Applying for Skilled Worker Dependent Visas: The Complete Guide
You can bring your partner, spouse, or children to the UK with you if you hold a valid Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa.
At London Immigration Lawyer, we understand the challenges that come with applying for a Skilled Worker Dependent visa and are here to help. Get in touch with us today. Call us on 020 4502 8582, or find us online.
Page Contents
- Tier 2 Dependent Visa Overview
- Who Qualifies as a Tier 2 Dependent?
- Tier 2 Dependent Visa Requirements
- Tier 2 Dependent Visa Work Eligibility
- How to Apply for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa?
- Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Fee
- Visa Processing Time
- Required Documents for a Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa
- Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension
- What Am I Allowed To Do with a Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent Visa?
- What Am I Not Allowed To Do in the UK with Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent Visa?
- Can a Tier 2 Dependent Visa Holder Apply for Settlement Permit?
- Can I Study in the UK as a Tier 2 Dependent?
- How Can London Immigration Lawyers Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of Skilled Worker (Tier 2) Dependent Visa
The Skilled Worker Dependent Visa is a type of family visa that allows the family members of Tier 2 Visa holders to live and work in the UK. The Tier 2 Dependent Visa is valid for the same period of time as the Tier 2 Visa and allows dependents to work, study, and access public services in the UK.
Tier 2 Dependents can also apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK once they have held their visa for five years.
The Tier 2 Dependent Visa is a points-based visa and requires applicants to score at least 40 points. Applicants must score 10 points for each of the following criteria: age, English language ability, maintenance, and accommodation.
In addition, Tier 2 Dependents must also pass a tuberculosis test and a criminal background check. Tier 2 Dependants who are under 18 years old must also have arrangements in place for their care and welfare while in the UK.
Who Qualifies as a Tier 2 Dependent?
To qualify as a Tier 2 Dependent, you must be the following:
- Partner – Legal marriage or civil partnership, or a relationship for at least two years.
- Spouse – Legal marriage.
- Dependent child – Under 18 and biologically related to the Skilled Worker Visa holder.
- Children over 18, if currently in the UK.
| Dependant type | Definition / key rules | Notes & exceptions (official) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / husband / wife | Legally married spouse | Standard: must provide marriage certificate and evidence of genuine relationship. GOV.UK |
| Civil partner | Registered civil partnership | Provide civil partnership certificate. |
| Unmarried partner (durable relationship) | Relationship “similar to marriage/civil partnership” for at least 2 years | Home Office accepts non-cohabitation evidence in some cases; must evidence genuine relationship (see Relationship guidance). GOV.UK |
| Child (dependent) | Child under 18 on date of application (includes children born in UK while lead is on visa) | Child who is 18+ can only apply as dependant if they previously held that dependant status; siblings, parents, other relatives are normally not dependants. GOV.UK |
| Adult relatives / parents | Not dependants (in general) | Exceptional human-rights / other limited routes exist — handle separately. |
Tier 2 Dependent Visa Requirements
To apply for a Skilled Worker Dependent visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 or over, unless applying as the dependent of a Tier 4 Student Visa holder.
- Have enough money to support themselves without having to access public funds.
- Pass a tuberculosis test if from a specified country.
- Have valid proof of English language ability.
- Provide evidence that the Skilled Worker Tier 2 Visa holder has sufficient funds for accommodation in the UK.
- Have no criminal record or any health conditions that may cause harm to other people in the UK.
The applicant must also have, or is applying for, leave to remain in the UK under one of the following categories:
- Tier 2 (General), now Skilled Worker visa, including the Health & Care Worker visa
- Tier 2 Intracompany Transfer
- Tier 2 Minister of religion
- Tier 2 Sportsperson
Knowledge of English
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
To prove your knowledge of English, you must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the Home Office or have a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English.
Maintenance Funds
Skilled workers and Tier 2 dependents have no recourse to public funds, which means they need to be able to support themselves without any assistance from the government.
Skilled Workers and Tier 2 Dependents must prove they have enough money to sustain themselves for at least the first month of their stay in the UK.
Tier 2 Dependent Visa Work Eligibility
Tier 2 Dependents are allowed to work in the UK but must meet certain criteria. The Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holder must have permission to take up employment in a skilled role and must also be able to demonstrate that they can provide enough funds for their dependents to live in the UK without having to access public funds.
Tier 2 Dependents must also apply for a National Insurance Number before they can start working in the UK. Additionally, Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holders and their dependents must adhere to the UK Code of Practice for Skilled Workers, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of employers and Skilled Worker Visa holders.
Documents checklist
| Document | Partner / Spouse | Unmarried partner | Child under 18 | Notes & examples |
|---|
| Passport(s) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Copy of biodata page + all previous passports where possible. |
| Relationship evidence | Marriage cert / civil partnership certificate | Proof of 2+ year relationship: joint tenancy, shared bills, joint bank statements, travel together, photos, affidavits | N/A | Relationship packs should contain multi-year evidence; translate non-English docs. GOV.UK |
| Birth certificate (child) | N/A | N/A | ✓ | Show parent(s) names; if stepchild, evidence of legal responsibility. GOV.UK |
| Financial evidence | Sponsor/employer support letters or personal bank statements | Same | Same | See financial evidence guidance (savings, sponsor letter, timing — 28-day requirement in many cases). GOV.UK |
| TB test (if required by country) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Only if applicant is from listed country — check gov.uk TB list. |
| Police certificate (if required) | May be required depending on age/country | May be required | May be required | Check country guidance and local VAC instructions. |
| Proof of accommodation | Tenancy agreement or letter from lead | Same | Same | Evidence adequate housing for family without recourse to public funds. |
How to Apply for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa?
The Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application process will vary depending on whether the applicants are applying in the UK or outside the UK.
Dependents applying from outside the UK
Applicants applying for a Skilled Worker Dependent visa from outside of the UK must apply online using the Home Office website, providing all necessary documents and supporting evidence.
This includes proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds and valid proof of English language ability.
Applicants will also need to provide biometric information as part of their application. If applying from outside of the UK, Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holders and their dependent family members must apply for entry clearance before they can enter the country.
The applicant will have to use the Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN) to apply for entry clearance at the local visa application centre.
A step table showing options (apply at same time as main applicant / apply later / apply in-UK).
| Scenario | When to apply | Key steps | Typical timing & notes |
|---|
| Apply at same time as principal (outside UK) | With main applicant’s application | Complete separate dependant applications; pay IHS & fees; provide documents & biometrics | Standard overseas VAC processing + any priority service. |
| Apply later (from outside UK) | After lead has visa | Apply online as dependant from outside UK; show lead’s visa / CoS / passport | Must apply before lead’s leave expires; maintenance and evidence required. |
| Apply inside UK (switch / join) | If already lawfully in the UK and eligible | Apply to switch / apply to extend as dependant; biometrics & supporting docs | Some categories (medium-skilled, care workers) may not be allowed to switch depending on dates — check carve-outs. GOV.UK |
| Biometrics & medicals | As instructed by VAC | Book at local VAC/clinic | VAC processes differ by country; show local VAC link. |
Dependents applying in the UK on their own
Applicants who are already in the UK and wish to apply for Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa must apply online using the Home Office website, providing all necessary documents and supporting evidence.
This includes proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds. Switching is only allowed when the applicant’s current visa has not expired.
On the same note, applicants under one of the following are not permitted to switch in the UK:
- Visit Visas
- Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
- Child student visa
- Seasonal worker visa
- Immigration bail
During the application, applicants with be required to use the Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN) to apply.
Applicants will either attend UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services UKVCAS centre to provide biometrics information or will have them submitted through UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Fee
The fee for the visa application varies depending on your circumstances. But in general, the normal fee ranges from £628 to £1,618.
You will also need to pay the health care surcharge, which is usually £1035 per year.
Visa Processing Time
The Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa application processing usually takes up to 8 weeks from the submission date.
However, in some cases, it can take longer due to the large number of applications received by UKVI or other factors such as incomplete or missing documents during the application process.
Required Documents for a Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa
When applying for Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa, you will need to provide the following documents as part of your application:
- Appointment sheet – proving the applicant has appointed a visa interview.
- Valid passport or travel document – must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application.
- Proof of English language ability – this can be a test or certificate.
- Passport-sized digital photograph – must meet Home Office requirements.
- Financial evidence – must meet the Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa financial requirement, including evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.
- Proof of relationship with Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holder – marriage certificate, birth certificate or evidence that you are the Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holder’s partner.
- A valid TB test result – this is only required if applying from countries listed by the Home Office as high-risk for tuberculosis.
- Previous passports – to show your previous travel history.
Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension
Applicants who already have valid visa can extend it for a further period of up to five years, depending on the length of their current Skilled Worker Tier 2 dependent visa.
They will also need to meet all the Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa requirements and provide evidence of the Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holder’s employment status in the UK.
You can not extend a Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa in the UK if you have not been following immigration rules.
If the main Tier 2 Migrant decides to leave the UK, the Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa will no longer be valid.
A table showing how dependant’s leave ties to the lead and path to settlement.
| Issue | Rule / example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa end date | Dependant visa usually ends on same date as lead applicant (or earlier if child’s parents’ visas have different end dates). | If parents hold different expiry dates the child’s visa ends on the earliest date. GOV.UK |
| Extending dependant leave | Dependant may apply to extend while lead sponsor continues to be eligible | Requirements mirror lead: continue relationship, maintenance etc. GOV.UK |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Dependant can qualify for ILR using time spent as dependant if lead qualifies for settlement (typically 5 years for Skilled Worker routes) | Dependant’s continuous residence periods as a dependant generally count towards ILR. Specific rules apply if lead switches route or if medium-skill carve-outs apply; see gov.uk ILR guidance. GOV.UK |
| Exceptions | Historic Skilled Worker permissions / pre-22 July 2025 cases | Medium-skill exemptions exist where the lead’s original Skilled Worker application date was before 22 July 2025 — see staff guidance. GOV.UK |
What Am I Allowed To Do with a Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent Visa?
The Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa allows the holder to:
- Work in any job up to full time hours.
- Study at an educational institution.
- Participate in a State recognized or funded qualification.
- Travel to other countries and return to the UK.
- Take a postgraduate course.
- Get married/enter into a civil partnership.
- Extend the visa.
Work, study & access to benefits
| Permission | Dependant position | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Work | Most dependants | Dependants can work in most jobs and are not limited to the sponsor’s occupation (subject to professional registration rules for regulated professions). GOV.UK |
| Study | Most dependants | Dependants can study (full-time or part-time). Fee status for tuition will depend on area/university rules — check local university admissions for fee status. |
| Public funds / benefits | Most dependants | Leave normally includes No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition — dependants cannot claim most benefits unless an exception applies. Cite Public Funds guidance. GOV.UK |
| Professional registration | Healthcare, legal, teaching etc. | Dependants wanting to work in regulated professions must meet professional regulator requirements (DBS checks, NMC/HCPC/others). Add links for key regulators. |
What Am I Not Allowed To Do in the UK with Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent Visa?
The Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa does not give you permission to:
- Stay in the UK for more than 5 years.
- Access public funds unless you can prove that you are destitute.
- Work in certain jobs such as security guard, professional sportsperson, doctor or dentist in training.
- Take an employed and/or self-employed job without permission from the Home Office.
- Study in a restricted study field.
Can a Tier 2 Dependent Visa Holder Apply for Settlement Permit?
Yes, Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders who have lived in the UK continuously for five years can apply for a settlement permit.
To be eligible to apply, visa holders must meet certain requirements such as having enough funds to support themselves and their families or being able to switch from Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa to a Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa, as well as satisfying the Home Office’s ‘knowledge of language and life in the UK’ requirement.
Can I Study in the UK as a Tier 2 Dependent?
Yes, Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders are allowed to study in the UK and can access public funds if they meet certain requirements.
Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders are also able to switch from Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa to Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa.
However, Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders are not permitted to study in certain fields such as medicine or dentistry.
Sponsor / employer obligations that affect dependants
| Sponsor obligation | Effect on dependants | Required action by sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Maintain valid sponsor licence & CoS | If sponsor withdraws or licence revoked this can affect the lead and, indirectly, dependants | Sponsor must comply with reporting duties and keep CoS valid. Link to sponsor guidance. GOV.UK |
| Certificate of maintenance | If sponsor certifies maintenance, dependants may not need to show funds | Sponsor to include cert of maintenance on the CoS where offered. GOV.UK |
How Can London Immigration Lawyers Help?
Our experienced immigration lawyers at London Immigration Lawyers have a good understanding of Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa applications and can help you submit a successful Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa application.
We will assess your circumstances, advise you on the Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa requirements and provide you with guidance throughout the visa application process.
We can also assist Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holders in applying for a settlement permit, as well as helping applicants switch to Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa.
Contact us today on 020 4502 8582, or find us online for more information about Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visas and our London Immigration Lawyers services.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at London Immigration Lawyers before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on December 10th, 2025 at 12:47 pm
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders are allowed to work in any job up to full-time hours except for a few restricted professions such as security guard, professional sportsperson, or dentist in training.
A Dependent child is defined as a person under 18 who is the Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holder’s son, daughter, brother, sister, adopted child or stepchild and is financially dependent on the Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa holder.
Yes, Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders are allowed to travel outside of the UK and return without needing a fresh Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa. However, Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders must make sure that their Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa is still valid when they return to the UK.
Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders are allowed to stay in the UK for up to 5 years unless they apply for an extension before the Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa expires. Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent visa holders can also apply for a settlement permit after continuously living in the UK for 5 years.
