New rules for the UK dependant visa will be implemented in 2024. Beginning in January 2024, international students are no longer permitted to bring dependants to the UK unless they are engaged in PhD studies or postgraduate research programme. Additionally, from 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers will no longer be permitted to bring dependants.

If you want to bring close family members to the UK, you can consider the following options:

1. Tourist/visitor Visa

The easiest way to come to the UK. You can stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months in each 12-month period.

2. Student Visas

If you are 16 or over and want to study a course at higher education level in the UK lasting longer than six months, you will most likely need to apply for a student visa. It will allow you to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course.

As part of your student visa application, you may need to prove your knowledge of the English language. Different universities have different requirements, so check what form of English language evidence you will need with your university.

3. Work Visa and Work Permit 

Worker visa applicants are normally permitted to stay for up to 5 years, at which point they can apply to extend their stay. It is also possible to gain permanent settlement in UK(ILR) after 5 years.

Applicants need meet the English language requirements and have a job offer from a licenced sponsor.

4. Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator founder visa enables overseas entrepreneurs to come to the UK to establish an innovative business. It is specifically intended for those who want to set up and run something that’s different from anything else on the market.

The Innovator Founder Visa was previously know as the "Innovator Visa", replaced the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa in March 2019. As of 13 April, 2023, the Innovator Founder Visa no longer requires a minimum investment of £50,000 GBP. However, if you plan to establish a new business, you will still need to demonstrate to the endorsing body that you have sufficient funding and a reliable source of funding.

This visa allows holders to remain for up to three years, at which point they can apply for a further three-year extension. One of the most attractive features of the Innovator founder visa is that after three years, they may be able to acquire permanent settlement in the UK; this is shorter than the normal five years required for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Here we sugust of you considering bringing your family to the UK should start the process as early as possible.