2025 – Guide What is UK Skilled Worker Dependent Visa & How to Apply

The UK’s booming economy has opened many job opportunities and immigration routes like the UK Skilled Worker visa for foreigners to come and make the most of these opportunities. And the cherry on the cake is, these workers can take their partners along; here’s how.

This ‘Guide UK Skilled Worker Dependent visa’ talks about how partners can join their better half in the UK who are on the UK Skilled Worker visa.

The UK Skilled Worker visa allows the holder to enter or remain in the UK if they want to work for a recognised employer and meet the eligibility. This is great for professionals and skilled specialists, since all they have to do is find a job in the UK, get an offer letter and apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

Partners and children are both considered as dependent of Skilled Workers.
They will each have to submit a separate application.

If they are granted, their visa will expire on the same day as the main applicant.

Any of the following describe a partner who is dependent:

• Spouse
• Civil partner or unmarried companion
• Same-sex Partner

• minor child, even if they were born in the UK while you were there.
• If child is above 18 and residing in the UK as a dependent

When you apply, you will be required to present proof of your relationship.

Applicants must be able to prove that either:

• They’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK
• They’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

A Child, who is 16 or older, must:

• Unless they are enrolled full time in boarding school, college, or university, live with you
• Not be legally wed, in a civil union, or provide financial support for any children

• A marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Current passport
• Bank statements, salary slips, fixed deposit certificates to meet financial requirements
• Evidence of co-habitation
• Evidence of genuine and subsisting relationship

You must submit proof of your child’s address if they reside with you, such as:

• A bank statement,
• Credit card bills,
• A driving license,
• A document attesting to their NHS registration,
• Or an official letter from their college or university if they are living in college accommodation

The process for applying for a Skilled Worker dependent visa is divided into different categories for a better understanding:

(A separate application and visa fee must be submitted for each family member)
You will need the application number you receive when you apply. The term “Global Web Form” (GWF) or “Unique Application Number” refers to this number (UAN). On emails and letters the Home Office sends you regarding your application, you can locate it.

Your partner will need to provide identification as part of their application.

1. 1. This is if they are in UK

Use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan their identity document and create or login into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

2. 2. If you are outside the UK

Get your fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application center to obtain a biometric residence permit.

When applying to join a skilled worker in the UK, a certain amount of money/funds are required for a Skilled Worker Dependent Application, to support themselves while they are in the UK.

£285 (The applicant i.e. the dependent and/or the sponsor can meet this requirement)

£315 for one child
£200 for each additional child

The main holder (skilled worker), dependent partner and the children must have had access to the funds for at least 28 days straight. Day 28 must occur within 31 days of either the main holder or the dependents making the application.

The UK Skilled Worker Visa Dependent Cost is mentioned below:

The cost for a dependent partner or child for less than 3 years is:
Application fee: £625 per person
Health Surcharge: £470 per

The cost for a dependent partner or child for more than 3 years is:
Application fee: 1,235 per person
Health Surcharge: £470 per

Once you have made your application online, proven your identity and submitted all the documents, the processing time for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application is typically 3 weeks.

One of the important parts of a guide UK Skilled Worker Dependent Visa is making sure you disclose your criminal records (if any). Criminal record checks are done for dependents of skilled workers and when it is done is during the processing of the application.

Criminal record checks are done for all UK visa applications, regardless of their category. It is advisable you disclose any criminal or complex immigration background you have, for example: previously refused visa applications, deportations, etc.

To apply for a Skilled Worker Dependants visa from outside the UK:

• You will first need to fill out the application form.
  • You can find the online application form for dependant partners here
  • And, you can find the online application form for dependant children here

• As dependents, you will need to prove your identity. You’ll either,
  • Have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center – this is to get a biometric residence permit
  • Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document – they’ll also create or sign in to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

If you are looking to apply for a Skilled Worker Dependants visa from inside the UK, i.e. extending or switching your application; dependents are eligible if:

• You apply at the same time as your main holder (skilled worker) applies to extend or switch
• You apply before your current visa expires
• This includes children who have turned 18 during their stay

You cannot apply for a switch as a UK Skilled Worker Dependent if you are currently in the UK on one of the following visas:

• A Visit visa
• A Short-term student visa
• A Parent of a Child Student visa
• A seasonal worker visa
• A domestic worker in a private household visa

You will need the main holder’s application number. It is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). The main holder can find this on letters and emails from the UK Home Office about their application.

Yes. Skilled Worker Dependants settle in the UK along with their partner.

Many clients have asked our UK visa consultants whether any restrictions are there on the Skilled Worker dependents visa. Here’s what dependents are allowed to do while in the UK:

• Work any jobs of any salary
• Study in the UK
• Run a business
• Avail healthcare benefits

Yes. A UK Skilled Worker visa is a pathway to settlement. Which means, dependents of skilled workers can settle in the UK on ILR as well.

Other visa routes that are eligible to bring dependents along are:

1. Work visas – UK Skilled Worker
2. Business visas – UK Expansion Worker visa, UK Senior or Specialist Worker visa, Innovator visa, Graduate Trainee, Start-up and the High Potential Individual (HPI)
3. Study visas – Long-term Student visa