Global Talent Visa: Moving with Your Family
Mar 28, 2025
One of the biggest advantages of the Global Talent Visa is that it allows you to bring your family with you. This means you can have the company of your loved ones while you build your career.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of moving with your family under the Global Talent Visa. It answers the questions of who qualifies as a dependent, the application process, required documents, costs, benefits, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Let's dive in.
Who Can You Bring With You?
If you are granted a Global Talent Visa, you can bring your spouse or partner and children with you to the UK as dependents.
Your spouse or partner must be either married to you, in a civil partnership, or in an unmarried relationship with you for at least two years before applying. You will need to provide proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, pictures taken together, or joint financial documents (e.g., shared tenancy agreements or bank statements).
Your children must be under 18 years old when applying. If your child is 18 or older, they can still apply as a dependent if they are already in the UK under a dependent visa and remain financially reliant on you. You must submit proof of dependency, such as a birth certificate or documents showing financial support.
Note that parents, siblings, and other extended family members cannot apply as dependents under this visa.
Application Process for Dependents
Your family members must apply for their visas separately, but they can do so at the same time as you or later.
First, they must complete an online application through the UK government website by selecting the "dependant visa" option. Note that each dependent requires a separate application.
Next, they will attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center in their home country. During this appointment, they will need to provide fingerprints and passport photographs as part of the identity verification process.
To support their application, each of your dependents must submit the necessary documents, which include a valid passport, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of cohabitation for at least two years), financial proof showing you can support them without public funds, tuberculosis test results (if required for your country), and a criminal record certificate (if applicable for adults). If any of these documents are not in English, you have to provide certified translations.
How Much Does It Cost?
Each dependent must pay the same Global Talent Visa application fee as the main applicant, which is £623 per person, regardless of whether they are applying from within or outside the UK.
In addition to the visa fee, dependents must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year per person. This fee grants them access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
There is also a biometric fee of £19.20 per person for fingerprint and photo submission.
For instance, if you, your spouse, and one child apply for a 3-year visa, the estimated total cost would be:
Visa fees: £623 × 3 = £1,869
Health surcharge: (£624 × 3 years) × 3 people = £5,616
Biometric fees: £19.20 × 3 = £57.60
Total: £7,542.60
What Rights Do Dependents Have?
Once approved, your dependents will have various rights in the UK. They can live in the UK for the same duration as your visa. Your spouse or partner will be allowed to work and study in the UK without restrictions, except for jobs as professional sportspersons.
Dependents will also have access to NHS healthcare services through the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additionally, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after staying in the UK for three to five years.
Children Born in the UK
If your child is born in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen. You will need to apply for a dependent visa for them before they travel outside the UK. To complete this process, you must provide a full UK birth certificate listing both parents' names.
FAQs: Global Talent Visa Dependents
1. Can my partner work in the UK on a dependent visa?
Yes! Your partner can work in any profession (except as a professional sportsperson). They can also be self-employed or start a business.
2. Do I need to show proof of financial support for my dependents?
Yes. While there is no fixed amount required, you must show that you have sufficient funds to support your family without relying on public funds. This can be done by providing bank statements or salary slips.
3. How long does the dependent visa process take?
The processing time can vary but typically takes three to eight weeks from the application date.
4. Can my dependent children attend school in the UK?
Yes, children under 18 can enroll in UK state schools for free. They can also attend private schools, but tuition fees will apply.
5. Can my dependents apply for British citizenship?
Dependents can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after living in the UK for three to five years. Once they hold ILR for at least one year, they can apply for British citizenship.
6. Do I need to apply for my dependents at the same time as my visa?
No, dependents can apply at a later date if necessary. However, applying together can simplify the process for you.
7. What happens if my relationship status changes?
If you separate or divorce, your ex-partner’s visa may be revoked. They may need to switch to another visa category or leave the UK.
8. Can my dependents switch to another visa inside the UK?
Yes. Your dependents can switch to certain other visa types without leaving the UK, such as a Skilled Worker Visa or Student Visa.
Conclusion
The Global Talent Visa is a fantastic opportunity for skilled professionals to build their careers in the UK without sponsorship.
It is even more appealing, thanks to the ability to bring your family, allowing you to settle into a new environment with your loved ones.
So, if you need further guidance, consider consulting us at Fekxir to assist with your application.
