Planning to Bring Your Family to the UK?
Family life matters. If your spouse, partner or parent holds a qualifying UK work visa, you may want to know whether you can join them or continue living together in the UK. Dependant rights and restrictions vary by route, occupation and date.
Who may qualify?
Depending on the relevant sponsored worker route and rules, eligible partners and children may be able to apply. An applicant must satisfy the relationship, immigration, financial and other applicable requirements.
Important restrictions for some sponsored workers
Not every Skilled Worker or Health and Care occupation permits new dependant applications. Particular restrictions and transitional arrangements can apply, especially to certain care and medium-skilled roles. Check the worker’s occupation and relevant dates rather than assuming eligibility.
Typical information to prepare
- Primary visa holder’s immigration category and occupation.
- Relationship evidence for partners.
- Birth and parentage information for children.
- Financial evidence or applicable exemptions.
- Travel and immigration history.
- Where each applicant currently lives.
From India or from inside the UK
The route and online process can differ depending on whether the dependant applies overseas or seeks to remain in the UK. Timing and existing status matter.
Start with the main visa holder’s details
Tell us the worker’s visa type, occupation and whether the CoS has been issued, then tell us who wishes to apply as a dependant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse apply from India?
Potentially, if the sponsored worker’s route permits dependants and the partner meets the relevant requirements.
Can my child apply as a dependant?
Eligible children may be able to apply, subject to applicable rules including age, care and family arrangements.
Are dependants allowed in every care work visa case?
No. Restrictions and transitional rules may prevent new dependants in some cases.
Do children born in the UK automatically have a dependant visa?
No. Birth in the UK does not itself automatically grant dependant immigration permission or British citizenship.