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Work permits - Bulgarian and Romanian nationals only

Are the dependants of work permit holders allowed to stay in the United Kingdom?

This page explains if a work permit holder's dependants are allowed to enter and stay in the United Kingdom under their work permit arrangements.

Dependants

A dependant is a wife, husband, civil partner, same sex partner, unmarried partner and child under the age of 18 years old. The dependant of a work permit holder may be admitted to the United Kingdom. They will be given conditions of stay which do not place any restrictions, other than those that would apply to a resident worker, on employment or engaging in business. This normally applies when a dependant is granted more than six months leave. If they are granted less than six months leave they will not normally be allowed to take up employment. Any dependant children over 18 years old should apply on a separate form and pay the appropriate fee. If you are overseas, you should see the visa services website for further information on how to do this.

The exceptions to this are the dependants of multiple entry and Sectors Based Scheme work permit holders who, if they wish to accompany a work permit holder to the United Kingdom, must qualify for entry in their own right under another category of the immigration rules.

Making an application

If you need to apply for further leave to remain for yourself and your dependants you should see the page on Further leave to remain and how to apply.