Bring Your Elderly orDependent Relative to the UK
Specialist guidance for the most challenging UK visa category. Expert legal support to maximize your chances.
This visa has approximately 4% success rate. You must prove the relative requires long-term care that is genuinely unavailable or unaffordable in their home country. Expert legal representation is essential.
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What is an Adult Dependent Relative Visa?
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa is for individuals who need to care for an adult relative living permanently in the UK. This visa is applicable when relatives cannot care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability, and require long-term personal care that is not available or affordable in their home country.
Long-Term Care Required
For relatives who need ongoing personal care due to age, illness, or disability.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Successful applicants receive permanent residence status immediately.
Very Restrictive
One of the most difficult UK visas with approximately 4% success rate.
Critical Success Factors
Success requires proving the relative genuinely cannot obtain required care in their home country, even with the UK sponsor's financial and practical support. You must demonstrate that the UK sponsor can provide adequate care, accommodation, and maintenance for 5 years without recourse to public funds. Medical expert reports and country background reports are typically essential. The high refusal rate makes expert legal representation crucial.
Speak to a SpecialistWho Can Apply?
You're over 18 and are the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son, or daughter of a British citizen or settled person
You require long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability
The required care is not available or affordable in your country
Your UK family member can provide care without public funds
You're currently living outside the UK
Benefits if Approved
Immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Live in the UK permanently with no time restrictions
Full work rights without restrictions
Access to NHS healthcare
Eligible for British citizenship after 12 months
Strict Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements with compelling evidence is essential. Most applications fail at the "care not available" requirement.
Long-Term Care Needs
You must prove you require long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability, such as help with washing, dressing, or cooking.
Evidence required:
- Detailed medical report from independent doctor
- Evidence of physical or mental conditions preventing normal daily tasks
- Assessment of specific care needs (personal hygiene, mobility, meals)
- Prognosis showing long-term or permanent care requirement
Care Not Available
The most difficult requirement: proving the required care is not available or affordable in your home country, even with UK sponsor's support.
Must demonstrate:
- No close relatives in home country can provide care
- Professional care (nurses, carers, care homes) not available or affordable
- Evidence from health authority or country expert on care availability
- If previous care exists, explanation why it cannot continue
Most Common Refusal Point
Most applications fail here. The Home Office often finds that if you can afford to support your relative in the UK, you could afford care in their home country.
Financial Requirements
The UK sponsor must prove they can provide adequate maintenance, accommodation, and care for 5 years without recourse to public funds.
Evidence required:
- 6 months bank statements
- Proof of income (payslips, savings, shares, property rental)
- Details of all expenses (council tax, utilities, other dependents)
- Detailed care plan showing costs (sponsor must fund entirely)
- Signed 5-year undertaking (if sponsor is British citizen/settled)
Adequate Accommodation
You must show suitable accommodation that meets public health standards and is not overcrowded.
Requirements:
- Owned or occupied exclusively by sponsor
- Not overcrowded according to UK standards
- Suitable for the care needs of the dependent
- Property inspection report from qualified surveyor may be needed
Accommodation Evidence
Mortgage statement, lease, or property ownership documents. Detailed inspection report may strengthen your case.
Required Evidence
Comprehensive, professional documentation is absolutely critical for this visa category. Expert reports from medical professionals and country specialists are typically essential.
Relationship Proof
- Birth or adoption certificates
- Family tree documentation
- Sponsor's proof of status in UK
- Passports of both parties
Medical Evidence
- Detailed medical report from independent doctor
- Evidence of conditions and care needs
- Prognosis and long-term care requirements
- Assessment of inability to perform daily tasks
Country Expert Report
- Report on care availability in home country
- Healthcare system assessment
- Cost analysis of available care options
- Accessibility and quality of care facilities
Financial Documents
- 6 months bank statements
- Payslips or proof of income
- Details of all expenses and commitments
- Detailed care plan with costings
- Signed 5-year undertaking
Accommodation Proof
- Mortgage or lease agreement
- Property ownership documents
- Professional inspection report
- Floor plan showing suitability
- Council tax and utility bills
Additional Evidence
- Explanation of previous care arrangements
- Evidence of family situation in home country
- Certified translations (if required)
- Supporting letters and statements
Expert Support Essential
Given the 4% success rate and complex requirements, professional legal representation and expert medical/country reports are typically essential. Our team has access to qualified medical professionals and country experts who can prepare compelling reports that meet Home Office standards.
Application Process
This complex application requires meticulous preparation and expert evidence.
Initial Case Assessment
Given the low success rate, obtain expert legal advice to assess whether your case has realistic prospects. We'll review your circumstances and advise honestly about your chances before you invest in the application.
Commission Expert Reports
Arrange for medical examination and report from qualified doctor. Commission country expert report on care availability. These reports typically take 4-6 weeks to prepare and are critical to your application's success.
Gather Comprehensive Evidence
Collect all financial documents, accommodation proof, relationship evidence, and care plans. Prepare detailed statements explaining why care is unavailable in home country. Ensure all documents are certified and translated where necessary.
Complete Application
Fill out the online visa application form and Appendix 1 VAF4A. Prepare a detailed covering letter addressing all requirements. Pay the £3,413 settlement application fee (no Immigration Health Surcharge is payable for this route).
Biometric Appointment
Attend visa application center for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Submit all supporting documents. Consider priority service if available (additional £800).
Wait for Decision
Standard processing takes approximately 12 weeks. Priority service (if used) aims for next business day decision. Be prepared to respond to any requests for additional information promptly.
Decision & Next Steps
If approved, you receive Indefinite Leave to Remain immediately. If refused, expert legal advice is essential to determine whether to appeal, request administrative review, or make a fresh application. We can represent you through any challenge process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about this challenging visa category.
Urgent Legal Advice
Given the complexity and low success rate, expert legal representation is essential. Speak with our specialists today.
Call 0121 271 0499Honest Case Assessment
Get a realistic evaluation of your prospects. We'll tell you honestly if your case has a reasonable chance of success.
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