Tier 2 (General)
Eligibility
This page explains who can apply as a dependant of a skilled worker (Tier 2 General) and how they should apply under the points-based system.
On this page
Who is a dependant?
A dependant is:
- your husband, wife or civil partner; or
- your unmarried or same-sex partner; or
- your child aged under 18 years old.
Your dependants can be over 18 years old if they are in the United Kingdom now as dependants.
Can my dependants make their own application?
Your dependants can apply for permission on their own if they want. They will need to meet the requirements of the immigration category that they want to apply under.
If they do apply, their application will be considered separately to yours and we cannot guarantee that both applications will be successful or that they will be given permission to enter or stay for the same length of time as you.
Conditions dependants must meet to get permission to stay
If their application is successful, your dependant will be given permission to come or stay in the United Kingdom, as long as:
- they have no access to public funds, which means they will be unable to claim most benefits paid by the state;
- they must register with the police, if paragraph 326 of the immigration rules requires them to do so;
- as the spouse, civil partner, unmarried, or same-sex partner of a migrant given permission to stay under parts 3, 5 or 6 of the immigration rules; or
- as the partner of a points-based system worker (provided that permission was not subject to a condition preventing them working as a doctor in training).
What maintenance (funds) dependants must have
To be eligible for permission to stay (leave to remain) as a dependant of a tier 2 applicant, your dependant must show that they have enough personal funds to support themselves for the entire time of stay here.
You and your dependants should have already assessed the potential living costs, based on past living expenses, to make sure that you have enough funds to support yourselves.
If you or your dependants are unable to meet the maintenance requirements, your application will be refused.
If the main applicant under tier 2 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 £533 to support the dependant as well as the funds needed to support the main applicant. This is unless the sponsor of the migrant has agreed to maintain and accommodate the dependant until the end of the first month.
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 tier 2 applicant must have £533 to support themselves.
For example, if you are the main applicant and you are bringing two children with you to the United Kingdom, you must have your £800 for your maintenance (funds) and £1,066 for your children, so a total of £1,866.
Application forms
Dependants of points-based system migrants - for applications made inside the United Kingdom
- Application for an extension of stay as a dependant of a points-based system migrant PDF 899KB opens in a new window
- Points-based system dependants - policy guidance PDF 315KB opens in a new window