Student dependants guidance:

Q. Can my spouse or partner and children join me while I study in the UK?
A. Yes. If you are already in the UK or are intending to go to the UK as a student, your spouse or partner and dependant children under 18 years old can apply to join to.

You must be able to show that you can adequately maintain and accommodate your family members without you or your spouse or partner needing to work.

Q. Do my family members need visas to join me in the UK?
A. Yes, if you want your family members to join you as your dependants.

Q. Can my spouse or partner work in the UK?
A. Yes, but you must be able to show that you can support your family without your or your spouse or partner needing to work.

Q. Can my children join me if my spouse or partner is not going to the UK?
A. If you and your spouse or partner have joint responsibility for your children and your spouse or partner will not join you, your children will not qualify to join you.

Only if you have, and have had, sole responsibility for your children will they be eligible to apply. This means that you may not claim sole responsibility only for the purpose of having your children join you while you study in the UK.

Q. How can I show sole responsibility?
A. You will need to demonstrate that you have had sole responsibility for your children for a reasonable period of time before they make their visa applications. For example, if you and your spouse or partner are divorced or separated, you may be able to show a legal document granting you custody of your children.

Q. Can my children over 18 years old join me?
A. No, unless there are serious or compelling family or other considerations which would make it desirable not to refuse the application and suitable arrangements have been made in the UK for their care.

In some cases, if you and your children are already in the UK, they may be permitted to apply to extend their stay as your dependants, but must make their applications to the UK Border Agency in the UK.

Q. I will be a long-term student in the UK. Can my family members visit me?
A. Yes, if they can meet all the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules as visitors, they will be able to visit you for up to six months at a time.

You must be able to support them without working or relying on public funds. Visitors are not allowed to study, work or rely on public funds. They must also be able to pay for any medical expenses while they are in the UK.

Q. I will be a student visitor. Can my family members join me?
A. Yes, if they can meet all the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules as visitors.

You must be able to support them without working or relying on public funds. Visitors are not allowed to study, work or rely on public funds. They must also be able to pay for any medical expenses while they are in the UK.

Q. Do my family members need visas to visit me in the UK?
A. If they hold a Brunei passport, or are nationals of another country who do not need visas to visit the UK, they can travel to the UK without a visa and ask for permission to enter on arrival.

They must be able to show an immigration officer that they qualify for entry as visitors. This may include a return air ticket and other evidence of their intention to leave the UK after their visit. They must also show evidence of funds and accommodation. Please read our Visitors guidance note for more information.

The Visa process in four easy steps:

1.      Read the information related to the type of visa that you wish to apply for;
2.      Complete, save, print off and submit the online application form at visa4UK. At the end of this process, the system will require you to book an appointment to submit your application to us; and
3.      We encourage you to use our checklists to help you prepare your application. Go to our Checklists page to find the checklists for your application.
4.      Come to the visa section at the time of your appointment with the following:

• A signed, completed printout of your online application form;
• The printout of the confirmation of your appointment;
• Your passport;
• The correct visa fees;
• A passport photo on a white background; and
• Your supporting documents.

Important notes:

Please read the information on this website very carefully to make sure that you bring in all of the correct supporting documents. You must bring in the original copies of each document, plus a photocopy for our records. Your application may be refused if your supporting documents are incomplete.

As part of the biometric visa process, all visa applicants are required to give their fingerprints at the High Commission when they submit their application. Only children under 5 are exempt.

You should arrive no more than 15 minutes early for your appointment, and no more than 15 minutes late. If you are later than this time your appointment is likely to be cancelled and you will have to reschedule. Applicants without an appointment will not be admitted into the Visa Section.

Due to security and space restrictions, only the visa applicant will be allowed into the Visa Section, unless they are under 18, in which case they may be accompanied by one family member or friend.

No luggage, large bags, mobile phones, cameras, or laptops are allowed into the High Commission. These items should be stored in the lockers provided outside before entering. Briefcases and handbags may be taken in, but you should expect them to be examined beforehand.