Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Application: Eligibility & Documents

The UK Skilled Worker Dependant visa allows eligible family members of a Skilled Worker visa holder to live in the UK for the duration of the main applicant’s visa. This guide explains who can apply, the updated 2026 rules, eligibility requirements, documents, processing times, work rights, and settlement options.

Following major rule changes effective 22 July 2025, eligibility for dependants is now more restricted. Understanding these changes is essential before submitting an application.

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What is the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa?

The Skilled Worker Dependant Visa allows immediate family members of a Skilled Worker visa holder to join them in the UK. Eligible dependants include the partner or dependent child of someone who:

• Is applying for a Skilled Worker visa, or
• Already has leave to remain under the Skilled Worker immigration route.

Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa in 2026?

A dependant visa may be available to close family members of a Skilled Worker visa holder, provided the sponsor meets the current skill-level requirements.

Important Rule Change (Effective 22 July 2025)

Only Skilled Worker visa holders whose job is at RQF Level 6 or above may sponsor dependants if their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued on or after 22 July 2025.

❌ Care Workers and Senior Care Workers can no longer sponsor dependants under the new rules.

✅ Transitional protection applies where:

• The Skilled Worker was granted their visa before 22 July 2025, and
• They have held Skilled Worker permission continuously since then

In these cases, dependants may still be eligible even if the role is below RQF Level 6.

Overview of the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa (Tier 2)

The Skilled Worker Dependent Visa allows eligible dependent family members of Skilled Worker visa holders to join them in the UK. Each dependent must submit a separate application, either as a partner or a child of the Skilled Worker sponsor.

Eligibility for Dependents:

• Partner: Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner in a genuine relationship of at least two years.
• Child: Under 18 years old at the time of application or 16 and over if financially dependent, unmarried, and not living independently unless in full-time education.

This visa route is also available for dependents of individuals who:

• Have settled status through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.
• Previously held a Skilled Worker visa (or the now-replaced Tier 2 visa).

Important Notes:

• The UK Tier 2 visa has been replaced by the Skilled Worker Visa and Health and Care Worker Visa.
• The Tier 2 Dependent Visa is now known as the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa.

Who Qualifies as a Skilled Worker Dependant?

Dependant Partner

A dependant partner can be:

• A spouse or civil partner, or
• An unmarried partner who has lived with the Skilled Worker in a genuine relationship for at least 2 years

The relationship must be legally recognised in the UK where applicable.

Dependant Child

A dependant child includes:

• Children under 18, including those born in the UK during the Skilled Worker’s stay
• Children aged 18 or over, if they are already in the UK as dependants

Children aged 16 or over must show they:

• Live with the Skilled Worker (except for full-time education away from home)
• Are not married or in a civil partnership
• Have no children of their own
• Are financially supported by the Skilled Worker

A child can apply if:

• Both parents are applying together, or
• Both parents are already in the UK, or
• One parent is in the UK and the other is applying to join with the child

Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Requirements (UK)

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following:

• A genuine relationship with the Skilled Worker
• Intention to live together in the UK
• The Skilled Worker has valid leave remaining
• Suitable accommodation in the UK
• Sufficient maintenance funds
• No access to public funds

If you’re a care worker or senior care worker

Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants. One of the following must be true:

• you have been continually employed as a care worker or senior care worker in the UK and on a Skilled Worker visa since before 11 March 2024
• you’re applying for a child born in the UK
• you’re the only living parent responsible for your child and you’re applying for permission for your child to stay in the UK
• your child’s other parent is also sponsored as a care worker or senior care worker and you’re applying for permission for your child to stay in the UK

If your occupation code is a ‘medium skilled’ job (not care worker or senior care worker)

If your job is listed as ‘medium skilled’, your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants. One of the following must be true:

• you have been continually employed in the UK on a Skilled worker visa and in a ‘medium skilled’ job since before 22 July 2025 
• you’re applying for a child born in the UK
• you’re the only living parent responsible for your child and you’re applying for permission for your child to stay in the UK
• your child’s other parent is also sponsored for a job listed as ‘medium skilled’ and you’re applying for permission for your child to stay in the UK

What Are the Financial Requirements for the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa?

When applying for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa, you must provide proof that you or your family member can financially support you during your stay in the UK. The minimum financial requirements are:

• £285 for a partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

You or your family member must demonstrate that these funds have been available for at least 28 of the 31 days before the visa application date. Evidence can include a recent bank statement showing the required amount.

Exceptions to Financial Evidence:

You do not need to provide proof of funds if:

• You and your family member have already been in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or more.
• Your family member’s UK employer agrees to cover your living costs for the first month in the UK. This must be stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship issued for the Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visa.

For expert assistance with your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application, contact our immigration team today.

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

To apply for a Skilled Worker Dependant visa, follow these steps:

• Complete the Online Application
  Dependants must submit an online application on the Home Office website. Separate applications are required for each family member.
• Provide the Unique Application Number (UAN)
  You will need your partner or parent’s UAN, which is found on correspondence from the Home Office regarding their Skilled Worker visa application.
• Prove Your Identity
  • If applying from outside the UK, visit an overseas Visa Application Centre (VAC).
  • If applying from within the UK, attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
  • Alternatively, use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app if eligible.
• Attend Biometric Appointment
  If required, provide fingerprints and a photograph to obtain a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• Submit Supporting Documents
  Evidence must be provided to prove your relationship, financial ability, and other eligibility criteria.

Documents Required for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

You may be asked to provide:

• Valid passport or ID
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• Evidence of the Skilled Worker’s valid visa
• Proof of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
• Maintenance funds (bank statements)
• For children aged 16+: proof of dependency, such as:
  • Bank statements
  • NHS letters
  • University or college confirmation
  • Official correspondence

How much does a Skilled Worker Dependant visa cost?

If you’re applying from outside the UK, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:

• up to 3 years – £769 per person
• more than 3 years – £1,519 per person

If you’re applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:

• up to 3 years – £885 per person
• more than 3 years – £1,751 per person

If your job is on the immigration salary list

You and your family will pay a lower application fee if your job is on the immigration salary list.

The fee for each person applying is:

• £590 if you’re staying for up to 3 years
• £1,160 if you’re staying for more than 3 years

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Healthcare surcharge For Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay – this is usually £1,035 per year for an adult and £776 per year for a child. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Processing Time for skilled worker dependent visa

• Outside the UK: Decision within 3 weeks after submitting biometrics and documents.
• Inside the UK: Decision within 8 weeks.
• Priority Services: May reduce processing time; availability depends on the application type.

As specialist immigration solicitors for dependant visa UK, we can provide fast, friendly, reliable and fixed fee legal services for following applications for dependants of Skilled Worker migrant:

• Entry Clearance For Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
• Switching Into Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
• Extension Of Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
• ILR As A Skilled Worker Dependant
• Administrative Review Of UK Visa Refusal

Our Fixed Fees For Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

Our fixed fees for dependant visa applications are as given in the fee table below:

The agreed fixed fee will depend on the complexity of the application and the volume of casework involved. In addition to our fixed fee, the applicant also has to pay the Home Office UKVI fees.

Does a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Lead to ILR?

Yes. Most dependants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years in the UK, provided they meet residence and suitability requirements.

After ILR:

• There are no immigration restrictions
• British citizenship may be available after 12 months