The Adult Dependent Relative visa is a UK family route for adults aged 18 or over who need long-term personal care from a relative in the UK due to illness, disability, or age. It allows them to join or stay in the UK to receive that care. When the sponsor is settled or a British citizen, ADR status can lead to indefinite leave to remain.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if all of the following apply:
- You are 18 years or older.
- A UK relative (your sponsor) who is settled, a British citizen, or has eligible status (e.g. with protection status).
- You require long-term personal care for everyday tasks (washing, dressing, cooking etc) because of age, illness or disability.
- That care is not available or affordable in your home country, even with help.
- You can be supported, housed, and cared for by your sponsor without reliance on public funds, and they must sign a maintenance undertaking for the required period.
What Sponsor Must Do
Your UK sponsor must:
- Be settled in the UK (or have status that qualifies under the rules).
- Sign the maintenance undertaking to show they will provide adequate care, accommodation, and support for you for 5 years (or the duration of the leave if less).
- Show they have financial means (income, savings, accommodation) to meet their obligations. Documents such as bank statements (last 6 months), proof of housing, and details of other dependents/expenses are often required.
What Documents You’ll Need
Some of the documents typically required include:
- Valid passport/travel document.
- Evidence of your medical condition/disability/age and the personal care you require; medical assessments, etc.
- Proof that care is not available/affordable in your home country (costs/reports/shortage of providers).
- Evidence of relationship to sponsor (birth certificate, etc).
- Sponsor’s financial evidence: bank statements, income sources, outgoings, and proof of adequate housing.
- Signed maintenance undertaking.
- Any translations if documents not in English.
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Application Process & Timing
- Must apply from outside the UK for entry clearance, unless you already hold ADR leave and are seeking extension or settlement.
- Submit online using the ADR form (usually under “Adult Dependent Relative” family visa route).
- Attend a biometric appointment, supply identity documents.
- Processing time is usually 12 weeks for applications from outside the UK; inside the UK applications may take around 8 weeks if extensions.
Duration, Settlement & Rights
- If the sponsor is British or settled, the ADR visa offers indefinite leave to remain (i.e. settlement) on grant.
- If the sponsor has temporary status (e.g. protection status), your leave may be tied to theirs, and only becomes settlement when they obtain settled status.
- Once granted, ADR visa holders can generally work, study, and travel. (Check any specific restrictions).
Costs & Health Surcharge
- Application fees are high compared with many other visa categories. (For example, fees from outside the UK are typically in the region of £3,413; fees inside the UK may be lower [but still significant].)
- Immigration Health Surcharge applies (unless exempt) to provide access to the NHS. Costs depend on age and duration.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who qualifies as an Adult Dependent Relative?
An Adult Dependent Relative is a parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child of a UK-based sponsor who is a British citizen or settled resident. To qualify, the applicant must be 18 or over and need long-term personal care that is unavailable in their home country.
How can ICONIQ Solicitors help with an Adult Dependent Relative visa application?
ICONIQ Solicitors provide expert assistance with Adult Dependent Relative visa applications, helping to navigate complex requirements. We ensure all documentation is accurate and compelling, assess your case, and prepare a robust application that addresses Home Office concerns. Our support can significantly enhance your chances of success.
What medical/care evidence is required?
To support an Adult Dependent Relative visa application, the applicant must provide medical evidence from a qualified doctor confirming that, due to age, illness, or disability, they need long-term personal care for tasks such as washing, dressing, or cooking. Additionally, the documentation must show that care is unavailable or unaffordable in their home country.
Are there financial maintenance requirements?
Yes, there are financial maintenance requirements for an Adult Dependent Relative visa. The UK sponsor must show they can adequately maintain and care for the applicant without relying on public funds. Meeting these requirements is essential to prove that the applicant won't become a financial burden on the UK welfare system.
Can applications be made from inside the UK?
Applications for an Adult Dependent Relative visa typically must be made from outside the UK, as this route is for entry clearance only. In rare cases, an individual already in the UK may apply outside the usual rules due to exceptional circumstances, such as compelling human rights grounds.
What are common refusal reasons?
Common reasons for refusal of an Adult Dependent Relative visa include inadequate medical evidence of the applicant’s need for long-term care, failure to show that such care is unavailable or unaffordable in their home country, and insufficient financial documentation from the UK sponsor.