Understanding the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

The UK Skilled Worker visa route allows employers to sponsor overseas talent to fill skilled roles. Family unity is a core principle of this route: the main visa holder can bring their eligible family members, known as dependants, to join them in the UK. This dependent visa permits spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18 to live, work, and study in the UK for the same duration as the main applicant's visa.

Unlike some other visa categories, dependants of Skilled Workers enjoy full access to the UK labour market. They can take up any job, work for any employer, or be self-employed. They are not tied to the main visa holder's specific sponsor. This makes the route particularly attractive for families where both partners may wish to pursue careers.

This expanded guide walks you through every stage of the application, from eligibility checks to post-arrival steps, so you can prepare a robust submission.

Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

The UK Home Office defines a dependant in the context of a Skilled Worker visa as one of the following:

  • Spouse or civil partner – you must be legally married or in a registered civil partnership.
  • Unmarried or same-sex partner – you must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years immediately before the application.
  • Child under 18 – must be financially dependent on the main visa holder and not leading an independent life. Children over 18 cannot be included unless they are already in the UK as a dependant and applying to extend.

Stepchildren and adopted children are also eligible, provided the legal relationship and dependency can be proven.

What About Other Family Members?

Parents, siblings, or other extended relatives are not eligible under this route. They would need to apply under a separate immigration category, such as a family visa or Adult Dependent Relative visa, which has much stricter criteria.

Eligibility Requirements in Detail

To qualify, you must satisfy all of the following conditions:

1. Relationship Evidence

You need to provide clear proof of your relationship with the main Skilled Worker visa holder. Examples include:

  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate (with official English translation if issued in another language).
  • Birth certificate for a child, plus proof of the named parents on the certificate.
  • Proof of cohabitation for unmarried partners: at least two years of official documents covering your names at the same address, such as council tax bills, bank statements, utility bills, or tenancy agreements. These should be spread across the period to show consistent living together.

The Home Office is strict about genuineness. If you are applying as an unmarried partner, ensure you have at least six joint documents spanning the two-year period.

2. The Main Visa Holder Must Hold a Valid Skilled Worker Visa

Your application as a dependant cannot succeed if the main applicant has not yet been granted their Skilled Worker visa, or if their visa has expired. You can apply at the same time as the main applicant (on a joint application) or separately after they have been issued their visa. If applying later, you must include a copy of their valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or vignette.

3. Financial Requirement

You must prove that you have enough funds to support yourself (and any dependants included in your application) without recourse to public funds. The rule varies depending on whether the main applicant is already in the UK or applying from overseas:

  • If applying together from overseas: The main applicant must show they have at least £1,270 in their bank account (held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of the application). If you are applying separately later, you must show £285 for a spouse/partner and £315 for each child (up to a maximum of £630).
  • If the main applicant is already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and you are joining them: They must earn at least the general salary threshold for their job (usually £38,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher). If their salary is less than that, you must show savings to make up the shortfall.
  • If the main applicant had a previous visa that already covered the 28-day funds test: They may not need to re-prove finances when adding a dependant later, but the rules are complex. Always check the current Home Office guidance.

Acceptable funds include cash savings in a bank or building society account. They cannot be from a loan or other credit source. You must provide bank statements for the period showing the required amount.

4. English Language Requirement

Unlike the main Skilled Worker applicant, dependants do not need to prove English language proficiency. This applies regardless of nationality. An English test is not required for a dependent visa.

5. Tuberculosis (TB) Test

If you are applying from a country where TB is prevalent, you must have a negative TB test result from an approved testing centre. The test must be taken within six months before your application. Check the UK government list of countries requiring TB tests.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Prepare a complete set of supporting documents. A missing document is the most common reason for delays or refusals. Essential documents include:

  • Valid passport for each applicant (with at least one blank page).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (meeting UKVI specifications).
  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, cohabitation evidence, child’s birth certificate).
  • Proof of the main applicant’s Skilled Worker visa (copy of BRP or decision letter).
  • Bank statements showing the required funds held for 28 consecutive days.
  • TB test certificate (if applicable).
  • Valid Biometric Residence Permit (if extending or switching from within the UK).
  • Accommodation details (optional but helpful – a letter from the main visa holder confirming where you will stay).

If any document is not in English or Welsh, you must include a certified translation with the original.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Applications are made through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online portal. You will need to:

  • Create an account (a separate account for each adult dependant; children can be added to the parent’s application).
  • Select the correct visa type: “Dependant of a Skilled Worker”.
  • Fill in personal details, travel history, and information about the main visa holder.
  • Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) – you can schedule this later.

Be meticulously honest and consistent. Any discrepancies with the main applicant’s details can trigger an investigation.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

As of 2025 the standard application fee for a dependent visa is approximately £625 per person from outside the UK (£719 per person if applying from within the UK). In addition, each applicant must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – currently £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children. The fee is calculated for the full length of the visa (usually up to 5 years). For a 3-year visa, that would be £3,105 per adult, so a family of four can expect to pay several thousand pounds in fees and surcharges. Budget accordingly.

Step 4: Attend a Biometric Appointment

After submitting the online form, you will be directed to a visa application centre (VAC) in your country to enrol your biometric data. This is a quick process. Some centres offer a “priority service” for an extra fee (usually within 5 working days) or “super priority” (next day) for faster decisions. Check availability at your local VAC.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing times for a dependent visa from outside the UK are typically 3 weeks (non-priority) or 5 working days (priority). Inside the UK, standard postal applications can take up to 8 weeks. You can track your application online. If you are asked for additional documents (a “hold-up” request), provide them promptly.

Financial Requirements – A Closer Look

The financial requirement is often the trickiest part. Here are scenarios and tips:

  • Joint application: The main applicant can hold the funds in their name (or jointly with the partner). The dependant’s name on the account is not essential, but the main applicant must demonstrate control of the funds.
  • Savings from sale of assets: Cash from a house sale can be used if the funds have been in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before the application.
  • Multiple accounts: You can combine funds from different accounts (including overseas bank accounts) as long as each statement meets the 28-day rule and is dated within 31 days of the application.
  • Other income: Salaries or rental income cannot be used for the financial requirement unless they are already in the bank as savings. The rule is “funds held” not “income stream”.

If the main applicant’s job pays less than the general Skilled Worker salary threshold (currently £38,700), the shortfall can be made up with savings. The formula is: shortfall amount divided by 2.5 (if the visa is less than 5 years) or by 4 (if 5 years or more). This is a complex calculation; use the Home Office’s official guidance or consult an immigration solicitor if unsure.

What Happens After Approval?

Once your visa is granted:

  • You will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 90 days to travel to the UK. You must travel within that window.
  • After arrival, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the designated post office within 10 days. The BRP is your proof of immigration status.
  • You can start working, studying, or living in the UK immediately. No need to wait for an employer sponsorship.
  • Your visa expiry date will match the main visa holder’s. You must extend together when the time comes.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even minor errors can lead to refusal. Watch out for these:

  • Insufficient funds proof: Not holding the money for the full 28 days, or statements dated more than 31 days before submission. Ensure your bank statement clearly shows the balance for each day of the period.
  • Missing or inadequate relationship evidence: Especially for unmarried partners. Provide at least 6 official documents covering the 2-year cohabitation period.
  • Incorrect visa type selected: Do not confuse “Dependant of a Skilled Worker” with “Family Visa” or “Spouse Visa”. They have different requirements.
  • Applying too late: If you apply after the main visa holder’s visa has expired, you cannot be granted a dependent visa. Apply before expiry or at the same time as an extension.
  • Not paying the Health Surcharge in full: Underpayment will cause your application to be invalid.

If your application is refused, you may be able to appeal or request an administrative review depending on the reason. Acting quickly is crucial – you usually have 14 days.

Extending Your Dependent Visa

You can apply to extend your stay as a dependant from inside the UK before your current visa expires. The process is similar to the initial application, but you will also need to prove that the relationship still exists (e.g., updated financial documents, proof of continued co-living). If you obtained indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence, you can then apply for British citizenship if you meet the requirements.

Your Rights as a Dependant

As a Skilled Worker dependant, you have several important rights:

  • Work: No restrictions on employment – you can work full-time, part-time, be self-employed, or start a business. You can change jobs without notifying UKVI.
  • Study: You can study at any UK institution, including universities. You do not need a separate student visa.
  • Access to NHS: Covered by the Immigration Health Surcharge, you have access to the National Health Service on the same basis as a UK resident.
  • Travel: You can travel in and out of the UK freely. If your visa is for multiple entries, you can take trips abroad without affecting your status. However, long absences (more than 180 days in any 12 months) can break your continuous residence for ILR.
  • Public Funds: You cannot claim most public funds (benefits) unless you become eligible for ILR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from a dependent visa?

Yes. As a dependant, you can apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa in your own right, provided you find an employer sponsor. This does not end the main visa holder’s status – you would then hold your own visa.

Do I need a job offer to apply?

No. The dependent visa does not require a job offer. You can arrive and look for work, or not work at all.

What if my partner (the main visa holder) loses their job?

If the main visa holder’s Skilled Worker visa is curtailed (cut short) because they leave their sponsor, your dependant visa will be curtailed as well. You will need to either find a new employer for the main applicant (to switch sponsors) or leave the UK. You can also switch to another visa category independently if eligible.

Can I include children born in the UK?

Yes. A child born in the UK to a Skilled Worker and their dependant can apply for a dependent visa from inside the UK. The child will be added to the parent’s visa. They do not automatically get British citizenship unless one parent has ILR or British citizenship.

Final Practical Tips

  • Start gathering documents at least 2 months before you plan to apply. Bank statements and translations take time.
  • Use the official UKVI website for current fee amounts – fees and thresholds change annually.
  • If your case is unusual (e.g., previous visa refusal, criminal record, or complex finances), seek advice from a regulated immigration solicitor (OISC Level 3 or higher).
  • Keep digital copies of every document you submit. You may need them for future applications or extensions.
  • Stay informed about policy changes – the Home Office publishes updates regularly.

By thoroughly preparing and understanding each requirement, you can navigate the UK dependent visa process with confidence. The system is designed to keep families together while supporting the UK’s skilled workforce. With careful attention to documentation and deadlines, your family can soon be building a life in the UK.