New Rules for UK Dependent Visa in 2025: Changes & Updates

In 2025, the UK government announced major changes to dependent visa rules affecting Skilled Worker, student, and family visa applicants. These changes aim to tighten immigration routes while still protecting families of those who already hold valid visas.

If you're planning to bring your spouse, partner, or children to the UK, understanding the new dependent visa rules 2025 is essential.

Table of Contents

Why Have the Dependent Visa Rules Changed in 2025?

The changes are part of the UK's wider immigration reforms to reduce net migration and ensure only highly skilled workers and their families can settle in the UK.

The updates apply mainly to Skilled Worker visas, student Dependents, and the graduate route, with stricter requirements for Dependents who wish to live, work, and study in the UK.

What Are the New Rules for UK Dependent Visa in 2025?

The UK Dependent Visa rules in 2025 have introduced stricter requirements for spouses, partners, and children of visa holders. Key changes include higher skill thresholds for Skilled Worker Dependents, limitations for those on the shortage occupation list jobs, and updates to student visa Dependents.

Applicants must meet these new rules when applying or extending visas after 22 July 2025. Existing visa holders may benefit from transitional protections, allowing Dependents under older rules to continue staying in the UK.

#1. Higher Skills Requirement for Skilled Worker Dependents

From 22 July 2025, Dependents can join Skilled Worker visa holders only if the sponsor is employed in a role at RQF Level 6 or above, which usually means graduate-level or higher qualifications.

This means:

• Only those in highly skilled roles can bring Dependents.
• Lower-skilled and shortage list roles no longer allow Dependents.
• This change affects new applications made after July 2025.

For families already in the UK, there are transitional protections (known as “grandfathering”), meaning Dependents of existing Skilled Worker visa holders can remain or extend under the previous rules.

#2. Medium-Skilled Jobs and Dependents

If the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa was granted before 22 July 2025, Dependents may still apply when the visa holder extends their visa or changes jobs with the same employer. However, new applicants in medium-skilled jobs after this date will not be able to bring family members to the UK.

#3. No Dependents Allowed for Shortage Occupation List Jobs

Previously, some shortage list jobs allowed family members to join Skilled Worker visa holders. Under the new 2025 rules, Dependents will no longer be permitted for jobs listed on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List.

#4. Student Visa Dependents

From 16 July 2025, dependent applications under the student visa route are only permitted once the main student's visa has already been formally granted. This prevents family members from applying at the same time as the student, creating an additional step in the application process.

Important Note: These updates apply mainly to new visa applications or extensions made on or after 22 July 2025. If you or your sponsor already has a valid visa or was issued a Certificate of Sponsorship before this date, some of the previous rules may continue to apply.

Key Proposed Changes for UK Dependent Visas in 2025

The UK government has proposed several significant changes to the Dependent Visa rules in 2025, aiming to tighten immigration controls and reduce net migration. While these changes are outlined in the Restoring Control over the Immigration System white paper published in May 2025, they are not yet law and require formal updates to the immigration rules.

#1. Graduate Route Reducing to 18 Months

The UK government has proposed reducing the Graduate visa duration from 24 months to 18 months, according to the May 2025 Immigration White Paper.

While this change is not yet law and formal updates to immigration rules are still needed, it is expected to apply to students starting undergraduate or master's programs from January 2026. Doctoral students may continue to receive a three-year visa, though this is not yet confirmed.

#2. English Language Requirements Becoming Stricter

By the end of 2025, the UK government plans to introduce stricter English language requirements for most visa categories, including Dependents. This will mean applicants may need to meet higher standards when applying for settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

The white paper proposes increased English proficiency requirements across visa categories. Skilled Workers would need to meet level B2 English proficiency (up from B1), and all adult dependants would need to demonstrate English at level A1 for initial applications, A2 for extensions, and B2 for settlement.

#3. Qualifying Period for UK Settlement to Double to 10 Years

The standard qualifying period for permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is proposed to be extended from five years to ten years for Points-Based System routes, including Skilled Worker visas.

An "earned settlement" system is also proposed, with a shorter pathway for individuals who have made significant contributions to the UK economy and society, though specific criteria are yet to be determined.

What Do the New Dependent Visa Rules in the UK 2025 Mean for Families?

For many families, these updates will make it harder to join loved ones in the UK unless the main applicant is in a highly skilled or settled role. However, family visas like the Spouse visa remain open, and existing Skilled Worker families are protected under transitional rules.

Do The 2025 UK Dependent Visa Changes Affect Spouse Visas?

The proposed 2025 changes to the UK Dependent Visa rules primarily target dependants of Skilled Worker and Student visa holders, but they do not directly affect the standard UK Spouse visa (Family visa) route.

Unlike Skilled Worker Dependents, there are no immediate changes to standard family visas, such as the UK Spouse visa. These still require:

• Proof of a genuine relationship
• A minimum income threshold (currently £29,000, with planned increases under review)
• Living in the UK for five years before applying for ILR

Family visas remain a key route for married couples and partners of British citizens or settled persons.

Conclusion

The new dependent visa rules in the UK for 2025 mark a major shift, particularly for Skilled Worker Dependents and student families. From higher skills thresholds to stricter English requirements, applicants will need to plan carefully before applying.

If you are unsure how these changes affect you, seeking advice from an immigration solicitor for dependent visas can help maximise your chances of success.