Bringing Dependants to the UK

Dependants of sponsored workers

When recruiting from overseas, the relocation package that your business, as a UK sponsor, can offer can make you stand out from your competitors. For most overseas nationals, the ability to bring family to the UK with them is vital and will often be their most pressing consideration. Most UK sponsors offer a package which includes provision for visa applications for dependants. At Freeths, we offer comprehensive services for the dependants of migrants in all UK immigration routes.

Dependants include a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner and children.

Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant, or they can apply to join them at a later date. They must be applying to join a person who holds relevant visa permission, such as a Skilled Worker visa, or is applying at the same time for visa permission or who has settled or naturalised as a British Citizen and previously held relevant visa permission.

Entry clearance and leave to remain is granted for the same period of time as the main applicant, unless the main applicant is settled, in which case leave is granted for a period of 3 years. Dependants such as a spouse or partner, who are over 18 years old can work for any employer at any skill and salary level, and all dependants can study in the UK. Dependants can secure indefinite leave to remain in the UK after a period of 5 years’ residence.

How can Freeths help?

At Freeths, we understand that the immigration system can be expensive, and we therefore offer competitive packages for applications for dependants. Having experts prepare and submit the visa application for main applicant and their dependants, can take the stress out of the recruitment and relocation process.

If you would like to know more about bringing dependants to the UK, or need help with an application, please contact our team of immigration solicitors.