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Adult Dependent Relative - relationship requirement
An adult dependent relative can be a parent, grandparent, child over 18, or sibling of a UK-based sponsor. The sponsor must be a British or Irish citizen living in the UK, have indefinite leave to remain, protection status, or be an EEA national with pre-settled status.
More generous rules apply to dependent parents or grandparents of EEA nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and to dependent children over 18 of EEA nationals under the EU Settlement Scheme.
For advice, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Dependency requirement for the Adult Dependent Relative visa
To qualify for an Adult Dependent Relative visa, the applicant must need long-term personal care for daily tasks like washing, dressing, cooking, or walking due to age, illness, or disability. This care must be unavailable or unaffordable in their home country.
Medical treatment alone doesn’t qualify, as a visitor visa can cover that.
Care is considered unavailable if no one in the applicant’s country can provide it, and unaffordable if the sponsor’s financial help still can’t cover it.
If the applicant is the sponsor’s parent or grandparent, they should not have a partner other than the other parent or grandparent of the sponsor. If both parents or grandparents are applying, they must do so together.
For guidance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Psychological and emotional needs in Adult Dependent Relative visa context
Emotional and psychological needs are important in Adult Dependent Relative visa applications and must be considered alongside physical or illness-related care.
While emotional needs can be easier to prove as unmet by paid care, documenting psychological needs is more challenging. Care must be genuine and objective, not based on preference or whim.
Refusals on psychological grounds are common but can often be overturned on appeal.
For expert support, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Evidence required in support of the application
The applicant’s difficulty with everyday tasks must be confirmed by an independent doctor and, if available, a social worker or psychologist. Professional assessment of physical or emotional needs is required, showing that necessary care is not realistically accessible.
Key evidence includes:
Proof of relationship with the sponsor (birth and marriage certificates).
Independent medical and, if possible, social care assessments explaining the care needed and why it’s unavailable.
Evidence of care costs and financial means if care is unaffordable.
Details of previous care arrangements and reasons for their inadequacy or unavailability.
UK care arrangements, costs, and how the sponsor will cover them.
Sponsor’s financial status proving ability to provide accommodation and maintenance without public funds.
Sponsor’s employment income or savings for at least six months before application.
Sponsor’s self-employment income for the last full financial year.
Signed undertaking from the sponsor to support the relative for five years without public funds.
For assistance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Duration and conditions of entry clearance
Successful applicants receive indefinite leave to enter, equivalent to indefinite leave to remain. If the sponsor has limited leave, the dependent’s leave will match the sponsor’s expiry date. Indefinite leave has no conditions. Limited leave includes a no recourse to public funds condition, but work is allowed. Adult dependent relatives can apply for naturalisation after five years’ residence. For guidance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Risks associated with the application for the Adult Dependent Relative visa
Adult Dependent Relative visa applications face a high refusal rate due to discretionary decision-making and a generally strict approach. Refusal can cause financial loss, emotional distress, and may lead to future visitor visa refusals, as applicants could be seen as not genuine visitors. These visitor refusals are hard to challenge, with no right of appeal. For advice, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Dependent parents of EEA nationals
Dependent parents and grandparents of EEA nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK can apply to join under Appendix EU (Family Permit). They must apply from abroad and prove dependency on the EEA citizen or their partner at the application date. Dependency means they cannot meet essential living needs without the sponsor’s financial support. Personal care needs do not have to be shown, only financial dependency. It’s advisable to show this dependency has lasted at least six months unless caused by a recent event. For guidance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
FAQs
Where and how to apply for Adult Dependent Relative visa
The Adult Dependent Relative visa application must be made online from outside the UK, usually from the applicant’s habitual residence. Supporting documents are uploaded to the government portal after applying. Originals are not required initially but may be requested by the Home Office. The applicant must attend the entry clearance office to provide biometric information. For assistance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
How much the ADR application costs
The Adult Dependent Relative application fee is £3,250 per applicant, except for dependants of refugees, who pay £388. The Immigration Health Surcharge must also be paid. For guidance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants