The adult dependent relative route lets a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter come to the UK to be cared for by a relative who is British, Irish or settled here, or who has protection status. It is one of the hardest routes to meet because the care test is strict, and most applications that succeed do so on medical evidence prepared with that test in mind.
The care test
You must show that:
- As a result of age, illness or disability you need long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and cooking;
- The care you need is not available in the country where you live, even with the practical and financial help of your relative in the UK, or is not affordable there; and
- Your relative in the UK can house, maintain and care for you without public funds, for at least five years.
"Not available" is applied strictly: if a carer could be employed in your country, or a care home exists, the Home Office will usually say the care is available. The strongest cases show, with medical evidence, that the care needed is of a kind that can only reasonably be provided by the family member, or that no adequate provider exists.
Evidence
- A report from a doctor or other medical professional on the care needs and why they are long-term.
- Evidence of the care available where you live: enquiries made, costs, and why they are inadequate or unaffordable.
- The sponsor's income, housing and ability to provide care, with a care plan.
- Evidence of the family relationship and of the current arrangements.
This is not a complete list. What you need depends on your circumstances, and the documents vary from case to case. Your solicitor will tell you exactly what applies to you.
What is granted
If the sponsor is British, Irish or settled, a successful applicant is granted indefinite leave to enter: settlement from day one, with no extension or health surcharge. If the sponsor has limited leave, leave is granted in line with theirs. Applications must be made from outside the UK unless you are extending leave already held on this route.
If refused
Refusals carry a right of appeal on human rights grounds. Many successful ADR cases are won on appeal with fuller evidence. We advise on whether to appeal or reapply.
Fees
Application fee £3,226 per person where settlement is granted on entry, correct on 13 October 2026. Our fixed fee is on our fees page.
What we do
We tell you before you spend anything whether the care test can realistically be met. If it can, we commission the medical and care evidence, prepare the sponsor's financial case and draft the application to the test the Home Office applies.
Ask a question
If you are not sure which route applies, ask a solicitor and we will reply by phone or email. For an open discussion with other applicants, see ukspousevisa.co.uk, our separate site about partner visas.
