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Tier 1 (General)

A highly skilled migrant reviewing their application

Dependants' maintenance

This page explains the requirements for maintenance (funds) that you must meet if want to apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK as the dependant of a migrant under Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system.

To qualify for a visa or permission to stay as a dependant of a Tier 1 (General) applicant or migrant, you must show that you have enough personal funds to support yourself for the entire period of your stay.

Your evidence must show personal cash funds which are held in savings or current accounts. Other accounts such as shares, bonds, overdrafts, credit cards, and pension funds are not accepted as evidence.

You and the main applicant should have already assessed your potential living costs to ensure that you have enough funds to support yourselves. Your application will not succeed if you are unable to meet the maintenance requirements.

If the main Tier 1 (General) applicant or migrant has been in the UK for less than 12 months, you must show that you or they have at least £1,600 to support you, in addition to the funds needed to support them.

If the main applicant or migrant has been in the UK for 12 months or more, you or they must have at least £533 to support you.

How we assess maintenance evidence for online bank accounts

Accounts held with internet based banks

For the purpose of the points-based system an online bank account is one that operates over the internet only and sends your bank statements to you electronically (for example over the internet or through email).

If your wish to use electronic bank statements from an online bank account as evidence, these statements must always be accompanied by a supporting letter from that bank, on their company headed paper, confirming the authenticity of the statements

Accounts held with other banks

If you have a bank account that does not operate exclusively online but you receive your bank statements electronically and you wish to use these statements as evidence of funds for maintenance, you should provide:

  • electronic bank statements printed at the bank on their official stationery; or
  • electronic statements printed by the applicant and bearing the official stamp of the bank in question. This stamp should appear on every page of the statements; or
  • a supporting letter from the bank, on the banks company headed paper, confirming the authenticity of the statements.

All evidence must meet the requirements listed in the policy guidance which you can download from the right side of this page. Mini-statements from cash points are not acceptable as evidence.

Application forms

Dependants of Tier 1, 2 and 5 migrants of the points-based system - for applications made inside the UK

Choose a different form

See also