Bringing Your Dependents to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa in 2026
For many professionals from other countries, migrating to the UK isn’t just about getting ahead in their careers; it’s also about starting a family. If you have or are applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you may be able to bring dependents. In 2026, though, the standards for the Skilled Worker dependent visa are tougher, and even little faults can get you turned rejected.
At Adam Bernard Solicitors, a London-based immigration law firm, we regularly assist clients with UK Skilled Worker dependent visa applications, extensions, and refusals. This guide explains who qualifies as a dependent, the application process, common mistakes, and how professional legal support can make a crucial difference.
Who Is Considered a Dependent on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Under UKVI Skilled Worker dependent visa rules, the following family members can apply as dependents:
- Your spouse or civil partner
- Your unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for at least 2 years)
- Your children under 18
- Children over 18 (only in limited circumstances, such as existing dependents)
Each dependent must submit a separate visa application, but it must be linked to the main Skilled Worker Visa holder.
Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Rules in 2026
UKVI applies detailed checks to dependent applications. In 2026, the most important requirements include:
1. Proof of Relationship
You must provide clear evidence, such as:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Birth certificates for children
- Proof of cohabitation for unmarried partners
Weak or inconsistent documents are one of the most common reasons for refusal.
2. Financial Requirement
Unless your employer confirms maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), you must show funds for at least 28 consecutive days:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
UKVI is strict about bank statement formatting and dates.
3. Immigration Status of the Main Applicant
Your UK Skilled Worker visa application must be valid. If your visa is refused, withdrawn, or expires, your dependents’ applications will also fail.
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa
The Skilled worker’s dependent visa application process involves:
- Online application via the UKVI system
- Payment of visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Uploading supporting documents
- Biometric appointment
- UKVI decision (usually 3–8 weeks)
Although the process appears straightforward, many applicants face refusals due to document errors, timing issues, or incorrect linking to the main Skilled Worker visa.
Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Rules (2026)
The Skilled Worker dependent visa application process involves:
- Online application via the UKVI system
- Payment of visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Uploading supporting documents
- Biometric appointment
- UKVI decision (usually 3–8 weeks)
Although the process appears straightforward, many applicants face refusals due to document errors, timing issues, or incorrect linking to the main Skilled Worker visa.
Skilled Worker Visa Extension and Dependents
If you apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension, your dependents must also apply to extend their visas. In 2026, UKVI carefully checks:
- Whether the Skilled Worker extension salary threshold is met
- Whether the sponsor licence remains valid
- Whether dependents still meet relationship and financial requirements
Failure to extend dependents’ visas on time can result in overstaying, which may affect future UK immigration applications.
Common Mistakes in Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Applications
Based on our experience at Adam Bernard Solicitors, the most frequent mistakes include:
- Submitting incorrect or untranslated relationship documents
- Not meeting the financial requirement for dependents
- Applying after the main visa has expired
- Linking the dependent application incorrectly to the Skilled Worker visa
- Assuming dependents are “automatically approved”
UKVI does not show flexibility where rules are not met—even genuine families face refusals.
How Adam Bernard Solicitors Can Help
At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we provide expert legal support for:
- UK Skilled Worker dependent visa applications
- Dependents applying from outside or inside the UK
- Skilled Worker visa extensions and linked dependent extensions
- Reviewing refused dependent visa applications
- Ensuring compliance with the latest UKVI rules for 2026
We carefully assess:
- Relationship evidence
- Financial documents
- Visa timing and status
- UKVI compliance risks
Our London-based immigration solicitors ensure your application is accurate, complete, and refusal-ready before submission.
Why Professional Legal Advice Matters in 2026
The Home Office has significantly tightened immigration controls. Applying on your own—especially for dependents—can be risky. A single mistake can result in:
- Visa refusal
- Delays that separate families
- Loss of application fees
- Future immigration complications
With professional guidance, your chances of success improve significantly.
Bringing your family to the UK under a Skilled Worker Visa in 2026 is possible—but only if the rules are followed carefully. With strict UKVI Skilled Worker dependant visa rules, detailed document checks, and higher scrutiny in London, expert legal support is more important than ever.
If you are planning to bring your dependents to the UK, extend your visa, or need help after a refusal, Adam Bernard Solicitors is here to help.
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