Skilled Worker Visa Dependants 2025 – Bring Your Family to the UK

Stay close to your loved ones while you build your UK future

Moving to a new country to start your career is an exciting step, but for many people, it also means time away from family. The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to bring your partner and children to the UK as dependants — so you can build your future together.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll explain who qualifies as a dependant, how to apply, and what rules apply to each family member.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for:

• Skilled Worker Visa holders already in the UK
• Graduates switching from a Graduate or Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
• Families planning to join a Skilled Worker in the UK

If you’re unsure whether your family members qualify, this step-by-step guide will help you understand your options clearly.

Who counts as a dependant

Eligible dependants

You can include the following family members in your Skilled Worker Visa application or have them apply later:

• Your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner (living together for at least 2 years)
• Your children under 18
• Your children over 18 if they are already in the UK as your dependants

Each dependant must meet the eligibility and financial maintenance requirements.

Dependants joining later

Your family doesn’t need to apply at the same time as you. They can apply later, as long as you still hold a valid Skilled Worker Visa and can support them financially.

Key requirements for dependants in 2025

Financial requirement

You must show that each dependant can be supported without relying on public funds.
The minimum savings required are:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

These funds must be held in your or your dependants’ bank account for at least 28 days.

If your employer confirms on your Certificate of Sponsorship that they will provide financial support, you don’t need to show these savings.

Accommodation

You’ll need to show that you have suitable accommodation for your family without relying on public funds or overcrowded housing.

Relationship evidence

You’ll need to provide proof such as:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Birth certificates for children
• Evidence of shared address if unmarried (e.g. tenancy agreements, bills)

Step-by-step application process

Step 1: Confirm your Skilled Worker status

You must already hold a valid Skilled Worker Visa or be applying for one at the same time.

Step 2: Prepare your dependants’ documents

Each family member needs:

• Passport
• Evidence of relationship to you
• Proof of financial maintenance (unless covered by your employer)
• TB test results (for certain countries)

Step 3: Apply online

Dependants must apply online using the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa form. If they’re outside the UK, they’ll need to attend a visa appointment and submit biometrics.

Step 4: Pay the fees

Each dependant pays:

• Visa fee: £719–£1,500 depending on duration and job type
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

Step 5: Wait for a decision

Most applications are decided within 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK or 3 weeks from outside.

Can dependants work or study in the UK?

Yes. Dependants can:

• Work in almost any job (except professional sports)
• Study in the UK
• Travel in and out of the country freely while their visa is valid

Children can attend school, and your partner can work full-time.

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing relationship evidence

Incomplete or unclear documents proving family ties can delay applications.

Forgetting the financial requirement

If your employer doesn’t cover financial maintenance, ensure you meet the savings threshold before applying.

Applying after visa expiry

Your dependants must apply while your Skilled Worker Visa is valid.

Using the wrong application form

Dependants must use the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa form, not the main worker application form.

How AHJ Immigration helps your family application

Family immigration can feel complicated, but we make it simple. At AHJ Immigration, we guide you through every stage, ensuring all requirements are met and your family can join you as smoothly as possible.

We help you:

• Check who qualifies as a dependant
• Prepare accurate relationship and financial evidence
• Submit strong, compliant applications
• Communicate with the Home Office if needed

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to discuss your family application today.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Your free consultation gives you an overview of UK immigration routes, dependant eligibility, and financial requirements.

Or call 0121 828 2224 to book by phone.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

After your free session, you can book a 1-hour consultation for personalised support. We will:

• Review your dependants’ documents
• Assess eligibility and financial requirements
• Provide written step-by-step advice

The £120 fee is deducted from your final visa cost if you continue with us.

FAQs

1. Can my partner work in the UK on a dependant visa?
Yes. Dependants can work full-time in almost any role except professional sports.

2. Can my children attend school?
Yes. Dependant children have full access to education in the UK.

3. Do I need to apply for all dependants at the same time?
No. They can apply later as long as your Skilled Worker Visa remains valid.

4. How long do dependant visas last?
Their visa will end on the same date as yours, even if they apply later.

5. Can I include my parents as dependants?
No. Parents and other relatives are not eligible under the Skilled Worker dependant rules.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your situation and immigration rules.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed review of documents and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Templates, checklists, and one-to-one consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Preparation and submission of your family’s application.
5. Waiting Phase – Monitoring case progress and liaising with the Home Office.
6. Decision Phase – Explanation of the decision, next steps, and compliance advice.

Disclaimer

Fees and requirements are always subject to change as UK immigration is ever-evolving. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest Home Office guidance.

Keep your family together in the UK

Your career doesn’t have to mean being apart from your loved ones. With the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa, your family can join you and build a new life in the UK.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today.

After your free session, book a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for detailed, written advice — and we’ll deduct the fee from your final visa cost if you proceed with us.

Family and future go hand in hand. Let’s help you bring them together.