The Home Office have recently reviewed the strict rules for dependent parents and grandparents making an application for an Adult Dependent Relative visa to join their family living in the UK. In order to apply for settlement under this route you would need to prove that your physical well-being is reliant on your child or grandchild in the UK. These rules were introduced in July 2012 and have significantly reduced the number of successful applications made under this route due to its strict nature. As a result of this the Home Office have reviewed these strict rules; however, they have concluded that the rules under this route will not be changed.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa applications made by LEXVISA Immigration Solicitors in LondonAdult Dependent Relative Visa: Home Office Review of Rules for Dependent Parents and Grandparents
The Home Office have reviewed the strict rules with regards to dependent parents and grandparents joining their family in the UK. Applicants are now required to prove that they need long term care from their sponsor as a result of an illness, disability or their age and that they cannot access this care in their home country as it is not available or they cannot afford it. Under the old rules, applicants were only required to show that they were financially dependent upon their sponsors.
These changes have caused the number of successful applications made per year to plummet from an average of 2,325 to 162 per year, with the majority of these applications only being successful once an applicant has been refused by the Home Office and then appealed to the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal.
Although the number of successful applications have drastically decreased and surpassed the Home Office’s expectations, they have concluded that the rules meet their policy objectives and therefore the rules regarding dependent parents and grandparents will not be changed.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa: Home Office RequirementsÂ
You will need to meet strict requirements in order to make a successful Adult Dependent Relative visa application; you would need to meet the following:
- You must prove that you need long-term care on a daily basis to do personal and household tasks;
- You must show that the reason for your need of help is a result of your illness, disability or age;
- You will need to prove that you are not able to receive necessary help in your country, as it is not available or you can’t afford it;
- You will also need to show, and prove by way of a written undertaking, that your family member in the UK will be able to support you, provide you with accommodation and financial help without recourse to the public finds for at least 5 years; and
- You must be 18 or over.
You will also need to provide an extensive amount of evidence to support your application. Applications are often refused on the basis that the evidence produced failed to adequately show the applicant’s dependency on their family members.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa: Requirements for successful applications
Due to the strict nature of the above rules it has become very difficult for dependent parents and grandparents to join their family living in the UK under the Adult Dependent Relative visa route. You must ensure that you meet the requirements and that you have the evidence to support your application.
We would advise you to seek legal advice in order to ascertain the likelihood of success in your application for an Adult Dependent Relative visa before submitting said application and paying the Home Office fee of £2,676. We would also advise you to seek legal representation prior to submitting your application in order to ensure that you include the most appropriate and robust evidence in order to optimise the chances of success in your application.
Successful UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa Applications
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of the law. Please always call us for a telephone case assessment even if you wish to consider other advisers. If you wish to consider your options, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your matter and if necessary advise you of the next steps you should take in a consultation.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
We can ensure that you remain compliant with your visa conditions and will be able to demonstrate your eligibility for an extension visa or indefinite leave to remain. Get in touch with our business immigration lawyers now on 02030110276.   You can also reach us via our contact form.