The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified professionals to work in eligible roles with licensed sponsors. Family members of Skilled Workers can apply to join or stay with them in the UK as dependents.
This comprehensive guide answers the most common questions about eligibility, requirements, financial rules, and settlement options for Skilled Worker dependents.
Who Can Apply as a Skilled Worker Dependent?
You can apply as a dependent if you are the partner or child of a Skilled Worker who already holds or is applying for a Skilled Worker Visa.
A partner can be:
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A legally married spouse
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A civil partner
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An unmarried partner in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years before applying
Children can apply if they are under 18 at the time of the initial application. Those who turn 18 while already in the UK as dependents can still extend their permission as long as they remain financially and emotionally dependent on the Skilled Worker.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Partners?
Dependent partners must be at least 18 years old and in a genuine and subsisting relationship with the Skilled Worker.
If you are applying as an unmarried partner, you must show proof of a committed relationship for at least two years, usually demonstrated through cohabitation, shared finances, or other evidence.
Even if a couple hasn’t lived together, they must show a clear intention to live together in the UK. The Home Office may request additional documents or invite applicants for an interview if the genuineness is questioned.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Dependent Children?
Children must:
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Be under 18 when first applying (or already dependent if over 18)
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Not be married or living independently if over 16
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Have both parents applying or already in the UK, unless exceptions apply
Exceptions may be considered where:
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The Skilled Worker is the only surviving parent
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The other parent is a British citizen or holds Indefinite Leave to Remain
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The Skilled Worker has sole responsibility for the child
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There are serious and compelling reasons to allow the child to join
Applicants must also prove suitable accommodation and care arrangements in line with UK regulations.
Are There Any Job Restrictions for Bringing Dependents?
Not every Skilled Worker can bring dependents to the UK. Only workers sponsored in eligible roles listed under Tables 1–3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations (RQF Level 6 and above) can sponsor dependents.
Care workers (occupation codes 6145 and 6146) are generally not allowed to bring dependents unless they were sponsored before 11 March 2024, under transitional arrangements.
Skilled Workers in certain transitional SOC codes before 22 July 2025 may still be eligible if they have continuously held permission in the same role since their initial grant.
How Much Money Do Dependents Need to Show?
Dependents must prove they can financially support themselves unless they’ve already been in the UK for 12 months or more.
You must show funds held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before applying:
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£285 for a partner
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£315 for the first child
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£200 for each additional child
These funds are in addition to the Skilled Worker’s own financial requirement (£1,270). Sponsors may also certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
What If a Dependent Is Switching from a Student Visa?
Dependents switching from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa must meet extra conditions.
They must have either:
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Completed their course of study; or
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Completed at least 24 months of a PhD at a recognised higher education provider
This ensures compliance with the Home Office’s transition rules for dependents and primary Skilled Workers.
Do Dependents Need to Provide a Criminal Record Certificate?
Yes, in some cases.
If the Skilled Worker’s role is one of those listed under paragraph SW16.1 of Appendix Skilled Worker (for example, healthcare professionals, teachers, or social workers), dependent partners must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
If the certificate cannot be obtained, a satisfactory written explanation must be provided.
Can Dependents Apply from Inside the UK?
Yes, dependents can apply from within the UK if they are not in an ineligible visa category, such as:
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Visitor
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Short-term Student
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Parent of a Child Student
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Seasonal Worker
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Domestic Worker in a Private Household
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Outside the Immigration Rules
Those holding these types of visas must apply for entry clearance from abroad.
How Much Does the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Cost in 2025?
The cost depends on where you apply and how long the Skilled Worker’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) lasts.
| Application Location | Visa Length (≤ 3 Years) | Visa Length (> 3 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Outside UK | £769 | £1,519 |
| Inside UK | £885 | £1,751 |
| Immigration Salary List Roles | £590 | £1,160 |
Healthcare Surcharge (IHS):
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£1,035 per year for adults
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£776 per year for children
Applicants are granted permission in line with the main Skilled Worker’s visa duration.
How Long Does the Application Take?
Typical decision times are:
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3 weeks for applications made outside the UK
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8 weeks for applications made inside the UK
Applicants may be able to use priority or super-priority services for faster processing, depending on availability.
When Can Dependents Apply for Settlement?
Dependents can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years in the UK as Skilled Worker dependents.
Applicants aged 18–65 must also pass:
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The Life in the UK Test, and
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The English Language requirement
They can apply for settlement at the same time as, or after, the main Skilled Worker.
How LawSentis Can Help
Applying for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa can be complex, especially when dealing with eligibility rules, financial requirements, or transitional exceptions.
At LawSentis, our UK immigration experts specialise in:
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Preparing dependent visa and extension applications
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Checking compliance with latest Home Office rules
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Reviewing supporting documents for genuineness and financial proof
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Guiding clients through settlement applications
We ensure every detail meets the Home Office standards, helping your family stay together in the UK without unnecessary delays or refusals.
Book a free consultation today to discuss your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa or settlement application with a LawSentis expert.
Top 10 FAQs About Skilled Worker Dependent Visas
Can I bring my family to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, if your job is eligible and you meet the financial and sponsorship requirements.
How long can dependents stay in the UK?
They can stay for the same duration as the Skilled Worker’s visa.
Can dependents work in the UK?
Yes, dependents are allowed to work (except as professional sportspersons).
Can my child study in the UK as a dependent?
Yes, dependent children can attend UK schools or universities.
What proof of relationship do we need for an unmarried partner?
Evidence of a two-year relationship, such as joint bills, tenancy agreements, or communication records.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa from another visa inside the UK?
Yes, unless you are in a restricted visa category such as Visitor or Short-term Student.
Is there a minimum salary requirement for dependents?
No, but financial maintenance requirements must be met.
Can I apply for a settlement if my Skilled Worker partner hasn’t yet?
You can only apply once you’ve completed five years and your partner qualifies or has settled.
Do dependents need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
Yes, it’s mandatory for access to the NHS.
Can I appeal if my Skilled Worker Dependent Visa is refused?
Yes, depending on the refusal reason, LawSentis can assess your options and assist with reapplication or appeal.