Switching from a UK Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
Dependant visa holders can apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if their visa category permits and they have a valid job offer from an approved UK employer.
Switching from a UK Dependent Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa can be a significant step forward in your career and personal life. The complex process requires careful planning and attention to all requirements.
If you are planning to switch your dependent visa to a Skilled Worker visa, call Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 or fill in our online contact form.
Table of Contents
- What is a UK Dependant Visa?
- What is a Skilled Worker visa in the UK?
- Who can apply to switch from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
- Benefits of switching from a UK Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
- Potential disadvantages of switching from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker visa
- Eligibility requirements for switching from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
- Documents required for switching from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
- How to apply to switch from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
- Role of an immigration solicitor
- How to contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors?
What is a UK Dependant Visa?
A UK Dependant Visa allows family members of individuals holding certain types of UK visas to join or stay with them in the UK.
This visa is typically available for:
- husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
- children under 18
What is a Skilled Worker visa in the UK?
A Skilled Worker visa a type of UK work visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa following the UK's new points-based immigration system that came into effect in December 2020.
Who can apply to switch from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
To be eligible to switch from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa, you must not be on a visa type that prohibits switching to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK (e.g., a Visitor Visa or Short-term Student Visa).
You can switch from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa if you currently hold any of the following UK visas:
- Points-Based System (PBS) Dependant Visa
- Skilled Worker Dependant Visa (formerly Tier 2 Visa)
- Student Dependant Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa)
- Innovator Dependant Visa
- Scale-up Dependant Visa
- High Potential Individual (HPI) Dependant Visa
- Global Talent Dependant Visa
Benefits of switching from a UK Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
Independence
Your Dependant Visa depends on your relationship with the main applicant. If it ends, your visa could be at risk. This could affect your stay in the UK.
As a Skilled Worker visa holder, your visa and job status are independent of your partner or family. This gives you more stability and security.
Path to Settlement
Time on a Skilled Worker Visa counts towards residency for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is a step towards permanent residency and possibly British citizenship.
Professional Growth
Working in a skilled job can lead to professional growth and career advancement. This might be harder with a Dependant Visa.
Salary Benefits
Skilled Worker roles often have good salaries that meet or exceed the visa's threshold. This can improve your finances.
Potential disadvantages of switching from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker visa
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa requires a detailed application. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and meet job and salary requirements.
Costs
The Skilled Worker Visa application fee is high (£827 for up to 3 years or £1,636 for more than 3 years). You also pay a healthcare surcharge.
Job Requirement
You need a job offer from a UK employer approved for Skilled Worker Visas. Finding such a job and meeting the criteria can be hard.
Visa Conditions
Your visa is tied to your job. Losing your job or your employer's sponsorship could affect your visa.
Documentation and Compliance
Providing detailed documentation and meeting strict requirements can be time-consuming and complex.
Dependants
If you have dependants, they must apply for new Dependant Visas under your Skilled Worker status. This involves more paperwork and fees.
Processing Time
The application process takes up to 8 weeks. You must keep your current visa status during this time. Any delays or issues could affect your stay in the UK.
Eligibility requirements for switching from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
You can switch from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa if you meet the following conditions:
- You must currently hold a valid UK visa as a dependant.
- You must not be on a visa type that prohibits switching to a Skilled Worker Visa.
- You must be 18 years old or over at the time of application.
- You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer.
- Your employer must provide you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Your job must be at RQF Level 3 or above.
- You'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year, or the 'going rate' for your job.
- You have enough money to support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
- You must be able to speak and understand English at CEFR level B1 or higher.
You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.
Documents required for switching from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa
As part of your Skilled Worker visa application, you will be required to submit documentation including:
- Your valid passport or other travel document.
- Proof of job offer from an approved UK employer.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- Details about your job title, occupation code and annual salary.
- The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Evidence that you have enough to support yourself.
Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.
How to apply to switch from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
To switch from a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa within the UK, follow these steps:
- Start by securing a job offer from a UK employer who is willing and able to sponsor you.
- Complete and submit the Skilled Worker Visa application form online.
- Upload all the supporting documents requested by the Home Office.
- Pay the application fee, which is £827 per person (for up to 3 years) or £1,636 per person (for more than 3 years).
- Pay the healthcare surcharge, which grants you access to healthcare services in the UK.
- Book and attend an appointment at your nearest UKVCAS service point to have your photo taken and fingerprints scanned (biometrics).
- Wait for the decision from the Home Office which typically takes up to 8 weeks.
Role of an immigration solicitor
Switching to a Dependant Visa from a Skilled Worker Visa is a big step. It can offer long-term benefits and stability. You can make an informed decision by understanding the eligibility, application process, and benefits. Ensure you meet all the requirements and apply well to increase your chances of success.
Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.
Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:
- Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
- Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
- Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
- Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
- Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
- Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.
If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!
How to contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors?
To apply to change or switch to a Skilled Worker visa, call our immigration solicitors in Hayes, London at 0203 959 7755 to schedule your initial consultation. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:
- Phone - Call us on 0203 959 7755
- Email us - info@moeenco.com
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Visit our office - Room 1, The Winning Box, 27-37 Station Road, Hayes UB3 4DX
We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.