One of the questions we are most often asked by applicants is whether they can bring their family with them to the UK, and what their family members are allowed to do once here.
Skilled Worker visa holders can potentially bring their spouse, civil partner, or in certain cases an unmarried partner with them to the UK on a Dependent visa. Their children under the age of 18 are usually also eligible to apply.
Of course, the main benefit of a dependent visa is that it allows a family to stay together in the UK, but there are also other benefits that the visa brings.
One of the major benefits of a dependent visa is that a dependent partner can take up employment in the UK. Apart from not being able to work as a professional sportsperson or coach, they would have no restrictions on the type of work they could undertake. There is also no minimum salary requirement they have to meet, unlike the Skilled Worker visa holder themselves. Alternatively, if they do not wish to work, dependent partners can also study (subject to ATAS conditions). Besides, the dependent partner or child can enrol into the British education system.
Finally, after five years in the UK, a dependent partner can potentially apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, subject to UK visa and immigration laws, which would ultimately lead to British citizenship. Dependent children will be in a position to apply for settlement either together with their parents, or after they have been granted ILR.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK work visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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