Jump To a Topic
The UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa is a vital option for families who wish to join loved ones working in the UK under a Tier 2 General Visa. This visa allows dependents, such as spouses, partners, and children, to live, work, and study in the UK. However, understanding the UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful application process.
This visa category is essential for those who want to maintain family unity while pursuing employment opportunities in the UK. If you are looking to apply for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa, it’s essential to understand the requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process to ensure a smooth and successful application.
The UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa is designed for family members of individuals with a valid Tier 2 General Visa, allowing them to join their loved ones in the UK.
UK Tier 2 or Skilled Worker dependent visa new rules: From 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers under the Skilled Worker visa or Tier 2 Visa route will no longer be allowed to bring dependents.
UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa Requirements – Overview
Dependent family members of UK holders of skilled worker visas can enter the country using the UK skilled worker dependent visa (formerly the Tier 2 dependent visa). Those with a skilled worker or Tier 2 visa are considered dependent family members:
- Spouse, civil partner, or single partner
- Children under the age of 18, including those born in the UK during the stay of the holder of the skilled worker visa
- Children above the age of 18, if they are currently in the UK and dependent on the holder of the skilled worker or tier 2 visa
Before the Tier 2 or skilled worker visa expires, or while extending or changing their visa, a dependent kid or partner may apply for a dependent visa.
For The Partner Who Is Considered Dependent
To apply for a dependent visa for UK skilled workers, you must provide evidence that both you and your partner:
- Are legally recognized in the UK as part of a civil partnership, marriage
- If you are unmarried and have been living together in a relationship for at least two years
- Prohibited degree of relationship
- Proxy marriages or civil partnerships
- Any application to become a partner requires that the dependent partner be 18 or over when the application is made
- Genuine and subsisting relationship
- The requirement that the partners must not be closely related
- The requirement for previous relationships to have broken down permanently
Applications should only be submitted in cases where the primary applicant is applying for has permission or was granted permission to settle on the category under which the dependent partner is using.
Who Qualifies As A Dependent Child?
A dependent child is any child of a skilled worker visa holder who is under the age of sixteen. If a dependent child is sixteen years of age or older, their application for a dependent visa must include proof that they:
- It will continue to be financially supported by the skilled worker visa holder.
- Live with the skilled worker visa holder (unless they attend boarding school, college, or university full-time).
- Are not married or in a civil partnership; do not have any children; and will not be financially dependent on their parent
Children may apply for a tier 2 dependent visa or skilled workers dependent, provided that:
- The kid is applying to join their parents in the UK.
- Both parents use it simultaneously to obtain entrance permission.
- The other parent requests entry approval to accompany the kid; the first parent is already in the UK.
You will need to provide evidence of their address, such as:
- A bank statement
- Credit card bills
- driving license
- NHS registration document
- An official letter from their university or college
Screening For Tuberculosis
Suppose an applicant has been living in a nation listed in Appendix Tuberculosis (TB) of the Immigration Rules for the six months immediately before the application. In that case, they must submit a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate with their application if they are seeking permission to enter the UK as a dependent partner or dependent child for a period longer than six months.
Criminal Record Certificate
To be granted entry clearance as the skilled worker’s partner, the applicant must present a criminal record certificate from the appropriate authority in each of the ten countries in which they were living for 12 months or longer, either continuously or cumulatively, while they were 18 years of age or older.
Eligibility Requirement For Tier 2 Dependent Visa UK
As per the UK guidelines on work eligibility for skilled worker-dependent visas, candidates need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Fulfill the conditions for the relationship.
- Plan to remain in the UK with their sponsor throughout their visa.
- A skilled worker visa holder must have enough money to sustain oneself in the country without using public funds.
- Have appropriate housing in the UK.
- Have some permission to remain in the UK on their visa.
- If the skilled worker visa holder is going to be joined by a partner and two children, for instance, the Home Office will need documentation of £285 + £315 + £200 = £800 in support payments.
- This is in addition to the £1,270 candidates for a skilled worker visa who must demonstrate the ability to sustain themselves.
- However, if all applicants reside in the UK for a year or more, you might not have to provide proof of support funding.
- Alternatively, this needs to be verified on the primary visa holder’s certificate of sponsorship; the sponsor’s company could volunteer to pay these support expenses during their first month in the UK.
Financial Requirements For UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa
The Home Office will only grant an immigration Tier 2 dependent visa if it is confident that the applicant has the funds to support their stay in the UK. Verifying the requirements that apply to your situation is essential since the kind of visa the primary visa holder possesses affects the maintenance financing requirements.
For instance, the applicant must demonstrate the following to be granted a Tier 2 dependent visa so they can accompany a family member on a skilled worker visa:
| Dependent Category | Visa Cost |
| For a partner | £285 |
| For a single child | £315 |
| For every extra child | £200 |
| Maintenance funds for the primary visa holder | £1,270 |
What Can A Dependent Tier 2 Or Skilled Worker Do?
If a dependent visa for a skilled worker is approved, the dependent may reside in the UK as long as the primary visa holder does. Holders of dependent visas for skilled workers are also permitted to study and use the National Health Service in the UK.
Dependents of skilled workers are permitted to work in the UK. Because there aren’t many limitations, dependents can usually work for any company or position.
How Can KQ Solicitors Help You?
Contact KQ Solicitors if you require legal assistance with any aspect of your UK visa application, immigration, or nationality-related matters. With unique services for your case, we can clarify the legal requirements and improve your chances of success. With 25 years of expertise in helping clients obtain successful UK immigration outcomes, you can be sure that your case is in capable hands.
So, why do you delay? Use our Contact Us feature to schedule an online appointment right now. Additionally, you can reach us by phone at +447429294455 or by email at info@kqsolicitors.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Tier 2 dependent visa?
A Tier 2 dependent visa allows family members of a Tier 2 visa holder to come and stay in the UK. This visa is typically for spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18.
Who can apply for a Tier 2 dependent visa?
Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18 of the primary Tier 2 visa holders are eligible to apply for a Tier 2 dependent visa. The dependent must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide supporting documents.
What documents are needed for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa application?
Required documents generally include a valid passport, proof of relationship to the Tier 2 visa holder (like marriage or birth certificates), financial evidence, and proof of accommodation in the UK.
How long does a Tier 2 dependent visa last?
The Tier 2 dependent visa is usually granted for the same length as the leading Tier 2 visa holder’s visa. Dependents can apply for visa extensions if the primary visa holder extends their stay.
Can Tier 2 dependents work or study in the UK?
Yes, Tier 2 dependents can work and study in the UK. They can take up any employment or education except for working as a doctor in training.
How do I apply for a Tier 2 dependent visa?
Applications for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa can be made online from outside the UK, by post, or in person if you are in the UK. The application process involves filling out the relevant form, paying the visa fee, and providing the required documents.
Conclusion
The UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa offers a pathway for families to stay together while pursuing professional opportunities in the UK. By understanding the requirements and following the correct application procedures, dependents can successfully secure their visa and enjoy the benefits of living in the UK.
To navigate the process effectively, it’s crucial to stay updated with any changes to immigration rules and seek professional advice if needed.
References
GOV.UK: Skilled Worker Visa: Your Partner and Children
GOV.UK: Dependent Family Members in Work Routes
GOV.UK: Dependent Requirements