9:00 - 17:00

Our Opening Hours Mon. - Fri.

+44 2030040576

Call Us For Free Consultation

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Adult Dependent Visa

lexenlaw.co.uk > Adult Dependent Visa

Understanding the Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa for Family Members in the UK

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa allows parents, grandparents, adult children, or siblings of British citizens or settled persons to join them in the UK if they require long-term personal care unavailable in their home country. This visa is only granted in exceptional circumstances and is one of the most challenging UK family visas to secure.

Key Points:

For adult relatives of British citizens or settled persons in the UK

Applicant must need long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability

Care must be unavailable or unaffordable in the home country

Grants settlement in the UK if conditions are met

This visa has one of the strictest eligibility tests because it grants indefinite leave to remain straight away if approved.

Contact us now

free consultation

    Who Can Apply for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa

    Applicants must have a close family relationship with the UK sponsor and meet age and dependency criteria.

    Key Points:

    Parents or grandparents aged 18+

    Adult sons or daughters aged 18+

    Brothers or sisters aged 18+

    Sponsor must be British, settled, or have humanitarian/refugee status in the UK

    Areas of expertise

    what we are best at

    Essential Eligibility Requirements for the ADR Visa

    Applicants must meet strict conditions proving genuine medical and care needs before the visa can be granted.

    Key Points:

    Must be outside the UK when applying

    Long-term personal care required for everyday tasks

    No adequate or affordable care available in home country

    Sponsor must provide full support without access to public funds

    Required Documents for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa Application

    The Home Office requires extensive evidence proving both medical dependency and financial stability.

    Key Points:

    Medical letters proving long-term care needs

    Proof sponsor can provide accommodation and financial support

    Evidence no alternative care exists in the home country

    Family relationship documents (birth/adoption certificates)

    Tuberculosis test (if applicable) and criminal record details

    Application Process for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa

    Applications must be made from outside the UK using the correct forms and accompanied by full supporting evidence.

    Key Points:

    Apply using Appendix 1 (Form VAF4A)

    Submit documents proving relationship, medical needs, and financial support

    Sponsor must sign undertaking to support applicant for five years

    Medical and care assessments are reviewed carefully by Home Office

    Settlement Options for Adult Dependent Relative Visa Holders

    The ADR visa can provide a direct route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if the sponsor is already settled in the UK.

    Key Points:

    ILR after five years if sponsor is settled/British

    Limited leave granted if sponsor has temporary leave

    Later upgrade to settlement possible once sponsor becomes eligible

    Recent Policy Changes Affecting the ADR Visa

    Stricter immigration rules have made the ADR visa harder to obtain, with higher evidential standards for applicants.

    Key Points:

    Tougher medical evidence requirements

    Proof of lack of care in home country must be detailed and credible

    Financial stability of the sponsor closely assessed

    Expert legal advice recommended for complex cases

    Visa Fees, Processing Times, and Conditions After Grant

    The ADR visa carries high costs and strict conditions once granted, with timelines depending on application complexity.

    Key Points:

    Application fee: £3,413 from outside the UK

    Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year

    Processing time: around 12 weeks (delays possible)

    No recourse to public funds, but right to work and study in UK granted

    Common Reasons for Adult Dependent Relative Visa Refusals

    The ADR visa has one of the highest refusal rates in the UK family category due to strict eligibility rules.

    Key Points:

    Insufficient medical evidence proving care needs

    Lack of proof sponsor can financially support applicant

    Home Office unconvinced care is unavailable overseas

    Missing or inconsistent supporting documents

    Alternatives and Appeal Options if the ADR Visa is Refused

    Families should consider other visa routes or appeal options if the ADR visa is rejected.

    Key Points:

    Administrative review or First-Tier Tribunal appeals possible

    Applications under private/family life provisions (Article 8 ECHR)

    Other family visas: Spouse, Child, or Unmarried Partner visas

    Skilled Worker or Student Dependent visa routes for eligible sponsors

    Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.

    No Comments

    Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.