Dependants of Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

Moving to the UK for work as a senior level employee can be a big step, especially when your family is involved. The Dependants of Senior or Specialist Worker visa route allows your loved ones to join you while you’re on assignment in the UK under the Global Business Mobility scheme. Whether you’re a spouse, partner, or child of a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa holder, this guide covers what you need to know about applying, what to expect, and how life in the UK can look for you as a dependant.

This visa gives your family the chance to live, work, and study in the UK for as long as the main visa holder is allowed to stay. Although this route doesn’t directly lead to settlement, it offers stability and flexibility during your time in the UK.

Who Can Apply as a Dependant?

The UK Home Office allows close family members of Global Business Mobility workers to apply as dependants. The aim is to support families relocating together, especially when one member is sent to the UK for a senior or specialist role within a company.

Eligible Family Members

You can apply as a dependant if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Spouse or civil partner of the main visa holder
• Unmarried partner, provided you’ve lived together for at least 2 years
• Children under 18, including biological, adopted, or stepchildren
• Children over 18, but only if they are already in the UK as dependants and still living as part of the family unit

It’s important that the relationships are genuine, and in the case of children, they should normally live with both parents unless there are specific custody arrangements.

What Are the Requirements for Dependants?

The Home Office wants to ensure that family relationships are genuine and that dependants will be well supported during their stay. Here are the main requirements for applying as a Dependant of a Senior or Specialist Worker.

• The main visa holder must already hold valid leave under the Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker route
• The relationship must be genuine and ongoing
• Children must be financially dependent and not living independently
• In some cases, you may need to show proof of financial means (unless your sponsor has confirmed this is not needed)

Providing clear and complete evidence is key to a successful application.

How To Apply as a Dependant

Applying as a dependant is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow all the steps carefully and gather the right documents.

Application Process

• Apply online via the UK Government visa application system
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Upload documents using the visa portal or attend an appointment to submit them
• Submit biometrics (fingerprints and a photo)
• Wait for a decision, which usually arrives within a few weeks

Documents You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the documents typically required for a dependant visa:

• A valid passport for each applicant
• Marriage certificate (for spouses) or proof of 2 years of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of address or joint financial documents
• Evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or a letter from the employer (if needed)

Make sure documents are translated into English if they were issued in another language.

Visa Fees, Duration & Processing Times

Understanding the cost and duration of the visa helps you plan your move and budget effectively.

Visa Fees

• £769 outside the UK & £885 inside the UK per applicant (stays up to 3 years)
• £1,519 outside the UK & 1,751 inside the UK per applicant (stays over 3 years)
• IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge): £1,035 per year, per person

This fee allows access to the NHS, so you won’t need private health insurance during your stay.

Duration

The dependant visa is usually granted for the same length of time as the Senior or Specialist Worker’s visa. This could be anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the contract or assignment.

Processing Time

• Most applications are processed in 3 to 8 weeks
• Faster decisions may be available through priority services, depending on your location

What Can Dependants Do on This Visa?

The Dependants of Senior or Specialist Worker visa offers a lot of freedom. You won’t need additional sponsorship to take a job, study, or travel.

Permitted Activities:

• Work in almost any job, including full-time, part-time, or self-employed roles
• Study at school, college, or university
• Access NHS services after paying the IHS
• Travel freely in and out of the UK

Restrictions:

• You cannot claim public funds or benefits
• You are not allowed to work as a professional sportsperson or coach, unless specifically approved

This flexibility allows family members to build their own lives in the UK, whether that means finding a job or continuing their education.

Does This Visa Lead to Settlement?

One of the main limitations of the Global Business Mobility route is that it does not lead directly to settlement in the UK, including for dependants.

If you want to settle permanently in the UK, you will need to switch to another visa route that qualifies for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), such as the Skilled Worker visa or the Spouse visa.

To be eligible for ILR under another route, you must meet the requirements of that visa, including length of stay, income level, English language ability, and time spent in the UK.

FAQs – Dependants of Senior or Specialist Worker

Can my family join me under the Global Business Mobility route?

Yes. Your partner and children can apply as your dependants, provided they meet the eligibility and relationship criteria.

Can my dependants work in the UK?

Yes. Dependants can work in most roles without needing sponsorship or a separate work visa.

How long can dependants stay in the UK?

They will be granted leave to remain for the same duration as the main visa holder.

Can dependants switch to another visa category?

Yes. If they meet the requirements, dependants can switch from inside the UK to another visa category, such as Skilled Worker, Student, or Spouse.

This offers a future route to settlement, depending on your long-term goals in the UK.

If you’re moving to the UK under the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, your family doesn’t have to be left behind. The Dependants of Senior or Specialist Worker route makes it possible for your loved ones to join you and enjoy many of the same freedoms you’ll have while working in the UK.

Although this visa doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency, it provides an opportunity to work, study, and build a life together. If your plans change later on, you can look into switching to a visa route that leads to ILR.

Having your family with you makes a huge difference, especially during international assignments. This visa ensures that you don’t have to do it alone.

How Can Solicitors in Manchester Help With Your Dependant Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?

We’re here to make the process easier for you and your family.

• Call us today on 0161 464 4140 
• Book an immigration 5 minutes free consultation: Book an Appointment 
• Get FREE immigration advice UK and full application support when you choose us.

Let us help you handle the paperwork so you can focus on your family, your work, and your future in the UK.