Bringing Children to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

The Skilled Worker Visa (PSW) has always offered the possibility of bringing children to the UK. If you are planning your relocation, it's essential to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, financial requirements, and other crucial aspects that come with including dependents in your visa application.

Eligibility of Your Children

In order for your children to qualify as dependents on your PSW application, they must meet specific criteria:

Your children must be under the age of 18. They should not be living an independent life, i.e., they should not be financially independent and without a job.

These criteria are essential to ensure that the immigration authorities recognize your children as legitimate dependents who require support during their stay in the UK.

The Application Process

When applying for your Skilled Worker Visa, it is essential to include your children as dependents in your application. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Provide detailed information about your children, including their names, dates of birth, relationship to you, and passport numbers. Submit all necessary supporting documents for both your application and your children's. These documents should include birth certificates, proof of relationship, and any other relevant identification.

Completeness and accuracy in your application are critical to avoid delays and potential rejections. It is always advisable to consult with an immigration expert to ensure compliance with all legal and administrative requirements.

Financial Requirements

One of the most important aspects of bringing your children to the UK is demonstrating your ability to support them financially. The government has specific guidelines on this:

You must prove that you can meet the cost of living for your dependents. This includes accommodation, food, clothing, transportation, and other necessary expenses. There is often a requirement to meet a certain income threshold. This threshold can vary depending on the number of dependents you are bringing, along with the length of your visa application.

Ensure that you gather all necessary financial statements, such as bank statements, tax returns, and employment letters, to demonstrate your ability to meet these financial requirements. Any lack of documentation or insufficient evidence can lead to delays or rejections of your application.

Visa Duration and Healthcare

Your dependents' visas will typically be valid for the same period as your own Skilled Worker Visa. This provides a degree of stability and predictability for your family.

Additionally, your children will have access to the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK, which is a significant benefit. However, it is important to note that you will need to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your application. This surcharge ensures that your dependents can access the necessary healthcare services during their stay in the UK.

Special Considerations: The Graduate Immigration Route

If you are eligible for the new Graduate Immigration Route, which opened on July 1, 2021, for international students who have completed a qualifying course, there are special provisions regarding dependents:

If you are applying as a postgraduate student, even if your course is below a master’s degree, you can apply with dependents if they already had dependant visas as part of your student visa application. Dependents born in the UK while you were on a student visa can also extend their stay with you via this route.

It's crucial to understand the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for this route.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to consult the latest UK government guidelines or seek expert advice from a licensed immigration professional.