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Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

lexenlaw.co.uk > Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

Overview of the UK Skilled Worker Dependent Visa for Partners and Children

The Skilled Worker Dependent visa lets eligible family members of a Skilled Worker (or certain former Skilled Workers now settled) live in the UK. Each person applies separately as a partner or child and is granted leave in line with the main worker’s visa.

Key Points:

For spouses/civil partners, long-term unmarried partners, and eligible children

Leave usually matches the main Skilled Worker’s expiry date

Work and study allowed (with limited role restrictions)

No access to public funds; IHS payable

If the main Skilled Worker gets permanent residency, dependents on this visa can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain at the same time.

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    Who Counts as a Dependent and Relationship Evidence You’ll Need

    You must prove a genuine, subsisting relationship to the main applicant or settled former Skilled Worker.

    Key Points:

    Partners: married/civil partners, or unmarried partners living together 2+ years

    Children: under 18 (or 18+ already in the UK as dependants)

    Evidence: marriage/civil certificate, cohabitation records, joint bills/bank statements

    Children must be financially dependent, not married, and living with you (unless in education)

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    Core Eligibility Rules for Skilled Worker Dependants

    Your sponsor must hold an eligible Skilled Worker visa (or be settled/British having previously held it), and you must meet suitability and relationship rules.

    Key Points:

    Both partners 18+ for partner applications

    Clear immigration history and genuine intent to live together

    Children over 16 must show ongoing dependency/address evidence

    Some previous UK visa categories cannot switch into this route

    What You Can and Cannot Do As a Skilled Worker Dependant

    Dependants enjoy broad rights to live, work and study in the UK, with specific exclusions.

    Key Points:

    Can: work (not as a doctor/dentist in training, pro sportsperson/coach), study, travel

    Cannot: claim public funds

    Visa can be extended in line with the main applicant’s extensions

    Possible route to ILR after qualifying residence

    Meeting the Financial Requirement for Skilled Worker Dependants

    You must show enough funds to support each dependant unless an exemption applies.

    Key Points:

    Maintenance: £285 partner, £315 first child, £200 each additional child

    Funds held for 28 of the 31 days before application

    Exempt if: you’ve both been lawfully in the UK 12+ months, or sponsor’s CoS certifies your first-month maintenance

    Evidence: recent bank statements and (if used) CoS maintenance confirmation

    New Skill and Salary Thresholds That Affect Dependant Eligibility

    Policy changes tighten which roles can sponsor dependants and raise salary floors.

    Key Points:

    From 22 July 2025, only RQF Level 6+ roles qualify to bring dependants

    Many medium-skilled roles (incl. most care roles) no longer eligible

    Transitional protection may apply if sponsored in such roles before the cut-off and continuously compliant

    Current headline salary floor for main applicants: £41,700 or going rate (whichever higher)

    Proving a Genuine Relationship and Child Dependency to UKVI

    Strong, consistent documentation reduces refusal risk.

    Key Points:

    Partners: marriage/civil certificate or 2+ years’ cohabitation evidence

    Children: birth certificates, proof of address/dependency, consent where required

    Explain any gaps (e.g., study, work travel) with dated evidence

    Keep timelines, addresses, and names consistent across all documents

    Costs You Should Budget For (Visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge)

    Fees mirror the Skilled Worker route plus the NHS surcharge per person.

    Key Points:

    Visa fee: typically £769–£1,519 per dependant (duration/location dependent)

    IHS: £1,035 per adult per year; £776 per child per year

    Extra costs: document translations, biometrics, TB tests (where required)

    Maintain funds for the maintenance requirement separately from fees/IHS

    Faster Decisions via Priority and Super Priority Processing

    Optional services can speed up outcomes where available.

    Key Points:

    Priority: +£500, target ~5 working days

    Super Priority: +£1,000, target next working day after biometrics

    Availability varies by country/application type

    Prepare a complete bundle to avoid losing the speed benefit due to queries

    How to Apply From Outside or Inside the UK Without Delays

    Accurate forms, linked applications, and complete evidence are essential.

    Key Points:

    Apply online; provide sponsor’s GWF/UAN to link cases

    Attend biometrics (VAC/UKVCAS) and upload documents

    In-UK switch not allowed from certain short/visitor categories

    Do not travel while an in-country application is pending (it will be withdrawn)

    Linking Family Applications So Decisions Arrive Together

    Correctly connecting files helps UKVI consider the family as a unit.

    Key Points:

    Use the main applicant’s GWF/UAN on each dependant form

    Include any family linking code if provided

    Keep personal data (names, DoB, addresses) consistent across all forms

    Submit around the same time to avoid sequencing delays

    Exceptional Circumstances, Transitional Protections, and Discretion

    Some families may qualify despite tighter rules.

    Key Points:

    Transitional cover may apply to pre-cut-off medium-skilled/care roles

    “Leave outside the rules” occasionally granted on compelling grounds

    Evidence must be clear: employment history, sponsorship continuity, compassionate factors

    Decisions are discretionary; strong legal submissions help

    ILR Pathway for Skilled Worker Dependants and Settlement Timing

    Dependants can gain permanent residence after qualifying residence periods.

    Key Points:

    Typically eligible for ILR after 5 continuous years

    Must meet English and Life in the UK (adult dependants)

    Absence limits apply; keep travel within thresholds

    Main applicant must achieve/retain settlement for dependants to qualify

    Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Refusals in Dependant Cases

    Most setbacks trace to weak evidence or linkage errors.

    Key Points:

    Incomplete relationship/maintenance proof, inconsistent timelines

    Forgetting to link to the main applicant’s case (GWF/UAN)

    Using out-of-date bank statements or missing 28-day maintenance window

    Applying to switch from an ineligible UK category

    Practical Prep Checklist Before You Click “Submit”

    A clean, consistent bundle makes approvals smoother.

    Key Points:

    Valid passports, sponsor’s status evidence, GWF/UAN, CoS details

    Relationship and cohabitation documents; child dependency proof

    Maintenance statements covering the correct 28-day window

    Translations, TB certificates (if required), and biometrics booked

    Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.

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