In some cases, an adult relative other than a partner may be able to apply to join a qualifying relative (the “sponsor”) in the UK based on their health condition. This application is only normally possible from outside the UK.

The Adult Dependant Relative Visa applicant must be a parent, grandparent, son, daughter, brother or sister of the sponsor, and the sponsor must be a British citizen, a person holding Refugee or Humanitarian Protection status, or a person holding qualifying Pre-Settled Status.

The applicant must show that because of age, illness, or disability, they require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks. They must also show that they are unable to obtain the required level of care in the country where they are living, even with the financial help of the sponsor, because either the care is not available and there is no person in that country who can reasonably provide it or the care is not affordable. They must also show that the sponsor will be able to support them financially in the UK and that there will be adequate accommodation available for them in the sponsor’s home.

This application tends to be difficult.

If the applicant is the sponsor’s parent or grandparent it may be possible for the applicant’s partner to apply for a visa to come to the UK with the applicant, even if the partner is in good health. But for other categories of applicant, they must not be in a relationship with a partner when they apply.

There is no English language requirement.

If the application is successful and the sponsor is a British citizen or settled the applicant will be granted indefinite leave to enter. If the sponsor holds limited leave the applicant will be granted leave for the same period as the sponsor’s remaining period of leave, and their leave may be extendable if the requirements continue to be met. In this situation, if the sponsor acquires settlement, it may be possible for the applicant to also acquire settlement.