Relocating to the UK for work is an exciting opportunity, but if you’re planning to bring your family, it’s crucial to understand the visa options available for both you and your dependants. Each type of visa has its own eligibility requirements, benefits and application processes. This guide offers an overview of the primary work visas available and the associated family visas, enabling you to make an informed decision when bringing your loved ones along on this new journey.

Primary Work Visa Options

The UK offers several work visas for individuals seeking employment. Each visa type has specific criteria and is tailored to different work arrangements. Below are the primary options available.

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is the most common route for individuals coming to the UK for employment. To qualify, you must have a job offer from a UK employer who is approved by the Home Office (holds a sponsor licence). This role must meet specific skill and salary requirements. Generally, the role should be at RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or above, and unless you can benefit from reduced salary thresholds you must earn at least £38,700 per year or the going rate for your role, whichever is higher. You’ll also need to demonstrate your English language proficiency.

Global Business Mobility Visas

This category includes several routes for different scenarios, such as intra-company transfers, expansions and specialist projects. The main options are:

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Suitable for senior employees transferring to a UK branch of the same sponsor group. Requires a minimum salary of £48,500 and employment with an eligible employer outside the UK for at least 12 months (unless earning £73,900 or more).

Graduate Trainee Visa: For those on a graduate training programme leading to a senior position. Requires a minimum salary of £25,410, and compliance with 70% of the going rate.

UK Expansion Worker Visa: Ideal for employees establishing a UK branch for their overseas employer. Requires employment with the sponsoring company outside the UK for at least 12 months, and the organisation must first secure an Expansion Worker sponsor licence.

Service Supplier Visa: For contracted services under recognised international agreements. Requires specific contracts and salary requirements.

Other Work Visas

Several other visas allow temporary or sector-specific work in the UK, which might apply in more niche scenarios:

Creative Worker Visa: For individuals in creative fields, such as performers and artists, with a job offer for short-term work.

Religious Worker / Minister of Religion Visa: For those offering religious support or instruction, either paid or unpaid.

Charity Worker Visa: Allows unpaid voluntary work for a charity.

Government Authorised Exchange Visa: Covers approved schemes for work experience or training lasting up to two years.

International Agreement Visa: For workers covered by international law, such as embassy employees.

Each visa type has unique requirements, so assessing your situation against the criteria is vital to choosing the right route.

Family Visas, Eligibility and Options

When you secure a work visa, you may be able to bring your family to the UK. Under UK Immigration Rules, eligible family members typically include your spouse or partner and dependent children under 18 years of age.

Who Qualifies as a Family Member?

Family members eligible to join you as dependants include:

Spouse or Civil Partner: A person legally married or in a civil partnership with you.

Unmarried Partner: A person in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years.

Children under 18: Biological, adopted or dependent children.

Each family member will need their visa, and you will need to prove your relationship with the required documentation, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or evidence of a durable relationship.

Dependant Visa Categories

Your family members’ eligibility and rights depend on the specific visa you hold. Here’s an overview of the dependant visa options linked to primary work visas:

Dependant Visa for Skilled Worker

If you hold a Skilled Worker Visa, your spouse/partner and dependent children are usually eligible for a Dependant Visa. Note that Care Workers and Senior Care Workers sponsored from 11 March 2024 have not been able to bring their family members with them to the UK. 

Dependants can work or study while in the UK. Each family member will need to apply for a visa separately, providing proof of your relationship and any other required documents. Visas issued to family members will be valid for as long as the main applicant’s visa, allowing the entire family to stay together throughout the employment period.

Dependant Visa for Global Business Mobility Routes

If you hold a Global Business Mobility visa, such as the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, your family members can also apply for a Visa. These visas allow your spouse or partner to work in the UK without restriction, while children can access education. Like the Skilled Worker Visa, visas issued to family members will be valid for as long as the main applicant’s visa, ensuring the family can remain in the UK together.

Many of the temporary immigration routes summarised above also allow partners and children to relocate to the UK with the sponsored worker. 

General Requirements for All Dependant Visas

Regardless of the main applicant’s visa type, family members must meet general criteria:

Relationship: Documents such as marriage or birth certificates are necessary to prove relationships.

Financial Requirement: You’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your family members. For those who have been living in the UK for less than 12 months, this is typically £285 for a spouse/partner, £315 for the first child, and then £200 for each subsequent child.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Dependants from certain countries must provide a TB test certificate as part of the application.

Application Process

Both the main applicant and family members must follow specific steps to obtain visas. Here’s a general overview:

Application Steps for the Primary Visa Holder

For the primary visa holder, such as the Skilled Worker, you must first obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. Following this, you will apply online, pay the visa fee, and attend a biometric appointment. Once approved, you’ll receive a visa that allows you to work in the UK.

Family Visa Application Process

Each family member must also apply online and submit biometric information. Applications should include relationship documents, proof of funds, and evidence of the main applicant’s visa. Processing times vary, so applying well in advance of your planned travel is recommended. Family members can apply alongside the main applicant, or after the main applicant has received a decision on their application.

Rights and Restrictions for Family Members

Family members can access work, education and healthcare. 

Considerations for Long-Term Plans

If you intend to stay in the UK for an extended period, consider your pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and how it affects your family’s future.

Settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

The path to ILR usually requires five years of continuous residence for both the main visa holder and dependants. Family members can apply for ILR simultaneously, provided they meet the residence requirements. Once ILR is granted, your family gains greater security, with the option to live and work in the UK indefinitely.

Extension and Renewal Process for Family Visas

Most visas can be extended alongside the primary visa holder. For example, a Skilled Worker Visa holder can apply to extend their family’s visas when renewing their own.  Requirements will apply to extension applications, so evidence of compliance with Immigration Rules will be required.

Additional Support and Resources

Immigration processes can be complex, particularly when applying for multiple visas for a family. Consulting an immigration lawyer may provide peace of mind and help navigate any challenges that arise. Additionally, various resources are available online:

  • The official UK government website serves as the most reliable source for up-to-date information regarding visa requirements, application processes, and changes to immigration policies. It provides comprehensive details on the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and procedural steps for different types of visas, ensuring applicants have access to accurate and current guidance.

Relocating to the UK with your family involves careful planning around visa options and requirements. By understanding both the primary visa process that will apply to your family members, you can make informed decisions that will help ease your transition. Consulting an immigration expert can further clarify complex situations, ensuring a smooth move for everyone involved.

Article by Gemma Tracey, Partner in Immigration Law at JMW Solicitors