Bringing Your Family to the UK: The Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
For many international professionals considering relocating to the UK for work, the ability to bring their family members is a crucial factor. The Skilled Worker visa route allows eligible family members to join or accompany the main visa holder. This article will guide you through the intricacies of the Skilled Worker dependant visa UK, covering eligibility, application process, and what your dependants can do once in the UK.
Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa?
The Home Office defines dependants for the Skilled Worker visa category quite specifically. Generally, those eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker dependant visa include:
- **Your partner**: This can be your spouse, civil partner, or an unmarried partner. For unmarried partners, you must have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. You'll need to demonstrate genuine and subsisting relationship evidence.
- **Your children**: This includes children under 18 years old. Children aged 18 or over may also be eligible if they were previously granted leave as your dependant when they were under 18 and are not leading an independent life. All children must be dependent on you for financial support and not be married or in a civil partnership themselves.
It's important to remember that each dependant must make an individual application, even if applying at the same time as the main Skilled Worker visa holder. The rules are consistently applied across all dependants, ensuring a clear and fair process as outlined by the Home Office guidance.
Key Eligibility Requirements for Dependant Visa Applicants
To successfully apply for a Skilled Worker dependant visa UK, each family member must meet specific criteria. These include:
- **Relationship to the main applicant**: As detailed above, they must be your genuine partner or child. You will need to provide documentary evidence, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or evidence of cohabitation for unmarried partners.
- **Financial requirement**: Dependants must be able to support themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds. The main applicant, or the dependant themselves, must show they have enough money to support each dependant. As of the time of writing, each dependant needs to have £315 if applying for a partner, £235 for the first child, and £145 for each additional child, held for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application. This is in addition to the funds required for the main applicant, unless the main applicant's employer has certified maintenance on their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- **No public funds**: Dependants, like the main applicant, must not claim public funds. This is a strict condition of their visa.
Meeting these requirements is vital for a successful application. The Home Office scrutinises applications carefully to prevent abuse of the immigration system.
The Application Process for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
The application process typically involves several steps, whether your family is applying at the same time as you or joining you later:
1. **Gather documents**: Collect all necessary documents, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, relationship evidence, and bank statements to prove maintenance funds. Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
2. **Complete the online application form**: Each dependant must complete the relevant online application form on the gov.uk website. Make sure to select the correct visa route for dependants of a Skilled Worker.
3. **Pay the visa fees and healthcare surcharge**: This includes the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each dependant. The IHS grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
4. **Book an appointment at a visa application centre**: Applicants will need to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre.
5. **Attend the appointment and submit documents**: Submit all supporting documents at the visa application centre.
The processing times can vary, but the Home Office website usually provides updated estimates. It is always advisable to apply well in advance of any intended travel.
What Dependants Can Do in the UK
Once granted a Skilled Worker dependant visa, your family members have significant freedom in the UK:
- **Work**: Spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners can generally work in almost any job, including self-employment, without needing a separate sponsored visa. This provides excellent flexibility for families.
- **Study**: Dependants can undertake study at any level, including university, without needing a separate student visa.
- **Travel**: They can travel in and out of the UK freely.
However, dependants are not permitted to claim public funds, work as a professional sportsperson, or work as a self-employed professional sportsperson. The length of their visa will typically match the duration of the main Skilled Worker visa holder's permission to stay in the UK.
Extending and Settling in the UK
If the main Skilled Worker visa holder extends their visa, dependants will also need to apply to extend their Skilled Worker dependant visa. They must continue to meet the eligibility requirements at the time of extension. After a qualifying period, typically five years for the main applicant, dependants can also apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to permanent settlement in the UK. The rules for ILR for dependants are generally linked to the main applicant's ILR application.
Finding a sponsoring employer is the first step towards a UK Skilled Worker visa for many. CoSFinder specialises in helping international graduates and other qualified candidates find companies that sponsor Skilled Worker visas in the UK, streamlining your job search and supporting your journey.
Navigating the Skilled Worker dependant visa UK requirements can seem complex, but understanding the rules and preparing thoroughly will make the process smoother for you and your family. Always refer to official gov.uk guidance for the most current information.
*Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an immigration professional for personalised advice.*