Proof of Funds for Dependants on a Skilled Worker Visa is more than just a line on an application checklist — it’s a reflection of preparation, stability, and readiness to begin a new chapter in the UK. For many applicants, it represents the reassurance that their families will be supported and secure as they transition to life in a new country.
Beyond the paperwork and numbers, it’s about demonstrating that the move isn’t only possible but sustainable, that dependants joining under the Skilled Worker route will have what they need to settle comfortably. Before gathering bank statements or reviewing financial records, it’s worth viewing this step as part of a broader picture: one that balances compliance with confidence, showing that your new start in the UK has been carefully planned from every angle.
The Skilled Worker visa provides a route for individuals to live and work in the UK through approved employment. Among the most common queries from applicants is whether partners and children may accompany them, and what financial assurances must be shown to support this. The requirements relating to dependants and maintenance funds, often referred to as the dependant financial requirements UK visa, form a key part of this process. For those intending to bring family members, or to be joined by them at a later stage, understanding these conditions ensures clarity and preparedness from the outset.
Who counts as a dependant?
Under the Skilled Worker route, dependants may include the applicant’s partner (spouse or civil partner) or an unmarried partner (in some cases, depending on the relationship) and children. According to the GOV.UK guidance:
- “Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’.”
- Dependants must apply for a visa and will usually have leave matching the lead applicant’s permission.
The main Skilled Worker visa holder must continue to meet their sponsorship and employment obligations for the dependants’ stay to remain valid.
The maintenance funds requirement for dependents
One of the central considerations for anyone wishing to have dependants join them under the Skilled Worker visa is the expectation of financial readiness. It reflects the principle that each family member’s move is supported with care and foresight. This is where the phrase dependent financial requirements UK visa takes on significance, representing not just a regulation but a demonstration of stability and planning that underpins a successful transition to life in the UK.
Specific figures
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
These amounts must have been held for at least 28 days in a row, and day 28 must fall within 31 days of the application.
Additionally, the skilled worker must have had at least £1,270 available for themselves (unless exempt) to show they can support themselves.
Why do these funds matter?
The requirement exists because the UK Government wants assurance that dependants will not become a burden on public funds. By demonstrating that the visa holder (or their family) can financially support the dependants, the Home Office gains confidence that housing, living costs and other expenses will be covered without relying on benefits.
In practice, the funds show up as evidence of the applicant’s or lead visa holder’s ability to support their family while living in the UK under this visa category.
How to show evidence?
When you apply, you must provide evidence that the required amounts have been held for the minimum duration. Here’s how to prepare:
- Bank statements:
- Choose one or more bank accounts where the required funds are clearly visible.
- The funds must have been in the account continuously for at least 28 days, and Day 28 must fall within 31 days of the application date.
- Highlight the relevant balance on the statement(s) and ensure they show account holder name, bank name, relevant dates and currency (GBP, if applicable).
- If the account is not in GBP, provide conversion/explanation or consider holding equivalent in GBP to avoid confusion.
- Certification of whether the employer covers maintenance:
- Note that in some cases the employer may certify maintenance (i.e., cover the family’s costs for the first month). If so, this must be confirmed on the lead applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship.
- In that case, the strict bank-statement proof may not be required, but the certification must clearly state it.
- Currency of funds & timing:
- Make sure the statement dates align with the application timing. If you show evidence of funds that were held some months ago but then dropped, you risk refusal. The rules emphasise the 28-day continuous hold requirement.
- Ensure no large unexplained incoming transactions on the final day of the 28 days, as these can trigger further questions or be discounted.
- Clear documentation:
- The statement should clearly show account name, bank, account number (or at least masked form), date(s) and balances.
- You may add an explanatory cover letter if there are multiple accounts, or if you are relying on savings or family support (which may require extra evidence).
- Ensure the statement is dated no more than 31 days from the date of application for the dependant.
Example scenarios
Here are two practical examples to illustrate how the funds requirement plays out:
Example 1: One partner, no children
- You hold a Skilled Worker visa. You are applying to bring your spouse/partner as a dependant.
- Required funds: £285 for the partner. (You also must meet your own £1,270 requirement unless your employer covers it).
- You choose a bank account where the balance has been £300 for 28 days straight, ending 15 October 2025 (so within 31 days of application). You provide the statement for 18 September 2025 to 15 October 2025.
- You ensure no large deposits on 15 October other than regular salary, and you include a short note if necessary, explaining regular salary credits.
- You submit the partner’s visa application, include the statement, and certify the relationship and eligibility.
Example 2: Partner + two children
- You hold a Skilled Worker visa, applying to bring your partner and two children.
- Required funds: £285 (partner) + £315 (first child) + £200 (second child) = £800.
- In addition, you must meet the £1,270 personal funds requirement (unless exempt).
- You provide bank statements showing a balance of, say, £1,100 over 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of application.
- Ensure that the statement is continuous, and that funds are in GBP or converted and explained.
- Submit with the dependent applications for your partner and each child.
Key updates
Salary and eligibility changes
While this article focuses on dependent funds, it’s worth noting some broader changes to the Skilled Worker route that may affect eligibility for dependants:
- From 22 July 2025, the minimum salary thresholds for many Skilled Worker roles increase (for example, the headline threshold moving to £52,500 in some categories) under revised rules.
- Changes in eligible occupations: only roles at RQF Level 6 (degree level) or above may permit dependants in many cases, with transitional rules applying to others.
Dependants’ funds amounts
As of 2025, the clearly published amounts for dependants under the Skilled Worker route remain:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
It is important to monitor for any updates from the home office, as immigration rules can change and newer guidance may increase these amounts or adjust the currency/time requirements.
Continuous residence and exemption
If the dependant (or family) has already been in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa, they may not need to show those funds again. The guidance states that the requirement may not apply if the group has been in the UK on valid leave for 12 months.
Common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid
Making errors in the proof of funds for dependants can lead to refusals or delays. Some of the common issues include:
- Showing large, unexplained incoming transfers on the final day of the 28-day period, which could be discounted.
- Funds held in non-GBP currency without conversion or explanation.
- Bank statements that are not continuous for 28 days or fall outside the 31-day application window.
- Relying on the employer’s certification of funds without making sure the Certificate of Sponsorship includes it.
- Assuming the amounts for dependants are higher than published, the correct amounts must be used according to current guidance.
- Ignoring the fact that if the Skilled Worker visa holder is applying simultaneously, the dependent applications must align, and the lead applicant must maintain valid sponsorship status throughout.
- Forgetting that dependants cannot access public funds, so simply having funds isn’t sufficient unless they meet all the relevant criteria.
Final statements!
Understanding the financial expectations linked to dependants on a Skilled Worker visa is as much about preparation as it is about precision. Taking the time to organise documents carefully, review requirements, and approach the process with patience can make all the difference. It’s a step that not only supports your family’s move but also reflects thoughtful planning for life ahead.
At Skilled Worker Mag, we continue to explore the evolving landscape of UK immigration and professional pathways, offering guidance to help you stay informed and confident in every stage of your journey. Follow Skilled Worker Mag for clear insights, timely updates, and expert commentary tailored to the modern skilled worker experience.
