The Tier 2 dependent visa is one of the most searched immigration topics in the UK, yet many applicants do not realise that the Tier 2 visa route no longer formally exists. It was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa in December 2020 as part of the UK’s points-based immigration system. However, the dependent visa rules for skilled worker visa holders, which is the modern equivalent of Tier 2, remain highly relevant for families wanting to join a sponsored worker in the UK.
In this guide, we explain what the Tier 2 dependent visa was, how the skilled worker dependant route works today, who can apply, what rights dependants have in the UK, and how the application process works in 2026.
What was the Tier 2 dependent visa?
The Tier 2 visa was the primary work visa route for skilled overseas workers coming to the UK before December 2020. It was part of the old points-based immigration system. Under Tier 2, sponsored workers could bring their close family members to the UK as Tier 2 dependants.
When the Home Office replaced Tier 2 with the Skilled Worker visa in December 2020, the dependent route was updated to reflect the new framework. The Tier 2 dependent visa is now formally called the Skilled Worker dependant visa or dependent on a Skilled Worker visa.
Therefore, if you are searching for Tier 2 dependent visa information, this guide covers everything you need to know about the current equivalent route in 2026.
Who can apply as a Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) dependant?
The following family members can apply as dependants of a Skilled Worker visa holder:
Spouse or civil partner: Your husband, wife, or civil partner can apply as your dependant. The relationship must be legally recognised. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. A marriage or civil partnership certificate is required as evidence.
Unmarried partner: An unmarried partner can apply as a dependant if you have been in a genuine and subsisting relationship for at least 2 years. Under the current rules, you do not strictly need to have lived together for 2 years if you had valid reasons for living apart (such as work, study, or cultural factors). However, you must provide substantial evidence of a durable, committed relationship that is akin to marriage or civil partnership, backed by joint financial commitments, shared travel history, and ongoing communication.
Dependent children under 18: Your biological children, adopted children, or stepchildren who are under 18 can apply as dependants. Each child must make a separate application. In addition, parental consent from the non-accompanying parent is required in most cases.
For a full guide to child dependent applications, read our child dependent visa UK guide.
Key eligibility conditions for skilled worker dependants
Before applying, the following conditions must be met:
The main applicant must hold a valid skilled worker visa
Your dependant can only apply if you, the main applicant, hold a valid skilled worker visa or are applying for one at the same time. In addition, your visa must have sufficient time remaining to support the dependant application.
The relationship must be genuine
The Home Office assesses whether your relationship is genuine. It looks for evidence of a real, ongoing relationship. It will not accept a relationship entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Therefore, relationship evidence is one of the most important elements of any dependant application.
Financial maintenance
You must demonstrate that you can support your dependants financially without recourse to public funds. As the main Skilled Worker visa holder, you meet the base financial requirement by holding your employment. However, dependants applying from outside the UK must also demonstrate maintenance funds.
Specifically, each dependant applying from outside the UK must show the following funds held for at least 28 consecutive
However, if your employer has certified on your Certificate of Sponsorship that they will support your family, the maintenance requirement is waived.
Adequate accommodation
You must show that all family members can be adequately accommodated in the UK. A current tenancy agreement or mortgage statement in your name is the standard evidence.
What rights do Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) dependants have in the UK?
Skilled Worker dependants have broad rights in the UK. This is one of the most important advantages of the skilled worker dependant route compared to some other dependant categories.
Work rights
Skilled Worker dependants can work in most jobs in the UK without restriction. Specifically, they can:
- Work for any employer in most roles
- Change jobs freely without needing a new visa or permission
- Work part-time or full-time
- Work for multiple employers simultaneously
- Be self-employed or freelance
There are a small number of restricted roles that dependants cannot take up, including certain positions funded by public funds where the Immigration Rules specifically limit eligibility. However, for the vast majority of employment, skilled worker dependants have the same work freedom as the main applicant.
Therefore, a skilled worker dependant can arrive in the UK and start working independently without needing their own sponsorship. This is a significant advantage that many applicants do not realise they have.
Study rights
Skilled Worker dependants can study in the UK during their visa period. They can enrol in courses at universities, colleges, or other educational institutions. However, if a dependant wants to take a long course of study requiring a Student visa, they may need to switch to a Student visa in their own right depending on the course type and duration.
In addition, dependent children are entitled to access state education in the UK. Enrolling children in local schools does not require any special visa permission beyond their dependant status.
Access to healthcare
Skilled Worker dependants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application. After paying the IHS, they are entitled to access NHS healthcare in the same way as settled residents, including GP registration, hospital treatment, and prescriptions.
What dependants cannot do
Skilled Worker dependants cannot:
- Access most public funds or benefits
- Work in roles specifically prohibited to dependants under the Immigration Rules
- Sponsor their own dependants under most circumstances
- Apply for ILR until the qualifying period is met
How long does the Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) dependant visa last?
The dependant’s visa is granted for the same period as the main Skilled Worker visa holder’s leave. Therefore, if the main applicant holds a 5-year skilled worker visa, the dependant is also granted leave for 5 years, subject to the child turning 18 during the period.
When the main applicant extends their skilled worker visa, each dependant must also apply to extend their leave. Extensions are not automatic. Failing to apply for the dependant’s extension at the same time as the main applicant’s extension leaves the dependant without valid leave.
Therefore, always include your dependants’ extension applications when you apply to renew your own skilled worker visa.
Application process: how to apply for a Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) dependant visa
The application process depends on whether your dependant is joining you from outside the UK or applying to switch status from within the UK.
Applying from outside the UK
If your dependant is currently overseas, they apply for entry clearance from the UK. Here is the process:
- Complete the online application on the gov.uk portal. Select the skilled worker dependant route.
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge at the time of submission.
- Book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre in the applicant’s country.
- Attend the biometrics appointment and upload or submit supporting documents.
- Await the decision, which typically takes up to 3 weeks for skilled worker dependant entry clearance applications.
Applying from within the UK
If your dependant is already in the UK on another visa, they may be able to switch to skilled worker dependant status from within the UK. The in-country application process is broadly the same but uses the UKVCAS centre for biometrics rather than an overseas visa application centre.
Standard in-country processing takes up to 8 weeks. Priority service is available for an additional Β£500 and aims to decide within 5 working days. Super priority service targets the next working day for an additional Β£1,000.
Applying at the same time as the main applicant
Dependants can apply at the same time as the main skilled worker applicant, even if they are applying from different countries. This is generally the most efficient approach and avoids a period where the main applicant is in the UK but the family is not yet able to join.
Documents required for a skilled worker dependant application
Preparing a complete document pack is essential. Here is what you typically need:
Identity documents
- Dependant’s valid passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if already in the UK
Relationship evidence for a partner
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- For unmarried partners: evidence of at least 2 years of cohabitation including joint tenancy agreements, utility bills in both names, joint bank account statements, and correspondence addressed to both at the same address
Relationship evidence for children
- Birth certificate showing the child’s full name and both parents’ names
- Adoption order if applicable
- Written consent from the non-accompanying parent unless sole parental responsibility applies
Main applicant’s documents
- Copy of the main applicant’s skilled worker visa or leave to remain
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Employer letter confirming employment and salary
Financial evidence
- Bank statements showing the required maintenance funds for 28 consecutive days
- Employer letter confirming maintenance if the CoS certifies support
Accommodation evidence
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement for UK accommodation
All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations.
For a complete breakdown of all UK immigration fees, read our UK immigration fees 2026 guide.
Can skilled worker dependants apply for ILR?
Yes. After completing 5 years of continuous residence in the UK as a dependant, the family member can apply for indefinite leave to remain alongside the main skilled worker applicant.
The dependant must meet the same continuous residence requirements as the main applicant:
- No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the 5-year qualifying period
- Valid leave throughout the qualifying period, with no gaps or overstays
In addition, the ILR application for dependants must be made separately. It is not automatically granted when the main applicant receives ILR. Each family member applies and pays the Β£3,226 ILR fee separately.
For more information on the ILR process, read our guide on how long ILR takes in 2026.
Common mistakes in Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) dependant applications
Many dependant applications run into avoidable problems. Here are the most common:
- Insufficient relationship evidence for unmarried partners – 2 years of cohabitation must be clearly evidenced with multiple document types spanning the full period
- Forgetting to apply for children separately – children are never automatically included in a parent’s application
- Maintenance funds not held for the full 28-day consecutive period – funds that fluctuate or appear recently are a red flag for the Home Office
- Applying for the extension late – dependants must extend their leave at the same time as the main applicant, not after
- Not providing parental consent for children – written consent from the non-accompanying parent is required in most cases
- Non-English documents without certified translations – a common oversight that causes unnecessary delays
As a result, a thorough review of every document before submission prevents most of these problems.
How LawSentis can help with your Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) dependant application
LawSentis is regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at Level 3, which is the highest level of authorisation in the UK. We help families navigate skilled worker dependant applications from start to finish, including complex cases involving unmarried partners, parental consent disputes, and families applying from multiple countries simultaneously.
Our team can:
- Confirm eligibility and advise on the correct application route for each family member
- Prepare a complete and accurate document pack
- Calculate the correct financial evidence for your specific situation
- Submit all applications together to minimise family separation time
- Advise on extension applications and the path to ILR
- Handle refused applications and advise on appeal options
We also advise on the full range of family and work immigration routes. Read our guides on UK dependant visa requirements 2026, skilled worker visa salary threshold 2026, and sponsor licence application UK for more information.
Book a consultation with LawSentis today. We will assess your family’s situation and guide you through every step of the skilled worker dependant visa application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tier 2 dependent visa in the UK?
The Tier 2 dependent visa was the dependant route for family members of Tier 2 visa holders before December 2020. The Tier 2 route has since been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa. The modern equivalent is the skilled worker dependant visa, which allows the spouse, partner, and dependent children of a Skilled Worker visa holder to join them in the UK.
Can skilled worker dependants work in the UK?
Yes. Skilled Worker dependants can work for most employers in most roles without restriction. They can change jobs freely, work for multiple employers, and be self-employed. This is one of the strongest work rights packages available to any dependant category in the UK.
How long does the skilled worker dependant visa take to process?
Entry clearance applications from outside the UK typically take up to 3 weeks. In-country applications take up to 8 weeks on the standard service. Priority service aims for 5 working days.
Can dependants apply for ILR?
Yes. After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK as a dependant, family members can apply for indefinite leave to remain. Each dependant must apply separately and pay the Β£3,226 ILR fee.
Do children need their own separate application?
Yes. Every child must make their own individual application. They are not automatically included in a parent’s application. Parental consent from the non-accompanying parent is required in most cases.
Can unmarried partners apply as skilled worker dependants?
Yes. Unmarried partners in a genuine and subsisting relationship of at least 2 years can apply as dependants.
Do I need to include my dependants when I extend my skilled worker visa?
Yes. Dependants must apply to extend their leave at the same time as the main applicant or shortly after. Leave does not extend automatically. Failing to apply for a dependant’s extension leaves them without valid leave to remain in the UK.
What is the difference between a Tier 2 dependant and a student dependant?
Skilled Worker dependants have full work rights including the ability to work any hours for any employer. Student dependants are limited to 20 hours of work per week during term time. Student dependant visa fees are lower but the route offers significantly fewer work freedoms.
Note:
This article is for general information only. Immigration rules change frequently. Always seek advice from an IAA-regulated immigration adviser before making any application.
LawSentis is regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at Level 3. Contact us for professional advice.