The UK Skilled Worker Visa enables skilled professionals to work and live in the United Kingdom. If you are on this visa, your family members can join you in the UK using the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa.
UK Skilled Worker Dependent Visa
Dependents eligible to join you in the UK include your spouse, children under 18 years old, and children over 18 years old who are already in the UK as your dependents and remain financially dependent on you. To qualify, dependents must prove their relationship with the sponsor through marriage or birth certificates and demonstrate financial capability, with a minimum of £285 for the partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child, if the sponsor covers these costs.
Benefits of the Dependent Visa
This visa grants dependents the right to work and study in the UK, access to healthcare through the NHS, and the ability to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of living in the UK.
Application Process
- Online Application: Dependents must apply online using the official UK Government visa application page (https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration). Each dependent must complete a separate application.
- Pay Visa Fees: The application fee for dependent visas is typically £479 for three-year visas and £943 for longer visas. There is also an annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £624.
- Submit supporting documents: The application process requires passports, proof of a link with the skilled worker, proof of financial support, and TB test results, with proof of address required for minors over 18.
- Biometric appointment: Dependents must make a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
- Decision Timeline: Visa decisions are typically made within three weeks of completing the application procedure. However, priority services may shorten this timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About UK Skilled Worker Dependent Visa
1. Who is eligible to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Dependent Visa?
Dependents eligible for this visa include:
- Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
- Your children under 18 years old.
- Your children over 18 years old (if they are already in the UK as your dependents and remain financially reliant on you).
2. Can dependents work and study in the UK?
Yes, dependents on this visa are allowed to:
- Work in most jobs, with some exceptions (e.g., working as a doctor in training or professional sports roles).
- Study at any level, including higher education.
3. How much money is required to sponsor dependents?
You must show sufficient funds to support your dependents, with the following minimum amounts:
- £285 for your spouse or partner.
- £315 for the first child.
- £200 for each additional child.
These funds must be available for at least 28 consecutive days in your bank account before the application.
4. Do dependents need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Yes, dependents are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application. The IHS costs £624 per year for each dependent.
5. How long does the application process take?
The standard processing time for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa is three weeks after attending the biometric appointment. Priority services may reduce this time.
6. What documents are required for the application?
Dependents need to provide:
- Valid passports or travel documents.
- Evidence of their relationship to the Skilled Worker (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).
- Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements or employer sponsorship letters).
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required for their country).
- Immigration Health Surcharge payment confirmation.
7. How long can dependents stay in the UK?
Dependents can stay in the UK for the same length of time as the Skilled Worker visa holder. If the Skilled Worker extends or renews their visa, dependents must apply for an extension as well.
8. Can dependents travel outside the UK?
Yes, dependents can travel in and out of the UK during the validity of their visa. However, they should ensure their visa is valid and carry all necessary documents when re-entering.
9. Can dependents switch to other visa types while in the UK?
Yes, dependents may switch to a different visa category while in the UK if they meet the eligibility requirements for the new visa type.
10. What happens if the Skilled Worker visa holder loses their job?
If the Skilled Worker visa holder loses their job and their visa is curtailed (shortened), dependents’ visas will also be curtailed. The family must either leave the UK or apply for another visa type.
Conclusion
Common challenges in applying for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa include proving relationships, meeting financial requirements, and using well in advance. Dependents can stay in the UK for the same duration as the Skilled Worker and must apply for an extension if changing visas. After living in the UK for five years, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after passing the Life in the UK Test and showing no immigration law breaches.
Whether you are the primary visa holder or a dependent planning to join your family in the UK, this visa provides a path to stability and eventual settlement in the country.
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