How To Switch from A Dependant Visa to A UK Visa Tier 2/ Skilled Worker Visa

Dependent visa holders can apply for a Skilled Worker visa/ UK Visa Tier 2 before their existing visa expires, provided they match the requirements. This applies if you have a PBS dependent visa, a Tier 2/Skilled worker dependent visa, a Tier 4 Student dependent visa, an Innovator or Scale-up dependent visa, an HPI dependent visa, or a Global Talent dependent visa. Currently, as a dependent visa holder, your immigration status is determined by the main visa holder.

However, transferring from a dependant visa to a Skilled Worker visa offers you individual rights to live and work in the UK. As a result, if the primary visa holder on whom your dependent visa is based departs the UK or you no longer dwell with them, you may remain in the UK under your own immigration status.

As a UK Visa Tier 2 holder, you are free to remain, work for your sponsoring UK employer, study, and travel freely to and from the UK for up to 5 years. After five years of continuous residence in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which allows you to live in the UK. After another 12 months, you can seek British citizenship.

Dependent Visa to Skilled Worker/Tier 2 Visa Requirements in 2024

To transfer from your current dependent visa to a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following requirements for your new visa:

Secure a job offer from an employer with a UK sponsor licence.
Ensure that your remuneration satisfies the minimum requirement of £38,700 per year or the current rate for your employment, whichever is higher.
Meet the required English language competence criteria.

Job Requirements

Before attempting to transfer from your dependent visa to a UK Visa Tier 2, you must have a work offer in a suitable occupation from a licenced sponsor. You must also have the appropriate degrees and professional accreditations to take on the provided role.

Minimum Salary Requirements

You must meet the Skilled Worker visa’s minimum wage requirement, which is set at £38,700 per year or the higher of the ‘going rate’ for your work. However, exclusions may apply if your work is on the immigration pay list, you are under the age of 26, a student or recent graduate, pursuing professional training, or you have a PhD in a STEM topic.

English Language Requirements

Applicants for the UK Visa Tier 2 must meet English language competence levels. This can be accomplished by originating from a qualifying English-speaking country, passing an approved English language test at level B1 on the CEFR scale, or holding a degree-level certificate taught or researched in English.

How To Change from A Dependent Visa to A Skilled Worker/Tier 2 Visa?

The steps for transitioning from a dependant visa to a UK Visa Tier 2 are as follows:

Complete and submit the UK Visa Tier 2 Application Form.
You must pay the application fee of £719 per individual for up to three years or £1,423 for more than three years.
Pay the healthcare surcharge to access healthcare services in the United Kingdom.
Schedule an appointment at your nearest UKVCAS service site for biometric data collection, which Includes photo and fingerprint scanning.
Upload any papers needed by the Home Office.
Skilled Worker visa applications submitted in the UK can take up to 8 weeks to process.

Skilled Worker visa applications submitted in the UK can take up to 8 weeks to process. Eligible candidates may request expedited processing at an extra expense. The priority processing service delivers a decision within 5 working days for £500, while the super priority service provides a decision within 1 working day for £1,000.

How Can Fly High Abroad Help?

Fly High Abu Dhabi specialises in all types of UK Visa Tier 2 and can help applicants switch to a skilled worker visa. Our immigration solicitor can:

Review your current circumstances and explain the available immigration routes.
Handle any queries for UKVI and prepare and submit your UK Visa Tier 2 application on your behalf.
Prepare and submit your UK Visa Tier 2 renewal application.
Handle UK Visa Tier 2 refusal.

For assistance with switching from a dependant visa to a UK Visa Tier 2, please contact our immigration lawyers for a free consultation at +971542791992, +971 2 6266588or by email at sales@flyhighabroad.ae