Skilled Worker Dependent Visa: Complete Guide 2025

The Skilled Worker Dependent visa allows family members of those already in the UK on an eligible work visa to come and join them.

The Skilled Worker Dependant visa allows family members of Skilled Worker visa holders to join them in the UK. Eligible dependants include:

  • Spouses or civil partners
  • Unmarried partners in a genuine relationship of at least two years
  • Children under 18 years old

Dependants must apply separately and meet financial requirements, demonstrating that the Skilled Worker visa holder can support them without relying on public funds.

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.

Changes to the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa in 2024

In 2024, the UK government introduced significant changes to the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa rules, particularly affecting care workers and their families.

Restrictions for Care Workers’ Dependants

From 11 March 2024, new regulations restrict care workers and senior care workers under the Skilled Worker visa from bringing dependants unless specific conditions are met:

  • The care worker was employed in the UK and held a Skilled Worker visa before 11 March 2024.
  • The care worker is extending their Skilled Worker visa with the same employer, or switching jobs within the same occupation code under this visa route.

Increased Salary Thresholds

From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas increased from £26,200 to £38,700. However, this change does not apply to:

  • Health and Care Worker visas.
  • Occupations with national pay scales, such as education roles.

While the increased salary threshold primarily affects principal applicants, it may also impact dependants, as it influences the eligibility of their sponsors.

For expert guidance on navigating these changes or applying for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa, contact our immigration specialists today.

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.

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.

Supporting Documents For Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

Evidence of Relationship

  • For partners: Proof of marriage or civil partnership, or evidence of cohabitation for at least two years.
  • For children: Evidence of financial dependence and co-residency with the Skilled Worker visa holder.

Financial Requirement

Proof of sufficient funds maintained for at least 28 days, with amounts as follows:

  • £285 for a partner.
  • £315 for the first child.
  • £200 for each additional child.

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 – £719 per person
  • more than 3 years – £1,420 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 – £827 per person
  • more than 3 years – £1,636 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:

  • £551 if you’re staying for up to 3 years
  • £1,084 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

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:

Our Fixed Fees For Dependant Visas

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

Our ServiceOur Fixed Fees Range
Full service for dependant visa Entry Clearance to cover all the work until decision by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO)From £700 To £1,500 (no VAT)
Full service for switching into a dependant visa from inside the UK through Super Priority Service to cover our work until a decision on your applicationFrom £700 + VAT To £1,500 + VAT
Full service for the extension of dependant visa from inside the UK through Super Priority Service to cover our work until a decision on your applicationFrom £700 + VAT To £1,500 + VAT
Full service for ILR as a dependant from inside the UK through Super Priority Service to cover our work until decision on your applicationFrom £700 + VAT To £1,500 + VAT

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.

why choose deluxe law chambers for your skilled worker dependent visa application?