The UK’s dependent visa rules underwent a total transformation between 2024 and 2026. These changes significantly limit who can bring family members (partners and children) to the UK, while raising the financial bar for those who still can.
1. Student Visa: Major Restrictions
As of January 1, 2024, and continuing through 2026, the majority of international students cannot bring dependants to the UK.
- Who CANNOT bring family: Students on undergraduate or taught master’s courses (e.g., MSc, MA, MBA).
- Who CAN bring family: * Students on Postgraduate Research programmes (PhD or research-based Master’s).
- Students on government-funded scholarship programmes.
- Extension Rule: If you were already in the UK with dependants before the 2024 cutoff, you can still extend your stay with them.
2. Skilled Worker Visa: The New Salary Bar
To sponsor a partner or child in 2026, the main Skilled Worker applicant must meet significantly higher salary thresholds following the July 2025 uprating.
- Standard Salary Threshold: £41,700 per year (up from the old £38,700).
- The “Going Rate” Rule: You must also earn 100% of the median “going rate” for your job code, which in many cases is now much higher than £41,700.
- Skill Level Change: Most Skilled Worker roles now require RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or higher to be eligible for sponsorship.
3. Health and Care Workers: The “Care Worker” Ban
Since March 2024, a strict ban has been in place for specific frontline care roles:
- Care Workers & Senior Care Workers: Individuals on these specific visas (SOC codes 6135/6136) are not permitted to bring any dependants to the UK.
- Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals (RQF Level 6+) can still bring their families.
4. Financial Requirements (Maintenance)
Unless the UK employer certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), you must show you have held these funds for 28 days before applying:
- Partner: £285
- First Child: £315
- Each Additional Child: £200
2026 Shift to Digital e-Visas
Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and passport stickers (vignettes) are now largely obsolete.
- Requirement: All dependants must now have a UKVI Account to access their e-Visa.
- Travel: Your e-Visa is linked to your passport. You must update your UKVI account if you get a new passport to avoid being denied boarding at the airport.
Summary of Dependant Eligibility (2026)
| Main Visa Type | Can Bring Dependant? | 2026 Requirement |
| PhD / Research Student | Yes | 24+ months duration |
| Taught Master’s Student | No | Unless govt-sponsored |
| Skilled Worker (General) | Yes | Salary £41,700+ |
| Care Worker (Entry Level) | No | Total ban for new visas |
| Doctor / Nurse | Yes | No IHS fee required |
Important: The 2026 “English B2” Update
Effective January 8, 2026, the main visa holders (Skilled Workers) must prove English at Level B2. While dependants do not always need this for the initial visa, they will need B2 level proficiency when they eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settlement.
Need to check your family’s eligibility?
Calculating the correct “Going Rate” for your job is the #1 reason for 2026 visa refusals. Would you like me to check if your current salary allows you to sponsor your dependants under the new 2026 thresholds?
Need help with your 2026 application?
UK Immigration Advisor
Regulated to provide immigration advice services by the Immigration Advice Authority. Ref No. F202000206
