Why the Dependant Visa Matters in 2025

The UK’s Skilled Worker visa route is a lifeline for thousands of professionals and families each year. But in 2025, rules for bringing family members—the Skilled Worker visa UK dependant visa 2025—are more complex than ever.

For students and parents, the ability to bring spouses, partners, or children alongside a Skilled Worker visa holder can make the difference between pursuing opportunities abroad or staying home. For employers, dependant visa rules affect workforce stability—helping skilled workers settle long-term in the UK.

This guide explains, in detail, everything you need to know about the dependant visa under the Skilled Worker category, including eligibility, fees, documents, job list interactions, salary thresholds, and recent Skilled Worker visa UK chages 2025.

Part 1: Who Qualifies as a Dependant in 2025?

The Home Office defines dependants narrowly. For the Skilled Worker visa UK dependant visa 2025, the following groups are eligible:

  1. Spouses or civil partners – Legally married or civil partnerships recognised in the UK.
  2. Unmarried partners – Must prove a genuine, durable relationship with at least two years of cohabitation.
  3. Children under 18 – Including those born in the UK during the Skilled Worker visa period.
  4. Children over 18 – Only if they are already in the UK as dependants and are not living independently.

Parents, siblings, or extended family are not eligible.

Part 2: Skilled Worker Visa UK Requirements 2025 for Dependants

To qualify, dependants must:

  • Apply alongside or after the main Skilled Worker applicant.
  • Pay the full Skilled Worker visa UK fees 2025 and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
  • Prove genuine relationships with supporting documents.
  • Have no breach of immigration laws.

For main applicants, the Skilled Worker visa UK requirements 2025 must be met: sponsorship by a licensed employer, role eligibility on the Skilled Worker visa UK job list 2025, salary meeting the Skilled Worker visa UK salary threshold 2025 or Minimum Salary 2025, and English language compliance.

If the main applicant is refused, dependants’ applications are automatically refused.

Part 3: The Cost of Bringing Dependants – Skilled Worker Visa UK Fees 2025

Dependants must pay the same application fees and IHS as the main applicant.

  • Application fee (up to 3 years): £719 (outside UK), £827 (inside UK).
  • Application fee (more than 3 years): £1,420 (outside UK), £1,500 (inside UK).
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per person, per year.

Example:

A family of four (main applicant + spouse + 2 children) applying for a 5-year visa would pay:

  • Application fees: £1,420 × 4 = £5,680
  • IHS: £5,175 × 4 = £20,700
  • Total upfront fees: £26,380

Employers may cover the main applicant’s CoS fee and Immigration Skills Charge, but dependants are always the applicant’s responsibility.

Part 4: The Skilled Worker Visa UK Salary Threshold 2025 and Its Impact on Families

The Skilled Worker visa UK salary threshold 2025 does not directly change dependant eligibility—but it does shape whether the main applicant qualifies in the first place.

  • General salary threshold in 2025: £38,700 (illustrative figure).
  • Occupation-specific “going rates” often higher.
  • The Skilled Worker visa UK Minimum Salary 2025 is whichever is higher—the general threshold or going rate.

For families, this means dependants can only join if the Skilled Worker sponsor meets these thresholds. Families relying on new entrant concessions or PhD discounts must plan carefully, especially ahead of the Skilled Worker visa UK extension 2025.

Part 5: Application Steps – Skilled Worker Visa UK Application 2025 for Dependants

The Skilled Worker visa UK Application 2025 process for dependants is as follows:

  1. Prepare documents
    • Passport
    • Relationship evidence (marriage certificate, cohabitation documents, birth certificates)
    • Proof of maintenance (if required)
  2. Complete online form on GOV.UK.
  3. Pay Skilled Worker visa UK fees 2025 and IHS.
  4. Book biometrics appointment or use the UK Immigration ID app.
  5. Wait for a decision: standard 3–8 weeks, faster if priority is paid.
     

Part 6: Skilled Worker Visa UK Job List 2025 and Family Impact

The Skilled Worker visa UK job list 2025 narrows eligibility to graduate-level jobs. If a role isn’t listed, no dependants can apply because the main visa itself cannot be issued.

Examples of eligible roles include:

  • Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, paramedics under NHS pay scales).
  • Teachers (in specific shortage subjects like maths, physics).
  • IT specialists (software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity roles).
  • Engineers (civil, electrical, mechanical).

Parents helping students transition into UK work should guide them toward sectors listed in the job list 2025, ensuring future family sponsorship is possible.

Part 7: Skilled Worker Visa UK Chages 2025 – What’s Different for Dependants?

The Skilled Worker visa UK chages 2025 included:

  • Tightened eligibility: roles must now be RQF Level 6 or higher.
  • Stricter genuineness checks for dependants, especially unmarried partners.
  • Emphasis on salary alignment with UK workforce strategy.

While dependants remain permitted, fewer applicants overall will qualify, indirectly limiting family migration under the Skilled Worker route.

Part 8: Skilled Worker Visa UK Extension 2025 and Dependants

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa UK extension 2025:

  • Dependants must reapply with the main applicant.
  • Fees and IHS are payable again.
  • Salary progression must be evidenced to meet the updated thresholds.
  • Relationship proof may need refreshing (e.g., updated joint bank accounts, tenancy agreements).

Failing to extend dependants’ visas alongside the main applicant leads to overstaying risks.

Part 9: Benefits of the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

  1. Right to work: Adult dependants can usually work (except as professional sportspeople).
  2. Right to study: Children can attend UK schools; adults can take courses.
  3. Settlement pathway: Time spent as a dependant counts toward settlement if continuous.

Part 10: Common Mistakes in 2025

  • Assuming dependants are included automatically.
  • Providing insufficient relationship evidence.
  • Forgetting that each dependant pays full Skilled Worker visa UK fees 2025.
  • Overlooking maintenance requirements if the employer doesn’t certify them.
  • Not applying for extensions in time.
     

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Family Success

The Skilled Worker visa UK dependant visa 2025 is vital for families. It allows spouses, partners, and children to accompany main applicants, but it requires careful planning.

  • Ensure the main applicant meets all Skilled Worker visa UK requirements 2025.
  • Budget realistically for the high fees and IHS.
  • Guide students toward eligible roles on the job list 2025.
  • Prepare for long-term costs of the Skilled Worker visa UK extension 2025.

By anticipating the chages 2025 and aligning with the salary threshold and minimum salary rules, families can navigate the process smoothly.

Contact Worldwide Immigration Ltd

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 WhatsApp: +44 7360 271841
 inquiry@worldwideimmigration.co.uk
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