Skilled Worker Visa: Dependent Applications
If you hold, or are applying for, a Skilled Worker visa, your family members (‘dependents’) can apply to join you in the UK. To do so, they must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation as outlined below.
Who Is Eligible to Apply as a Dependent?
A dependent partner or child includes:
– Your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
– Your child under 18 – including those born in the UK during your stay.
– Your child over 18 if they are currently in the UK as your dependent.
Evidence of your relationship will be required when applying.
How to Apply as a Dependent and What’s Required
Dependents must apply for their visa online. Application links for partners and children can be found on the official UK government website.
For your partner, you must demonstrate that either:
– You are in a civil partnership or marriage recognised in the UK.
– You have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years at the time of application.
If your child is 16 or over, they must:
– Live with you (unless in full-time education at boarding school, college, or university).
– Not be married, in a civil partnership, or have any children.
– Be financially supported by you.
If your child lives with you, evidence of their address is required, such as:
– A bank statement.
– Credit card bills.
– Driving licence.
– NHS registration document.
– An official letter from their university or college.
Financial Requirements
Your partner and children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while in the UK:
– £285 for your partner.
– £315 for one child.
– £200 for each additional child.
The funds must have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of the visa application. Proof of funds is usually required unless:
– You have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.
– Your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK – this must be confirmed on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Proof of Identity
As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity by either:
– Having their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre to obtain a biometric residence permit.
– Using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document and create or sign in to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
They will be informed of the required process when they apply. If an appointment is needed:
– The visa application centre may retain their passport and documents while processing the application.
– They may need to travel to the nearest centre, which could be in another country.
Additional documents that may be required include:
– Passport and ID cards.
– Original birth certificate or marriage certificate.
– Any previous passports.
– Tuberculosis (TB) clearance certificate, if applicable.
Applying from Outside the UK
Each family member must complete a separate application and pay the respective visa fee. They will also need your application number, known as a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN), found on correspondence from the Home Office regarding your application.
Getting a Decision
After applying online, proving their identity, and providing the necessary documents, dependants will typically receive a decision within 3 weeks. Depending on their country, they may have options to expedite the process for an additional fee; this can be confirmed with the visa application centre.
Note: Immigration policies are subject to change. It’s advisable to consult the official UK government website or seek professional advice for the most current information.
