The Adult Dependent Relative Visa in view of in recent changes of Immigration Rules

By : Ahmed Wasim

Date: 03/12/2024

The UK Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa allows certain family members to join their close relatives who are already settled in the UK. This visa is primarily designed to support elderly or severely ill family members who require long-term personal care and cannot receive adequate care in their home country. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements and considerations for this route:

Eligibility and Key Requirements

To qualify for an ADR visa, the applicant must be a close family member, such as a parent, grandparent, sibling, or child, of a UK-based sponsor who is either a British citizen, settled in the UK, or has protection status. The applicant must demonstrate a genuine need for long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability that affects their ability to perform everyday tasks.

In addition, the applicant must show they cannot access the required level of care in their home country, even with financial help from their UK sponsor. The sponsor is responsible for ensuring that adequate accommodation, maintenance, and personal care are available in the UK, without reliance on public funds​.

Financial Requirements

The UK sponsor must provide evidence of financial capability to cover the dependent's needs, as required under. This includes demonstrating a sufficient income and, in some cases, savings, to avoid dependency on public resources​.

Suitability and Compliance

Applicants must meet specific suitability requirements, which address issues such as criminal history or breaches of immigration laws. The sponsor must also sign a maintenance undertaking, confirming responsibility for the dependent’s needs for at least five years if granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR), or the duration of the visa if granted temporary leave​.

Practical Tips for Applicants

For those pursuing the ADR visa, a well-documented application is essential. Include medical evidence from a healthcare professional detailing the dependent’s condition, their daily care needs, and why these cannot be met in the home country. If successful, the ADR visa offers a pathway to permanent residency, allowing dependents to live with family members and access essential care in the UK.

For more information or assistance with an ADR application,  speak with a member of our expert immigration team. Call our Manchester office at 0161 529 977 or our London office at 0208 176 0998, or complete our online form to get in touch.