Each dependent of the UK skilled worker visa holder has to apply separately for a dependent visa as a "child" or "spouse" of the sponsor.

The entry clearance is allowed for the ILR holders or the British Citizens previously approved under the old Skilled Worker (or Tier 2) Visa. It is important to mention here the Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas have replaced the former UK Tier 2 visa. This is known as the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa.

Who is Eligible as a Dependent of a UK Skilled Worker Visa Holder? 

An entitled holder of a Skilled Worker Visa under Tier 2 may come along with the following family members into the United Kingdom:

• Husband or wife or civil partner

• An unmarried partner, however, would have to be in a relationship that has been established for not less than two years.

• Children who are under 18 when the applicant makes an application (including those born within the period of validity of the visa)

• Children who are over 18 (only if they are living within the UK under the dependent visa of the primary visa holder)

Moreover, holders of a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa need to prove the genuineness of the relationship between them and family members during the application process.

What are the Dependent's Eligibility Requirements?

To qualify as dependents for the Skilled Worker Dependent visa, the applicant and his/her family members are required to meet the following criteria:

• Your parent, partner, or spouse should be present in the UK through a valid Skilled Worker visa, ILR, or British citizenship having previously held the Skilled Worker (or Tier 2) visa. 

• You must meet the general UK eligibility standards, including having a clear history with no breaches, violations, or overstays. 

• The family member should be a person listed among eligible family members as per the application requirements for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa.

• The applicant should have no intention of staying in the UK once his/her UK visa expires.
  
  

Financial Requirements to be Met 

The Tier 2 skilled worker visa holders and the dependents under it are not eligible for any support from the public funds in the UK, therefore, such individuals cannot claim any kind of benefits.

As a consequence, you are required to provide adequate proof that you can support your family members in the UK financially throughout their stay in the UK. (Or you have access to such UK funds).

The minimum financial requirements are as follows:

1. £315 for a single child

2. £285 for a partner

3. £200 for each additional child

You or your family members are required to show that you have held these amounts for each 28 days of the 31 preceding the application date at the time of application. You can present an updated statement of your current bank account.

You are not required to show you meet these financial requirements if the following two serve as alternatives to that provision:

• You (the dependent family member and your other family member) already spent up to 12 months in the UK under a valid visa, or

• The employer of your family member is prepared to pay the first exposure costs at the new place abroad.

• This has to be added to the certificate of sponsorship that your family member may have received from their employer upon first application for an initial Tier 2 Visa. 
  
  

What are the Genuine Relationship Requirements?

You must submit proof that ensures your relationship and validates that your relationship is genuine according to the Home Office to be able to come with a Skilled Worker Dependent to the UK.

Examples include bringing your spouse or partner to the UK under a civil partnership or valid marriage certificate. To be eligible for this visa route, the marriage and civil partnerships must be legally recognized in the United Kingdom.

For unmarried partners, you need proof that will be taken as an enduring relationship evidenced by cohabitation for two years at the least. For instance, it should be documentation regarding tenancy or utility bills jointly shared.

Dependent visas under the UK Skilled Worker visas route will only be given to dependent family members. They have to depend on the sponsor, or one of the couple if the couple is married, to meet their living costs. In case such a visa is for that of a child under 18, required is proof that such a child is dependent on one or both of you.

Proof shall also be submitted that the child is not in a civil partnership or married, has no children of his/her own, and resides on a full-time basis (or will reside) with the parent unless the resident is away from home as part of formal education.

To be recognized as a dependent child according to the Skilled Worker Dependent visa, the following should apply:

• All of them are applying to the Home Office for visas in the UK, as one parent is applying for the Skilled Worker Visa (or equivalent) and the other family members are accompanying dependents under that visa. 

• Parents, who are both in the UK, are both under the Tier 2 (or similar) visa category. The child, thus, enters as a dependent outside of the UK. 

• A Tier 2 Visa acknowledges one parent living in the UK, and the other parent as well as the family from abroad applies to join them as dependents.
  
  

Conclusion

While your dependents are required to meet certain eligibility requirements, you are also required to fulfill certain criteria including UK Skilled Worker Minimum salary requirement. Hiring an immigration lawyer in London may help you bring your dependents to the UK successfully as they will guide you throughout the process and fulfill all requirements mandated by the Home Office.