What is the Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension?
A Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension allows the dependents — spouse, partner, or children — of a Skilled Worker Visa holder (previously Tier 2) to extend their stay in the UK. This extension lets family members live, study, and work in the UK while the main visa holder continues their sponsored employment.
Dependents can remain in the UK for as long as the main visa holder’s sponsorship remains valid, and after five years of residence, they may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Eligibility for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension
To qualify for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa extension, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Relationship Requirement: You must be the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or child under 18 of a current Skilled Worker visa holder.
- Continued Sponsorship: The main visa holder must still be employed under their Skilled Worker sponsorship with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Continuous Residence: Dependents must be living with the main visa holder in the UK and plan to continue doing so.
- Financial Requirement: You must show sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds:
- £285 for a spouse or partner
- £315 for the first child
- £200 for each additional child
Meeting all these requirements ensures compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations.
Required Documents for the Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension
When applying for an extension, each dependent must provide the following:
- Valid Passport: For every applicant.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If previously issued.
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage or civil partnership certificate for partners; full birth certificate for children.
- Financial Evidence: Recent bank statements, payslips, or a letter from the main visa holder’s employer confirming financial support.
- Proof of Cohabitation: Joint utility bills, tenancy agreements, or council tax statements showing shared residence for at least two years (for unmarried partners).
All documents not in English or Welsh must be translated by a certified translator.
Application Process for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension
Follow these steps to extend your Tier 2 Dependent Visa:
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Apply through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Each dependent must submit a separate online form.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Application Fee: £704 per person
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, paid upfront for the entire visa period
Step 3: Book a Biometric Appointment
You must attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre for:
- Fingerprints and photograph collection
- Identity verification
- Document submission
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
You can upload your documents online before your appointment or provide them at the UKVCAS centre, depending on UKVI instructions.
Step 5: Await a Decision
The standard processing time is up to 8 weeks. However, priority (5-day) and super-priority (1-day) services are available at an additional cost.
Duration and Cost of the Tier 2 Dependent Visa Extension
The extension period matches the duration of the main Skilled Worker’s visa. For example, if the main visa holder has two years remaining, dependents will receive an extension for that same period.
Extension Costs:
- Application Fee: £704 per dependent
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year per dependent
You must pay these fees for each family member individually.
Working, Studying, and Living in the UK on a Tier 2 Dependent Visa
A Tier 2 Dependent Visa provides considerable flexibility in the UK:
- Work: Dependents can work full-time in most professions (except certain restricted roles such as trainee doctors or dentists).
- Study: Dependents can pursue education at any level, including higher education.
- Healthcare Access: Payment of the IHS grants full access to the NHS during your stay.
Dependents essentially enjoy similar rights to UK citizens in terms of employment and education.
Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for Tier 2 Dependents
After five continuous years in the UK as a Tier 2 Dependent, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — provided the main visa holder has also obtained ILR.
ILR Eligibility Requirements
- Continuous Residence: You must have resided lawfully in the UK for at least five years as a dependent.
- Absence Limit: You cannot spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
- English Language Requirement: Dependents aged 18–64 must meet the English proficiency standard (B1 CEFR or equivalent).
Once ILR is granted, dependents gain long-term residency rights and can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can Tier 2 dependents work in the UK?
Yes. Dependents can work full-time in most professions without restriction.
Q2: Can I extend my Tier 2 Dependent Visa from outside the UK?
No. Extensions must be applied for within the UK before the current visa expires.
Q3: How long does the Tier 2 Dependent extension take to process?
Standard applications take up to 8 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster processing.
Q4: What if my visa expires while waiting for a decision?
If you apply before your visa expiry, you are protected by Section 3C leave, allowing you to remain legally in the UK until a decision is made.
Q5: Can dependents extend their visa multiple times?
Yes. Dependents can extend their visa as long as the main visa holder’s sponsorship remains valid.
Q6: Can my child remain as a dependent after turning 18?
Yes, if the child remains financially dependent, unmarried, and continues living as part of the family unit.
Conclusion
Extending a Tier 2 Dependent Visa is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility criteria, submit the correct documents, and apply on time. Dependents can continue living, studying, and working in the UK while maintaining their immigration status.
After five years, dependents can progress toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), securing long-term residency and paving the way for British citizenship.
For fixed-fee legal help with your case,
contact Martin Taggart — your trusted UK legal partner.