Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
Can I include my family on my application?
This section explains how you can include your family members (known as 'dependants') in your application under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). It explains who you can include as a dependant and how long they will be allowed to stay in the UK.
You can include a person in your application as your dependant if they are:
- your husband, wife or civil partner; or
- your unmarried or same-sex partner; or
- your child aged under 18.
To be considered as your unmarried or same-sex partner, the person must have been living with you in a relationship equivalent to marriage for the last 2 years. You must intend to continue living together in the UK, and you will need to show us that any previous marriage or similar relationship involving either partner has permanently broken down.
If you have children aged 18 or over, you cannot include them in your application. They must make their own application. The form that they should use depends on the type of application you are making.
You should read the Applying page to find out how you and your dependants should apply. The application process depends on where your dependants are living at the time of your application.
If we give someone permission to enter or stay in the UK as your dependant, their permission to enter or stay will be for the same length of time as yours. They will be able to work while they are in the UK, but any employment must not be necessary to support you or any other dependant.
Can my dependants make their own application?
Your dependants can choose to apply for permission to enter or stay in their own right. If they do this, they must meet the requirements of the immigration category under which they apply. Their application will be considered separately to yours - we cannot guarantee that both applications will be successful, or that you and your dependant will be given permission to enter or stay for the same length of time.