Information for those looking to move to the UK as a dependent:
Dependents of Skilled Worker Visa Holders
Who qualifies:
– Your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (with ≥ 2 years living together or proof of commitment), and children under 18 (or adult children still dependent) can apply
Eligibility rules:
– Proof of genuine relationship and dependent status is required. For children, they must live with the sponsor unless in full-time education elsewhere .
– If you're a care worker switched to Skilled Worker after 11 March 2024, dependents are no longer eligible to join or stay
Financial requirements:
– Must show that the main visa-holder or sponsor has enough funds to support dependents without public funds. Common threshold: £2,530 in personal savings or employer support
– Note: specific income thresholds (like £29,000 or £38,700) apply to family routes but are separate from Skilled Worker policies.
Visa validity & entitlements:
– Dependent visas mirror the length of the main visa.
– Dependents can work and study without restrictions.
– Visa applications include fees (1,035 adult, £776 child annually)
Future reforms:
– From May 2025, dependents must meet English language requirements: A1 to enter, A2 to extend, B2 to settle (ILR)
Dependents of British Citizens or Settled Persons
Who qualifies:
– Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners (with ≥ 2 years cohabitation), dependent children, and in rare cases dependent adult relatives—can apply under the family visa (Appendix FM) route
Relationship evidence:
– Must prove a genuine, subsisting relationship: marriage/civil partnership certificate, joint documents, or long-term cohabitation proof
Financial requirements:
– Minimum income is £29,000 per year (for one spouse).
– In-law children: +£3,800 for 1st child, +£2,400 for each additional
– If partner receives certain disability benefits, income requirement may not apply
– Savings may substitute income where applicable.
Coming reforms:
– Government considering raising this threshold (potentially up to £38,700) — but MAC advised against it, recommending £24,000–£28,000 instead
– English language: at least A1 for entry; progressed requirements likely for further leave or settlement
Visa duration & pathway to settlement:
– Initial grant typically 30–33 months; can be extended in 2½-year increments
– After 5 continuous years, eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided all criteria met, including English and integration (subject to proposed changes)
Practical Tips
• Plan finances—ensure sponsor meets income/savings rules or benefit exemptions.
• English proficiency—both parties must track progression for visa extensions and ILR.
• Document your relationship—detailed evidence of cohabitation, communication, photos, travel.
• Watch upcoming changes—especially gradual shifts to higher thresholds and longer ILR times.
• Seek early advice—a qualified immigration advisor can help align any transition (e.g., from work to family route) before reforms fully apply.
If you have any question about your move, contact me at laura@vettedimmigrationservices.co.uk