Can my elderly parent get a UK visa to join me? Adult dependent relative explained

The adult dependent relative route

Under the Immigration Rules, there is a specific visa category for adult dependent relatives. This allows a parent or other adult relative to come to the UK if they need long-term personal care due to age, illness or disability — and that care is not available or cannot reasonably be provided in their home country.

The key requirements

You need to show: (1) your relative requires long-term personal care due to age, illness or disability; (2) they need that care to perform everyday tasks; (3) that level of care is not available in their home country — or cannot reasonably be obtained there — even with the practical and financial help of the sponsoring family member. Requirement (3) is often the hardest to establish. You need to show that care is not genuinely available to your specific relative in their specific circumstances.

What evidence do you need?

Medical evidence is essential: a diagnosis, a description of the care required, and evidence of how the condition affects daily functioning. You also need evidence of the current care arrangements. Evidence that care services in the home country are not a realistic substitute — because of availability, cost, the nature of care required or the applicant's circumstances — is also important.

Get in touch

Adult dependent relative applications are complex and require detailed preparation. If you want to bring an elderly parent or other relative to the UK, contact us for advice on whether your family's circumstances meet the requirements.