Understand the new UK student dependent visa rules for Nigerians in 2025 — eligibility, proof of funds, IHS fees, and who can still bring dependents after the January 2024 ban.
The Major Rule Change (Post-January 2024)
If you’re a Nigerian planning to study in the UK in 2025, be very careful about dependent plans — the Home Office introduced sweeping changes that now restrict most Master’s students from bringing dependents.
“The biggest change to the UK student visa route is the near-total ban on bringing dependents for most Master’s students after January 1, 2024. Do not proceed with your plans until you confirm you meet the new eligibility criteria.”
Previously, almost every postgraduate student could sponsor their spouse or children. But under the new Student and Graduate Route reforms, only specific categories can now apply for a dependent visa.
Official source: GOV.UK — Student Visa: Family Members
Eligibility Checklist: Do You Qualify for a Dependent Visa?
The Only Student Routes Allowed (Post-Jan 2024)
You can only bring dependents if you fall into one of the following three categories:
PhD or Doctorate-level courses (RQF Level 8) lasting 9 months or longer.
Research-based postgraduate courses lasting 9 months or more (as defined by your university’s CAS).
Government-sponsored students on a program of 6 months or more.
Everyone else — including taught Master’s students (MSc, MBA, MA, etc.) — cannot bring dependents unless officially sponsored by a recognized government.
Example:
If you’re enrolled in a 1-year MBA at the University of Leeds without a government scholarship, you cannot bring your spouse or child under the 2025 rules.
Tip: Ask your university to confirm if your course qualifies as “research-based.” Many Nigerian applicants get this wrong at the CAS stage.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
A dependent can be:
- Spouse or civil partner (legally married to you)
- Unmarried partner (must prove a relationship of at least 2 years)
- Child under 18 years old, including those born in the UK during your study
You cannot sponsor siblings, parents, or extended family.
Proof of relationship required:
- Marriage certificate or cohabitation documents (joint utility bills, rent agreements)
- Birth certificate for children
- Translations if documents are not in English
The Dependent Financial Requirement (Proof of Funds)
Dependents must prove they can be financially supported without accessing public funds.
Calculating the Total Maintenance Funds
Formula:
(Student Maintenance) + (Dependent 1 Maintenance) + (Dependent 2 Maintenance) + (Outstanding Tuition)
Each dependent’s maintenance funds are based on 9 months maximum, even for longer courses.
Per-Dependent Maintenance Rates (Maximum 9 Months)
| Location | Monthly Rate | 9-Month Total |
|---|---|---|
| London | ÂŁ845 | ÂŁ7,605 |
| Outside London | ÂŁ680 | ÂŁ6,120 |
So, if you’re a PhD student in London with a spouse and one child, your proof of funds should show:
Student (ÂŁ12,006) + Spouse (ÂŁ7,605) + Child (ÂŁ7,605) = ÂŁ27,216 (plus tuition balance).
Source: UK Government – Money You Need for Student Visa
The Crucial 28-Day Rule for Dependents
Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying for the visa.
Key guidelines:
- The last day of the 28-day period must fall within 31 days of the visa submission date.
- The funds can be held in the main applicant’s account or the dependent’s own account.
- Cooperative, microfinance, or loan statements are not accepted.
“I learned the hard way that a shortfall on day 25 resets the entire 28-day count. Double-check your balance every week until submission.”
Acceptable bank statement formats:
- Printed or online statement with the bank logo, stamp, and officer’s signature
- Must show full names, account number, and daily closing balance
Nigeria-specific guidance: UK Visa and Immigration (TLScontact Lagos/Abuja)
Mandatory Fees and IHS Calculation
Dependent Visa Application Fee (From Outside the UK)
- Current fee: £490–£524 per dependent (varies slightly by exchange rate).
- Pay online during application through the UK Immigration Portal.
- Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
Always use your debit card in GBP when paying online to avoid FX rate losses from Naira cards.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for Dependents
The IHS gives your family access to the UK National Health Service (NHS).
Rate (2025):
- ÂŁ776 per year for each dependent
Example:
If your course lasts 2 years, your dependent must pay ÂŁ776 Ă— 2 = ÂŁ1,552 upfront at checkout.
You’ll receive an IHS reference number (starting with “IHS-”) immediately after payment — this must appear in your visa application form.
Final Checklist for Nigerian Applicants
If you qualify to bring dependents, attention to detail is everything — even one missing page or outdated bank statement can trigger a refusal.
Key Documents to Accompany a Dependent Application
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate / Proof of Relationship | Original or certified copy with translation if not in English |
| Birth Certificate (for Children) | Must list both parents’ names |
| Main Student’s CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) | Clearly stating course type and tuition paid |
| Proof of Funds | 28-day rule applied; bank statement must meet Home Office standards |
| Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate | Mandatory for all Nigerians (valid for 6 months) |
| IHS Payment Receipt | Each dependent must have their own |
| Copy of Main Applicant’s Visa Application | For reference and linkage |
“We nearly lost our visa because my spouse’s bank statement had a two-day gap. Get your statements printed, stamped, and dated correctly before applying.”
Common Pitfalls for Nigerians
- Applying as a taught Master’s student without realizing dependents are banned
- Using cooperative or microfinance banks (not accepted)
- Failing the 28-day balance check
- Submitting outdated TB certificates
- Forgetting the IHS confirmation number
Trusted Study and Visa Consultants in Nigeria
If you’re unsure whether you qualify or how to structure funds correctly, work with an accredited consultant:
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