Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Advice for Partners and Children
Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders may be able to apply to join, remain with or extend their stay in the UK as dependants.
Dependant applications must be prepared carefully, especially where family members are applying at different times, switching inside the UK, extending before expiry or preparing for future settlement.
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Who Can Apply as a Skilled Worker Dependant?
Eligible dependants are usually the partner and children of the Skilled Worker visa holder. The evidence must show the family relationship and that the dependant requirements are met.
Husband, Wife or Civil Partner
A spouse or civil partner may apply as a dependant if the relationship is genuine and the required evidence is provided.
Unmarried Partner
An unmarried partner may qualify where the relationship is genuine, durable and properly evidenced.
Children
Children may qualify as dependants where age, parental responsibility, family unit and care requirements are met.
Main Skilled Worker Dependant Requirements
Valid Main Applicant Status
The Skilled Worker must hold or be applying for valid permission under the Skilled Worker route.
Genuine Relationship
Partners must show that the relationship is genuine and subsisting, with evidence appropriate to the circumstances.
Child Relationship Evidence
Children usually need birth certificates, family evidence and documents showing the family unit.
Financial Requirement
Dependants may need to show maintenance funds unless the sponsor certifies maintenance or an exemption applies.
Switching Eligibility
Dependants applying from inside the UK must check whether their current immigration route permits switching.
Suitability
Previous refusals, overstaying, criminality or immigration breaches should be reviewed before applying.
Documents for Skilled Worker Dependant Applications
The documents required depend on whether the dependant is a partner, child, overseas applicant, in-country applicant, extension applicant or late-joining family member.
Passport and Identity Evidence
Current passport, previous passports where relevant and immigration status evidence.
Main Applicant Evidence
Skilled Worker visa, CoS details, sponsor information and evidence of current or pending permission.
Marriage or Civil Partnership Evidence
Marriage or civil partnership certificate where the dependant is a spouse or civil partner.
Unmarried Partner Evidence
Cohabitation, communication, travel, financial links and evidence of a durable relationship.
Child Evidence
Birth certificate, parental responsibility evidence, school letters and proof of family arrangements.
Maintenance Evidence
Bank statements or sponsor certification of maintenance where required.
Partner Dependant Evidence
Partner dependant applications can be refused where the relationship evidence is weak, inconsistent or does not prove that the relationship is genuine.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate where applicable.
- Evidence of living together where available.
- Communication records if living apart.
- Travel and visit evidence.
- Photographs and relationship history evidence.
- Evidence explaining long-distance periods or address differences.
Child Dependant Applications
Child dependant applications need careful evidence, particularly where one parent is not applying, parents live separately, or the child is applying later than the main Skilled Worker.
Birth Certificate
The birth certificate should clearly show the relationship between the child and parent.
Parental Responsibility
Evidence may be needed where one parent is absent, not applying or not living with the child.
Family Unit Evidence
The Home Office may need to see that the child forms part of the same family unit.
School Evidence
School letters or education evidence can assist where the child is already in the UK.
Consent Evidence
Consent from parents or those with parental responsibility may be required in some cases.
Living Arrangements
Accommodation and care arrangements should be clear, especially where family circumstances are complex.
Common Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Problems
Weak Relationship Evidence
Partner applications may fail if the relationship is not properly evidenced.
Maintenance Evidence Missing
Bank statements or sponsor certification may be missing or insufficient.
Child Family Unit Issues
The Home Office may question whether a child forms part of the same family unit.
Switching Problems
Not every applicant can switch into the dependant route from inside the UK.
Different Visa Expiry Dates
Families applying at different times may need careful planning around visa length and future ILR.
Previous Refusals
Previous refusal reasons should be addressed clearly in any fresh application.
How NMILS Can Help
Dependant Eligibility Advice
We assess whether the partner or child can apply as a Skilled Worker dependant.
Document Checklist
We prepare a tailored list of evidence for partner and child dependant applications.
Relationship Evidence Review
We review partner evidence, cohabitation documents and relationship history.
Child Evidence Review
We check child documents, parental responsibility evidence and family unit evidence.
Maintenance Review
We check whether financial evidence or sponsor certification is required.
Application Checking
Already prepared your dependant application? We can review it before submission.
Related Skilled Worker Pages
Skilled Worker Visa
Full Skilled Worker visa advice covering CoS, salary, sponsorship and switching.
Skilled Worker Document Checklist
Documents for Skilled Worker applicants and dependants.
Skilled Worker Visa Refusal
Advice where a Skilled Worker or dependant application has been refused.
Sponsor Licence
Advice for employers sponsoring Skilled Workers.
UK Immigration Fees
Understand application fees, IHS and dependant visa costs.
Application Checking Service
Have your dependant visa application checked before submission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply as a Skilled Worker dependant?
Usually the partner and children of a Skilled Worker visa holder may apply, if the dependant requirements are met.
Can my spouse join me in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, a spouse or civil partner may apply as a dependant if the relationship and other requirements are satisfied.
Can children apply as Skilled Worker dependants?
Yes, children may apply where the relationship, age, parental responsibility and family unit requirements are met.
Do dependants need financial evidence?
Financial evidence may be required unless maintenance is certified or an exemption applies.
Can NMILS check a Skilled Worker dependant application?
Yes. NM Immigration Lawyers can review partner and child dependant applications before submission.
Need Advice on a Skilled Worker Dependant Application?
NM Immigration Lawyers can advise on partner and child dependant applications, documents, maintenance, switching and refusal risks.
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