Dependants of Work visa holders

Dependants of UK Work Visa Holders—including partners and children under 18—can apply for visas to join or remain with the main applicant in the UK. This applies to visa categories such as the Skilled Worker and Global Talent routes. Each dependant must submit a separate application and may need to demonstrate a genuine relationship with the main visa holder as well as sufficient maintenance funds. In most cases, dependant visas are granted with the same expiry date as the main applicant’s visa.

Terence Ray Solicitors is a specialist legal practice established in 2011 and based in Knightsbridge, Central London. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team delivers high-quality, bespoke immigration services tailored to each client’s individual needs. We provide trusted legal support across all areas of UK immigration law, offering clear advice and practical solutions for both personal and business immigration matters, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

If you hold a qualifying UK work visa, your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and dependent children may be eligible to join you in the UK as your dependants.

Dependants are entitled to live in the UK for the same duration as the main visa holder. In most cases, adult dependants are permitted to work in the UK without restriction, which is a significant benefit compared to older immigration rules.

To sponsor your dependants, you must show that you meet the financial requirements set by the Home Office. This typically means demonstrating that you can adequately support your family without recourse to public funds. The exact threshold varies depending on your visa category.

Children can generally be included as dependants if they are under 18 years of age, are not married or in a civil partnership, and are not leading an independent life. If a child turns 18 during the period of leave, they may be able to extend as an adult dependant in some circumstances.

Dependants on most work routes — including the Skilled Worker route — are entitled to access NHS healthcare through the Immigration Health Surcharge, which must be paid as part of the application. They may also be entitled to access state education.

It is important to include all family members in the original application where possible, as adding dependants later can be more complex and costly.

Our immigration solicitors at Terence Ray Solicitors will advise you on which dependants are eligible, what documents you need, and how to present a complete, well-organised application.

Call 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.