The UK offers various visa options for individuals seeking to join their family members or establish residency in the country. Among these are the Adult Dependent Relative Visa, PBS Dependent Visa, and UK Ancestry Visa. Each visa category caters to specific circumstances, making it crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and application process. This guide will help you navigate these visa options.

1. Adult Dependent Relative Visa

The adult dependent relative visa (ADR) Visa is designed for individuals who need long-term care from a close relative settled in the UK. This visa allows elderly parents, grandparents, and other adult dependents to join their family members in the UK if they require care due to age, illness, or disability.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be a parent, grandparent, sibling, or child aged 18 or over.


• The applicant must demonstrate that they require long-term personal care, which can only be provided by their UK-based relative.


• The sponsor must be a British citizen, have indefinite leave to remain, or hold refugee or humanitarian protection status in the UK.


• Adequate accommodation and financial support must be available without recourse to public funds.

Application Process:

• The application is submitted online, and biometric information is provided.


• Supporting documents, such as medical reports and evidence of the relationship with the UK sponsor, are required.


• Visa applicants must meet strict financial requirements to prove the UK sponsor can provide care and accommodation.

Benefits:

• The ADR Visa grants indefinite leave to remain in the UK.


• Dependents can access healthcare, live with their family, and settle in the UK permanently.

2. PBS Dependent Visa

The PBS dependent visa allows the dependents of individuals who have a visa under the Points-Based System (such as a Skilled Worker Visa) to join them in the UK. This visa applies to spouses, partners, and children.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The main visa holder must be on a valid Points-Based System visa (Skilled Worker, Tier 1, Tier 2, etc.).


• Dependents include the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18.


• Proof of a genuine relationship with the main visa holder is required.


• Dependents must show that they can support themselves without relying on public funds.

Application Process:

• Applications can be made from outside the UK or from within if the dependent is already in the country.


• Supporting documents, such as proof of relationship and financial evidence, are required.


• The visa duration matches that of the main visa holder.

Benefits:

• PBS dependents have the right to live, work, and study in the UK.


• Children of dependents can access UK schools, and family members can settle permanently after a certain period.

3. UK Ancestry Visa

The UK ancestry visa allows Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent to live and work in the UK. This visa is particularly popular among individuals from countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be a Commonwealth citizen.


• The applicant must prove that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man.


• The applicant must be 17 or older.


• Proof of intent to work in the UK is required.


• The applicant must have sufficient funds to support themselves without public funds.

Application Process:

• Applicants apply online, and biometric information is collected.


• Documents such as birth certificates, proof of funds, and evidence of UK ancestry are required.


• The visa is granted for five years, with the option to extend or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after this period.

Benefits:

• The UK Ancestry Visa allows the holder to live, work, or study in the UK.


• Visa holders can apply for ILR after five years and eventually obtain British citizenship.

Conclusion

The Adult Dependent Relative Visa, PBS Dependent Visa, and UK Ancestry Visa each provide unique pathways to UK residency, depending on your circumstances. Whether you're looking to care for a dependent family member, join a partner in the UK, or live and work based on your UK ancestry, understanding the eligibility requirements and application process is essential. Proper documentation and fulfilling the financial and relationship criteria can ease the process and help secure your visa approval.