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The Skilled Worker Dependent Visa allows family members of Skilled Worker visa holders to live in the UK. This visa is available to spouses, partners, and children of Skilled Workers, enabling them to work, study, and enjoy life in the UK alongside their main visa-holding family member.
This visa is tied to the main applicant’s Skilled Worker status, meaning that if the Skilled Worker’s visa is curtailed or not renewed, dependents may also lose their right to remain in the UK.
A Skilled Worker can bring the following family members as dependents:
Spouse or civil partner – You must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Unmarried partner – You must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
Children under 18 – If born outside the UK, they must be fully dependent on the main visa holder.
Children over 18 – Only if they are already in the UK as dependents and not living an independent life (e.g., not married and still financially reliant on parents).
The UK government requires dependents to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds. As of 2024, the required maintenance funds are:
£285 for a spouse or partner
£315 for the first child
£200 for each additional child
These funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days in a regulated financial institution. However, if the Skilled Worker’s sponsor is an A-rated sponsor, they may certify maintenance for dependents, removing the need for proof of funds.
Dependents must apply for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa, which is typically granted for the same duration as the main applicant’s visa. This visa allows:
Work (except as a professional sportsperson or coach)
Study
Travel in and out of the UK
However, unlike the main applicant, dependents do not have restrictions on the type of work they can undertake.
Dependents can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years in the UK, provided:
They have lived in the UK lawfully for the required period.
They have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
The Skilled Worker visa holder has also obtained ILR (or is applying at the same time).
They pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement (if aged 18–65).
Once ILR is granted, they can apply for British citizenship after 12 months (unless married to a British citizen, in which case they can apply immediately after ILR).
The Skilled Worker Loses Their Visa - if the main Skilled Worker loses their job or cannot renew their visa, their dependent family members may also lose their right to remain in the UK.
Relationship Breakdown - if the relationship between the Skilled Worker and their dependent partner ends (except due to bereavement or domestic abuse), the dependent’s visa may be curtailed. They may need to switch to another visa route or leave the UK.
Financial or Work-Related Issues - failing to meet maintenance requirements or the main applicant not earning enough to renew their visa can impact dependents’ status.
Extended Absences from the UK - spending more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period can delay ILR eligibility. This applies separately to each dependent.
If you need advice on your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application or ILR eligibility, contact our expert immigration solicitors today.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact us on:
Partner - Family & Immigration Solicitor
Sushma is a Consultant Partner at Taylor Rose.
She is a specialist and experienced immigration lawyer with a national reputation.
Sushma also advises on family law matters including divorce and financial remedy. She is a member of Resolut...
