Free of charge) | Exempt (Free of charge) |
UK Dependant Visa Processing Time - How Long Does It Take?
UK dependant visa applications usually take 3 weeks to process. Delays may occur if your application requires additional information or verification, or at peak times. It is recommended to apply early, and you may apply up to 6 months before your planned travel date. If you require an urgent application you can use the Home Office priority processing services. Fees are additional to your visa application and are as follows:
- Priority Processing (within 5 working days) – £500
- Super Priority Processing (within 2 working days) – £1000
UK Dependant Visa Validity - How Long is It Valid and Can You Extend?
Dependant visa UK holders can extend their visas at any time before their current visa expires; however, this is provided that the primary applicant has extended their visa.
If the primary applicant is switching to another type of visa, the applicants will remain dependents but need to inform the Home Office of the changes when they apply to extend the visa.
There are no requirements for visa extensions aside from the primary applicant still being in the UK legally on an eligible visa and applying for the visa extension before the current visa expires.
If the applicant does not apply for an extension until after the current visa has expired, they will have to leave the country and apply again. This can cause complications; therefore, applying before the visa expires is best.
Dependant Visa Rights & Restrictions for Egyptians
Depending on the type of permission you obtain, you have different restrictions.
Tier 2 Dependent Visa & Temporary Worker Visa Restrictions
- You cannot access public funds
- Your visa is limited to the length of time the main visa holders is in the UK. If their visa expires, is cancelled or they are removed from the UK, you must also leave unless you qualify for another visa
- You can work in any job, except as a professional sports coach
- Dependents can study at any educational institution, from school to university.
Family Visa Restrictions
- You cannot access public funds
- You can work in any job with no restrictions
- You can study without restrictions
Switching From a Dependant Visa to Other Visa Types
You can switch from a Dependent Visa to a work, business or study visa in the UK if you’re eligible. If your partner’s visa status is insecure, or your relationship ends, you may need peace of mind that you have options to remain in the UK.
You may be able to switch to any of the following visas if you meet the requirements:
- Skilled Worker Visa – If you have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. They must pay over £41,700 or the ‘going rate’ for the job role, and you must be qualified for it.
- Innovator Founder Visa – If you have an innovative business plan, you may be able to get endorsement from a trade body for an Innovator Founder Visa
- Global Talent Visa – If you can prove you are ‘exceptional’ in your field through recommendation letters and media coverage, or awards, you may apply for endorsement, and a Global Talent Visa.
- You may be able to apply for a Student Visa if you have been accepted onto a course with an approved UK education provider. You will need Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Post-Visa Support Services
Settling in the UK as a dependent can be daunting. We offer post-visa support services, such as our concierge service to help you navigate the challenges of moving to the UK. We can help you get accommodation, access public healthcare, education, and employment.
TB testing and approved centres in Egypt
Egypt is one of the countries where a tuberculosis (TB) certificate is mandatory for UK visa applications lasting more than six months. The certificate must come from an approved clinic. Certificates from private hospitals or non-approved doctors are not accepted.
TB Test Cost
Costs vary depending on the applicant’s age and target destination, but typical fees for TB tests for UK visas are approximately $60 USD for ages over 11 or approximately $30 USD for under 11s.
TB Test Validity
A TB certificate is valid for six months. You must use it as part of a visa application before that duration runs out, or you will need a new one.
TB Appointment
During the appointment, applicants are typically asked questions about the presence of any symptoms, their health history, and any recent international travel. You will likely have:
- a chest X-ray to check the lungs for active TB
- a blood test to check for TB infection
- a skin test (Mantoux) to check for TB exposure
- and if you have symptoms, a sputum sample to check for TB bacteria.
TB test processing & visa alignment
TB test results are usually available within 5–10 working days. If your test result is negative, you will be given a certificate confirming you do not have TB.
When applying for your UK visa, you should upload a scan of the TB certificate. Keep the original TB test certificate in case UKVI requests to see it later.
If you test positive for TB
If you do have TB (test positive), you will be given immediate medical treatment and a full course of medication (taking around 6 months). You can be re-screened once your treatment concludes, but must pay the fee again.
Approved TB test clinic for UK visa
Cairo – Migration Health Assessment Centre
8 Abd El-Kawy Shams Street, Ad Dokki, Cairo
There is no longer a Migration Health Assessment Centre in Alexandria, and services are now centralised in the capital.
What to bring
Applicants must take their passport or national ID and appointment confirmation. Any past chest X-rays or medical notes can also be useful. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Police and criminal record certificates in Egypt
Some dependant visa categories do require applicants to submit a police clearance. This is known as a Certificate of Good Conduct in Egypt. Its necessity is based on the visa pathway, and therefore applicants should inquire beforehand.
Applying from within Egypt
Certificates are issued by local police offices. Applicants must attend in person and submit fingerprints. The procedure takes between two to four weeks.
Applying from outside Egypt
Applicants abroad must apply via the Egyptian consulate. This may take more time than in-country application.
Translation and legalisation
The certificate must be translated into English by a certified translator. An acceptable translation must include the name, contact details, date, signature of the translator, and a statement certifying the translation is accurate. In some cases, the British Consulate also requires legalising the certificate and translation.
Legalisation and certified translations of Egyptian documents
As Egypt is not a Hague Apostille country, the majority of Egyptian documents must be legalised before UKVI will accept them. Examples include birth, marriage, divorce, and police certificates. Here is the recommended process for legalising Egyptian documentation:
- Obtain the original document from the issuing authority.
- Arrange a certified English translation. The translator must include their name, signature, contact details, date, and a statement that the translation is accurate.
- Complete legalisation at the British Consulate if your visa route requires it.
Example declaration
“I, [name], confirm that I am fluent in Arabic and English and that this translation is a true and accurate rendering of the original document. Signed [signature], dated [date], contact +44 (0) 333 305 9375.”
Refusals are common when translations miss details, are not signed, or not dated, or when legalisation is missed.
Recent rule changes for dependants
Student Dependants
With effect from 1 January 2024, only those students who are on postgraduate research programmes (PhD and equivalent) or sponsored under a government scholarship can bring dependants to the UK.
Health and Care Worker Visa Dependants
From 11 March 2024, new care workers and senior care workers could no longer bring dependants. Those workers already in the UK on valid visas before this date have transitional protection. From 22 July 2025, the government closed off recruitment to care roles from overseas completely, aligning dependants in the health sector with Skilled Worker requirements. Health Care Workers wishing to bring dependants to the UK must now qualify for a Skilled Worker visa with a qualification and job offer requiring a qualification above RQF Level 6 (degree level).
Skilled Worker route
From 22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker applications need RQF 6 skill level and higher salary thresholds of £41,700 or the ‘going rate’ for the job they do. Dependants are only permitted if the sponsor’s employment satisfies these new requirements. Transitional protection is given to individuals who have permission before the change.
Visa application centres in Egypt
All applicants must go to a VFS Global Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics and deposit documents. Appointments may be in demand, and it is recommended to book early.
Applicants must bring their passport or ID and appointment confirmation. Fingerprints and a digital photo are captured at the centre. The staff can scan documents on the day if not uploaded in advance. Children must attend with a parent or guardian.
Practical tips for visa appointments
- Arrive early to go through security in a relaxed manner.
- Carry additional photocopies of important documents.
- Save PDFs with simple file names (for example, “passport.pdf”, “TB-certificate.pdf”) to make scanning faster.
- Keep your receipt and tracking number until your passport is back in your possession.
Cairo Visa Application Centre
Address
No. 202 and 203, 2nd Floor, B255 North Teseen, New Cairo.
Alexandria Visa Application Centre
Address
Hilton Alexandria Corniche Hotel, 544 El-Gaish Rd, Sidi Beshr Bahri, Montaza 1, Alexandria Governorate 21611, Egypt
Applying for children as dependants
Appendix Children details the tests applied when a child is included on a dependant application. Caseworkers take into account whether:
- the applicant is the legal guardian or parent
- one parent has sole responsibility when the other is not traveling
- the child’s welfare and dependency are clearly established
Supporting documentation
Documentation usually includes a birth certificate, notarized consent from the non-traveling parent, custody or guardianship orders where relevant, and school or medical records. A child granted dependant status before the age of 18 can usually continue as a dependant after 18 if they are still living in the family and have not formed an independent life.
Financial evidence and refusal risks
Financial evidence is one of the most common reasons for refusal for Egyptian applicants. UKVI rigidly applies the Appendix FM-SE requirements.
- Bank statements must cover the required period, show regular transactions, and be certified or stamped.
- Unexplained deposits are treated with suspicion. Applicants should document the source of any large transfers.
- If relying on third-party support, provide a letter from the sponsor outlining the relationship, extent and duration of support, and evidence of funds or transfers.
- Translation of financial documents must be consistent; figures in Arabic and English versions must match precisely.
Final preparation checklist
Through careful preparation and attention to the specific rules for Egypt, dependants can submit stronger applications and reduce the risk of delay or refusal. We recommend the following actions to reduce the risk of refusal:
- Book early appointments for TB test and visa application centre
- Keep originals of all documents, even when uploading scans
- Use certified translators with complete declarations
- Legalise documents where required
- Compare financial evidence to Appendix FM-SE before submission
- Track passport return through the VFS system
How Can Total Law Help You With Your UK Dependant Visa?
The Dependant Visa allows your partner and children to join you in the UK when you apply for an eligible visa to come to the UK. Often, applicants will have to apply separately, and this can get confusing.
This is why it is best to speak to a skilled immigration lawyer for help with your application. Here at Total Law, we can help with your application and ensure a smooth process. Our team are experts with Dependant Visa applications and can ensure your spouse or partner and children will be able to stay in the UK with you. Just call us at +44 (0)333 305 9375 to get started.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Dependant visa will rarely be rejected. If the visa is rejected, then this is often due to ineligibility for the visa or application mistakes such as not providing enough relevant documentation to show you meet requirements.
Since January 2024, the UK has implemented changes to the UK Student Visa rules. Students are no longer be able to bring a partner or child to the UK unless they are enrolled in a postgraduate research programme or a PhD course.
The UK does have allowances for elderly dependent parents to be dependents in the UK. This is via the Adult Dependant Relative Visa. This is part of the Family Visa route.
