If you are currently in the UK and meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker, you may apply to switch to a Skilled Worker Dependant visa. This process is completed online via the official Home Office UKVI website. Applicants applying as dependent partners must be at least 18 years old on the date of their application. The application process adheres strictly to the requirements specified in the Immigration Rules under Appendix Skilled Worker. For a quicker decision, you may opt for the Priority or Super Priority Service when submitting your Skilled Worker Dependant visa application.

Aden & Co Solicitors specialize in UK immigration law, offering exceptional legal services for visa and immigration matters. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in the 5-star Google Reviews from 99% of our satisfied clients.

Our dedicated team of dependant visa solicitors provides expert legal advice and representation on a fixed-fee basis for your Skilled Worker Dependant visa application. You can access free initial guidance from our experts online or book a detailed consultation with our specialists to ensure your application process is smooth and successful. Contact Aden & Co Solicitors today for tailored immigration support.

Who Can Switch to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa?

Certain family members of a Skilled Worker migrant are eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa. These include:

• A spouse, civil partner, or unmarried/same-sex partner of the Skilled Worker migrant.
• Children under the age of 18.

If your child initially entered the UK as a dependant before turning 18, they may still qualify for the visa, even if they are now over 18.

Eligibility Criteria for Transitioning to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

If you are a dependant of a Skilled Worker, you must meet the following criteria to transition to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa. Aden & Co Solicitors are here to guide you through this process effectively.

• Submission of a Valid Application

Applicants must file a valid application for switching to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa, ensuring accuracy and compliance with the Immigration Rules.

• Immigration Status Compliance

Meeting the immigration status requirement is crucial for eligibility under this visa category.

• Relationship Verification

You must establish your relationship as per the guidelines outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules.

• Age Requirement for Partners

If applying as a dependent partner, you must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

• Age and Care Conditions for Dependent Children

• If applying as a dependent child, you must be under 18 unless you were previously granted permission as a dependent child of your parents.
• For children under 18, proper care and accommodation arrangements in the UK must adhere to relevant UK laws and regulations.

• Suitability Standards

Applicants must not fall under any refusal grounds specified in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.

• Financial Eligibility

You must fulfill the financial requirements set out in Appendix Skilled Worker to demonstrate your ability to support yourself and any dependants.

• Compliance with Immigration Laws

Applicants must not:

• Be in breach of immigration laws unless exceptions under paragraph 39E apply.
• Be on immigration bail at the time of application.

Who Is Not Eligible to Switch to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa?

Applicants seeking permission to stay in the UK must meet specific criteria to switch to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa. Individuals who are in the UK on the date of application, but fall under any of the following categories, are not eligible for this visa:

• Visitor Visa holders
• Short-term student visa holders
• Parent of a Child Student visa holders
• Seasonal Worker visa holders
• Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa holders
• Individuals outside the scope of the Immigration Rules

Relationship Requirements for Dependent Partners of Skilled Workers

To qualify as a dependent partner of a Skilled Worker, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• The sponsoring skilled worker must either hold a valid Skilled Worker visa or be applying for (and granted) entry clearance under the Skilled Worker route simultaneously.

For partners who are not married or in a civil partnership, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

• The couple must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before applying.
• Any previous relationship of either the applicant or the Skilled Worker partner must have ended permanently.
• The applicant and their Skilled Worker partner must not be closely related to a degree that would prevent them from marrying or forming a civil partnership in the UK.

The relationship must be genuine, subsisting, and the applicant must intend to live together with their Skilled Worker partner throughout their stay in the UK.

Dependent Child Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants – Aden & Co Solicitors

To qualify as a dependent child of a Skilled Worker visa holder, the applicant must be the biological child of the sponsor, meeting one of the following conditions:

• The sponsoring Skilled Worker holds valid permission under the Skilled Worker route.
• The sponsoring Skilled Worker is simultaneously applying for, and has been granted, entry clearance or permission under the Skilled Worker route.

Additionally, both parents of the child must either be applying for permission at the same time as the applicant or already hold permission to remain in the UK (excluding visitor status). However, there are specific exceptions where one parent may not meet this requirement:

• If the parent applying for the Skilled Worker visa is the sole surviving parent.
• If the parent applying for the Skilled Worker visa has full responsibility for the child’s upbringing.
• If the non-Skilled Worker parent is a British citizen, has the right to enter or remain in the UK without restriction, and is either already residing or will reside in the UK.
• If the decision-maker deems there are compelling and serious reasons to grant the child permission to join the parent with Skilled Worker status.

In cases where the child is born in the UK to a Skilled Worker visa holder or their partner, a full UK birth certificate listing both parents’ names must be provided.

Age and Care Requirements for Dependent Children

The applicant must be under 18 years of age at the time of application unless they were previously granted permission as a dependent child. If the applicant is 16 or older at the time of application, they must not be leading an independent life.

For children under 18, the applicant must demonstrate that suitable arrangements for care and accommodation in the UK are in place, in compliance with relevant UK legislation and regulations.

Financial Requirement for Skilled Worker and Dependants

To secure a Skilled Worker visa or dependent visa for the UK, applicants must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support themselves and their dependants during their stay. If the applicant has been residing in the UK with valid permission for 12 months or more at the time of their application, they are considered to meet the financial requirement and are not required to provide evidence of funds.

However, for applicants who have not lived in the UK for 12 months or longer, the financial maintenance requirements for a Skilled Worker Dependant visa are as follows:

Fixed Fees for Switching to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa – Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer transparent and competitive fixed fees for dependant visa applications. Our services cater to those seeking to switch to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa, with clear and structured pricing as outlined below:

The fixed fee agreed upon will be determined by the complexity of your case and the volume of work involved. Please note that in addition to the fixed fee, applicants will also be required to pay the Home Office UKVI application fees.

FAQs – Transitioning to a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

The skilled worker or their dependants must have had access to the required funds for a continuous period of at least 28 days. The 28th day must fall within 31 days of the visa application submission.

In certain cases, you may not be required to show funds in your bank account if the Skilled Worker’s A-rated sponsor provides a certificate confirming their commitment to maintain and accommodate the dependent partner and/or children, as well as the Skilled Worker, for the duration of the first month of each of their respective stay permits in the UK.