If you are planning to bring an adult family member to the UK for long‑term personal care, the Adult Dependent Relative Visa (ADR) can be a pathway. Understanding the Adult Dependent Relative Visa fee, typical processing time, success rate, and the requirements is vital for building a strong case.
Understanding the Adult Dependent Relative Visa
The ADR route allows individuals aged 18 or over, including parents, grandparents, siblings, or adult children, to join a UK-based relative who is British, settled, or protected, provided you need long‑term personal care that is not reasonably available in your home country. Ensuring your case clearly demonstrates this dependency is crucial to overcoming the high rejection rates and securing a favourable outcome.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa Fee
The visa fee for the ADR visa is significant. It costs £3,413 for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa Fee application from 9 April 2025 for applicants applying outside the UK. For those who are applying within the UK, the fee would be £1,321.
Applicants might also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their application.
For each adult it costs:
- £2,587.50 if you are staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £3,105 if you are staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £5,175 if you are staying for 5 years
Adult Dependent Relative Visa Processing Time
When applying for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa from outside the UK, the standard processing time for a decision is approximately 12 weeks. Applicants should be aware that, unlike other family visa routes, the Adult Dependent Relative category is explicitly excluded from eligibility for expedited processing through the Super Priority service.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa Requirements & Documents
Apart from the processing time of an Adult Dependent Relative Visa, it is also crucial to understand the requirements and documents needed in order to qualify for the visa.
- Must demonstrate need for long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability; everyday tasks like washing, dressing, cooking must be impacted.
- Must prove care is not reasonably available or affordable in the home country.
- Sponsor must be settled, a British or Irish citizen, or have protection/refugee status.
- Sponsor must confirm ability to support and accommodate you without recourse to public funds.
Essential Documents
Prepare the following to substantiate the application:
- Medical evidence, professional reports, prescriptions, care assessments showing dependency.
- Sponsor’s proof of settlement/citizenship/legal status (e.g. BRP, passport).
- Evidence that long‑term care is not available in your country (e.g. local care service availability documentation).
- Sponsor’s accommodation and financial documentation demonstrating ability to support.
- Completed visa application form, biometrics confirmation.
Compiling robust Adult Dependent Relative Visa documents is critical, as submission of inadequate or vague documents is a common cause of refusal or might lead to longer Adult Dependent Relative Visa processing time.
How to Apply for a UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa
Below is a simplified step-by-step guide to help you understand how to apply:
1. Check Eligibility Requirements
Ensure the applicant requires long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability and that such care is not reasonably available or affordable in their home country. The UK-based sponsor must be a British citizen, settled person, or hold refugee/humanitarian protection status.
2. Gather Medical and Dependency Evidence
Compile medical reports, care assessments, prescriptions, and any other documentation confirming the applicant’s condition and care needs. Demonstrating genuine dependency on the UK sponsor is crucial to improve the Adult Dependent Relative Visa success rate.
3. Assess Financial and Accommodation Capacity
The UK sponsor must show that they can financially support and accommodate the applicant without access to public funds. Collect bank statements, income proof, tenancy agreements or property ownership documents.
4. Complete the Online Visa Application
Submit the application on the official UK government visa portal. Select the “Adult Dependent Relative Visa” category. Pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge (amount varies depending on the length of stay).
5. Book and Attend a Biometrics Appointment
After submission, the applicant must schedule and attend a biometrics appointment at a local visa application centre in their country. This includes fingerprinting and photographs.
6. Submit Supporting Documents
Upload all required supporting documents through the online platform or bring them to your biometrics appointment. Missing or vague documents are a common cause of visa refusals and longer Adult Dependent Relative Visa processing time.
7. Wait for a Decision
Visa decisions can take up to 12 weeks. Note that Super Priority processing is not available for this visa type. During this period, applicants should avoid travel and be prepared to respond to any additional document requests from the Home Office.
How to Increase Adult Dependent Relative Visa Success Rate
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa route is known for low success rate due to strict requirements and the need for extensive evidence. Here are practical tips to improve your chances of success:
Provide Comprehensive Medical Evidence
Submit detailed medical reports from qualified healthcare professionals, clearly outlining the applicant’s health condition, the level of care required, and how this care cannot be obtained or afforded in the home country.
Show Genuine Dependency
Provide documents that illustrate the ongoing relationship and dependency between the UK sponsor and the applicant, such as records of regular financial support, communication, or previous visits. These could help increase the success rate of Adult Dependent Relative Visa applications.
Meet Financial Requirements
Ensure that the UK-based relative meets the financial requirements and can demonstrate the ability to support and accommodate the applicant without recourse to public funds.
Seek Professional Advice
Consider consulting an experienced immigration lawyer to check the application, address potential weaknesses, and help gather the strongest possible supporting evidence.
Professional Support for Adult Dependent Relative Visa Applications
Navigating the Adult Dependent Relative Visa process can be challenging, particularly due to complex eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. Even small mistakes or missing evidence can result in application delays, additional expenses, or refusals. At British Connections, our immigration experts offer tailored support to guide you through every step, ensuring your application is complete and fully compliant.
We help you understand every aspect of your case, including the Adult Dependent Relative Visa fee, so you can budget accurately. Our team will also advise you on the typical Adult Dependent Relative Visa processing time and keep you informed throughout, making the process as smooth as possible. With our expertise, you can avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances against the challenging Adult Dependent Relative Visa success rate.
Book a professional visa consultation with British Connections today to give your application the best possible chance of approval.
FAQs About Adult Dependent Relative Visa
1. What is the current Adult Dependent Relative Visa fee?
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa fee is £3,413 for applications made outside the UK and £1,321 for those applying from within the UK (as of April 2025). Applicants should also budget for the healthcare surcharge, which varies depending on the length of stay.
2. How long does the Adult Dependent Relative Visa processing time usually take?
The standard Adult Dependent Relative Visa processing time is typically up to 12 weeks from the date of application. However, times may vary depending on your circumstances and the complexity of your case. Applicants in the UK may pay for super priority service to receive a faster decision.
3. Why is the Adult Dependent Relative Visa success rate so low?
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa success rate is relatively low due to the strict eligibility criteria and the requirement to provide extensive evidence. Applications are often refused if they do not convincingly demonstrate the need for long-term personal care and the unavailability of such care in the applicant’s home country.
4. Can I appeal if my Adult Dependent Relative Visa application is refused?
Yes, you may have the right to appeal if your application is refused. It is important to review the refusal letter carefully and seek professional advice to understand your options and strengthen your case before proceeding with an appeal or a fresh application.
5. What are the financial requirements to apply for a UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa?
To apply for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa, the UK sponsor must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support and accommodate the applicant without recourse to public funds. There is no specific minimum income threshold, unlike the Spouse Visa route, but the Home Office will closely examine: the sponsor’s income and savings, ongoing financial responsibilities (e.g. rent, dependents), adequate accommodation without overcrowding and sustainable financial plan to care for the applicant long-term.
