UK Skilled Worker dependants rules for 2026.

Dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders can join the main applicant in the UK, but each dependant must independently prove their eligibility. The main applicant's visa approval does not automatically extend to family members. Each dependant — whether a partner (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner), child under 18, or adult dependent child — must submit a separate visa application, provide their own evidence of relationship, meet the maintenance funds requirement, and satisfy the suitability requirements (no criminal record, no previous immigration breaches).

The key distinction is between dependants who apply at the same time as the main applicant and those who join later. Dependants who apply at the same time can be included in the same application process. Dependants who join later must apply separately, but still need to prove relationship, funds, and suitability. The maintenance requirement is additional to the main applicant's funds: GBP 285 for a dependant partner and GBP 315 per child (check live rates). The funds must be held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of the application date, unless the employer certifies maintenance on the CoS. This timing consideration matters when planning whether to apply together or separately, because applying together means the dependant's visa runs from the same start date as the main applicant's, maximizing the total time the family can remain together in the UK before each member needs to apply for further leave or settlement individually. Dependants who apply separately after the main applicant has already received their visa will have their visa duration aligned to the remaining time on the main applicant's visa, which means a shorter overall grant period and potentially a sooner need to apply for an extension. Planning the dependant application timing carefully can significantly affect the family's overall immigration timeline in the UK.

Care-sector dependant restrictions apply to Skilled Worker visa holders sponsored in care roles (SOC code 6145 — care workers and home carers). Dependants of care workers sponsored under the Health and Care Worker route or the Skilled Worker route in a care occupation face additional restrictions. As of 2026, dependants of care workers may not be permitted to work or may have restricted work rights. Check the current policy on care-sector dependant restrictions before filing, as this policy has changed multiple times in recent years.

Partners (spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners) of Skilled Worker visa holders or applicants who want to join the main applicant in the UK. Children under 18 of Skilled Worker holders who need their own visa to accompany the parent. Parents of Skilled Worker holders who are applying for dependant children and need to understand consent requirements, maintenance funds, and timing. Care workers applying under the Health and Care Worker route who need to understand the current dependant restrictions and whether their family members can work when they arrive.

This guide is also for current Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK whose dependants want to join them later. Dependants who join later follow a different application process (separate application, but still within the UK or from overseas). The key requirement is proving the relationship and maintenance funds at the time of the dependant's application, not the main applicant's application date.

Relationship evidence for partners. Marriage or civil partnership certificate (with certified translation if not in English or Welsh). For unmarried partners: evidence of at least 2 years of cohabitation (joint tenancy agreements, joint bank statements, utility bills in both names, council tax statements). Photographs together, correspondence addressed to both partners, and witness statements from friends or family who can attest to the genuine relationship. The evidence must show the relationship is genuine and subsisting, not a marriage of convenience.

Consent letters for children. If a child is applying with only one parent, the other parent (or legal guardian) must provide a signed consent letter confirming they agree to the child's relocation. The consent letter should include the child's details, the visa applied for, the intended UK address, and the consenting parent's contact information and signature. The lack of a consent letter is a common reason for child dependant visa refusal. If one parent has sole custody, provide the court order or other evidence of sole custody.

Proof of maintenance funds. Bank statements showing the required additional funds held for 28 consecutive days. The funds must be in the applicant's name or the partner's name (with written permission to use them). If the employer certifies maintenance on the main applicant's CoS (box R-LT), the dependant may not need to show funds, but this depends on what the CoS certifies. Check with the employer whether the CoS covers dependant maintenance or only the main applicant's maintenance.

Passports and birth certificates. Valid passport for each dependant. Birth certificate for each child, showing the parents' names. If the child is adopted, provide the adoption certificate. If a child is over 18, evidence that they are still financially dependent on the parents and have not formed an independent family unit.

TB certificate (if applicable). Applicants from countries where TB testing is required for UK visas must provide a valid TB test certificate issued by an approved clinic. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Dependants from countries where TB is prevalent must also provide a TB certificate, even if the main applicant is from a TB-free country.

Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant (same application form, filed together) or at any time during the main applicant's visa validity (separate application, filed later). There is no requirement to file all dependant applications simultaneously. However, dependants who apply after the main applicant should do so before the main applicant's visa expires.

If applying at the same time, include the dependant details in the main application form and submit all documents together. The dependant's visa grant will align with the main applicant's visa duration. If applying separately, the dependant visa duration will be aligned to the remaining time on the main applicant's visa — it will not be extended to match a new grant.

Processing time for dependant applications is typically the same as for the main applicant (3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks from inside the UK). Dependants who apply from outside the UK need to wait for the visa decision before travelling. Dependants who are already in the UK with valid permission in another route can switch to dependant status from inside the UK.

Make the dependant file stand alone rather than assuming the main worker approval proves the family case. UKVI assesses each dependant application independently. The main applicant's approval does not guarantee dependant approval. Organise the dependant evidence packet as if it were a separate application: relationship evidence, consent documents, maintenance funds, TB certificate, and passport copies.

Provide clear, consistent relationship evidence. UKVI looks for a clear timeline: how the couple met, when the relationship became serious, when they started living together, and evidence of ongoing commitment. For married couples, the marriage certificate is primary but supplementary evidence (photographs, correspondence, joint financial commitments) strengthens the case. For unmarried partners, the 2-year cohabitation evidence is critical — gaps in cohabitation evidence are a common RFE reason.

Ensure the consent letter for children is properly executed. The consent letter should be signed, dated, and include the consenting parent's passport copy and contact details. If the consenting parent is not available, provide evidence of why (death certificate, court order awarding sole custody, evidence of abandonment). A missing or inadequate consent letter is one of the most common reasons for child dependant visa refusal.

Weak relationship evidence. A marriage certificate alone is not sufficient for partners who have not built a shared life. UKVI expects evidence of ongoing commitment: shared finances, joint living arrangements, communication history, and plans for the future in the UK. For newly married couples who have lived apart, provide evidence of regular communication, visits, and future plans.

Missing consent for children. If one parent is not applying or is remaining in the home country, their written consent is required. The absence of a consent letter is a near-automatic refusal for child dependants. Even if the non-applying parent is not involved in the child's life, evidence of sole custody or abandonment must be provided.

Sponsor certificates that do not cover dependants. The main applicant's CoS must state the correct occupation code and salary to support dependant applications. If the CoS has errors, the dependant application may be affected. Review the CoS before dependant applications are filed.

Care-route dependant restrictions. If the main applicant is sponsored in a care occupation (SOC 6145), the current policy may restrict dependant work rights. Check the live policy before filing. These restrictions have changed multiple times and may change again. If dependants plan to work upon arrival, confirm that the current policy permits this for care-route dependants.

Insufficient maintenance funds. The maintenance requirement for dependants is additional to the main applicant's funds. A common mistake is assuming the main applicant's maintenance covers all family members. Each dependant needs their own funds or a CoS that certifies maintenance for the entire family. Check the maintenance amount for each dependant type before submitting the evidence. For 2026, the maintenance requirement is GBP 285 for a dependant partner and GBP 315 per child, but these figures are updated periodically and should be verified against the current Home Office guidance before preparing the financial evidence. The funds must be held in the bank account for at least 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of the application date, and the account must be in the applicant's name or the partner's name with a letter authorizing the use of the funds for the visa application. Failure to meet the 28-day holding period is one of the most common avoidable reasons for dependant visa refusal, even when the total funds are available.