UK Visa Guide · 2026
How do dependents come to the UK on a spouse visa or dependent visa?
Who it's for
Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners (relationship 2+ years), and dependent children of: Skilled Worker visa holders (with restrictions), Global Talent visa holders, HPI visa holders, Innovator Founder visa holders, Scale-Up visa holders, Graduate visa holders. Restrictions tightened for Health and Care Visa holders from March 2024 (no new dependants).
Eligibility requirements
1) Genuine and subsisting relationship with UK visa holder. 2) For partners: married/civil partnership OR cohabiting 2+ years. 3) Minimum Income Requirement (Skilled Worker partners): £29,000 (April 2024 change), rising to £38,700 in stages. 4) Adequate accommodation in UK without public funds. 5) English language A1 (lower than main applicant). 6) Health and Care Worker: post-March 2024, generally CANNOT bring new dependants. 7) Dependent children: under 18 at first application; can extend to 18+ only if ongoing.
Application process
1) UK partner provides supporting documents (visa, employment, income, accommodation). 2) Dependent applies online at gov.uk from country of residence (or in-UK if eligible to switch). 3) Pay £719-£1,500 application fee + IHS (£1,035/year). 4) Provide evidence of relationship (marriage/civil partnership cert, joint bills, photos, communication history). 5) Biometrics. 6) Decision in 3 weeks (overseas) or 8 weeks (UK switch). 7) On approval: visa for same length as main applicant's visa.
Costs and timings
Per dependent: £719-£1,500 application fee + IHS £1,035/year. Family of 4 with 5-year main visa: £719 × 3 dependants + £5,175 × 3 IHS = ~£17,500. Health and Care Visa dependants get IHS exemption (significant saving). Decision: 3 weeks (overseas), 8 weeks (UK switch).
Common reasons for refusal
1) Partner's UK income below MIR. 2) Insufficient evidence of relationship genuineness. 3) Inadequate accommodation evidence. 4) Health and Care Worker dependants where main applicant joined post-March 2024 changes. 5) English language test issues for partner. 6) Children over 18 unless continuously present in UK.
Worked example
Pieter (Skilled Worker visa holder, salary £75,000) wanted his wife and two children to join him from the Netherlands. His salary easily exceeded the £29,000 MIR. His wife provided English language A1 certificate, joint bank account, photos and communication history. Both children's birth certificates and Pieter's marriage certificate were submitted. Total cost: £719 × 3 + £5,175 × 3 IHS = £17,682. Visas granted in 4 weeks. Family relocated together.
Recruiter pro tip
The April 2024 MIR increase to £29,000 (and proposed further uplift to £38,700) caught many Skilled Worker holders short — they could afford their own visa but not their family's. Plan dependent visa applications BEFORE the next MIR uplift if possible. Also: Health and Care Visa holders who took the offer pre-March 2024 may keep dependent rights; those joining post-March 2024 generally cannot. Always check the current rules at gov.uk before assuming previous policy applies.
Important: UK immigration rules and salary thresholds change frequently. Always verify current rates and rules at gov.uk before applying. For complex cases, consult a qualified UK immigration solicitor (regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or OISC). This guide is for general information only, not legal advice.
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