Documents Required for UK Dependant Visa
Table of Content
1. Introduction
2. Understanding the UK Dependant Visa
3. Core Documents Required for UK Dependant Visa
4. Relationship-Specific Documents
5. Financial Documents Required for UK Dependant Visa
6. Common Documentation Errors That Lead to Refusal
7. How to Prepare Your Documents Correctly
8. When to Seek Professional Guidance
1. Introduction
Applying for a UK dependant visa is often more complicated than applicants expect. Many Nigerian families assume that once the main applicant has secured admission or a visa, bringing dependants will be straightforward. Unfortunately, this assumption leads to avoidable refusals.
The UK Home Office places heavy emphasis on documentation accuracy, proof of relationship, and financial credibility. Even minor inconsistencies can raise red flags and delay or derail the application.
This guide explains the documents required for UK dependant visa, why each document matters, and how Nigerian applicants can prepare a strong and refusal-resistant application.
2. Understanding the UK Dependant Visa
A UK dependant visa allows eligible family members to join a main visa holder in the UK. This typically includes:
A legally married spouse or civil partner
Unmarried partner who meets relationship requirements
Children under 18
In limited cases, children over 18 who are already dependants
Not all UK visa holders can bring dependants, and not all family relationships qualify. Before preparing documents, eligibility must be confirmed. This detailed guide on who is eligible for UK dependant visa (2025/2026) explains the current rules and who qualifies under UK immigration law.
Once eligibility is confirmed, document preparation becomes the most critical stage.
3. Core Documents Required for UK Dependant Visa
These documents are mandatory for every dependant, regardless of relationship type.
Valid International Passport
Each dependant must submit:
A valid international passport
At least one blank visa page
Passport validity that covers the intended stay
Online Visa Application and Confirmation
Completed UK dependant visa application form
Visa appointment confirmation slip
Passport Photographs
Recent passport-sized photographs
Must meet UKVI photo specifications
Tuberculosis Test Certificate
Applicants applying from Nigeria must submit a TB test certificate from an approved UKVI clinic.
Proof of Main Applicant’s Immigration Status
You must provide evidence that the main applicant:
Holds a valid UK visa or entry clearance
Has a visa category that allows dependants
Understanding how dependant applications connect to the main visa process is important. This step-by-step guide to getting a UK student visa helps clarify how dependant visas are assessed alongside the main applicant’s status.
4. Relationship-Specific Documents
Documents for Spouse or Partner
UKVI requires strong proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship. Acceptable documents include:
Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
Evidence of long-term relationship, where applicable
Photos together over time
Communication history if requested
Marriage certificates must be legally recognized and translated into English if necessary.
Documents for Children
For child dependants, the following are required:
Birth certificate showing both parents’ names
Proof that the child is financially dependent
Consent letter from the other parent if one parent is not relocating
Failure to clearly prove parental responsibility is a common reason for refusal.
5. Financial Documents Required for UK Dependant Visa
Financial documentation is one of the most sensitive parts of a UK dependant visa application.
Applicants may be required to show:
That the main applicant meets UK maintenance requirements
Additional funds to support each dependant
Many Nigerian applicants assume that part-time work in the UK will cover dependant expenses. This is incorrect. UKVI requires proof of funds before the visa is issued. This guide on how much bank balance is required for UK student visa explains why upfront financial proof is mandatory.
Only acceptable bank statements should be submitted. UKVI rejects business accounts, informal savings, and unverifiable statements. This guide on acceptable bank statements for UK student visa explains what UKVI accepts and what leads to rejection.
6. Common Documentation Errors That Lead to Refusal
Many UK dependant visa refusals are caused by avoidable documentation mistakes.
Common errors include:
Inconsistent names across documents
Weak or insufficient proof of relationship
Missing translations
Submitting unacceptable bank statements
Using outdated or expired documents
These issues often overlap with broader refusal trends. Reviewing common UK visa rejection reasons and how to avoid them helps applicants understand how documentation errors affect visa decisions.
7. How to Prepare Your Documents Correctly
To improve approval chances:
Ensure names match exactly across all documents
Translate non-English documents using certified translators
Organize documents logically and clearly
Avoid submitting unnecessary or conflicting documents
Good preparation reduces delays and increases credibility.
8. When to Seek Professional Guidance
UK dependant visa applications become more complex when:
Multiple dependants are involved
Financial documents are tight
Relationship history is not straightforward
In these cases, professional guidance can make a major difference. AfriXGlobal Connect supports families through its UK Study Advisory, beginning with an Initial Eligibility Check, to help Nigerian applicants prepare correct documentation and avoid refusals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Each dependant must submit an individual visa application.
Yes. Dependants can apply later if the main applicant already holds a valid visa.
Original documents are preferred. Copies must be clear and verifiable.
Usually no. Incomplete applications are often refused.
Most dependants can work, depending on visa conditions.