The Adult Dependent Relative visa category (also known as the Elderly Dependent Relative visa) makes it possible for elderly parents or grandparents of people settled in the UK, or British citizens, to apply to join their family in the UK.
The applicant must be aged 18 or over and be a close relative (a parent, grandparent, adult son or daughter, or sibling) of the person sponsoring their application. In practice the route is used mostly by elderly parents and grandparents, as the criteria are very rarely met by other relatives.
This is one of the most difficult UK visas to obtain. Most applications are refused, usually because the Home Office decides that the necessary care could be arranged in the applicant’s home country. A strong, well-evidenced application is essential, which is where expert advice makes the difference.
Dependent Relative Visa Requirements
There are strict eligibility criteria that must be satisfied in order to make a successful application under this category. You will also need to submit a significant amount of documentary evidence to support your application, typically including medical evidence of your care needs and financial records showing that you are dependent on your sponsor.
To qualify for an Adult/Elderly Dependent Relative visa the family member must demonstrate that:
- as a result of age, illness or disability they require long-term personal care to carry out everyday tasks, such as washing, dressing and cooking;
- they are unable to obtain the required level of care in the country where they are living, even with the help of the sponsor, because:
- it is not available and there is no person there who can reasonably provide it; or
- it is not affordable;
- they can and will be maintained, accommodated and cared for by the sponsor without recourse to public funds.
Sponsor Requirements
The person upon whom the applicant is dependent (i.e. the ‘sponsor’) must be aged 18 or over and be either a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK (with Indefinite Leave to Remain), in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection, or in the UK with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Applying for a Dependent Relative Visa
The applicant must be outside the UK in order to apply, and must obtain a visa as an adult dependent relative before travelling to the UK. It is not possible to switch into this route from inside the UK.
The application fee is £3,635 for applications made from 8 April 2026 (a reduced fee of £452 applies where the sponsor has refugee status or humanitarian protection). You should also budget for supporting evidence such as medical reports. Unlike most settlement routes, you do not need to pass the Life in the UK test or meet an English language requirement.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa Conditions
What you are granted depends on your sponsor’s status.
- If your sponsor is a British or Irish citizen, or settled in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain, a successful application is normally granted settlement immediately. You will have no time limit on your stay, no restrictions on the work or business you can undertake, and you will not need to extend your visa.
- If your sponsor instead has temporary status (such as refugee status, humanitarian protection, or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme), you will usually be granted leave that matches your sponsor’s, and can apply to settle once your sponsor does.
- In all cases you will have no recourse to public funds.
Once you hold settlement, you may in time be eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting the residence and other naturalisation requirements.