UK Skilled Worker visas are for anyone with an accepted sponsor’s offer to work in the UK. In this Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application guide, we answer the most common issues about bringing dependents to the UK.

Who is a Dependent of a Skilled Worker? You must be the dependent partner or child of someone applying at the same time or with a Skilled Worker visa.

Dependent partners
Partners must be 18 or older to apply. Partner and Skilled Worker must:

• Applicants must be married, in a civil partnership, or have lived together for at least two years prior to application. This should have been done before the application date, however the Home Office advises that this may not be possible if the couple lives apart due to employment or caring duties.
• You must also show that you are in a serious relationship and plan to live together during the Skilled Worker’s UK stay. If your relationship is questioned, you may be interviewed.

Dependent kids
First-time applicants must be under 18. If they are over 16, they cannot live independently. Living independently includes not living with the Skilled Worker, being financially independent, and being married or in a civil partnership. The child’s eligibility for a visa extension will not be affected if they are above 18.

The child’s other parent must be applying at the same time or already have permission to remain in the UK on a route other than as a Visitor. The only exceptions to this are if:

• There are serious and compelling reasons in favour of granting the child permission.
• The Skilled Worker is the only surviving parent; or
• The other parent is British citizen or has Indefinite Leave to remain and is resident in the UK;
• The Skilled Worker has sole responsibility for the child; or
• You must also demonstrate that the kid has acceptable UK care and accommodation that meets UK laws and regulations.

What funds are needed for a skilled worker dependent application?
You must complete maintenance criteria unless you are applying for permission to stay and have lived in the UK for 12 months or more.

For 28 days (ending within 31 days of the application), you must hold funds of:

• A dependent partner receives £285, the first dependent child £315, and any other dependent child £200.
• If the Skilled Worker applies with the dependent applicant(s), this amount is in addition to the £1,270 maintenance funds they must show they can maintain themselves.

The Skilled Worker or dependent applicant must have the cash in their bank accounts. Alternatively, the Skilled Worker’s sponsor can certify that they will maintain and accommodate the dependants until the conclusion of their first month of permit.

Dependents of Skilled Workers Need Criminal Record Checks When?
If the Skilled Worker is sponsored for a job listed in paragraph SW 16.1 of Appendix Skilled Worker, the dependent partner must provide a criminal record check from any country they have lived in since 18 for 12 months or more (continuously or all) in the 10 years before the application. The sole exception is if the dependant partner can explain why they cannot get a criminal background certificate from the jurisdiction.

Medical professionals, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, social workers, teachers, fitness instructors, and human resources officers are covered in SW16.1. These profession codes encompass related roles; see the list for details.

Can UK-based dependents of skilled workers apply?
You can apply from the UK if you have a valid visa for any route other than: Visitor, short-term student, parent of a child student, seasonal worker, domestic worker in a private household, and outside immigration rules.

Cost of Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Application?
The application price depends on how long you want to stay in the UK and whether you apply from abroad.

Applications outside UK (per applicant):

Up to 3 years: £610
Total: £1,220 over 3 years
Per-applicant UK applications:

Till 3 years = £704
UK£1,408 over 3 years
Only £464 for up to 3 years and £928 for over 3 years are charged if the Skilled Worker’s job is a shortage occupation.

You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This costs £624 per year and gives you NHS access in the UK.

My Dependent of a Skilled Worker Visa Application: How Long?
According to http://www.gov.uk, applications from outside the UK take 3 weeks to decide after giving biometric details, whereas UK applications take up to 8 weeks.

Can Skilled Worker Dependents Live in UK?
This pathway allows Skilled Worker dependents to apply for settlement after 5 years of continuous UK residence. At settlement application, the Skilled Worker must also:

Apply and get settlement with the dependant;
Have settled in the UK as a Skilled Worker;
Had permission to settle in the UK as a skilled worker and became a citizen.
Dependents 18–65 must additionally complete English Language and Life in the UK criteria. See our Skilled Worker Dependent Settlement article for more.

Contact our Immigration Solicitors

For expert advice and assistance in relation to an application as the dependant of a Skilled Worker please contact our immigration solicitors in London via email at don@mbmsolicitors.com or attydonmagsino@gmail.com