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Reunite Your Family with an Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) Visa
Bringing an elderly or vulnerable loved one to the UK is a complex journey. Our solicitors guide you through the ADR process and help you build a strong, well-evidenced case for reunion.
Call us now at 020 3384 4389Â for expert guidance.
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“Securing the Adult Dependent Relative Visa for my mother was an incredibly challenging process, but the UK Immigration Solicitors team’s professionalism and expertise made all the difference.”
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Ready to Apply for an Adult Dependant Visa? Let's Talk
No more confusion or wasted time. Tell us about your case, and we’ll provide an expert-backed, realistic plan to secure your UK visa.
The Adult Dependant Relative visa allows adult family members such as parents or grandparents of individuals who are British citizens; are settled in the UK; hold pre-settled or settled status under Appendix EU; or have refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK to apply for permanent residence in the UK.
The ADR visa is designed for individuals who:
- Need long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability.
- Cannot access or afford the required care in their home country.
- Are fully dependent on their UK sponsor.
Important Highlights
Relative Visa Duration
The duration of an Adult Dependant Relative visa depends on the sponsor's status. If the sponsor is a British citizen or settled in the UK, the applicant receives indefinite leave to remain. If the sponsor has temporary leave (like protection status or pre-settled status), the visa is granted for the same period as the sponsor's.
Benefits of an Adult Dependant Visa
An Adult Dependant Relative Visa allows a qualifying individual with long-term care needs to live permanently in the UK with a close family member. This visa grants indefinite leave to remain, providing the right to work, study, and access the National Health Service.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify as a dependant relative if you are a parent, grandparent, or sibling aged 18 or over. You must require long-term care that's unavailable or unaffordable in your home country and be financially supported in the UK by your sponsor.
Documents Required
Key documents for a UK Adult Dependant Visa include proof of family relationship, medical evidence of long-term care needs, and confirmation that this care is unavailable or unaffordable in your home country. Your UK sponsor must also provide evidence of adequate accommodation and financial support.
When applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This visa is for a short, single stay and does not grant access to the UK’s public healthcare system.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee that grants access to the NHS. The annual fee is £1,035. While adult dependant relatives whose sponsors have temporary leave must pay, those granted Indefinite Leave To Remain are exempt from the surcharge.
When applying for a Spouse visa, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to cover your healthcare costs while in the UK. Since February 2024, the surcharge has been £1,035 per year, following a 86% increase. For in-country application, it will be for 30 months and out-country application, it will be for 33 months.
Additional costs for the Adult Dependant Relative visa include the main application fee, which is £3,413. Depending on the sponsor’s immigration status, there may also be a compulsory Immigration Health Surcharge. Other potential expenses include biometric enrolment fees and legal advice.
The Marriage Visitor Visa allows for a single stay of up to 6 months. This visa cannot be extended, and you must leave the UK at the end of this period.
The standard processing time for a UK Adult Dependant Relative visa is 12 weeks for applications submitted outside the UK. In complex cases, this can be extended to 24 weeks. For applications submitted from within the UK, the standard processing time is typically 8 weeks.
This visa allows you to get married or register a civil partnership, but you cannot work, study, or live in the UK. You must use this visa solely to visit and get married.
This visa allows you to get married or register a civil partnership, but you cannot work, study, or live in the UK. You must use this visa solely to visit and get married.
Expert Guidance
We understand the frustration of proving care needs and financial support. Let our expert solicitors guide you.
Benefits
Benefits Of Choose Us For Your Adult Dependant Relative Visa
With years of UK immigration expertise, we simplify a complex process, offering strategic guidance and tailored solutions to strengthen your case for family reunification.
97.37%
Success Rate
37,573
Applications Approved
93.7%
Immigration Appeal Win Rate
4.9/5
Average Rating
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
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Evidence-based case preparation
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Home Office compliance checks
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Success rate optimisation
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Risk mitigation strategies
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
Work With Trusted, SRA-Regulated UK Immigration Experts
Your immigration journey is too important to risk on unqualified or unregulated help. Every case we handle is prepared by SRA-regulated solicitors who apply structured legal reasoning, precise documentation checks and full compliance with Home Office and UKVI rules.
Our accreditations are your assurance that you are working with a reputable, experienced and highly trained legal team. We combine decades of immigration expertise with strict professional standards to give you clarity, confidence and complete peace of mind — no matter which visa or application route you are pursuing.
Who Qualifies as an Adult Dependant Relative?
To be eligible for an Adult Dependant visa UK, the applicant must have one of the following relationships with the UK-based sponsor:
- A parent aged 18 or over.
- A grandparent.
- A brother or sister aged 18 or over.
- A son or daughter aged 18 or over.
In addition, the sponsor, who must be at least 18 years old, must meet one of the following conditions:
- Be a British citizen living in the UK.
- Be settled in the UK.
- Hold refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- Have limited leave to remain under Appendix EU.
- Be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status, having started living in the UK before January 2021.
Do You Know?
In June 2023, the Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) visa route was moved from Appendix FM to a new section called Appendix ADR. This change introduced clearer guidance by separating the maintenance and accommodation requirements, making the rules more structured and easier to assess.
Eligibility Requirements for Adult Dependant Relative Visa
When applying for a UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa, there are several key requirements that the applicant must satisfy. To be considered as per the immigration rules, the applicant must:
- Be applying from outside the UK.
- Demonstrate that their accommodation, day-to-day living costs, and ongoing care will be fully funded by themselves or their UK sponsor, without turning to public funds.
- Show that they need long-term personal care to carry out everyday activities due to age, illness, or disability.
- Prove that such care is either unavailable or unaffordable in their current country of residence, or that no one can reasonably provide it.
If you’re unsure whether you or your family member meets these criteria, it’s advisable to consult immigration experts. They can assess your circumstances and guide you towards the most appropriate UK Family Visa option.
Supporting Documents for Adult Dependant Visa
The following documents are typically required for an Adult Dependent Visa UK application:
- Proof of family relationship between the applicant and the UK sponsor.
- Independent medical evidence showing the applicant requires long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability.
- Confirmation of lack of adequate care in the applicant’s current country, even with the UK sponsor’s support (e.g., letters from local health authorities or doctors).
- Explanation and evidence that private care arrangements are no longer available or affordable.
- Details of past financial support from the UK sponsor or relatives, with reasons why it can no longer continue or is insufficient.
- Evidence from the sponsor of sufficient maintenance, accommodation, and care arrangements in the UK.
- Signed undertaking from the sponsor confirming responsibility for the applicant’s maintenance, accommodation, and care for at least five years without using public funds.
Worried about gathering the right documents or meeting the strict care requirements? Let our immigration experts guide you through every step, so your loved one’s application stands the best chance of success. Reach out today for personalised support.
Pro Tip:
Detailed medical evidence is crucial. Go beyond a simple doctor’s note, submit recent reports from qualified professionals clearly stating the applicant’s condition, long-term care needs (e.g., mobility, dressing, feeding), and why ongoing support is essential. Independent assessments add weight.
Fee & Processing Times
Applicants from outside the UK must pay £3,413 in order to apply for an Adult Dependent Relative visa.
Also, applicants may be required to pay a £1035 annual Immigration Healthcare Surcharge in the UK.
Adult dependent relative visa UK applications take around 12 weeks to be processed by entry clearance officers. This time frame may be extended if additional information is required or if the application is not submitted with all of the right information.
ADR Visa: Permitted vs Restricted Activities
What You Can Do | What You Cannot Do |
Live in the UK for up to 2.5 years | Access public funds or benefits |
Access NHS services after paying the IHS fee | Rely on government housing support |
Work without restrictions | Switch visa categories easily |
Study, if it doesn’t interfere with care needs | Take long trips abroad without affecting status |
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years | Ignore the sponsor’s financial responsibility |
UK Adult Dependant Visa Refusal
Having your ADR Visa UK refused can be a major setback. It may delay your move to the UK and lead to additional costs, as you’ll need to reapply.
This visa category has a high refusal rate, so it’s essential to understand and avoid the most common mistakes.
Common Reasons For Refusal
- Missing evidence of a family relationship between the applicant and the UK-based sponsor.
- Insufficient medical proof showing the applicant needs long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability.
- Failure to show that adequate care isn’t available in the applicant’s home country.
- Lack of financial documentation, including proof of accommodation and care support in the UK for at least five years.
What To Do If Your Application Is Refused
You may still have options, such as:
- Requesting an administrative review
- Filing an appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal
It’s highly recommended to seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer. They can review your case and guide you on the best course of action based on your individual situation.
Worried about gathering the right documents or meeting the strict care requirements? Let our immigration experts guide you through every step, so your loved one’s application stands the best chance of success. Reach out today for personalised support.
Pro Tip:
Detailed medical evidence is crucial. Go beyond a simple doctor’s note, submit recent reports from qualified professionals clearly stating the applicant’s condition, long-term care needs (e.g., mobility, dressing, feeding), and why ongoing support is essential. Independent assessments add weight.
Fee & Processing Times
Applicants from outside the UK must pay £3,413 in order to apply for an Adult Dependent Relative visa.
Also, applicants may be required to pay a £1035 annual Immigration Healthcare Surcharge in the UK.
Adult dependent relative visa UK applications take around 12 weeks to be processed by entry clearance officers. This time frame may be extended if additional information is required or if the application is not submitted with all of the right information.
ADR Visa: Permitted vs Restricted Activities
What You Can Do | What You Cannot Do |
Live in the UK for up to 2.5 years | Access public funds or benefits |
Access NHS services after paying the IHS fee | Rely on government housing support |
Work without restrictions | Switch visa categories easily |
Study, if it doesn’t interfere with care needs | Take long trips abroad without affecting status |
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years | Ignore the sponsor’s financial responsibility |
UK Adult Dependant Visa Refusal
Having your ADR Visa UK refused can be a major setback. It may delay your move to the UK and lead to additional costs, as you’ll need to reapply.
This visa category has a high refusal rate, so it’s essential to understand and avoid the most common mistakes.
Common Reasons For Refusal
- Missing evidence of a family relationship between the applicant and the UK-based sponsor.
- Insufficient medical proof showing the applicant needs long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability.
- Failure to show that adequate care isn’t available in the applicant’s home country.
- Lack of financial documentation, including proof of accommodation and care support in the UK for at least five years.
What To Do If Your Application Is Refused
You may still have options, such as:
- Requesting an administrative review
- Filing an appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal
It’s highly recommended to seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer. They can review your case and guide you on the best course of action based on your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
The typical processing time for applications submitted from outside the UK is 12 weeks. If you apply within the UK, you should receive a decision within eight weeks.
Adult Dependent Relative visa applications have an extremely low success rate of about 4%.
Yes. You can bring your parents to the UK on an Adult Dependent Relative Visa.
Although both the family visa and dependant visa involve joining family members, they serve different purposes.
A family visa is usually granted to individuals who want to join a close relative, such as a spouse, parent, or child, who is either a citizen or a permanent resident of the country.
In contrast, a dependent visa is meant for family members of someone who is in the country temporarily, such as on a student visa or a skilled worker visa.
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa fee is £3,250. This application fee is non-refundable in case the application is denied.
If the applicant satisfies the stringent criteria for entry clearance as an Adult Dependant Relative of a British citizen or an individual who is otherwise settled in the UK, they will be granted indefinite leave to remain. This permits them to remain in the UK permanently.
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