If you’re moving to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, your partner and children can usually join you as dependants — and they can work and study too. But the rules tightened recently, especially for care workers. Here’s who qualifies in 2026, what it costs, and what they can do.
Who can be a dependant?
- your husband, wife or civil partner, or an unmarried partner you’ve lived with for 2+ years;
- your children under 18 (including children born in the UK), who must be supported and not living an independent life.
The care-worker restriction
Following rule changes in March 2024 and July 2025, care workers and many medium-skilled workers can no longer bring new dependants. The exception: care workers and senior care workers who have been continuously employed on a Skilled Worker visa since before 11 March 2024 can still bring partners and children. Most other Skilled Workers (graduate-level roles) can sponsor dependants as normal.
Cost
Each dependant pays the same application fee as the main applicant (roughly £628–£1,865 depending on the visa length and whether they apply from inside or outside the UK), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year for an adult, £776/year for a child). You’ll also need to show maintenance funds — £285 for a partner, £315 for a first child and £200 for each additional child, held for 28 days — unless your employer certifies maintenance.
What dependants can do
Dependants can work (most jobs) and study in the UK, and they generally qualify for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years alongside the main visa holder. Partners may also need to meet the English requirement at later stages.
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as a Skilled Worker dependant?
Your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner of 2+ years, and children under 18 (including those born in the UK).
How much does a Skilled Worker dependant visa cost?
The same application fee as the main applicant (roughly £628–£1,865), plus the IHS (£1,035/year for an adult, £776/year for a child).
Can Skilled Worker dependants work?
Yes — they can work and study, and usually qualify for ILR after 5 years.
Can care workers bring dependants?
Generally no for those who started after 11 March 2024; care workers continuously employed before that date may still bring dependants.
What maintenance funds are needed for dependants?
£285 for a partner, £315 for a first child and £200 for each additional child, held for 28 days, unless the employer certifies maintenance.
Can my child born in the UK be a dependant?
Yes — a child born in the UK can be added as a dependant.
