Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What dependants must prove
The Skilled Worker partner and children page says each family member makes a separate application. A partner must show a marriage or civil partnership recognised in the UK, or a relationship of at least 2 years (living together, or with proof of ongoing commitment if you cannot live together). Children must live with you unless in full-time education away from home and must not be married or in a civil partnership.
| Who | Funds gov.uk asks for |
|---|---|
| Partner | £285 |
| First child | £315 |
| Each additional child | £200 |
| Main applicant (for comparison) | £1,270 |
When dependants cannot come at all
Gov.uk restricts dependants for care workers, senior care workers and 'medium skilled' jobs. For care roles, a partner can join only if you have been continually employed as a care worker or senior care worker on a Skilled Worker visa since before 11 March 2024; for medium-skilled jobs the cut-off is 22 July 2025. Limited exceptions apply for children.
Funds must be held for 28 days in a row, with day 28 within 31 days of applying, unless you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or your employer certifies your first month's costs (gov.uk). Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk Skilled Worker page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
When English matters later
If your partner later applies for settlement in their own right or for citizenship, check that route's rules: see ILR and British citizenship English level. The main applicant's own test is covered in IELTS for the UK Skilled Worker visa.
Frequently asked questions
Does my wife need IELTS to join me on a Skilled Worker visa?+
No. Gov.uk's dependant rules for the Skilled Worker visa do not include an English test; she must prove the relationship and, usually, £285 in funds.
Is the dependant route the same as a UK spouse visa?+
No. A partner of a British citizen or settled person uses the family visa, which has its own A1 to B1 English stages.
Can a care worker bring a partner?+
Only if you have been continually employed as a care worker or senior care worker on a Skilled Worker visa since before 11 March 2024, with narrow exceptions for children.
Do children need an English test?+
No. Gov.uk asks for proof they live with you, are not married and have the required funds.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the UK Skilled Worker visa
- IELTS for UK spouse and family visas
- IELTS for UK ILR and citizenship
- Health and Care Worker visa English level
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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