Bringing Dependants on Your Skilled Worker Visa
What you need to know
- •Spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18 can join you.
- •Each dependant applies separately and pays their own visa fee and IHS.
- •Dependants generally have unrestricted work rights in the UK.
- •Dependants can apply at any time during your visa period.
- •Dependant visas expire on the same date as the main applicant's visa.
Skilled Worker visa holders can bring their spouse, partner, and children under 18 to the UK as dependants. Each dependant applies separately, pays their own fees, and receives a visa lasting until the same date as the main applicant's. Dependants generally have unrestricted work rights.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Who Qualifies as a Dependant?
- Spouse or civil partner: You must be legally married or in a civil partnership.
- Unmarried partner: You must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years. Provide cohabitation evidence.
- Children: Under 18 at the date of application and not living an independent life. Can be the child of either the main applicant or their partner.
See our general guide on adding a dependant to your visa for the step-by-step process.
Costs
Each dependant pays:
- Visa application fee (similar to the main applicant's fee).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (for the duration of the visa).
- Biometrics appointment fee (if applicable).
For a family with a partner and two children, the total dependant costs can amount to several thousand pounds. Check the full fee guide for current amounts.
Application Process
- The main applicant's visa must be granted first (or dependants can apply at the same time).
- Each dependant completes an online application on GOV.UK.
- Pay the visa fee and IHS.
- Attend a biometrics appointment.
- Wait for a decision. Dependant applications are usually processed alongside or shortly after the main application.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Rights of Dependants in the UK
- Work: Dependants can work without restriction in most cases.
- Study: No restrictions on studying.
- NHS: Full NHS access through the IHS.
- Schools: Children can attend state schools. See school places guide.
Dependants and ILR
When you apply for ILR, your dependants can apply at the same time (or separately). They must meet their own requirements including the Life in the UK test (for adult dependants) and English language requirement.
See ILR for dependants for full details.
Next Steps
Related guides:
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.