Dependants

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Dependants

Spouses and children less than 18 years of age are allowed to accompany the work permit holder to the UK so long as you can support them without the need to rely on any benefits.

The dependants will need visas and they should apply for 'entry clearance' at the nearest British Diplomatic Post abroad before they come to the UK. Unlike the work permit holder the spouse may take up any legal employment without a work permit and may change jobs without permission. Like the work permit holder they cannot claim any benefits but they can use the NHS if they need to do so.

If you are already in the UK and wish to become the dependant of a work permit holder, student or highly skilled migrant you need to leave the UK and apply for a visa from your country of residence for this purpose.

If the work permit holder changes jobs and needs to apply for Further Leave to Remain or lives in the UK for 5 years on a work permit and applies for Indefinite Leave to Remain it is important that the dependants are also included on the application. If this is not done it can cause problems at a later date.

Please use our services to ensure that everything is done correctly.

If you are in a same sex relationship and have been living together for more than two years or have entered into a Civil Partnership then you partner can apply to be your dependant in the UK with the same conditions applying as a spouse.