If you are living in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and your spouse or children are here as your “dependants”, it is essential to understand how their visa status works in relation to yours. A common misconception is that when the main applicant’s visa is extended, the “dependant’s” visas are automatically updated too. This is not the case. Each “dependant”—whether a partner or child—must submit their own visa extension application. These applications are handled separately from the main Skilled Worker’s application and carry their own requirements, fees, and Immigration Health Surcharge.

It is crucial to apply for a UK Dependent Visa Extension before your family member’s visa expires. Delays can result in overstaying, which could lead to re-entry bans or complications with future applications. To avoid this, many families prefer to submit all applications together, although each Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Extension is assessed individually. If your partner’s visa ends a month after yours, for instance, you still need to submit a separate Skilled Worker Spouse Visa Extension or Skilled Worker Partner Visa Extension in time.

What You Need to Apply: Requirements and Documents

While the Home Office generally grants “dependant” visas with the same expiry date as the main visa holder’s, extending one does not extend the other. Families must plan proactively to avoid any gaps in legal status. In most cases, it is convenient to submit all visa extensions together. Applying at the same time helps ensure that everyone’s immigration timelines remain aligned and avoids the risk of anyone forgetting their individual expiry date. That said, the law allows “dependants” to submit their applications shortly after the main applicant’s—so long as they apply before their current visa expires. There is no requirement for all applications to be filed on the same day, but the critical point is that each person must maintain lawful status at all times. A visa that lapses—no matter how briefly—turns the holder into an overstayer, which can cause serious complications, including possible removal from the UK, re-entry bans, and difficulties with future applications. For this reason, “dependants” should apply for an extension as soon as they are eligible, and certainly before their visa runs out.

If the main visa holder changes employers or receives a new Certificate of Sponsorship—whether due to a job switch or through the self-sponsorship visa route—the “dependant’s” current visa remains valid until its original expiry date. There is no immediate need for the spouse or child to apply again just because the main applicant’s role or sponsor changes. However, if this change leads to a new visa that extends the main applicant’s stay beyond the family’s current visa end dates, the “dependants” will eventually need to submit new applications to extend their stay to match. It is a good practice to review all family visa end dates after any major change in sponsorship, particularly in self-sponsorship scenarios where the primary applicant is managing their own sponsoring business. 

What Happens When You Apply for ILR?

Another common situation is when the Skilled Worker becomes eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before the “dependants”. In this case, the main applicant can proceed to settle, and the partner and children can continue on “dependant” visas until they complete their own five-year qualifying periods. They are not forced to switch to other routes like spouse or child visas, and in most cases, it is more beneficial to remain on the “dependant” route, as switching would restart the ILR clock. The Home Office allows “dependants” to keep extending under this route even after the main applicant has been granted ILR. Once they reach five years in the UK on the “dependant” visa, they can apply for settlement independently. Families must ensure that no visa expires unexpectedly. Mark all visa expiry dates well in advance and prepare for the extension process early. Each family member’s application must be complete, accurate, and timely to maintain legal stay. For families in Leicester or anywhere in the UK, professional legal guidance can provide clarity on these rules and ensure the process goes smoothly. At AAGA Solicitors, our experienced team offers tailored advice on all aspects of family immigration, including Skilled Worker “dependant” visa extensions and self-sponsorship applications.

Cost of Extending a Dependant Visa in the UK

Families also need to prepare for the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Fees. The Skilled Worker Dependent Visa Extension Fee currently starts at £885 per applicant, not including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These fees can quickly add up, especially for families applying for multiple extensions. It’s wise to budget in advance and confirm the most up-to-date costs. Each Dependant Visa Extension UK must be paid separately.

How Long Does It Take?

The Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Processing Time is usually around 8 weeks if using standard service. Priority and Super Priority services are available for faster results. Choosing the right timeline can prevent legal risks, especially when family members’ visas expire at different times. Understanding the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Processing Time helps families plan proactively and apply before any lapse in status.

We also assist clients preparing for ILR for Skilled Worker Dependants, helping them meet the required residency period and avoid common pitfalls. With expert advice, families can confidently submit complete, timely applications and maintain lawful residence throughout their UK immigration journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can my “dependants” stay in the UK if I change my Skilled Worker sponsor?

 Yes, they can stay until their current visas expire. They only need to apply for extensions before their visas end.

2. Do my “dependants” qualify for ILR at the same time as me?

Not always. Each “dependant” must complete 5 years in the UK before applying for ILR, even if the main applicant qualifies earlier.