Adult Dependant Relative Visa

An Adult Dependent Relative Visa (ADR Visa) allows certain adult family members to come to the United Kingdom to live with and be supported by a relative who is a British citizen, settled person, refugee, or person with humanitarian protection. This route exists to support adults who require long-term personal care that is not available or affordable in their home country.

Applications for this visa are highly scrutinised because the Home Office expects strong evidence that the applicant genuinely requires long-term care and that the sponsor can meet that need.

At Mowbray Advisory, we provide clear, OISC-regulated immigration advice to help you understand the eligibility criteria, prepare compelling evidence, and navigate this complex route.

Who Can Apply for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa?

You may be eligible for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa if:

  • You are a parent, grandparent, adult child, or close family member
  • You require long-term personal care due to age, illness, disability, or another serious condition
  • You cannot receive or afford appropriate care in your home country
  • You have a relative in the UK who is willing and able to support you

This visa is not a route to settlement in every case — eligibility is based on clear evidence of need and the sponsor’s ability to provide long-term care.

Key Requirements for an ADR Visa

To make a successful application, you’ll normally need to demonstrate:

Dependency and Care Needs

Evidence that you require long-term personal care due to physical or mental health conditions, disability, or age-related needs.

Lack of Care Options Abroad

Demonstrate that equivalent care is not available or affordable in your home country.

Sponsor’s Ability to Provide Care

Your UK-based relative must show they can support your care needs in the UK without recourse to public funds.

Relationship Evidence

Documentation proving your family relationship to the sponsor (e.g. birth certificate, legal documents).

Appropriate Accommodation

Suitable accommodation must be available where you can live with your sponsor and receive the necessary care.

The Home Office tests ADR applications very carefully, and missing or unclear evidence is a common reason for refusal.

Common Challenges with ADR Visa Applications

This route has one of the highest refusal rates among family visas due to:

  • Insufficient medical or care evidence
  • Lack of clear proof that care is unavailable or unaffordable abroad
  • Failure to demonstrate long-term care needs
  • Inadequate financial or accommodation support documentation

We help identify and correct gaps before submission to reduce the risk of refusal.

How We Can Help

We support clients through the entire ADR visa process, including:

  • Assessing whether this route is appropriate for your circumstances
  • Advising on acceptable medical and dependency documentation
  • Reviewing and organising supporting evidence
  • Preparing and submitting your application correctly
  • Offering guidance on appeals and next steps where needed

You’ll work directly with your adviser, with clear guidance at every stage.

Speak to an Immigration Adviser

If you’re planning to apply for a Adult Dependant Relative Visa and want to avoid unnecessary delays or common pitfalls, we can help.
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