In This Guide
One of the biggest concerns for international care workers coming to the UK is whether they can bring their family. The good news is that the Health and Care Worker visa allows you to bring your spouse or partner and children under 18 as dependants, and they enjoy significant benefits including exemption from the NHS surcharge.
This guide covers who qualifies, what it costs, how to apply, and what rights your family members have once they arrive in the UK.
Who Can Come as a Dependant?
The following family members can apply to come to the UK as your dependants:
Your spouse or civil partner
Your legally married husband or wife, or your civil partner. You must provide your marriage or civil partnership certificate. The marriage or partnership must be legally recognised.
Your unmarried partner
Your partner if you have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship and cohabitation (such as joint bills, shared tenancy agreements, photos together).
Your children under 18
Your biological or legally adopted children who are under 18 at the time of application. Children must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living independently. If you have sole responsibility, or the child’s other parent is a British citizen or settled in the UK, this is more straightforward.
Who cannot come: Parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family members cannot come as dependants on the Health and Care Worker visa. They would need to apply for their own visa (such as a Visit visa for short stays).
Dependant Rights in the UK
Dependants of Health and Care Worker visa holders enjoy substantial rights in the UK:
IHS savings: Dependants of Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. On other work visas, each dependant would pay £1,035 per year. For a family of four on a 3-year visa, this saves £9,315.
Financial Requirements
To bring dependants, you need to demonstrate you can support them financially:
| Requirement | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant savings | £1,270 | Held for 28 consecutive days |
| Each dependant (additional) | £285 | Per dependant, held for 28 days |
| Example: applicant + spouse + 2 children | £2,125 | £1,270 + (3 × £285) |
| If employer certifies maintenance | £0 | No savings needed |
Employer certification: Most care employers certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship, meaning you do not need to show savings. Always confirm this with your employer before relying on it.
Dependant Visa Costs
| Fee (per dependant) | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee (up to 3 years) | £284 | Per person |
| Visa fee (more than 3 years) | £551 | Per person |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £0 | EXEMPT |
| Total per dependant (3 years) | £284 | Compare £3,389 on Skilled Worker |
| Family of 4, 3-year visa total | £1,136 | Main + 3 dependants |
Huge savings: On the standard Skilled Worker visa, a family of four would pay £15,296 for a 3-year visa (including £12,420 in IHS). On the Health and Care Worker visa, the same family pays just £1,136. That is a saving of over £14,000.
Application Process for Dependants
Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant or later (to join you in the UK). Here is the process:
Apply at the same time (recommended)
The easiest approach is to include your dependants in your main visa application. They apply separately online but reference your application. Applications are typically processed together.
Gather required documents
Each dependant needs: valid passport, relationship evidence (marriage certificate, birth certificate for children), biometric information, TB test certificate (if applicable), and passport-sized photographs.
Submit online and attend biometrics
Each dependant fills in their own online application, pays the visa fee, and attends a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (if overseas) or UKVCAS centre (if in the UK).
Receive decision and travel
Processing times are the same as the main application (3 weeks from overseas, 8 weeks in-country). Once approved, dependants receive vignettes or eVisas and can travel to the UK.
Joining later: Your dependants can join you in the UK at a later date. They apply in their home country referencing your visa details. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks from the biometric appointment. There is no time limit on when they must join you.
Children’s Education in the UK
Your children have excellent educational opportunities in the UK:
University: For university, your children’s fee status depends on how long they have lived in the UK. After 3 years of ordinary residence, they may qualify for home fee status and student loans. After ILR, they definitely qualify.
Path to ILR for Dependants
Your dependants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain at the same time as you, provided they have also been in the UK for 5 continuous years. Each dependant must meet their own requirements:
- 5 years continuous residence (no more than 180 days absent in any 12-month period)
- Life in the UK test (for adults aged 18–64)
- English language at B1 (for adults aged 18–64)
- Application fee of £2,885 per person
- No serious criminal convictions
Children under 18 are exempt from the Life in the UK test and English language requirement. People aged 65 and over may also be exempt from the Life in the UK test if they have a long-term physical or mental condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can care workers bring their family to the UK?
Yes. Health and Care Worker visa holders can bring their spouse/partner and children under 18. Dependants can work, study, and access NHS services, all exempt from the IHS.
How much does a dependant visa cost?
£284 per dependant for up to 3 years, or £551 for more than 3 years. No IHS is required, saving £1,035 per year per person compared to other visa routes.
Do dependants need to take an English test?
No. Dependants do not need English language evidence for the visa. However, they will need B1 English and the Life in the UK test if they apply for ILR.
Can my dependants work in the UK?
Yes. Dependants have full, unrestricted access to the UK job market. They can work any job, full-time or part-time, employed or self-employed.
Can my children go to school for free?
Yes. Children attend state schools for free, with the same access as British children. They also receive free NHS healthcare.
What financial requirement do I need for dependants?
An additional £285 per dependant held for 28 days, unless your employer certifies maintenance on the CoS. Most employers do certify, removing the savings requirement.