The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa allows an eligible family member of a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or someone with refugee or humanitarian protection to come to the UK on a permanent basis. This route is intended for individuals who require long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability and who cannot receive the level of care they need in their home country. ADR visas are known for having strict requirements, and applications must be thoroughly prepared and well-evidenced.
Who Can Apply
You may apply as an Adult Dependent Relative if you are the parent, grandparent, sibling, son, or daughter of a qualifying UK sponsor and you:
– Require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks (e.g., washing, dressing, cooking)
– Cannot reasonably obtain the level of care you need in your home country
Only genuine and exceptional circumstances will qualify.
Eligibility Requirements
Care Needs
You must demonstrate that, due to age, illness, or disability, you:
– Require long-term personal care for everyday living, and
– Cannot perform daily tasks without assistance.
Medical evidence is essential and must clearly explain your condition, prognosis, and care
requirements.
Lack of Adequate Care in Home Country
You must show that:
– The required level of care is not available, not affordable, or not practical in your home country.
– There are no family members who can reasonably provide the care you need.
This is one of the most challenging requirements and must be supported with strong evidence.
Sponsor Requirements
Your UK-based sponsor must be:
– A British citizen,
– A person settled in the UK, or
– A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
They must also be able to demonstrate that they can:
– Provide adequate maintenance
– Provide accommodation
– Look after you without relying on public funds
Common Reasons for Refusal
ADR visas face a high refusal rate; common reasons include where:
– There is insufficient medical evidence
– The Home Office believes care is available or affordable in the home country
– There is a failure to prove that family members cannot provide care
– The financial evidence does not meet requirements
– There isn’t a detailed explanation of care needs and daily living limitations.
A well-prepared application significantly increases the chance of success.
FAQs
What does “long-term personal care” mean?
It means you need assistance with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, or moving around due to age, illness, or disability. A medical condition alone is not enough—your inability to perform daily tasks must be clearly demonstrated.
Do I need to show that care is not available in my home country?
Yes. This is a key requirement. Applicants must prove that adequate care is not available, not affordable, or not sustainable in their home country and that no family members or professionals can meet their needs.
What financial requirements must the UK sponsor meet?
The sponsor must show they can provide adequate maintenance, accommodation, and care for you in the UK without relying on public funds.
Can I apply if I currently receive care in my home country?
Yes, but you must show why the current care arrangement is not sufficient, sustainable, or appropriate. For example, carers may be unavailable, unaffordable, or unable to meet your complex medical needs.
What happens if my application is refused?
You will normally have the right to appeal, especially when the refusal affects your human rights (Article 8 – family life).
Can siblings apply under this route?
Yes, but only if they meet all requirements, particularly that they require long-term personal care and cannot obtain this in their home country. Sibling applications face higher scrutiny and must be strongly evidenced.
Can the sponsor include multiple relatives in one application?
No. Each relative must apply individually, and each case is assessed on its own medical and care needs.
Are ADR visas difficult to obtain?
Yes. The ADR route has one of the highest refusal rates across UK immigration. A well-prepared, fully evidenced application is crucial to success.
How We Can Help
ADR applications require a high level of detail and strong supporting evidence. We provide comprehensive support from start to finish. We assess your circumstances to determine eligibility, advise on the strengths of your case, and identify any potential risks.
We work closely with you to obtain the required medical reports, prepare detailed statements showing why adequate care is not available in your home country. We also advise on the sponsor’s financial and accommodation documents and draft persuasive legal representations demonstrating how your case meets the requirements.