The dependant pass is a document that allows the dependent family members of a foreign resident in Uganda to stay in the country with the resident. The dependant pass is granted to the children (less than 18 years), spouse, and other relatives of a foreign resident who can provide proof of legal stay in Uganda. The proof of legal stay can be in the form of a student pass, work permit, or a certificate of residence.

The dependant pass is an important document for foreign residents who want to bring their families to Uganda. It allows the family members to live with the foreign resident and provides them with legal status in the country. This makes it easier for the family members to access services such as education and healthcare. The dependant pass is issued by the Ugandan authorities and is subject to certain conditions.

To obtain a dependant pass, the foreign resident must have a valid work permit, student pass, or certificate of residence. The foreign resident must also meet the income requirements set by the Ugandan authorities. The income requirements are meant to ensure that the foreign resident is able to support their family members during their stay in Uganda. The dependant pass is issued for the same duration as the work permit, student pass, or certificate of residence.

The dependant pass is not just limited to the family members of foreign residents. It can also be issued to a foreign dependent of a Ugandan citizen. The foreign dependent can be a child, spouse, or other relative. The dependant pass is subject to the same conditions as those for foreign residents.

The dependant pass is an important document for the family members of foreign residents in Uganda. It allows them to live with the foreign resident and provides them with legal status in the country. This makes it easier for the family members to access services such as education and healthcare. The dependant pass also allows the family members to work or study in Uganda, subject to certain conditions.

The dependant pass is subject to renewal. To renew the dependant pass, the foreign resident must provide proof of their continued legal stay in Uganda. The foreign resident must also meet the income requirements set by the Ugandan authorities. The renewal process must be initiated before the expiry of the current dependant pass.

The dependant pass is a document that allows the family members of foreign residents to stay with them in Uganda. It is granted to children (less than 18 years), spouse, and other relatives of a foreign resident with proof of legal stay in Uganda. The dependant pass is subject to certain conditions, including income requirements, and is issued for the same duration as the work permit, student pass, or certificate of residence. The dependant pass is an important document for the family members of foreign residents in Uganda as it provides them with legal status in the country and allows them to access services such as education and healthcare.

Eligibility criteria for the Uganda Dependant Pass

To be eligible for a Uganda Dependant Pass, the applicant must be a dependent family member of a foreign resident or a Ugandan citizen. The dependent family member can be a spouse, child, or other relative. Additionally, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• Proof of legal stay: The foreign resident sponsoring the dependant must have a valid work permit, student pass, or certificate of residence.
• Financial requirements: The foreign resident sponsoring the dependant must meet the minimum income requirement set by the Ugandan authorities. This requirement is meant to ensure that the foreign resident is able to support their dependant(s) during their stay in Uganda.
• Relationship requirement: The applicant must provide sufficient evidence to show that they are a dependent family member of the sponsoring foreign resident. This evidence may include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other legal documents.
• Age requirement: Children who are less than 18 years old are eligible for the Uganda Dependant Pass.
• Medical requirements: The dependant must undergo a medical examination and provide a medical certificate showing that they are in good health and free from any contagious diseases.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for the Uganda Dependant Pass may vary depending on the type of visa or permit held by the sponsoring foreign resident. Additionally, the Ugandan authorities may request additional supporting documents during the application process to verify the eligibility of the applicant.

Overall, the Uganda Dependant Pass is designed to allow dependent family members of foreign residents to stay with their sponsor in Uganda. By meeting the eligibility criteria, the dependant can obtain legal status in Uganda and enjoy various benefits such as access to education and healthcare.

Supporting documents required for the Uganda Dependant Pass

To apply for a Uganda Dependant Pass, the applicant will need to provide the following supporting documents:-

Spouse

• Marriage certificate: The applicant must provide a copy of their marriage certificate to prove their relationship with the sponsoring foreign resident.
• Copy of Principal's passport: The sponsoring foreign resident must provide a copy of their passport to prove their identity and immigration status in Uganda.
• Immigration status of Principal: The sponsoring foreign resident must provide evidence of their legal status in Uganda. This can be in the form of a valid work permit, student pass, or certificate of residence.
• Recent passport-size photograph: The applicant must provide a recent passport-sized photograph.
• Passport copy of dependant: The dependant must provide a copy of their passport with at least six months of validity remaining.

Child

• Birth certificate: The applicant must provide a copy of their birth certificate to prove their age and relationship with the sponsoring foreign resident.
• Cover letter/diplomatic note from principal: The sponsoring foreign resident must provide a cover letter or diplomatic note explaining the purpose of the Uganda Dependant Pass application and guaranteeing financial support for the dependant.
• Principal's passport copy: The sponsoring foreign resident must provide a copy of their passport.

Other Relatives/Members Of The Household

• Principal's work permit / status in Uganda: The sponsoring foreign resident must provide evidence of their legal status in Uganda. This can be in the form of a valid work permit, student pass, or certificate of residence.
• Immigration status of dependant in Uganda: The dependant must provide evidence of their legal status in Uganda. This can be in the form of a valid student pass, work permit, or certificate of residence.
• Cover letter/diplomatic note from principal stating the relationship and reason for the dependant pass: The sponsoring foreign resident must provide a letter or diplomatic note explaining the reason for the dependant pass and the relationship with the applicant.
• Proof of relationship where applicable: The applicant must provide proof of their relationship with the sponsoring foreign resident. This may include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal documents.

Application process for the Uganda Dependant Pass

The process for applying for a Uganda Dependant Pass can be summarized into the following steps:

Step 1: Log into the Uganda Immigration Portal and select "Start New Application."

Step 2: Read and accept the terms and conditions displayed in the Disclaimer.

Step 3: Select the Dependant Pass type, category, and sub-category that apply to your situation.

Step 4: Complete the application form with accurate information.

Step 5: Upload all the required supporting documents. Upon submission, a six-digit application ID will be generated as the reference number.

Step 6: If prepayment is required, make the payment as directed on the portal.

Step 7: If the application is approved and does not require a top-up payment, an approval letter will be generated and emailed to the applicant on the portal's home page.

Step 8: If the application is approved and a top-up payment is required, make the payment as directed on the portal. After payment, an approval letter will be generated and emailed to the client.

Step 9: Report to the nearest immigration office or border post for biometric capture with all uploaded documents, payment receipts, approval letter, and passport.

Benefits of holding a Uganda Dependant Pass

Holding a Uganda Dependant Pass can come with several benefits, including:

• Legal stay in Uganda: A dependant pass allows the holder to legally reside in Uganda and enjoy the benefits that come with residing in the country.
• Opportunity to study: Dependents of foreign residents can attend schools in Uganda with their dependant passes. This presents an opportunity for dependents to access education in a new environment.
• Access to healthcare: Holders of the dependant pass are eligible to access healthcare services in Uganda, just like any other legal resident.
• Opportunity to work: Spouses and other dependents of foreign residents can apply for work permits and be allowed to work in Uganda. This can be an opportunity for dependents to contribute to the household income and also gain work experience.
• Family unity: A dependant pass allows family members to stay together, which can be particularly beneficial for children who can continue to be with their parents or guardians.
• Easy travel: Holders of the dependant pass are free to travel in and out of the country without restrictions, making it easy to visit family and friends or travel for work or leisure.

In summary, the Uganda Dependant Pass offers legal residency and other benefits to dependents of foreign residents and Ugandan citizens.

Validity and renewal of the Uganda Dependant Pass

The validity of the Uganda Dependant Pass varies depending on the immigration status of the principal (i.e. the foreign resident) and the reason for the dependant pass.

If the principal has a work permit or student pass, the dependant pass will usually be valid for the same duration as the principal's permit or pass. If the principal has a certificate of residence, the dependant pass will be valid for a period of two years.

Once the dependant pass has expired, it can be renewed by following the same application process as the initial application. The renewal process should be initiated at least two months before the expiry date of the current dependant pass to allow for processing time.

When renewing a dependant pass, the applicant will need to provide updated supporting documents, such as proof of the principal's current immigration status, proof of relationship, and proof of continued financial support for the dependent.

It is important to note that if the renewal application is not submitted before the current dependant pass expires, the dependent may be required to leave the country until the renewal is approved, or may be subject to penalties or fines. Therefore, it is recommended to start the renewal process early to avoid any disruptions to the dependent's legal status in Uganda.

Fee & Processing time of Uganda Dependant Pass

The processing time and fees for the Uganda Dependant Pass vary depending on the category of the dependent and the immigration status of the principal. Here are the current fees and processing times as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021:

• Child: USD 200, processing time is typically 2 to 3 weeks
• Spouse: USD 350, processing time is typically 2 to 3 weeks
• Other relatives/members of the household: USD 1000, processing time is typically 6 to 8 weeks

It's important to note that these processing times are approximate and can vary depending on the volume of applications received by the immigration authorities. Additionally, these fees are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the latest fees before submitting an application.

As mentioned, all visa fees are non-refundable and are subject to a bank charge. It's also important to ensure that all documents attached to the application are in English, as this is the official language of Uganda.

Differences between the Uganda Dependant Pass and other Student Pass

The Uganda Dependant Pass and Student Pass are two different types of visas that are issued by the Ugandan government to individuals who wish to reside in Uganda for various reasons.

The Dependant Pass is granted to the spouse, children (under 18 years), and other relatives of a foreign resident with proof of legal stay in Uganda, such as a student pass, work permit, or certificate of residence. It can also be issued to a foreign dependant of a Ugandan citizen.

On the other hand, the Student Pass is issued to foreign students who wish to study in Uganda. It allows them to reside in Uganda for the duration of their studies and is typically issued for a period of one year.

Here are some key differences between the two types of visas:

• Eligibility: The Dependant Pass is only available to the dependents of a foreign resident or a Ugandan citizen, while the Student Pass is only available to foreign students who wish to study in Uganda.
• Purpose: The Dependant Pass is issued to individuals who wish to reside in Uganda due to their relationship with a foreign resident or a Ugandan citizen. The Student Pass, on the other hand, is issued to individuals who wish to reside in Uganda for the purpose of studying.
• Duration: The Dependant Pass can be issued for a period of up to two years, while the Student Pass is typically issued for a period of one year. The Student Pass can be renewed annually as long as the student continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
• Fees: The fees for the Dependant Pass and the Student Pass are different, with the Dependant Pass being more expensive.
• Supporting documents: The supporting documents required for the Dependant Pass and the Student Pass are different. For example, the Student Pass requires proof of enrollment in a Ugandan educational institution, while the Dependant Pass requires proof of relationship to the foreign resident or Ugandan citizen.

In summary, the Uganda Dependant Pass and the Student Pass are two different types of visas with different eligibility requirements, purposes, durations, fees, and supporting documents. It's important to understand these differences and choose the appropriate visa based on your individual circumstances.

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