Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Aberdeen

About Dependent Visa Law in Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Dependent visas allow certain family members to live in the United Kingdom with a person who is already in the United Kingdom or is moving there. Aberdeen is within Scotland, and immigration is a United Kingdom wide system set by the Home Office. The same immigration rules apply in Aberdeen as in the rest of the United Kingdom, though day to day services you will use in Scotland are devolved and administered locally.

There are two broad pathways for dependants. The Family route under Appendix FM covers partners and children of British citizens, people with settled status, and some others with long term permission. Work and study dependant routes allow partners and children to join visa holders such as Skilled Workers, Health and Care Workers, Global Talent holders, and certain Students. Each route has specific eligibility rules, evidence requirements, application steps, and conditions after arrival.

Common features include proving a genuine and subsisting relationship, meeting financial and accommodation requirements, passing English language tests where required, paying application fees and the immigration health surcharge, giving biometrics, and receiving digital immigration status known as an eVisa. Paper Biometric Residence Permits are being phased out in favour of eVisas, so most applicants manage their status online.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration rules can be complex and are updated frequently. A lawyer can help you select the correct route, avoid omissions, and reduce the risk of refusal. This is especially important if your situation involves any complexity such as previous overstays, criminal cautions or convictions, prior refusals, gaps in lawful residence, or time spent outside the United Kingdom that could affect settlement later.

You may also benefit from legal help where the financial requirement is difficult to meet or prove, where you rely on self employment income or a combination of income sources, where you are using third party support, or where you need to rely on exceptional circumstances. For work and student dependant routes, a lawyer can check maintenance rules, sponsor documents, and conditions such as work restrictions.

Other situations that often call for advice include applications involving children and best interests considerations, domestic abuse and access to urgent support on a spouse or partner visa, switching immigration category inside the United Kingdom, complex evidence such as foreign marriage or birth documents and translations, or when you seek an appeal or administrative review after a refusal.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration decisions are made by UK Visas and Immigration at the Home Office. Aberdeen is in Scotland, so many public services are delivered by Scottish bodies or Aberdeen City Council. This creates practical differences that matter after you arrive, even though the immigration rules are United Kingdom wide.

Healthcare is provided by NHS Scotland. Most dependant visa holders who have paid the immigration health surcharge can access NHS services, including GP registration and hospital treatment, subject to usual rules. School admissions and childcare are run by local authorities using Scottish policy. University and college processes also follow Scottish education frameworks.

Right to Rent checks do not apply in Scotland. Landlords in Aberdeen do not carry out immigration status checks for renting property, although standard tenant reference checks are common. Right to Work checks do apply to employment across the United Kingdom. Your employer will verify your digital immigration status using a share code.

Civil documents such as marriage, birth, and death certificates in Scotland are issued via National Records of Scotland. You may need certified translations for foreign documents. Police registration has been discontinued across the United Kingdom and is no longer required.

Biometrics for in country applications are given through UKVCAS service points in Scotland. Availability and locations are shown when you book your appointment in the online application system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependant under United Kingdom immigration rules

Generally this includes a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner who has lived with the main applicant for at least two years or otherwise meets partner rules, and children under 18. In limited cases older dependent relatives can qualify under a separate route with strict criteria. For work and student routes, partners and children can qualify if the main applicant has or is applying for a qualifying visa and the relationship and care requirements are met.

What is the income requirement for a partner or spouse visa

Under Appendix FM there is a financial requirement that is usually met through a minimum income threshold from specified sources or through substantial cash savings. As of mid 2025 the headline minimum income for new partner applications has increased compared to previous years, and there are transitional protections for some people already on the route. The separate child add on used in older rules has been removed for new applications. Exact thresholds and evidential rules change, so check the current Home Office guidance or get legal advice before applying.

Can my children qualify and what are the age or consent rules

Children under 18 can usually apply as dependants if they are not leading an independent life and both parents are in the United Kingdom or applying at the same time, unless there are serious reasons why one parent cannot be present. For older teenagers, evidence about dependency, education, and living arrangements is important. Birth certificates and, where relevant, consent from the other parent or proof of sole responsibility may be required.

Can a dependant work or study in Aberdeen

Partner dependants of Skilled Workers usually have permission to work in most roles except as a professional sportsperson or coach. Partner dependants on the family route under Appendix FM can generally work without restriction. Student dependants are usually allowed to work, but must follow the specific conditions shown on their visa and in the immigration rules. All dependants can study without a separate student visa.

How long do applications take and is priority service available

Processing times vary by route, location, and season. Outside the United Kingdom, decisions can take several weeks and sometimes longer. Inside the United Kingdom, standard decisions can also take weeks. Priority and super priority services are sometimes offered for an extra fee, subject to availability. Published service standards change, so check current times when you apply.

Do I need to submit original documents and translations

You upload scans through the online portal and may present documents at a biometric appointment. Documents not in English or Scottish Gaelic must be accompanied by certified translations that meet Home Office requirements. In some cases you may be asked to present originals, so keep them safe and available.

Can I switch to a dependant visa from inside the United Kingdom

Switching is possible from many categories, but there are exceptions such as visitors who usually must leave the United Kingdom to apply. If you switch, check whether the time you have already spent in the United Kingdom will count toward settlement. Different rules apply for family route settlement and work dependant settlement.

What happens if my application is refused

A refusal letter explains the reasons and what remedy may be available. Family route refusals often carry a right of appeal. Work and student dependant refusals may allow administrative review if the decision involved a case working error. Judicial review is a separate court process for unlawfulness. Deadlines are short, so seek advice quickly.

When can I apply for settlement and later citizenship

On the partner route there is generally a 5 year path to indefinite leave to remain if you meet all rules, or a 10 year path if granted on exceptional or human rights grounds. Work dependants usually qualify for settlement after 5 years if the main applicant is being granted settlement or already has it, and if absence limits and relationship requirements are met. After settlement, many people become eligible for British citizenship after 12 months, subject to residence rules, Life in the UK test, and good character checks.

Can I travel while my application is pending

If you apply outside the United Kingdom, you should not travel to the United Kingdom until your visa is issued. If you apply inside the United Kingdom, travel abroad before a decision is made will normally treat your application as withdrawn. Plan travel only after you receive your new grant of leave.

Do I need a TB test or medical examination

Applicants from certain countries must provide a tuberculosis test certificate when applying from outside the United Kingdom for visas longer than 6 months. The certificate must come from a Home Office approved clinic. There is no routine medical exam otherwise, but you will pay the immigration health surcharge to access NHS services in Scotland.

Additional Resources

UK Visas and Immigration at the Home Office.

UKVCAS biometric enrolment service.

Aberdeen City Council for schools, housing services, and local registration services.

National Records of Scotland for marriage and birth certificates.

Citizens Advice Scotland for free general guidance.

Law Society of Scotland to find a regulated immigration solicitor.

Scottish Refugee Council and JustRight Scotland for specialist support in complex or vulnerable situations.

Next Steps

Clarify your route. Decide whether you are applying under the family rules or as a dependant of a worker or student. Each has different eligibility requirements and evidence standards.

Check the latest rules. Financial thresholds, English language levels, and fee amounts change. Confirm current requirements and whether any transitional arrangements apply to you.

Gather evidence early. Collect passports, civil status documents, proof of relationship, financial and employment records, accommodation details, and certified translations where needed. Keep copies of everything.

Plan the application process. Prepare your online form, pay fees and the immigration health surcharge, book biometrics at a UKVCAS service point in Scotland if applying inside the United Kingdom or an overseas visa centre if applying from abroad, and upload documents as instructed.

Protect your status. If applying inside the United Kingdom, do not travel until a decision is made. Keep your contact details up to date in your UKVI account and learn how to create a share code to prove your right to work or rent if relevant.

Consider professional advice. A regulated immigration lawyer in Aberdeen or elsewhere in Scotland can review your case, address risks, and represent you in appeals or administrative reviews if needed.

If there are safeguarding or urgency issues such as domestic abuse, serious health needs, or risks to a child, seek advice immediately about urgent support options and any concessions that may apply.