Dependants of Skilled Workers, such as a spouse, partner, or child under 18, can apply for entry clearance to join the Skilled Worker in the UK. This application must be submitted online, following the provisions outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker of the UK Immigration Rules. Upon approval, the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa is granted for the same duration as the Skilled Worker’s visa.

Aden & Co Solicitors are renowned experts in UK immigration law, celebrated for providing top-tier legal services with a remarkable 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of our clients. Our experienced immigration solicitors specialize in managing Skilled Worker Dependant Visa applications with a focus on delivering high-quality guidance and representation.

Our team offers tailored advice and fixed-fee legal representation for Skilled Worker Dependant Visa applications. You can ask our experts free immigration questions online or book a consultation for comprehensive advice on your case.

Who Qualifies as a Skilled Worker’s Dependant?
You can apply as a Skilled Worker’s dependant if you are:

• The Skilled Worker’s spouse or civil partner.
• An unmarried or same-sex partner.
• A child under 18 years of age.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Worker Dependant Visa: Entry Clearance

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa, applicants must fulfill the following essential requirements under the UK Immigration Rules. Aden & Co Solicitors can assist you in ensuring a smooth application process:

• Submission of a Valid Application: Applicants must apply from outside the UK with a properly completed Skilled Worker Dependant Visa application.
• Relationship Verification: Compliance with the relationship conditions outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker is mandatory to establish eligibility.
• Age Requirements for Partners: Dependent partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of submitting the application.
• Age and Care Standards for Children: Dependent children must be under 18 at the time of the application unless they were last granted permission as a dependent child. Additionally, suitable arrangements must exist for their care and accommodation in the UK, adhering to applicable UK legislation and regulations.
• Suitability Criteria: Applicants must not be subject to refusal based on the grounds specified in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
• Financial Eligibility: Proof of meeting the financial requirements stated in Appendix Skilled Worker is essential.
• Criminal Record Certificate: If applicable, applicants must submit a criminal record certificate for any country they have resided in for 12 months or more (cumulatively or continuously) within the last 10 years while aged 18 or above.
• Tuberculosis Screening Certificate: If required under Paragraph A39 and Appendix T of the Immigration Rules, a valid medical certificate confirming the absence of active pulmonary tuberculosis must be provided.

Eligibility Criteria for a Dependent Partner of a Skilled Worker

To qualify as a dependent partner of a Skilled Worker, the applicant must meet specific relationship requirements:

Sponsoring Skilled Worker Status

• The sponsoring partner must already hold a Skilled Worker visa; or
• The sponsoring partner is simultaneously applying for and being granted entry clearance under the Skilled Worker route.

Unmarried or Non-Civil Partnership Relationships
For applicants who are not married to or in a civil partnership with their Skilled Worker partner, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

• • The couple must have cohabited in a relationship equivalent to marriage or a civil partnership for a minimum of two years before the date of application.
  • Any previous relationship involving either party must have permanently ended.
  • The applicant and their partner must not be closely related in a way that would legally bar them from marrying or entering a civil partnership in the UK.

Genuine and Sustained Relationship
The relationship must be genuine and ongoing, with a clear intention for both parties to live together throughout the applicant’s stay in the UK.

Dependent Child Eligibility for a Skilled Worker Visa Holder

To qualify as a dependent child of a Skilled Worker visa holder, the applicant must meet the following relationship requirements:

• The applicant must be the child of the sponsoring individual who holds or is applying for a Skilled Worker visa. Specifically:
  • The sponsoring parent must currently have permission under the Skilled Worker route, or
  • The sponsoring parent must be applying for and granted entry clearance or permission under the Skilled Worker route simultaneously.

Parental Requirements
Both parents of the child must meet one of the following criteria:

• They are applying alongside the child for a Skilled Worker visa, or
• They already hold valid permission to stay in the UK (excluding as a Visitor).

Exceptions
The above parental requirements may be waived in the following scenarios:

• The parent applying for the Skilled Worker visa is the sole surviving parent.
• The parent applying for the Skilled Worker visa has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing.
• The non-Skilled Worker parent:

• • Holds British citizenship or unrestricted permission to live in the UK, and
  • Is, or will be, ordinarily resident in the UK.

• There are serious and compelling reasons for granting the child entry clearance or permission to remain with the parent who holds or is applying for a Skilled Worker visa.

Age and Care Requirements for a Child

To qualify, the child must be below 18 years of age at the time of the application, unless previously granted permission as a dependent child of their parent(s). For applicants aged 16 or older on the application date, they must demonstrate they are not living an independent life.

For children under 18, the application must include evidence of proper arrangements for their care and accommodation in the UK, which must align with applicable UK laws and regulations.

Criminal Record Certificate Requirements

If a Skilled Worker is being sponsored for a role under occupation codes listed in SW 16.1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, their partner applying for entry clearance must submit a criminal record certificate. This certificate must be obtained from the relevant authorities in any country where the applicant has resided for 12 months or more (cumulatively or continuously) in the 10 years preceding the application, provided they were aged 18 or over during that time.

However, this requirement may be waived if the applicant can provide a valid explanation demonstrating why acquiring the certificate is not reasonably practicable.

Financial Requirements for Skilled Worker Dependants:

If you are a Skilled Worker or a dependant of one, it is essential to demonstrate financial capability to sustain yourself during your stay in the UK. Under the Home Office UKVI Immigration Rules, applicants must meet specific maintenance fund requirements for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa. The stipulated amounts are detailed below:

These funds must be held continuously for at least 28 consecutive days, with Day 28 falling within 31 days prior to the visa application date.

However, in certain cases, proof of maintenance funds may not be required. If the Skilled Worker’s A-rated sponsor provides a written certification guaranteeing to support the Skilled Worker, their dependent partner, and/or children during their first month in the UK, this financial evidence can be waived. Aden & Co Solicitors can assist you in ensuring all requirements are met efficiently and accurately.

Period and Conditions of Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Grant

• Partner’s Leave: A partner of a Skilled Worker will be granted permission to enter or remain in the UK with a validity period aligned with the Skilled Worker’s visa duration.
• Child’s Leave: A child will receive permission to enter or remain that expires on the earlier end date of either parent’s visa.

Conditions of Grant: The Skilled Worker dependant visa is subject to the following conditions:

• No Access to Public Funds: The applicant cannot access UK government financial support.
• Permission to Work: Employment, self-employment, and voluntary work are allowed, except in professional sports, including coaching.
• Study Rights: Study is permitted for applicants aged 18 or older, subject to compliance with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) as outlined in Appendix ATAS.

Expedited Services for Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

Aden & Co Solicitors provides tailored assistance for obtaining a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa using priority and super-priority services, ensuring faster decision-making for your application.

Priority Service – Decision Within 5 Working Days:
If Priority Service is available in your country, you can receive a decision within 5 working days by verifying your identity at a local visa application center. You will be informed about the service’s availability during the online submission of your UK visa application.

Super Priority Service – Decision by the Next Working Day:
Applicants eligible to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app may receive a decision within 24 hours (typically by the end of the next working day). This option is offered during the online application process, ensuring a swift response for urgent visa needs.

How Aden & Co Solicitors Can Assist You with Your Entry Clearance Application

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our dedicated team of expert immigration solicitors is committed to providing top-tier legal advice and representation for your entry clearance application. We offer our services on a fixed-fee basis, ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness throughout the process. Our fixed fee covers all aspects of your entry clearance application, from start to finish, until a decision is made by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO). The following outlines the comprehensive services included in our fixed-fee offering:

• Expert Advice on Entry Requirements: Our experienced immigration solicitors will guide you through the specific eligibility requirements for a successful entry clearance application, ensuring you meet all necessary criteria.
• Document Guidance and Preparation: Aden & Co Solicitors will provide a detailed list of required supporting documents, tailored to your unique application. Our team will also email you the list of documents to ensure everything is in order.
• Document Review and Compliance: Our solicitors will carefully review your supporting documents to confirm they align with the Immigration Rules, ensuring they meet the standards set by the Entry Clearance Officer.
• Application Form Completion: Our team will expertly complete the relevant online application form on your behalf, making sure all required details are accurately provided.
• Priority Service Submission: Whenever possible, our immigration solicitors will submit your entry clearance application through the Priority Service to expedite the process, allowing for a faster decision.
• Booking Biometrics Appointment: Once your application is submitted, we will handle the booking of your biometrics enrolment appointment at the application centre, ensuring all procedural steps are taken care of.
• Comprehensive Cover Letter Preparation: Our specialist immigration lawyers will draft a detailed cover letter to accompany your application. This letter will clearly explain how your case satisfies the relevant legal requirements, helping to secure approval.
• Online Document Upload: Prior to your biometrics appointment, our team will upload all the supporting documents for your entry clearance application through the online portal, ensuring they are submitted promptly for review.
• Follow-up and Case Management: Aden & Co Solicitors will diligently handle all follow-up work, monitoring the progress of your application and ensuring that the Entry Clearance Officer’s decision is communicated efficiently.

Fixed Fees for Entry Clearance for Skilled Worker Dependant Visa – Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer competitive fixed fees for dependant visa applications. Below is a detailed breakdown of our services and associated costs:

Please note that the final fixed fee will be determined by the complexity of your application and the scope of the casework involved. In addition to our fixed fees, applicants are required to pay the Home Office UKVI fees for their application.

FAQs – Entry Clearance for Skilled Worker Dependant Visa UK