How do my dependants apply?

This page explains how you can apply for your dependants to join you or stay with you in the United Kingdom if you are here under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP).

The application process will depend on where your dependants are living at the time of the application.

Details of who can qualify as a dependant are on the page Can I include my family on my application?

Dependants outside the United Kingdom

If you are currently in the United Kingdom but your dependants are living outside the United Kingdom they will need to make an application for permission to come to the United Kingdom (entry clearance) at their nearest British diplomatic post.

Entry clearance applications are decided by UK Visa Services. Your dependants should contact UK Visa Services or their nearest British diplomatic post for details of how to make their application and for information about the cost and waiting times for deciding applications. Your dependants can find details of their nearest British diplomatic post at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

All living in the United Kingdom - extending your stay

If you and your dependants are all currently living in the United Kingdom you should not apply to extend your stay under the HSMP. You should make an application under Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system.

All living in the United Kingdom - settlement

If you and your dependants are all currently living in the United Kingdom and you are applying to extend your stay using application form SET(O) you should provide details of your dependants in section 2. You should also provide the relevant supporting documents for all dependants. You will not need to pay an additional fee for any dependants you include on your application form.

If your husband, wife, or partner is included as a dependant and is aged 18 or over they will need to demonstrate their knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom before they are granted settlement. If you include your husband, wife or partner as a dependant and they have not demonstrated their knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom their application for settlement will be unsuccessful. If your husband, wife or partner has not demonstrated their knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom, they will need to apply to extend their stay as your dependant. They should use application FLR(O) and will need to pay a separate fee for us to decide their application.

You can only include dependant children aged under 18 on your application form SET(O). If you have children aged 18 or over who are dependent on you they will need to make their own application for settlement. They should use application form SET(O) and will need to pay a separate fee for us to decide their application. They will need to demonstrate their knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom before they are granted settlement. If your dependant child aged 18 or over has not demonstrated their knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom, they will need to apply to extend their stay as your dependant. They should use application FLR(O) and will need to pay a separate fee for us to decide their application.