Bringing family
Who is a Tier 4 dependant?
The UK Border Agency provides full details of who is a 'dependant' and which documents are required.
UKCISA has more information about your family's immigration.
Your family (sometimes referred to as 'dependants') can join you in the UK if you are a postgraduate student on a course that is longer than 12 months. Your dependants:
- need to make a separate application on form (VAF 10) and provide supporting documents
- have the right to work in the UK if your course is 12 months or longer.
If your sponsor is paying for your dependants to live in the UK, the sponsor's letter must state the amount that is being provided for your dependants.
Child dependant visas
If both parents are responsible for looking after a child, then they must both come with the child to the UK.
If you have 'sole responsibility' for your child, you will need to provide evidence of this to UKBA when making your child's visa application.
If you have sole responsibility for your child, or children, you are strongly advised to apply for their visa(s) at the same time as your own, before leaving home. Please contact an international student adviser if you need further advice.
Schooling
Schooling will be available to your children but you must have accommodation arranged in the UK to apply for a place. The school year starts about a month earlier than the University academic year.
Pre-school age children
Westwood Nursery on campus is for children from six months to four years. The nursery also offers playschemes during vacation time. The nursery is not free, and there are limited places, so please make enquiries about fees and availability before you arrive in Bath.
Useful links
- The International Student Advice Team has more information about partners and families.
- The Family Information Service provides information about schools, nurseries, childminders, holiday playschemes and places to take your children in Bath.
