How to Bring Your Family to the UK on a Tier 1 Visa

The Tier 1 Visa category in the UK has historically been one of the most sought-after routes for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled workers seeking to live, work, and invest in the UK. While the UK government has discontinued some of the Tier 1 visa routes, those already holding a Tier 1 Investor Visa or a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa may still be eligible to bring their family members to the UK.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how Tier 1 visa holders can bring their dependents to the UK, covering eligibility requirements, application procedures, required documents, financial obligations, and the pathway to permanent residency and British citizenship.

Understanding the Tier 1 Visa Category

The Tier 1 visa was part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, designed for individuals with exceptional skills, business acumen, or substantial investment funds. Although some subcategories have been closed to new applicants, existing visa holders may still apply for extensions and bring their family members.

Key Tier 1 Visa Categories

1. Tier 1 Investor Visa – For individuals who invested at least £2 million in the UK.
2. Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa – For business owners who started or took over a UK business.
3. Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa (now replaced by the Global Talent Visa) – For individuals recognized as leaders in their field.
4. Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa – For recent graduates with an innovative business idea.

While the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa and Tier 1 Investor Visa were officially closed to new applicants, current visa holders can still extend their stay and apply for dependent visas for family members.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

Tier 1 visa holders can apply to bring the following family members (dependents) to the UK:

• Spouse or Civil Partner – The applicant must be in a legally recognized marriage or civil partnership.
• Unmarried Partner – The couple must prove they have been in a committed relationship for at least two years.
• Children under 18 – Must be financially dependent on the main applicant.
• Children over 18 – Can only be included if they are currently in the UK as dependents.

Eligibility Requirements for Dependents

For dependents to join or stay with a Tier 1 visa holder in the UK, they must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Relationship Proof

• Spouses/partners must provide a marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• Unmarried partners must prove a committed relationship through joint bank accounts, cohabitation records, or other supporting documents.
• Children must provide birth certificates showing the relationship to the Tier 1 visa holder.

2. Financial Requirements

The Tier 1 visa holder must demonstrate they have enough financial resources to support their dependents without claiming public funds. The minimum financial requirement includes:

• £1,890 for the first dependent if applying from outside the UK.
• £630 per additional dependent.

3. Accommodation Requirement

• Applicants must provide proof of suitable accommodation for the entire family.
• Overcrowding laws must be met, ensuring all dependents have enough living space.

4. English Language Requirement (For Spouses/Partners Only)

• Partners must demonstrate English proficiency by passing an approved language test or holding a degree taught in English.

5. TB Test Requirement (If Applicable)

• Dependents from certain countries must undergo tuberculosis (TB) testing before applying for a UK visa.

Step-by-Step Process for Bringing Your Family to the UK

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Each dependent applying to join a Tier 1 visa holder in the UK must provide:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Proof of relationship to the Tier 1 visa holder (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
• Proof of financial stability (bank statements, payslips, investment details).
• Accommodation evidence (tenancy agreement, property ownership documents).
• TB test results (if required).
• English language test results (for partners only).

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Dependents must submit their applications online via the UK Home Office website.

• Select “Apply for a dependent visa” under the relevant Tier 1 visa category.
• Complete the application form with accurate details.
• Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 3: Book a Biometric Appointment

After submitting the application, dependents must book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to:

• Provide fingerprints and photographs for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• Submit original supporting documents for verification.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

Processing times for Tier 1 dependent visas vary, but the general timeline is:

• 3-6 weeks for standard applications.
• 5-10 working days for priority applications.

Successful applicants will receive a visa vignette (sticker) in their passport, allowing them to enter the UK. They must then collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival.

Rights and Benefits of Dependents in the UK

Once granted a Tier 1 Dependent Visa, family members can enjoy various benefits, including:

• Right to Work – Spouses and adult dependents can work full-time in any sector, except as a professional sportsperson.
• Access to Education – Children can enroll in UK schools and universities.
• Healthcare Benefits – Dependents can access NHS services after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Extending Dependent Visas

If the Tier 1 visa holder extends their visa, their dependents must apply for a visa extension as well. The requirements include:

• Continued proof of relationship and financial support.
• New biometric data submission.
• Updated accommodation details if the family has moved.

Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship

Step 1: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After 5 years in the UK, dependents can apply for ILR, provided they meet the following conditions:

• Must have continuously lived in the UK for 5 years as a dependent.
• Must have spent no more than 180 days per year outside the UK.
• Must pass the Life in the UK Test and demonstrate English proficiency.

Step 2: Apply for British Citizenship

After holding ILR for 12 months, dependents can apply for British citizenship, allowing them to:

• Hold a UK passport.
• Gain full voting rights.
• Travel without visa restrictions to many countries.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Proving a Genuine Relationship

• Solution: Provide extensive documentation, including joint bank statements, utility bills, and photos together.

2. Financial Proof

• Solution: Maintain bank statements showing required funds for at least 90 days before applying.

3. Long Processing Times

• Solution: Use priority processing for a faster decision.

4. English Language Requirement

• Solution: Take an approved language test well in advance or submit a degree taught in English.

Conclusion

Bringing family members to the UK on a Tier 1 Visa is a structured process requiring careful planning, financial preparation, and accurate documentation. By meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting a well-prepared application, and following the correct procedures, Tier 1 visa holders can ensure a smooth transition for their loved ones.

For those seeking long-term residency, the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship pathways provide a clear route to permanently settling in the UK.