Skilled Worker Dependant Visa UK (2025) Bring Your Family to the UK

If you’re in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, your close family members may be able to join you under the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa UK route. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in plain English from who can apply to how to meet the requirements and what happens once your family is here.

What is a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa?

A Skilled Worker Dependant Visa allows certain family members of Skilled Worker visa holders to live in the UK. Dependants can work, study and live a relatively normal life in the UK while the main visa holder carries out their job.

This visa is meant to help skilled workers settle into life in the UK with their loved ones, rather than having to live apart.

Who Can Apply as a Dependant?

Only certain family members are eligible to apply as dependants. These include:

• Husband, wife, or civil partner
• Unmarried partner (you’ll need to show you’ve been living together for at least 2 years)
• Children under 18
• Children over 18, if they’re already in the UK on a dependant visa and still rely on you

To be accepted, you’ll need to show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Key Requirements for the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa UK

Each dependant must meet certain requirements. Here’s what you need to prepare:

Proof of Relationship

You must show you’re genuinely related to the main visa holder. That could mean:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of shared bills or tenancy for unmarried couples
• Birth certificates for children

Financial Requirements for Skilled Worker Dependant Visa UK

The cost of applying for a Skilled Worker Dependant visa depends on two key factors: the duration of the visa and whether you’re applying from inside the UK or abroad.

Application Fees

Application Location & Type	Visa Length	Fee Per Applicant
Outside the UK	Up to 3 years	£769
Outside the UK	More than 3 years	£1,519
Inside the UK	Up to 3 years	£885
Inside the UK	More than 3 years	£1,751
ISL Role – Inside or Outside UK	Up to 3 years	£590
ISL Role – Inside or Outside UK	More than 3 years	£1,160

If the main Skilled Worker visa holder’s job appears on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), dependants benefit from reduced application fees. Whether applying from inside or outside the UK, the fee is £590 for a visa up to 3 years, and £1,160 for one over 3 years.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

In addition to the visa fee, all dependants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS services in the UK.

• Adults: £1,035 per year

   

• Children under 18: £776 per year

   

For example:

Applicant Group	Total IHS (3 Years)
Main applicant + partner	£2,070
Main applicant + partner + 1 child	£2,846
Main applicant + partner + 2 children	£3,622

Financial Maintenance Requirement

Unless your partner or parent’s employer confirms they will cover your living costs on the Certificate of Sponsorship, you must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK. The required savings are:

• £285 for a dependant partner

   

• £315 for one child

   

• £200 for each additional child

   

These funds must be available in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting your application.

English Language

There’s no English language test needed for dependents, only the main Skilled Worker needs to meet the language requirement.

TB Test (If Required)

If you’re applying from a country where a tuberculosis test is required, you must include a valid certificate with your application.

Online Application and Biometrics

Each dependant must apply online and attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo). If you’re already in the UK, you can usually apply to switch to a dependant visa.

What Can Dependants Do in the UK?

Once granted, a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa comes with a lot of flexibility. Dependants can:

• Work full or part-time, in most jobs (except as a professional sportsperson) 
• Study at school, college, or university
• Travel freely in and out of the UK 
• Can not claim public funds, most benefits are not allowed

This means your partner or children can build their lives alongside you while you work in the UK.

How Long is the Dependant Visa Valid For?

Your dependant’s visa will usually match the length of your Skilled Worker visa. If your visa is extended or switched to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), your dependants will need to apply to extend or settle too.

It’s best to apply for all family members at the same time if possible, to keep things simple.

Can Dependants Apply for ILR?

Yes dependants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years in the UK, as long as they meet the requirements. This includes:

• Living lawfully in the UK for 5 years on a dependant visa
• Meeting absence limits (usually no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months)
• Showing knowledge of English and passing the Life in the UK test (for adults)

Children can usually apply for settlement with their parents if they’ve been living in the UK as dependants.

Switching to a Dependant Visa from Inside the UK

If you’re already in the UK on another type of visa, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa as long as you meet the requirements.

Common routes people switch from include:

• Student visa
• Graduate visa
• Visitor visa (switching not allowed must apply from outside the UK)

How Much Does a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Cost?

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

Fee Type	Cost (as of 2025)
Application Fee (up to 3 years)	£719 per dependant
Application Fee (over 3 years)	£1,420 per dependant
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035 per year, per person

So if your partner is applying for a 3-year visa, the total cost would be around £3,824 (including IHS).

How Long Does the Application Take?

Typical processing times for Skilled Worker Dependant Visas are:

• Outside the UK: around 3 weeks
• Inside the UK (switching or extending): 8 weeks

Priority services may be available for faster decisions at an extra cost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not including enough financial evidence 
• Forgetting to include relationship proof (e.g. birth or marriage certificates) 
• Applying separately when a joint application would have been easier 
• Misunderstanding who qualifies as a dependant (e.g. adult children not eligible unless already in the UK as dependants)

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to speak with a qualified immigration solicitor.

Need Help With a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa?

At solicitors in Manchester, we offer friendly and affordable immigration help for families looking to reunite in the UK. Whether you’re applying from abroad or switching inside the UK, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s make your family’s move to the UK as smooth as possible.

Call us now on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment for friendly, reliable help from a legal team that understands Skilled Worker Dependant Visa cases.