Skilled Worker dependant visa guide
Eligible partners and children may be able to apply with, join or remain with a Skilled Worker. Restrictions depend on the sponsored occupation, relationship and application location.
Reviewed 11 August 2026 · Verify current requirements on GOV.UK before applying
Partner and child categories
- A partner may be a spouse, civil partner or qualifying unmarried partner under the published rules.
- A child is normally under 18 when first applying, with separate provisions for an older child who already has dependant permission.
- Relationship, living-arrangement and parental-responsibility evidence may be required.
- Each dependant normally makes a separate linked application and pays the relevant charges.
Important route restrictions
- Dependants are restricted for some care-worker, senior-care-worker and medium-skilled sponsored roles.
- A dependant inside the UK cannot switch from a visit visa and several other listed categories.
- A Student switching to dependant permission must meet the published course-completion or PhD study condition.
- A dependant’s permission does not automatically extend or switch when the main applicant changes status.
General preparation list
- Passport or accepted travel document.
- Main applicant’s application reference, permission or Certificate of Sponsorship information.
- Marriage, civil-partnership, birth or other relationship evidence where applicable.
- Maintenance evidence unless sponsor-certified or otherwise exempt.
- TB certificate and certified translations where the published rules require them.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Check the current GOV.UK rules
The official application and GOV.UK determine the final requirements and charges.