One of the most important questions for Nigerians relocating to the UK is whether they can bring their families. The good news is that most work visas allow dependents—your spouse and children under 18. However, recent policy changes have made this more complex and expensive. This guide explains everything you need to know about UK dependent visas.
Who Can Bring Dependents?
Visa Types That Allow Dependents
- Skilled Worker Visa: Yes (subject to income requirements)
- Health and Care Worker Visa (non-care): Yes (nurses, doctors, etc.)
- Care Worker Visa: No (since April 2024 for new applications)
- Student Visa (postgraduate): Yes (for 12+ month courses)
- Global Talent: Yes
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
- Spouse or civil partner: Legal marriage/partnership
- Unmarried partner: If living together for 2+ years
- Children under 18: Your biological or legally adopted children
Income Requirements (Updated 2024)
Major changes took effect in April 2024:
- Minimum income for dependents: £38,700/year
- This is significantly higher than the previous £18,600
- Some visa categories have different thresholds
- Health and care workers (nurses, doctors): £29,000 may apply
Costs for Dependent Visas
Each dependent pays separately:
- Visa application fee: £719 - £1,500+ depending on visa length
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year per person (exempt for Health and Care Worker dependents)
- Biometrics: ~₦80,000 per person
- TB test: ₦40,000-60,000 per person
Example: Family of 3 (spouse + child) for 3-year visa:
- Visa fees: 2 × £1,000 = £2,000
- IHS: 2 × £1,035 × 3 years = £6,210
- Total: ~£8,210 (approximately ₦16,000,000+)
Application Process
Applying Together
If your family applies at the same time as you:
- Include dependents in your initial application
- Each dependent completes their own forms
- Attend biometrics together if possible
- Visas processed together
Joining Later
If your family joins you after you've already arrived:
- You must be settled in UK with valid visa
- Dependents apply from Nigeria as new applicants
- You provide evidence of your UK status
- Show adequate accommodation and income
Required Documents
For Spouse
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate (with certified translation if needed)
- Evidence of genuine relationship
- TB test certificate
- English language test (if applicable)
- Photos and biometrics
For Children
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate proving relationship
- Consent from both parents (if one isn't traveling)
- TB test (if over 11 years old)
- School records (if applicable)
Rights of Dependents in UK
Once in the UK, dependents can:
- Work: Full-time work with no restrictions
- Study: Enroll in education (children get free state education)
- NHS access: Full healthcare access
- Apply for ILR: After 5 years (same time as main applicant)
Care Worker Dependent Ban
Since April 2024, care workers and senior care workers can no longer bring dependents on new applications. This affects:
- New care worker visa applications
- Existing care workers applying for extensions cannot add new dependents
Exceptions: Those who applied before the cut-off date retain dependent rights.
Strategies for Families
If You Can't Afford to Bring Family Immediately
- Relocate alone first
- Save while working in UK
- Apply for dependents once you have funds
- Consider timing around school years for children
If You're a Care Worker
- Consider upskilling to nursing (allows dependents)
- Explore switching to other healthcare roles
- Plan for family reunification through other routes
Conclusion
Bringing your family to the UK is possible but requires significant financial planning. The increased income thresholds and costs mean careful budgeting is essential. For care workers, the recent ban creates additional challenges that require alternative strategies.
Plan ahead, budget realistically, and remember that many Nigerian families have successfully reunited in the UK. Your family can too, with proper preparation.