Bringing Your Family to the UK: Dependant Visa Rules and Application

Moving to the UK for work is a life-changing step, but for many, it is only complete when their family are able to join them. The UK Dependant visa allows Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa holders to bring their loved ones to live, study and even work alongside them in the UK.

If you are considering applying for a dependant visa, this guide covers the essentials - eligibility, documents and the application process - so you know exactly what to expect.

What is a UK Dependant Visa?

A UK depedant visa is designed for family members of Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa holders. It allows the holder of the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Worker visa to apply to bring their partner and children to join them in the UK, for the length of their visa.

Who qualifies as a dependant?

• Your husband, wife, civil partner, or long-term partner

• Children under 18

• Children over 18 may qualify if they are already in the UK

Once approved, dependants can live in the UK, attend school or university, and in most cases, work. For families, it means stability and the ability to plan for the future together rather than apart.

Eligibility Requirements

The main visa holder must already have or have at least applied for a valid UK Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker Visa. Beyond that, you will need to prove your family relationship is genuine:

• For Partners: marriage or civil partnership certificate, or evidence of living together for at least two years

• For Children: birth certificates and proof you have parental responsibility

Financial requirements also apply. If your employer is not covering maintenance, you’ll need to show bank statements proving you can support your dependents.

Common reasons for refusal include missing documents, spelling mistakes, or applying on the wrong form — simple errors that can cause major setbacks.

Required Documents

To give your application the best chance of success, make sure you have:

• Passports for each applicant.

• Marriage or partnership certificate (if applying for a spouse).

• Birth certificates for children.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need bank statements, police clearance certificates, or copies of previous visas.

The Home Office places a lot of weight on accuracy. A missing page or mismatched date can cause delays or refusals, which is why careful preparation is essential.

Application Process

Applying for a dependant visa involves the following key steps:

1. Prepare your documents - gather everything in advance to avoid delays

2. Complete the online application - double check the right form is used

3. Pay the fees and Immigration Health Surcharge - this grants your family access to the NHS

4. Book and attend biometrics - fingerprints and photos are required at a UKVI approved visa centre

5. Await a decision - processing times can vary, but applications are usually decided within a few weeks

While the steps look straightforward, many families find the details overwhelming., with each family having a unique set of circumstances. That’s where support makes the difference. At CTC Administration, we’ve helped families navigate this process with a 100% success rate on supported applications.

Bringing your family to the UK is more than a legal process — it’s about building a future together. By understanding the rules, gathering the right documents, and following the application steps carefully, you can avoid setbacks and ensure your loved ones join you smoothly.

At CTC Administration, we specialise in guiding Skilled Worker families through every stage of the dependent visa process. Our role is to remove stress, avoid mistakes, and give you peace of mind that your family’s future in the UK is secure.