Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) Visa

Our specialist Immigration Solicitors can help you to prepare a robust, evidence‑led ADR case that meets the UKVI’s entry clearance requirements.

What is the Adult Dependant Relative visa?

The Adult Dependent Relative route is for someone aged 18+ who needs long‑term personal care to perform everyday tasks as a result of age, illness or disability, and where that level of care is not available or not affordable in their country of residence – even with your financial help. The UK sponsor must be a British citizen, settled in the UK, hold protection status, or (in prescribed circumstances) be an EEA national with permission under Appendix EU. ADR is an entry clearance route: the application is made from outside the UK.

Outcome of a successful application

If the sponsor is British or settled, the Adult Dependant Relative applicant is normally granted settlement on arrival. If the sponsor has temporary permission, the ADR applicant is granted leave in line with the sponsor and may later qualify for settlement.

Who can be sponsored?

• Parent (18+), grandparent, adult child, brother or sister of the UK‑based sponsor. Certain partners of applying parents/grandparents can be included if applying at the same time.
• The sponsor must be 18+ and fall into an eligible status category (British/settled/protection status/specified EEA with Appendix EU permission).

Important: Adult Dependant Relative is not a general “elderly parent” visa or a route for healthy but financially dependent relatives – the test is care‑based and stringent. Historic data show very high refusal rates where evidence is weak.

The core legal requirements (what the Entry Clearance Officers look for)

Decision‑makers work through specific tests in Appendix Adult Dependent Relative and the caseworker guidance. A persuasive application is evidence‑heavy and must address each element:

Genuine family relationship

Prove the ADR applicant is your parent, grandparent, adult child, or sibling (long‑form birth/marriage records, DNA evidence only where appropriatede).

Long‑term personal care need

Medical evidence must show that the applicant requires long term care and help with everyday tasks (washing, dressing, cooking, mobility, medication) – not just occasional assistance. Independent medical evidence in the form of clinical opinions, functional assessments, care plans and occupational therapy reports are critical.

Required level of care is not available or not affordable in the applicant’s home country

You must show why appropriate care cannot reasonably be obtained locally, even with your financial support. Evidence typically covers:

• Enquiries to public and private care providers and waiting lists;
• Costed quotes vs. verified income/resources;
• Availability/skills of carers and medical infrastructure;
• Why family/friends/neighbours cannot reasonably provide care.

Maintenance, accommodation and care in the UK – without public funds

You undertake to maintain, accommodate and care for your ADR family member in the UK without recourse to public funds (including signing a 5‑year undertaking if you’re British/settled). Provide detailed income, savings, housing and care proposals.

Suitability & Article 8 ECHR

Standard suitability checks apply. If strict requirements are not met, decision‑makers assess whether refusal would breach Article 8 (family life) in exceptional circumstances.

Evidence that wins (and what commonly fails)

What helps:

• Clinically reasoned medical letters (diagnoses, effects on Activities of Daily Living, prognosis, why informal care is unsafe or unsustainable).
• Country‑specific care market evidence: written responses from care homes/home‑care agencies, capacity statements, cost breakdowns, and comparisons against verified family resources.
• Social/Community context: evidence explaining why relatives in‑country cannot reasonably provide care (distance, health, work, caregiving burdens).
• UK care plan: identified GP registration pathway, named carers or agencies, adaptations, realistic weekly schedule and funding.

What fails:

• Generic letters stating “elderly and better off in the UK” or “prefers to be near family” without functional evidence.
• Vague assertions that care “is expensive” without quotes and affordability analysis.
• Assuming financial dependency alone satisfies ADR (it doesn’t– care need is central).

Application process & timing

1. Pre‑assessment & strategy – We map your facts to Appendix Adult Dependant Relative tests, identify evidence gaps, and advise on medical/care evidence to commission.
2. Online application (entry clearance) – ADR is applied for outside the UK; biometrics at a visa centre.
3. Supporting bundle – We compile the legal submissions and exhibits (medical, care market, maintenance/accommodation, family circumstances).
4. Decision & entry – If your sponsor is British/settled, indefinite leave to enter is typically granted; otherwise leave is in line with the sponsor.

Processing times & difficulty: ADR decisions can take months and the refusal rate is historically high, so front‑loaded evidence and legal argument are vital. Where refused, appeals focus heavily on documentary quality and Article 8 proportionality.

Adult Dependant Relative visa fees, IHS & conditions (overview)

• Application type: Entry clearance as Adult Dependent Relative (outside the UK).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Where indefinite leave is granted on arrival (sponsor British/settled), IHS does not apply; where limited leave is granted (sponsor has temporary permission), IHS is normally payable. (Your exact liability depends on the grant type and length of leave.)
• No recourse to public funds condition usually applies to limited leave.

(Contact us for a tailored costs sheet—Home Office fees and IHS rates change periodically.)

Why choose Ward Hadaway’s immigration lawyers?

• Evidence‑first approach: we coordinate clinicians, care‑economy evidence, and UK care plans to address each rule head‑on.
• Strategic risk analysis: candid advice on prospects, alternatives (e.g., Innovator Founder, Skilled Worker self‑sponsorship, or UK Expansion Worker where family strategy suggests different routes), and Article 8 tactics where appropriate.
• Appeals & reconsiderations: if refused, we assess grounds to challenge based on law, policy, and the evidential record.

Start your ADR case today

ADR success depends on meticulous evidence and tight legal argument. To ask about your own circumstances, please complete the form and one of our specialist immigration lawyers will be in touch to assess eligibility and advise you how we can assist with the preparation of your Adult Dependant Relative visa application.