Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK Guide

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa provides a route for certain family members who require long-term personal care to live with their relative in the United Kingdom. It exists within the wider framework of the family routes under the UK Immigration Rules and is one of the most restrictive pathways for family reunion.

The purpose of the ADR route is to enable individuals who, because of age, illness or disability, need a level of long-term personal care that cannot reasonably or adequately be provided in their country of residence, to live with a qualifying sponsor in the UK. This test is stringent: applicants must prove not only their ongoing care needs but also that such care is unavailable or unaffordable in their home country, even with practical or financial help from the sponsor.

In most cases, a successful ADR application results in the applicant being granted indefinite leave to enter if the sponsor is a British citizen or settled person. Where the sponsor has limited leave, such as refugee status or humanitarian protection, the applicant will normally be granted limited permission to stay in line with the sponsor’s own period of leave. Limited permission allows work and study but is subject to a condition of no recourse to public funds. Once the sponsor becomes settled, the applicant may then apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Applications for an Adult Dependent Relative visa must be made from outside the UK. Switching into this route while already in the country is not permitted. Applicants are required to provide extensive evidence, including medical reports, proof of family relationship, and confirmation from local authorities or health professionals showing that adequate care cannot be provided where they currently live.

The financial requirements are assessed on the basis of adequate maintenance and accommodation. The sponsor must demonstrate that they can support and house the applicant in the UK without access to public funds. A statutory maintenance undertaking must be signed, making the sponsor legally responsible for the applicant’s care and support for a period of five years or the duration of the visa.

Because the ADR category is closely linked to health and welfare needs, the evidence threshold is high, and refusal rates are significant. Applicants and sponsors are advised to prepare detailed supporting documentation and to understand the criteria in Appendix Adult Dependent Relative of the Immigration Rules before applying.

This guide explains the legal framework, eligibility criteria, and application process for the Adult Dependent Relative route, outlining the rights, responsibilities and settlement options for those granted permission, and the main reasons why applications are often refused.

Section A: What is the Adult Dependent Relative Visa?

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa forms part of the UK’s family immigration routes. It allows qualifying relatives of British citizens, settled persons, and certain other migrants with protection or EU status to come to the UK permanently or for a period linked to the sponsor’s leave, where they can show a genuine need for long-term personal care.

While often referred to as a separate visa, the ADR route is not a standalone category. It sits within the family routes of the Immigration Rules, designed to preserve family unity in exceptional circumstances. The threshold for approval is deliberately high, reflecting the UK Government’s policy that long-term care for adults should normally be provided in the applicant’s country of residence unless this is impossible or unreasonable.

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of the ADR route is to allow family members who, due to age, illness, or disability, require assistance with daily personal care, to live with their sponsor in the UK. The applicant must show that they cannot obtain the required level of care in their home country, either because suitable care is not available, or it is not affordable, even with financial or practical support from the sponsor.

This means that the focus of the application is not simply on the applicant’s health or age, but on the availability, adequacy, and affordability of care options in their home country. Home Office caseworkers are required to consider whether care can be reasonably provided there, and whether expecting the applicant to remain overseas would breach the right to respect for family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

2. Who Can Sponsor an ADR Visa?

At the time of application, the sponsor must be aged 18 or over and fall within one of the following categories:

• A British or Irish citizen who is habitually resident in the United Kingdom.
• A person who is present and settled in the UK, holding indefinite leave to remain or right of abode.
• A person in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
• An EEA or Swiss citizen with limited leave under Appendix EU based on residence in the UK before 31 December 2020.

The sponsor must have sufficient financial means to maintain, accommodate, and care for the applicant without access to public funds. Where settlement is granted, the sponsor is required to sign a maintenance undertaking (Form SU07) confirming this commitment for five years.

3. Who Can Apply as an Adult Dependent Relative?

Under Appendix Adult Dependent Relative, an applicant must be a close family member of the UK-based sponsor and fall into one of the following categories:

• A parent aged 18 years or over.
• A grandparent.
• A brother or sister aged 18 years or over.
• A son or daughter aged 18 years or over.

In July 2023, amendments to Appendix ADR reinstated the previous rule that where one parent or grandparent meets the care requirement, their partner can also qualify for entry, even if they do not independently meet the care test, provided they are applying at the same time.

4. Application Location and Type of Leave Granted

Applications under the ADR route must be made from outside the UK before travel. Switching into this route from within the UK is not permitted. The type of leave granted depends on the sponsor’s own immigration status:

• If the sponsor is a British citizen or settled in the UK, the applicant is normally granted indefinite leave to enter (ILE), providing permanent residence immediately on arrival.
• If the sponsor has temporary permission, such as refugee leave, humanitarian protection, or certain EU statuses, the applicant is granted limited permission to stay in line with the sponsor’s period of leave. This permission allows work and study but is subject to no recourse to public funds.

Once the sponsor later obtains settled status, the ADR holder can apply in the UK for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is payable only where limited permission is granted, not for settlement applications.

5. Policy Rationale Behind ADR Rules

The ADR rules are deliberately restrictive to balance humanitarian concerns with public resource management. They aim to prevent excessive demands on the National Health Service and local authority care systems, while ensuring that family members whose needs genuinely cannot be met overseas can join their relatives in the UK.

Where the applicant’s sponsor is settled or a British citizen, successful applicants are granted immediate settled status, meaning they can live in the UK indefinitely and access the NHS and local services on the same basis as other permanent residents. The rules are structured to ensure fairness between families of different means and to avoid dependency on public funds once in the UK.

Section B: Eligibility Criteria

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) route is one of the most demanding categories within the UK Immigration Rules. It is designed to ensure that only those who genuinely require long-term personal care, and who cannot obtain that care in their country of residence, are granted entry. Applicants must meet all of the relationship, dependency, financial, and suitability requirements set out in Appendix Adult Dependent Relative.

1. Relationship Requirement

To qualify, the applicant must be the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter of the sponsor, and aged 18 or over at the date of application. The relationship must be proven through official documentation such as birth or adoption certificates, or marriage records where applicable.

Where one parent or grandparent satisfies the long-term care test, their partner can be included in the application if they apply at the same time, even if that partner does not independently meet the care requirement. Both must intend to live permanently with the UK sponsor.

2. Dependency Requirement

The central test for ADR applications is dependency arising from age, illness or disability. The applicant must demonstrate that they require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, and mobility. They must further show that this level of care cannot be reasonably provided in their home country.

To meet this threshold, the applicant must evidence that:

• They require ongoing personal care due to age, illness or disability.
• The care they need is not available in their country of residence, or if available, is not affordable, even with financial or practical help from the sponsor.
• No other close family member, friend, or institution in the applicant’s country can reasonably provide or arrange the required level of care.

The Home Office will evaluate whether it is reasonable to expect the applicant to remain in their home country. “Reasonableness” is assessed from both the applicant’s and potential care provider’s perspective, taking into account cultural, medical and financial circumstances.

3. Adequate Maintenance, Accommodation and Care

The sponsor must demonstrate that the applicant will be adequately maintained, accommodated and cared for in the UK without recourse to public funds. The decision-maker uses the adequate maintenance test, comparing the sponsor’s disposable income after housing costs with the Income Support level for a British family of equivalent size.

The assessment follows this calculation model:

A – B ≥ C

• A = the sponsor’s (and, where applicable, applicant’s) net weekly income after tax and National Insurance deductions
• B = weekly housing costs (for example rent or mortgage)
• C = the notional weekly Income Support figure for an equivalent UK household

If the remaining income is at least equal to or higher than the Income Support figure, the maintenance requirement is satisfied. Personal debts such as credit or loan repayments are disregarded, and calculations are rounded down to the nearest penny. The sponsor must also have adequate accommodation that meets public-health standards and will not be overcrowded.

Where the applicant is granted settlement, the sponsor must sign a statutory maintenance undertaking (Form SU07) accepting responsibility for the applicant’s maintenance, accommodation and care for five years. If temporary permission is granted, the undertaking applies for the duration of that permission.

4. Suitability and Admissibility Requirements

All ADR applicants must satisfy the general suitability requirements of the Immigration Rules. Entry clearance will be refused where the applicant:

• Has a criminal conviction resulting in imprisonment for 12 months or more, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
• Poses a threat to national security or public order.
• Has previously breached UK immigration laws or provided false information in an application.

Where refusal on criminality grounds would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to family life), the Home Office may consider a grant of leave on human-rights grounds, often with a longer qualifying period before settlement eligibility.

5. Evidence Required

Evidence is critical to demonstrating eligibility. Applicants must provide:

• Independent medical evidence from a qualified doctor or healthcare professional confirming the applicant’s condition and care needs.
• Written confirmation from relevant authorities or institutions in the home country explaining why required care cannot be provided or afforded there.
• Proof of the family relationship between sponsor and applicant.
• Financial documents showing the sponsor’s income, savings, and housing costs to satisfy the adequate maintenance test.
• Confirmation that suitable accommodation will be available in the UK.

The evidence must be comprehensive, independent, and current. Weak or incomplete documentation is the most common reason for ADR refusals.

6. Exceptional Circumstances

Even where the applicant does not strictly meet the rules, the Home Office must consider whether exceptional circumstances exist that would make refusal a disproportionate interference with family life under Article 8 ECHR. To succeed on this basis, applicants must demonstrate that refusal would lead to unjustifiably harsh consequences for them or their family in the UK. The threshold remains high and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Section C: Application Process

Applications for an Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa must be made from outside the UK and submitted through the official Home Office online application platform. The process is evidence-heavy, requiring extensive documentation to demonstrate both eligibility and dependency. Applicants should prepare carefully, as refusals are common and often stem from insufficient or poorly structured evidence.

The ADR process broadly follows the stages below, though precise steps may vary depending on the applicant’s location and whether the sponsor holds settled or temporary status.

1. Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Confirm Eligibility – The applicant and sponsor must confirm they meet the eligibility requirements under Appendix Adult Dependent Relative. This includes the relationship test, dependency due to age, illness, or disability, and the unavailability or unaffordability of care in the applicant’s country of residence.
• Step 2: Gather Evidence – The applicant must compile comprehensive documentation, including medical reports, care assessments, financial records, and relationship evidence. Evidence should be current, independent, and clearly demonstrate that care cannot be reasonably provided in the home country.
• Step 3: Complete the Online Application – The application is made online through the official UK Government website. The sponsor and applicant must ensure all details are accurate and consistent with supporting documentation.
• Step 4: Pay the Application Fee – The fee for an ADR application under the settlement category “Other Dependant Relative” is currently £3,413 (as of 9 April 2025). Fees are subject to change and should be verified before submission. If applying under a temporary route (for example, where the sponsor has refugee leave), a lower fee may apply.
• Step 5: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – The IHS is not payable for applications that result in indefinite leave to enter. However, if the applicant will be granted temporary leave in line with their sponsor, they must pay the IHS. The current rate is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for applicants under 18.
• Step 6: Provide Biometrics – The applicant will be required to attend a visa application centre to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph. This step is mandatory for identity verification.
• Step 7: Submit Supporting Documents – All supporting evidence must be uploaded online or submitted to the visa application centre according to the instructions provided. Incomplete or missing evidence is a common cause of delay or refusal.
• Step 8: Wait for a Decision – ADR applications are processed as settlement cases. Home Office service standards indicate most settlement decisions are made within 12 weeks, and all within 24 weeks. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the evidence and verification requirements.

During the assessment stage, caseworkers will scrutinise both the quality and credibility of the evidence submitted. They may contact third parties—such as medical professionals, care providers, or local authorities—to verify statements. Any inconsistencies or unsupported claims can lead to refusal.

2. Required Supporting Documents

The Home Office publishes guidance on the types of evidence expected for ADR applications. The following documents are typically required, though additional material may be needed depending on individual circumstances:

• Medical reports from a doctor or healthcare professional confirming the applicant’s illness, disability, or age-related care needs, and describing the type and frequency of care required.
• Written confirmation from relevant authorities, care agencies, or social services in the home country that adequate care is not available or not affordable, even with financial assistance from the sponsor.
• Proof of the family relationship, such as birth certificates, adoption records, or marriage certificates.
• Evidence of the sponsor’s financial position, including bank statements, payslips, tax records, and proof of housing costs.
• Evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK that meets public-health and overcrowding standards.
• A completed and signed maintenance undertaking (Form SU07) where settlement is being sought, confirming that the sponsor will be responsible for the applicant’s maintenance, accommodation, and care for five years.

All documents should be translated into English or Welsh by a certified translator if not already in one of those languages. Translations must include the translator’s credentials and a statement of accuracy.

3. Application Fees and Surcharges

Applicants are required to pay the Home Office fee when submitting their online application. The standard fee for a settlement application under the “Other Dependant Relative” category is £3,413 per applicant, effective from 9 April 2025. For temporary applications linked to a sponsor’s limited leave (for example, refugee or humanitarian protection status), fees may differ. Payment is made online by debit or credit card at the time of submission.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) applies only where temporary permission is sought. Applicants who are granted indefinite leave to enter or remain do not need to pay the IHS. Where payable, the surcharge is calculated based on the length of the visa—typically £1,035 per adult per year or £776 per child per year.

4. Processing Times and Decision Making

ADR visa applications are categorised as settlement applications. According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service standards, 90% of settlement applications are decided within 12 weeks, and 100% within 24 weeks. However, the actual timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the need for additional checks, or delays in verifying supporting evidence.

Factors that can affect processing times include:

• Incomplete or inconsistent evidence.
• Delays in obtaining or verifying medical or care reports.
• Complex family or immigration histories requiring additional review.
• High seasonal application volumes or staffing pressures within UKVI.

Applicants are notified of the outcome in writing. If successful, they receive a decision letter outlining the type of leave granted and its conditions. The biometric residence permit (BRP) or digital immigration status is then issued. If refused, the decision letter will explain the reasons and whether the applicant has a right of appeal.

5. Appeals and Administrative Review

Where an ADR application is refused, the applicant may have a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) on human rights grounds, usually under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Alternatively, an administrative review may be available if the refusal is based on a caseworking error rather than the applicant’s circumstances.

Given the complexity of the rules and the high rate of refusals, applicants are strongly advised to seek professional legal assistance before appealing or reapplying. A well-prepared application supported by clear, verifiable evidence significantly improves the chances of success.

Section D: Rights and Responsibilities of Visa Holders

Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa holders are granted specific rights and must adhere to certain conditions during their stay in the United Kingdom. The type and duration of leave granted will determine what a visa holder can and cannot do, as well as the path to settlement or citizenship. The rights conferred depend on whether the visa holder has been granted indefinite leave to enter or limited permission to stay in line with their sponsor.

1. Rights of Adult Dependent Relative Visa Holders

ADR visa holders are granted several important rights under UK immigration law. These rights ensure they can live and integrate lawfully within the country while maintaining their family life with their sponsor. The specific entitlements depend on whether the visa is permanent (settlement) or temporary.

• Right to Live in the UK: ADR visa holders may reside in the UK for the period of leave granted. Those with indefinite leave to enter can remain permanently without time restrictions.
• Right to Work: Work is permitted without restriction for both temporary and settled ADR visa holders. They may engage in employment or self-employment.
• Right to Study: ADR visa holders can undertake studies at any level, including higher education, without requiring additional permissions.
• Access to Healthcare: Those granted settlement have access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as UK residents. Temporary ADR visa holders gain NHS access through payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Travel Rights: ADR holders can leave and re-enter the UK during the validity of their permission. However, extended absences from the UK may impact future settlement or citizenship applications.

Where indefinite leave to enter is granted, ADR visa holders enjoy the same residency rights as any settled person in the UK, including the ability to access public healthcare, work freely, and study without restriction. They are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and are not subject to further immigration control.

2. Responsibilities and Conditions

Alongside these rights, ADR visa holders must comply with strict immigration conditions and responsibilities. Breach of these conditions can lead to curtailment of leave or removal from the UK.

• No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF): Those granted temporary permission must not access public funds, including most welfare benefits, tax credits, and housing assistance. Breaching this condition can result in cancellation of leave and recovery of funds from the sponsor under the maintenance undertaking.
• Maintenance and Accommodation: The visa holder must continue to live with or remain financially supported by their sponsor in line with the undertaking signed at the time of application.
• Compliance with UK Law: ADR visa holders must obey all UK laws, including immigration, employment, and tax regulations. Criminal conduct or false representations to public authorities can lead to refusal of future applications or removal.
• Notification of Changes: Visa holders must notify the Home Office of any changes in personal details, including name, address, marital status, or immigration documents.
• Residence Requirements: Those intending to apply for settlement or British citizenship must ensure they meet residence and absence limits. Extended periods abroad may reset or affect eligibility for indefinite leave to remain or naturalisation.

Sponsors also remain bound by their undertaking for five years (or the duration of the visa if temporary), meaning they are financially responsible for the applicant’s maintenance, accommodation, and care without access to public funds. If the applicant accesses public funds during this period, the government may recover the amount from the sponsor.

3. Pathway to Settlement and Citizenship

The route to settlement depends on the sponsor’s immigration status and the nature of the leave granted to the applicant.

• Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE): Applicants whose sponsors are British citizens or settled persons are normally granted ILE immediately on arrival. This provides permanent residence without the need for extension or further application, provided conditions are not breached.
• Limited Permission to Stay: Applicants whose sponsors have temporary status (for example, refugee leave or humanitarian protection) receive permission for the same duration as their sponsor’s leave. Once the sponsor becomes settled, the ADR visa holder can apply for indefinite leave to remain.

After holding indefinite leave to remain for at least 12 months, ADR visa holders may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation. To qualify, they must meet the residence, good character, and knowledge requirements, including the Life in the UK Test and English language standard.

4. Impact of Absences and Continuous Residence

Continuous residence is a key consideration for those seeking British citizenship. While ADR visa holders with settlement can travel freely, absences of more than 180 days in any 12-month period may affect future naturalisation eligibility. Prolonged absence could also raise questions about whether the UK remains their main home.

Those with limited leave should avoid lengthy stays outside the UK, as it may indicate that their dependency no longer exists or that they no longer require the sponsor’s care, potentially leading to refusal of further leave.

5. Summary Table of Rights and Conditions

ADR visa holders and their sponsors must carefully observe all legal and financial obligations throughout the duration of the visa. Understanding these responsibilities is essential to maintaining lawful status and ensuring a smooth path to permanent residence and, ultimately, British citizenship.

Section E: Refused Adult Dependent Relative Visa

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) route is one of the most difficult categories in UK immigration law to succeed under. The evidential threshold is exceptionally high, and the majority of applications are refused on first consideration. Understanding the reasons for refusal and available remedies is crucial for anyone considering this route.

1. Common Reasons for Refusal

The Home Office may refuse an ADR application if any of the mandatory requirements in Appendix Adult Dependent Relative are not met. Refusals typically arise where the applicant has not demonstrated that care cannot be reasonably or adequately provided in their home country, or where the supporting evidence is incomplete or inconsistent.

• Care Availability: The decision-maker concludes that appropriate care is available in the applicant’s country of residence, either through private carers, relatives, friends, or local facilities such as care homes or nursing institutions.
• Affordability: The evidence does not show that the applicant and sponsor cannot reasonably afford suitable care in the home country, even with financial assistance from the sponsor.
• Insufficient Medical Evidence: The applicant fails to provide clear, recent, and independent medical evidence proving the level of care required and the inability to perform everyday tasks without assistance.
• Weak Relationship Evidence: Documentation fails to prove the required family relationship between the applicant and sponsor to the standard required by the Immigration Rules.
• Financial Shortfall: The sponsor cannot show adequate maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public funds, or the financial documentation does not meet the adequacy test.
• Credibility Issues: The Home Office identifies inconsistencies between the applicant’s statements, medical documentation, and sponsor’s evidence.

Where the applicant’s sponsor is able to afford to bring them to the UK and to maintain and accommodate them, the Home Office often concludes that this same financial support could be used to fund appropriate care in the applicant’s country of residence. This is a frequent reason for refusal, even in compassionate circumstances.

2. Decision-Making Framework

Home Office caseworkers are guided by Appendix Adult Dependent Relative and the associated policy guidance, which require them to consider:

• Whether the applicant requires long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks due to age, illness, or disability.
• Whether such care is available and affordable in the country of residence, taking into account the applicant’s resources and support from family, friends, or third parties.
• Whether the sponsor can adequately maintain, accommodate, and care for the applicant in the UK without recourse to public funds.
• Whether refusal would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights by causing unjustifiably harsh consequences.

In practice, these criteria create a very narrow window for success. The Home Office applies the policy strictly and expects extensive, verifiable evidence to justify an exception to the default position that care should normally be provided abroad.

3. Challenging a Refusal

Applicants who receive a refusal decision may have one of two potential remedies depending on the reasons cited in the refusal letter:

• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber): Most ADR refusals carry a right of appeal on human rights grounds. Appeals are generally based on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to respect for family life). The Tribunal will consider whether the decision was proportionate and whether the Home Office properly applied the Immigration Rules.
• Administrative Review: Where the refusal arises from a caseworking error or procedural fault, the applicant may request an administrative review rather than a full appeal. However, ADR refusals are usually eligible for appeal rather than review.

Appeals must normally be filed within 28 days of receiving the refusal notice if the applicant is outside the UK. Applicants should include comprehensive evidence and legal submissions addressing the refusal grounds. The Tribunal can allow the appeal if it finds that the refusal breaches the applicant’s human rights or was not in accordance with the law.

4. Role of Article 8 ECHR

Even where the strict rules of Appendix ADR are not met, the Home Office must still consider whether refusal would breach the applicant’s right to respect for family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The threshold, however, remains high: the applicant must show that refusal would result in unjustifiably harsh consequences for them or their UK sponsor.

In determining this, decision-makers will weigh factors such as the applicant’s health, age, emotional dependency, the degree of care required, and the feasibility of alternative arrangements in the country of residence. Article 8 claims succeed only in the most exceptional circumstances where refusing entry would cause disproportionate hardship.

5. Strengthening a Future Application

Where an ADR application has been refused, it is possible to reapply if circumstances have materially changed or if stronger evidence can be produced. To improve the prospects of success, applicants should:

• Provide detailed, recent medical evidence clearly demonstrating the applicant’s inability to perform everyday tasks without assistance.
• Include evidence from local authorities, care institutions, or social workers confirming that care is not available or affordable in the home country.
• Submit updated financial and housing documentation to prove adequate maintenance and accommodation in the UK.
• Prepare a comprehensive personal statement explaining why care in the home country is not a realistic option.
• Address any discrepancies or weaknesses identified in the previous refusal letter.

A new application should only be made after a careful review of the reasons for refusal and, where appropriate, after seeking legal advice. Submitting repeat applications without addressing the underlying deficiencies will likely result in further refusal.

6. Practical Considerations

Given the demanding evidential requirements and the narrow success rate, legal representation is strongly recommended both before and after a refusal. A specialist adviser can assist in framing the application in accordance with Appendix ADR, collating expert medical and care evidence, and preparing any human rights arguments for appeal.

In many cases, the deciding factor is the quality and independence of the supporting evidence. Comprehensive documentation demonstrating that the required level of care is genuinely unavailable or unaffordable abroad is key to overcoming the presumption of refusal.

Where an applicant does succeed in showing that their needs can only be met by their UK sponsor, the outcome is typically a grant of indefinite leave to enter if the sponsor is British or settled, or limited leave in line with the sponsor’s permission if temporary. Once approved, the visa provides stability and the opportunity to live permanently with family in the UK.

Section F: Summary

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa provides a narrow but vital route for individuals who require long-term personal care to live with their close family members in the United Kingdom. It is primarily intended for parents, grandparents, siblings, and adult children of British citizens, settled persons, or those with protection status, where the applicant’s care needs cannot reasonably be met in their country of residence.

The legal framework for this visa is set out under Appendix Adult Dependent Relative of the Immigration Rules. The criteria are intentionally strict, reflecting the Government’s policy that the UK should not assume responsibility for the care of overseas relatives unless there are truly exceptional circumstances. Applicants must therefore present robust, independent evidence demonstrating both the necessity and the exclusivity of the care they require from their UK sponsor.

Where the sponsor is a British citizen or settled in the UK, successful applicants are typically granted indefinite leave to enter, giving them the right to live, work, and study in the UK permanently, with access to the NHS and public services. Where the sponsor holds temporary permission, the applicant will usually receive limited leave to remain in line with the sponsor’s leave. The Immigration Health Surcharge applies only in these temporary cases.

Financially, the sponsor must show that they can maintain, accommodate, and care for the applicant in the UK without recourse to public funds. This is verified using the adequate maintenance test, which compares the sponsor’s post-housing income against the equivalent Income Support rate for a UK household of comparable size. A signed maintenance undertaking legally binds the sponsor to this responsibility for a five-year period, or the duration of the visa where temporary leave is granted.

Applicants must also pass the suitability test, ensuring that they meet character and admissibility standards and do not fall under any grounds for refusal such as criminality or previous immigration breaches. Even where the core requirements are not met, decision-makers must still consider whether refusal would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights by producing unjustifiably harsh consequences for the applicant or their UK-based sponsor.

Despite being one of the most complex and restrictive visa routes, successful ADR applications enable families to reunite permanently where genuine dependency exists. The grant of settlement provides long-term stability and access to healthcare, employment, and education in the UK. However, achieving success requires substantial preparation, extensive medical and care evidence, and a clear demonstration that the care required cannot be provided elsewhere.

In summary, the Adult Dependent Relative visa is not a general family reunification route but a humanitarian provision reserved for exceptional circumstances. Applicants who can present clear, consistent, and independently verified evidence of their need for long-term care — and their inability to receive that care outside the UK — stand the best chance of securing approval.

Section G: Need Assistance?

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) route requires one of the highest standards of evidence under UK immigration law. Each application is assessed individually against strict legal and evidential criteria, and the burden of proof lies entirely with the applicant and their sponsor. A well-prepared submission must demonstrate, through independent and detailed documentation, that the applicant’s care needs can only be met in the United Kingdom by the sponsor.

Given the complexity of the rules and the high rate of refusals, many applicants choose to seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser or solicitor experienced in family and dependency applications. A professional representative can help to ensure that the application fully satisfies the requirements of Appendix Adult Dependent Relative and that all supporting evidence — particularly medical and care documentation — is presented in a way that meets Home Office standards.

Before submitting an application, sponsors should carefully assess whether the dependency and maintenance requirements can be supported by clear, verifiable evidence. Early legal advice can help identify potential weaknesses and determine whether any alternative routes may be available for the family member to come to the UK.

Applicants should also ensure that their medical and social care assessments are recent and issued by recognised professionals, as outdated or insufficient documentation is a common reason for refusal. Where refusal has already occurred, advice from a legal representative can help determine whether an appeal or a fresh application is more appropriate.

Ultimately, success under the Adult Dependent Relative route depends on the strength of the evidence and the clarity with which the applicant’s circumstances are presented. Careful preparation, professional guidance, and a thorough understanding of the eligibility criteria give applicants the best opportunity to achieve a positive outcome.

Section H: FAQs

1. What is the Adult Dependent Relative visa?

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa is part of the UK’s family immigration routes. It enables certain close relatives of British citizens, settled persons, or those with refugee or humanitarian protection status to come to the UK where, due to age, illness, or disability, they require long-term personal care that cannot be reasonably or adequately provided in their home country.

2. Who can apply for an Adult Dependent Relative visa?

Applicants must be the parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child of the UK sponsor. They must be aged 18 or over and able to show that, because of age, illness, or disability, they require long-term personal care which cannot be obtained or afforded in their country of residence. The sponsor must be a British or Irish citizen, a settled person, or someone with refugee or humanitarian protection status in the UK.

3. Who can sponsor an Adult Dependent Relative?

Sponsors must be aged 18 or over and either a British citizen, a person with indefinite leave to remain, a person with refugee leave or humanitarian protection, or an EEA/Swiss national with limited leave under Appendix EU based on residence before 31 December 2020. The sponsor must also demonstrate that they can adequately maintain and accommodate the applicant in the UK without recourse to public funds.

4. What is meant by “long-term personal care”?

Long-term personal care refers to daily assistance required due to illness, disability, or frailty related to age. This includes help with basic activities such as washing, dressing, cooking, and mobility. The applicant must provide medical or care evidence confirming that they are unable to perform these tasks without assistance.

5. Can care provided abroad be considered adequate?

Yes. The Home Office will refuse an application if it determines that adequate care is available and affordable in the applicant’s country of residence, even if that care is provided by private carers, family members, or a local institution. The applicant must prove that suitable care is not available or cannot reasonably be provided, even with financial support from the sponsor.

6. Do ADR visa holders have the right to work and study in the UK?

Yes. Adult Dependent Relative visa holders are permitted to work and study in the UK. There are no employment restrictions. However, those granted limited permission are subject to a condition of no recourse to public funds.

7. Can an ADR application be made from within the UK?

No. Applications for an Adult Dependent Relative visa must be made from outside the UK before travel. Switching into this route from within the UK is not permitted under the Immigration Rules.

8. How long does it take to receive a decision?

ADR visa applications are treated as settlement cases. Home Office service standards state that most settlement applications are decided within 12 weeks, and all within 24 weeks. Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the evidence and verification processes.

9. What happens if my ADR application is refused?

If an ADR application is refused, the applicant may have a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) on human rights grounds. The Tribunal will assess whether the Home Office applied the law correctly and whether the decision breaches Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life. Applicants may also submit a new application if they can provide stronger or updated evidence.

10. Do ADR visa holders have access to public funds?

Only those who are granted indefinite leave to enter have access to public funds and public services in the UK. Applicants who are granted limited permission to stay in line with their sponsor’s temporary leave are subject to no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and cannot claim most state benefits or housing support.

11. What is the financial requirement for sponsors?

Sponsors must show that they can maintain, accommodate, and care for the applicant in the UK without relying on public funds. The Home Office applies the adequate maintenance test, which compares the sponsor’s disposable income after housing costs to the Income Support level for a UK household of comparable size. A signed maintenance undertaking (Form SU07) is required for settlement applications.

12. Can I bring more than one dependent relative to the UK?

Each adult dependent relative must meet the requirements individually. However, if one parent or grandparent meets the personal care test, their partner can also qualify to apply at the same time, even if they do not meet the care requirement themselves.

13. Can ADR visa holders apply for British citizenship?

Yes. Those who have been granted indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain may apply for British citizenship by naturalisation after holding settlement for at least 12 months, provided they meet the residence, good character, and English language requirements.

14. What can I do to improve the chances of a successful application?

Success depends largely on the quality and consistency of the evidence. Applicants should provide recent medical assessments, detailed care statements, and written confirmation from health authorities or social services showing that care cannot be provided or afforded abroad. Financial and accommodation documents must be complete, current, and verifiable. Clear, professional presentation of the evidence significantly improves the likelihood of approval.

Section I: Glossary

Section J: Additional Resources

Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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