Bringing a Partner and Children on a Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most common questions for families planning a move to the UK. In 2025, the process is very much possible, but it comes with updated rules that applicants should be aware of before applying. While the Skilled Worker visa remains a popular route for professionals seeking opportunities in the UK, the dependent visa rules have become more detailed and structured to ensure families are well supported.
The UK dependent visa rules for Skilled Worker holders now include clearer expectations on financial stability, housing, and proof of relationship. This means that if you want your partner or children to join you in the UK, you’ll need to provide stronger evidence and meet higher income thresholds than before. These requirements are designed to ensure that families can live comfortably without financial strain while accessing essential services like schooling and healthcare.
Since April 2024, one of the biggest changes has been the rise in financial maintenance levels. By mid-2025, applicants are expected to show that they can meet these increased income requirements. This might feel like an extra hurdle, but it is part of the government’s commitment to balancing immigration with support for public services. If you’re planning, it’s worth checking the latest guidance so you can prepare your documents accordingly.
For families, the Skilled Worker visa route remains a rewarding pathway to building a new life in the UK. While the process may take more preparation than before, the opportunity to live, work, and grow together in the UK makes it worthwhile. With clear planning and an awareness of the updated dependent visa rules, moving with your partner and children in 2025 can be a smooth and positive experience.
What’s New in 2025 Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Rules?
A. Higher Income Thresholds for Dependants
- Previous Threshold: The minimum income to sponsor a partner or children was £18,600, then rose to £29,000
- By early 2025, this level increased further, matching the Skilled Worker salary threshold of £38,700.
- Starting July 2025, the Skilled Worker salary threshold climbed again to £41,700, with corresponding effects on dependents’ maintenance requirements.
B. Who Applies Under the New Rules?
- These tougher thresholds apply to new applications and dependents seeking entry after the changes.
- If the main Skilled Worker visa was granted before the rule changes, transitional protections may apply, particularly if sponsors, extensions, or settlement applications are already underway.
C. Other Reforms Impacting Dependents
- As of March 2024, restrictions were introduced affecting dependents under the Health and Care Visa, limiting who can bring family.
- Significant changes that came into force on 22 July 2025 include:
- Raising the skill threshold to RQF 6 (graduate level).
- Eliminating low-skilled and social care occupations from eligibility (e.g., care worker route closure).
- These policy shifts reflect the UK government’s broader immigration strategy to reduce net migration and focus on high-skilled roles.
Breaking Down the 2025 Requirements for Dependents
A. Financial Maintenance & Income Requirements
You must prove that you (as the main Skilled Worker visa holder) can financially support your dependents without recourse to public funds. Requirements include:
- Meeting the elevated £38,700 threshold (or £41,700 as of 22 July 2025), depending on your application date.
- Specific funds must remain available for maintenance, for example, savings or salary above thresholds.
B. Proof of Relationship
- Partners: Marriage or civil partnership certificates are ideal; for unmarried partners, evidence such as joint finances, cohabitation (minimum typically two years), and shared responsibilities must be submitted.
- Children: Birth certificates or adoption papers are necessary (e.g., parentage evidence).
C. Housing Space Standards
- Your accommodation must be adequate and spacious enough for everyone, typically avoiding overcrowding as defined by UK housing standards (e.g., enough bedrooms per person).
- In practice, this means documenting living arrangements, showing there’s ample space.
D. Access to Schooling and the NHS for Children
- Dependants under 18 can attend UK schools, often free for state schools, though local rules apply.
- Dependants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS services—unless exempt under specific circumstances (e.g., the Health and Care Visa family members are exempt).
E. Skilled Worker Visa Fees
The cost of a Skilled Worker visa depends on how long you plan to stay in the UK and whether your job is listed on the Immigration Salary List.
- Up to 3 years: £769 if your role is not on the Immigration Salary List, or £1,519 if it is.
- More than 3 years: £1,519 if your role is not on the Immigration Salary List, or £1,751 if it is.
On top of the application fee, applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This currently stands at £1,035 per year of the visa and is paid upfront for the full visa period.
F. Health and Care Worker Visa Fees
The Health and Care visa has a lower fee structure and comes with a key advantage: you do not need to pay the IHS.
- Up to 3 years: £304
- More than 3 years: £590
This makes the Health and Care route more affordable compared with the standard Skilled Worker visa, particularly for families.
What’s Changed Since 2024?
| Category | 2024 Rules | 2025 Updates |
| Income Threshold | £18,600 → £29,000 in April 2024 | Matched to Skilled Worker threshold: £38,700 → £41,700 by July 22, 2025 |
| Skill Level & Eligible Roles | RQF 3+ roles allowed | Now RQF 6+ only (graduate level) |
| Care Worker Route | Allowed in 2024 | Closed to new applicants by July 2025 |
| Health Surcharge | Applied to dependents | Exempt for Health & Care Visa dependents. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying (Your Dependents)
- Check eligibility timing
- If applying before 22 July 2025, you follow pre-change thresholds.
- After that date, new thresholds apply.
- Gather evidence
- Financial: salary letters, savings, etc.
- Relationship: marriage, cohabitation, birth certificates.
- Ensure housing is compliant
- Provide tenancy/mortgage documents demonstrating sufficient space per household.
- Submit visa applications
- Include each dependent under your Skilled Worker or Health & Care Visa application.
- Pay correct visa fees and IHS, unless exempt.
- Plan schooling and healthcare access
- Register children with local schools and the NHS once in the UK.
Why These Changes Matter?
- Affordability: With higher financial criteria, fewer applicants may qualify, especially for families on lower salaries.
- Stringency: A Tighter relationship and housing evidence requirements mean better-prepared applications are essential.
- Sector Impact: Those working in previously eligible but now excluded roles (e.g., care, logistics) may no longer qualify to bring dependents.
- Policy Direction: These updates reflect the UK’s intent to reduce net migration and prioritise high-skilled immigration.
Final Thoughts!
Bringing your partner and children to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa in 2025 is absolutely possible, but it does require more careful planning than before. The updated UK dependent visa rules mean you’ll need to show stronger financial stability, provide clear and thorough documentation, and ensure you meet the latest housing and fee requirements.
If your application falls close to the 22 July 2025 immigration reform date, pay extra attention to which set of rules applies to your case. While the process may feel more demanding, the result is worth it – being able to live, work, and raise your family together in the UK.
For the latest guidance, practical tips, and updates on Skilled Worker routes, make sure to follow Skilled Worker Mag – your trusted source for navigating UK immigration in 2025 and beyond.
