If you’re a skilled worker planning to move to the UK, your dependents—such as your partner or children—may be able to join you under the Dependent Skilled Worker Visa. This visa allows family members to live, work, and study in the UK while you work there. However, to bring your dependents, there are several key requirements and processes they must follow.
In this guide, we’ll explain the requirements and processes for applying for a Dependent Skilled Worker Visa, along with the changes after Brexit that affect these applications.
Who Can Apply for a Dependent Skilled Worker Visa?
The following family members of a Skilled Worker visa holder can apply as dependents:
- Spouse or partner (married or unmarried)
- Children under 18 years old
For dependents to be eligible, they must meet specific conditions, including proving their relationship to the main applicant. Their visa will be granted along with the main applicant’s visa.
Key Requirements for Dependent Skilled Worker Visa Applicants
1. Validity Requirements
Before applying, dependents must ensure they meet these basic validity conditions:
- Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photos).
- Have a valid passport or another travel document to confirm their identity and nationality.
2. Suitability Requirements
Dependents must also meet the suitability requirements, which include:
- Not having a criminal record or immigration violations.
- If applying from within the UK (switching visas), the applicant must not be under immigration bail.
- Applicants must follow the correct immigration rules for the type of visa they are applying for.
3. Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Dependent Skilled Worker Visa, the dependent must meet these conditions:
- Entry Clearance: Dependents must be granted entry clearance before arriving in the UK. If this is not done, they will be refused entry at the UK border.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If the dependent has lived in a country where TB screening is required, they must provide a TB test certificate.
- Immigration Status of the Main Applicant: Dependents of those with a settled status or British citizenship can still apply for a dependent visa.
4. Relationship Requirements
The UK Home Office closely examines whether the relationship between the main applicant and the dependent is genuine and ongoing. The following relationship criteria must be met:
- Partner Requirements:
- Both the main applicant and the dependent partner must be over 18.
- If the relationship is polygamous, the dependent’s visa will be rejected.
- Evidence of Relationship: Dependents must prove their relationship is genuine, using evidence such as marriage or civil partnership certificates, cohabitation evidence (e.g., bank statements, utility bills), or proof of at least 2 years of living together in a relationship.
For dependent children, they must meet additional criteria such as:
- Living with the main applicant or in full-time education.
- Being financially supported by the main applicant.
5. Financial Requirements
The main applicant must show they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents. The financial support amounts are as follows:
- £285 for a partner.
- £315 for one child.
- £200 for each additional child.
For example, if you have a partner and one child, you will need £600 (£285 + £315) plus £1,270 for yourself. The money must be available for 28 consecutive days before the application is made.
6. Criminal Record Certificate
If the partner of a Skilled Worker is applying for entry clearance, they must provide a Criminal Record Certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
How to Apply for the Dependent Skilled Worker Visa
Dependents must apply online and pay the necessary fees. Here’s how the process works:
- Online Application: The dependent must submit their application online and include the main applicant’s Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN).
- Biometric Information: They will need to attend a visa application center to provide their biometric details (fingerprints and photographs).
- Provide Documents: Dependents must provide all required documents, such as their passport, relationship evidence, financial proof, and criminal record certificate (if required).
Fees for the Dependent Skilled Worker Visa
The visa application fees depend on whether the dependent is applying from inside or outside the UK:
- Outside the UK:
- £610 per person for up to 3 years.
- £1,220 per person for more than 3 years.
- Inside the UK:
- £704 per person for up to 3 years.
- £1,408 per person for more than 3 years.
If the main applicant’s job is on the Shortage Occupation List, the fees are reduced:
- £464 per person for up to 3 years.
- £928 per person for more than 3 years.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is charged per person:
- £624 per year for adults.
- £470 per year for children.
Processing Time
- Overseas Applications: Usually take around 3 weeks to process.
- Super Priority Service: In some countries, you can apply for a faster processing service.
Switching or Extending a Dependent Visa
A dependent cannot switch to a Skilled Worker dependent visa if they are already in the UK on certain other visa types, including:
- Visit visa
- Short-term student visa
- Seasonal worker visa
However, dependents can extend their visa alongside the main applicant’s visa.
The Dependent Skilled Worker Visa allows partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders to join them in the UK. Dependents must meet various requirements, such as proving their relationship, meeting financial support criteria, and submitting the right documents.
By following the correct process and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can ensure your dependents join you in the UK without delays or issues. If you need help with the visa application process, Law and Visas offers expert advice and support to guide you through each step.
