The adult dependent relative (ADR) route offers qualified applicants an opportunity to reside with a close relative in the UK for an extended period or possibly permanently. However, ADR visas are generally only issued under specific conditions. The information on who is qualified, how to apply, what to do if your application is turned down, and how to improve your chances of success is provided in the directions below.
What is an Adult Dependent Relative Visa?
The ADR route’s goal is to allow someone with ongoing care needs to reside with a close relative in the UK, provided the applicant can show that they need a level of long-term personal care that can only be reasonably and adequately provided in the UK by their sponsor due to their age, illness, or disability. The applicant will be granted indefinite leave to enter if they fulfil the tough requirements for entry clearance as an adult dependent relative of a British citizen or someone already present and settled in the UK. They are allowed to live in the UK indefinitely.
When an applicant’s sponsor comes into an eligible sponsorship category but has limited leave to remain rather than becoming established or a British citizen, the sponsor’s limited leave will expire simultaneously with the applicant’s limited leave. However, there will be limitations against using any public funds for this. The holder of an Adult Dependent Relative visa will be eligible to apply following this after their sponsor has requested indefinite leave.
An adult-dependent relative wishing to use the ADR route must be outside the UK because it is impossible to switch to this route inside the UK. However, where the initial leave is not unlimited, an ADR visa holder may look for indefinite leave to remain once leave has been granted.
The stringent ADR regulations aim to reduce the financial burden on UK taxpayers related to providing social care services through the NHS and local governments to applicants whose long-term care requirements can be properly and sufficiently met in their native country.
As long as their sponsor is a British citizen or has established status, the guidelines are also meant to guarantee that those ADRs whose needs can only be met by a relative in the UK are given instant settled status.
Which Relatives Are Considered Adult Dependents?
The ADR route has replaced the current rules for adult dependent relatives in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules as of March 2023 and follows Appendix Adult Dependent, Relative.
An adult dependant relative of a UK sponsor is considered an applicant for immigration if they meet the following criteria:
- A parent at least 18 years old.
- An older adult.
- A son or daughter who is over the age of 18.
The UK sponsor must also be at least 18 years old at the time of the application and be:
- A resident of the UK who is British (or Irish).
- Someone who lives and is established in the UK.
- Anyone in the UK with humanitarian protection or refugee status or an EEA national with a limited stay period under Appendix EU.
The process to apply for Adult Dependent Relative Visa
It is necessary to submit an online application process. The applicant must collect all required information and documentation before submitting their application, including, if applicable, a written guarantee from their sponsor that they can financially support the applicant for at least five years without using public funds.
Seeking professional advice from immigration experts or solicitors experienced in visa applications can greatly enhance the application process. These professionals can guide applicants through the requirements, help compile the necessary documents, and ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
Conclusion:
Applying for an Adult-Dependent Relative Visa from the UK is a complex process that requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and providing extensive documentation. It is crucial to carefully prepare and submit a thorough application to maximise the chances of success.
My Legal Service’s immigration solicitors can assist you if you need professional advice on the requirements of the Immigration Rules for an Application for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa, immigration appeal, or expert assistance in completing an Adult Dependent Relative Visa application.
