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Highly skilled workers

A highly skilled migrant reviewing their application

Dependants' maintenance

This page explains the requirements for maintenance (funds) you must meet if you have dependants who wish to apply for permission to stay here as the dependant of someone in the highly skilled worker category (Tier 1 General) of the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.

What maintenance dependants must have

To qualify for leave to remain (permission to stay) as a dependant of a highly skilled worker, your dependant must show that he/she has enough personal funds to support himself/herself for the entire period of stay here.

You and your dependants should have already assessed the potential living costs, based on past living expenses, to ensure that you have enough funds to support yourselves.
You will not be successful in your application if you or your dependants are unable to meet the maintenance requirements.

If the main applicant under the highly skilled worker category is outside the United Kingdom or has been in the United Kingdom for less than 12 months, the family member must show that the main applicant or the dependant has at least £1,600 to support the dependant as well as the funds needed to support the main applicant.

If the main applicant has been present in the United Kingdom for 12 months or more, the main applicant or the family member of the highly skilled worker must have £533 to support himself/herself.