Taking Care of Your Parents: When and Why You Might Need a UK Adult Relative Dependent Visa

Are you worried about your aging parents who need care and support, but they live abroad while you’re settled in the UK? You are not alone!

Many people like you often bring their parents to live with them in the UK, using the adult relative dependent visa. 

In this friendly guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about the adult relative dependent visa, when you should consider applying, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and your responsibilities as a sponsor.

When Should You Consider Applying for an Adult Relative Dependent Visa in the UK?

If you find yourself in any of the situations highlighted below, you might need to consider applying for an adult relative dependent visa:

1. Your Parent Requires Long-Term Personal Care

If your parents have reached a stage where they require consistent personal care due to age, illness, or disability, you may need to consider bringing them to the UK. 

This may mean that they can no longer perform everyday personal tasks without assistance, their health requires regular supervision, or the elderly care options in their home country are inadequate or unavailable.

2. They Don’t Have Adequate Support in Their Home Country

You may also need to consider an adult relative dependent visa if your parents don’t have other family members or support systems in their home country. 

This may mean that they have been widowed or live alone, other children or relatives have moved away and they have no access to friends or community support.

3. They Now Depend on You Financially 

If your parents are financially dependent on you and cannot afford proper care in their home country, bringing them to the UK might be necessary. 

This may mean that they have limited resources or no pension at all, and their finances have deteriorated due to unforeseen circumstances.

Who Can Apply as a Dependent Relative for the Adult Relative Dependent Visa?

• Any elderly person (parent or grandparent) that can no longer support themselves and need to be catered for by you.
• Any adult sibling of yours that is 18 years and above and dependent on you. – Any adult child of yours that is 18 years and above and dependent on you.

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Adult Relative Dependent Visa for Elderly Parents

Before you apply, make sure you understand and meet up with the following criterias;

1. The Sponsorship Requirement

As the sponsor of an adult dependent relative, you must be a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.

2. The Care Requirement

To qualify for an adult relative dependent visa, your parents must either require long-term personal care due to age, illness, and disability or be unable to receive adequate care in their home country.

3. The Financial Requirement

You must be able to prove that you can financially support your relative without relying on public funds when they arrive in the UK. This would require you to show that you have adequate accommodation for them in your home and a stable, sufficient income to support them along with your existing household.

How to Apply for an Adult Relative Dependent Visa to Care for Your Parents in the UK

 Step 1: Gather The Required Documentation

Before applying for the adult dependent relative visa, you’ll need to gather various documents such as your application form, valid passport for your parent or dependent relative, biometric information and evidence of your relationship.

 Make sure you compile everything that can strengthen your application.

Step 2: Pay the Required Fees

You would need to pay the required fees for the UK Adult Dependent Visa; from the visa application fee to Immigration Health Surcharge, biometric enrollment and translation fees if needed.

Also budget for an additional cost if you will be consulting with a legal professional.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications for the adult dependent relative visa can be submitted online, after which you would have to go for an appointment at a visa application center for biometric data collection.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

The processing time for an adult relative dependent visa can take several months before it is finally approved. During this time, UK immigration authorities may request additional information or evidence. You must be willing to provide them during this process.

What You Need to Know About the UK Adult Dependent Visa for Family Reunification?

1. Permanent Settlement from Day One

If your application is successful, your parents will receive indefinite leave to enter the UK. They’ll be able to stay permanently from the beginning without the condition of continuous residence required by most visa categories.

2. You Can’t Use Public Funds

Relatives on the adult relative dependent visa are not permitted to use public funds in any way or form when they arrive in the UK. 

3. Healthcare Access

Your parents will have unrestricted access to NHS services after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, but you should also consider investing in private healthcare insurance so it can cover any specialized care they might need.

What are The Financial and Sponsorship Responsibilities Under the UK Adult Relative Dependent Visa?

Taking on the responsibility of sponsoring a parent or other adult relative will drain you both emotionally and financially. It is important to be well prepared for the following responsibilities before you even begin the process;

1. Long-Term Financial Support 

As a sponsor, you are responsible for providing financial support for your relative for the rest of their life in the UK. 

2. Accommodation Arrangements 

You must be able to provide suitable accommodation for your relative. It can either be an adequate space within your home or a care facility appropriate for any mobility or health issues. 

3. Ongoing Care Responsibilities

Beyond financial support, you’re also responsible for providing or arranging necessary daily care throughout their stay in the UK. 

Conclusion

The UK adult relative dependent visa is a great opportunity for families to reunite and care for elderly parents or other dependent relatives in 2025.

It’s also important to acknowledge that the adult relative dependent visa has become very difficult to obtain in recent years. If your situation doesn’t meet the strict criteria, you might consider other alternatives like regular visits or relocation to their home country.

Prepare and consider the long-term implications for both you and your relative before you apply.