- Route
- Standard Visitor visa (or visa-free for some)
- Length
- Usually up to 6 months
- Cannot
- Work, study long-term, claim public funds
- Different from
- A dependant visa (to live with you)
Key takeaways
- Family can visit on a Standard Visitor visa — separate from a dependant visa.
- Visitor stays are usually up to six months, for tourism and family visits.
- Visitors cannot work, study long-term or claim public funds.
- Some nationalities can visit without a visa for short stays — check GOV.UK.
Visiting vs bringing dependants
If your family simply wants to visit — for a holiday, your graduation, or to see where you live — they normally apply for a Standard Visitor visa, which allows stays of up to six months for tourism and family visits. This is entirely separate from, and far easier than, a dependant visa (which lets a partner or child live with you and is now restricted to certain students). Nationals of some countries can come as visitors without applying for a visa in advance, for short stays.
What visitors can and can't do
A visitor can travel, sightsee, spend time with you and attend events like your graduation, but they cannot work, enrol in long-term study, or claim public funds, and they must satisfy the Home Office that they will leave at the end of their visit and can support themselves. A strong visitor application shows clear ties to home and sufficient funds. Study UK Now can advise your family on a Standard Visitor application and how it differs from a dependant route. Confirm current rules on GOV.UK.
How Study UK Now helps with this
Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.
Frequently asked questions
Can my family visit me in the UK while I study?
Yes — your family can visit on a Standard Visitor visa, usually for up to six months, for tourism and family visits. This is separate from a dependant visa (to live with you). Visitors cannot work or study long-term and must show they will leave at the end. Some nationalities can visit visa-free for short stays — confirm on GOV.UK.
What is the difference between a visitor visa and a dependant visa?
A Standard Visitor visa lets family come for a short stay (usually up to six months) to visit, without working or long-term study, and is relatively straightforward. A dependant visa lets a partner or child live with you for the duration of your studies, is more involved, requires extra financial evidence, and is now restricted to certain students. Study UK Now can advise on both.
Sources — verified June 2026
Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.