The UK government statistics show that a large number of families have successfully been reunited through the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa with over 250,297 grants given to dependents.
Most skilled workers apply for dependent visas for their loved ones because they wish to live together and receive emotional and financial support from their families.
As a skilled worker, if you wish to successfully bring your family over to the UK, you have to understand how skilled worker-dependent visas work.
This article will guide you on how to bring your family to the UK, educating you on what qualifies a dependent, how to apply for dependent visas, requirements, and tips for a successful application.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
According to the UK immigration rules, a dependent is someone who depends on another person for care.
A qualified dependent is any of the following individuals:
- A spouse or civil partner
- An unmarried partner who has been in a long-term relationship for at least two years.
- A child under 18 years and over 18 years (who has permission – i.e. ‘leave to enter’ or ‘leave to remain’ – to be in the UK as a dependent).
How to Apply for Dependent Visas
Before you begin your application for dependent visas as a skilled worker in the UK, you need to understand the application process involved and the supporting documents you need.
Below is the application process involved:
- Check eligibility. Click here to see if you are eligible to apply for the UK skilled worker dependent visa.
- Ensure you have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor and get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from him/her/the organization.
- Gather your supporting documents and ensure that they are legit and up to date.
- Complete the visa application form and pay the required fees.
- Select a suitable appointment time to provide your biometric information at a visa application centre.
- Upload supporting documents and track your application.
It is important to provide accurate and complete information while applying for dependent visas to avoid legal issues and complications that may likely arise if you are accused of visa fraud or misrepresentation.
Some of the documents you will need to apply successfully include:
- Passports
- Financial documents (to prove sufficient funds)
- Birth certificate (for children)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
- English language proficiency evidence (if needed)
- Biometric information (Fingerprint and passport-sized photographs)
- Criminal background check (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship aside from marriage (cohabitation, joint bank statements)
- Translation documents (where the original official documents are not in the language of the host country).
After you have gathered all the required documents as listed above, then you must ensure that you have enough application fee for each dependent applicant. Although this fee is subject to change, it is currently 490 for each applicant.
Aside from the application fee, each applicant is expected to pay an IHS which covers access to NHS services.
Key Requirements for Dependent Visas
Financial Requirements
Aside from the initial fees paid during the visa application, the main applicant still has to prove certain financial commitments.
He/she needs to prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their dependents’ living costs. For areas outside of London, they need to have 680 per month for each dependent and for London, they need to have 845 per month for each dependent.
To show sufficient proof, the funds must have been held in a bank account for at least 28 days.
Accommodation
Continuously, the main applicant must show that he/she has a property with enough space for all family members.
Other factors that will be looked out for include:
- That the main applicant has exclusive use of the property.
- It is not overcrowded
- It meets local housing standards and complies with public health regulations.
- The main applicant can pay for the accommodation without relying on public funds.
The documents that can be presented to show that you meet the above requirements include:
- Tenancy agreement
- Mortgage statement
- Utility bills in the applicant’s name
- Council tax bills
- Letter from landlord confirming the applicant’s tenancy.
English Language Proficiency
Usually, dependents are not required to prove English Language proficiency unless they are applying to settle in the country permanently.
Also, if the children or spouse intends to attend school in the UK then they will require English Language skills.
The test type usually required is the IELTS for UKVI Life Skills administered by the IELTS SELT Consortium.
Tuberculosis Test
Applicants from countries considered to be high risk for tuberculosis will be required to undergo a TB test which involves:
- A chest x-ray
- A sputum sample (in some cases)
Tips for a Successful Application
If you wish to increase your chances of getting approval during a dependent visa application then you must ensure to be meticulous as you prepare and gather all required documents.
Your meticulousness will also reduce the risk of delays or rejection which could come as a result of missing or inadequate information.
It is highly recommended that applicants should seek guidance and/or professional advice from an immigration lawyer or expert.
Even while working with an expert, you must be patient as the process may take time. The immigration consultant is there to ensure a smooth application and increase your chances of getting approval but they do not make the final decisions.
Also, for each stage of the application process, you must ensure that you keep copies of all application documents and correspondence.
Conclusion
Applicants should be aware of all the options available to them such as switching visa categories within the UK.
Also, if a dependent (e.g. the spouse) intends to support their partner financially then they need to understand the rights available to them to work in the UK.
Moreover, some dependents can have access to public funds if they are eligible for it. This reduces the financial burden on the main applicant or whoever is financially responsible for the dependents.
