UK Graduate Route Dependant Visa
A UK Graduate Route dependant visa lets the partner of a Graduate visa holder stay in the UK as a dependant for as long as the graduate’s own visa lasts; the dependant’s visa ends on the same date as the graduate’s. GOV.UK says a Graduate visa gives permission to stay for at least 18 months after completing an eligible course, and for 3 years with a PhD or other doctoral qualification; the exact length depends on when the graduate applies, so check GOV.UK: Graduate visa. A dependant on the Graduate route can generally work in the UK, subject to the conditions of their permission.
Under the current UK Home Office rules (see GOV.UK: Graduate visa, your partner and children), a partner can apply as a dependant on the Graduate route only if they were already a dependant on the graduate’s Student visa (or Tier 4 student visa). A child can also apply if they were born in the UK during the graduate’s current Student visa or Graduate visa. A new partner who was not already a dependant cannot join on the Graduate route; GOV.UK notes that new dependants may be able to join from outside the UK if the graduate switches to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa. A Graduate visa cannot be extended, so planning what comes next is part of the route.
IndoWorld guides UK graduates and their spouses through every step of this transition under our Route-Fit Framework and Application Intelligence Framework. We check status continuity, BRP or eVisa details, and the options for moving to another visa such as the Skilled Worker visa. Consult official guidelines on GOV.UK Graduate visa: your partner and children.
IndoWorld Visa & Education Services is an independent consultancy. We check applications against the criteria published by the UK Home Office, but UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) makes the decision on every application. We do not guarantee visa approvals or processing speeds.
Why Apply Through IndoWorld?
✦ Student-to-Graduate Dependant Check: Confirming that the partner already holds permission as a dependant on the student visa, which the Home Office requires for a Graduate route dependant application.
✦ Application Timing: Planning whether the dependant applies at the same time as the graduate or separately, in every case before the dependant’s current permission expires.
✦ Work Rights Orientation: Explaining the work permission that comes with the dependant visa and what a UK employer will ask to see.
✦ eVisa & Share Code Help: Helping couples access their UKVI eVisa and generate the share code UK employers use for right-to-work checks.
✦ Next-Visa Planning: Comparing what comes after the Graduate route, such as a Skilled Worker visa, using the requirements GOV.UK currently publishes.
What IndoWorld Does, and What Stays With You
IndoWorld assists with: eligibility assessment; personalized document checklists; financial maintenance audits; statutory questionnaire review; and evidence dossier preparation.
You remain responsible for: providing genuine, unaltered civil certificates, truthful personal history, and attending required biometric and medical appointments.
The final decision is made solely by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We cannot guarantee visa approval or government processing speeds.
Documents Required
Lead Applicant’s Graduate Visa Proof
The lead applicant’s Graduate visa application number (Unique Application Number) or grant notice, and confirmation from the education provider that the course was completed.
Current Student Dependant Status Proof
Valid UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or UKVI digital eVisa demonstrating existing permission as a Student Dependant.
Proof of Genuine & Subsisting Relationship
Marriage certificate, joint tenancy agreement, council tax statements, joint utility bills, or bank statements evidencing UK cohabitation.
Indian Passport & UK Immigration History
Valid Indian passport, travel stamps, previous visa grant letters, and full disclosure of UK immigration compliance history.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Receipt
Confirmation of Immigration Health Surcharge payment for the length of the dependant’s visa.
Right to Work Share Code Records
Verification and documentation of right-to-work status for UK employers upon application grant.
IndoWorld Application Intelligence for UK Graduate Dependant Visa
Core dimensions from our Application Intelligence Framework that matter most for this route.
In-Country Switching Eligibility
Confirming that the applicant already holds permission in the UK as a dependant on the student visa, as GOV.UK requires for this route.
Timing & Status Continuity
Applying before the current permission expires, so that the applicant’s status continues without a gap.
Cohabitation & Relationship Subsistence
Compiling evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing, such as a marriage certificate and documents showing a shared address in the UK.
Next-Visa Planning
Comparing options such as the Skilled Worker visa during the Graduate route period, using the requirements GOV.UK currently publishes.
Related routes: UK Student Dependant Visa · Study Abroad in the UK · UK Visitor Visa · Dependent Visas by Destination · Family & Dependant Visas hub
Every visa application is assessed individually by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Published case studies illustrate procedural and evidentiary strategies and do not constitute a guarantee of future application results.
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