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For individuals who wish to care for their elderly or severely dependent relatives in the UK, the Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa offers a pathway for family reunification. This visa allows adult relatives of British citizens, individuals settled in the UK, or those with refugee status to move to the UK under specific circumstances. However, the criteria for this visa are stringent, ensuring that only those in genuine need of care can benefit from it.

In this guide, we will explore the Adult Dependent Visa, the eligibility requirements, the application process, and important considerations for sponsors and applicants.

What is the Adult Dependent Relative Visa?
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa is a type of family visa that allows non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals to move to the UK to be cared for by a close family member who is either a British citizen, has indefinite leave to remain (settled status), or is a person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

The visa is intended for adult relatives who are in need of long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability and are unable to access the required level of care in their home country. The sponsor in the UK must commit to providing care and financial support without recourse to public funds.

Who Can Apply for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa?
To be eligible for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

Relationship with the Sponsor: The applicant must be the:

Parent (over the age of 18)
Grandparent
Sibling (brother or sister)
Child (over the age of 18)
Need for Long-Term Care: The applicant must demonstrate that they need long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, or feeding themselves due to age, illness, or disability.

Lack of Adequate Care in the Home Country: The applicant must show that the level of care they need is either not available or not affordable in their home country. This could be due to the unavailability of care facilities or the inability to afford private care.

Sponsor’s Commitment: The UK-based sponsor must demonstrate their ability to provide the necessary care and financial support for the applicant without relying on public funds. The sponsor must also show that they have suitable accommodation for the relative.

Relationship with a British Citizen or Settled Person: The sponsor must be a British citizen, have indefinite leave to remain (settled status), or hold refugee status or humanitarian protection.

Application Process for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa
The application process for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa involves several steps, and it’s essential to provide all required documentation and evidence to improve your chances of success.

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you and your sponsor meet the eligibility requirements. It’s crucial to gather evidence of the need for long-term care, the inability to access care in your home country, and the sponsor’s ability to support you.

Step 2: Complete the Application
The applicant must apply online for the visa from outside the UK. The online application form will require details about the applicant’s relationship with the sponsor, their health condition, and the need for care.

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
Applicants need to submit various documents to support their case, including:

Proof of the family relationship (e.g., birth certificates or marriage certificates)
Medical evidence demonstrating the need for personal care
Evidence that suitable care is not available in the home country
Proof of the sponsor’s financial ability and suitable accommodation in the UK
Proof of the sponsor’s status in the UK (e.g., British passport, settled status)
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Applicants will need to pay a visa application fee, which can vary. Additionally, there may be a health surcharge fee, allowing the applicant to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Step 5: Attend a Biometric Appointment
As part of the application process, the applicant will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.

Step 6: Await the Decision
The processing time for an Adult Dependent Visa can take several months. It is advisable to apply well in advance if the applicant’s situation is urgent.

Key Considerations for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa
Strict Requirements: The criteria for this visa are strict, particularly in proving the need for personal care and the unavailability of care in the home country. It’s important to provide clear and comprehensive evidence of the applicant’s circumstances.

Financial Commitment: The sponsor must be prepared to support the relative financially and provide for their care needs. The sponsor is required to demonstrate their ability to do so without relying on public funds.

Indefinite Leave to Remain: The Adult Dependent Relative Visa typically grants the applicant indefinite leave to remain, meaning they can stay in the UK permanently. This is one of the main advantages of this visa, but it also underscores the importance of meeting the strict requirements.

No Work Rights: Unlike other family visas, the Adult Dependent Relative Visa does not automatically grant the right to work in the UK. The primary purpose of this visa is to provide care, not for the applicant to seek employment.

Appealing a Refusal: If the application is refused, the decision can be challenged through an appeal. However, this can be a lengthy and costly process. It’s important to get the application right the first time to avoid potential delays.

Conclusion
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa provides a vital opportunity for families to reunite and care for their dependent relatives in the UK. However, the stringent eligibility criteria mean that only those in genuine need of care, with no other viable options, can qualify for this visa. Both the applicant and sponsor must carefully prepare their case, gathering the necessary documentation and evidence to meet the visa’s strict requirements.