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Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Highly skilled migrant worker

How do my dependants apply?

This page explains how you can apply for your dependants to join you or stay with you in the UK if you are here under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP).

The application process will depend on where your dependants are living at the time of the application.

To fidn out who qualifies as a dependant, see the Can I include my family on my application? page.

Dependants outside the UK

If you are currently in the UK but your dependants are living abroad, they must apply for a visa to come to the UK.

To find out how to apply, the cost of a visa and our current waiting times in different countries, see the Visa services section.

Dependants in the UK - extending your stay

If you and your dependants are all currently living in the UK, you should not apply to extend your and their stay under the HSMP. You should make an application under Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system.

Dependants in the UK - settlement

If you and your dependants are all currently living in the UK, and you are applying to settle here using application form SET(O), you should provide details of your dependants in section 2. You should also provide the relevant supporting documents for all dependants. For more information, see the Settlement under the HSMP pages.

If your husband, wife or partner is included as a dependant and is aged 18 or over, they will need to demonstrate their knowledge of language and life in the UK before they are granted settlement. If they have not demonstrated their knowledge of language and life in the UK, they cannot apply for settlement - instead, they should apply to extend their stay using application form FLR(O).

If you have a child aged 18 or over who is dependent on you, they must make their own application for settlement using application form SET(O). They must pay a separate application fee, and must demonstrate their knowledge of language and life in the UK before they are granted settlement. If they have not demonstrated their knowledge of language and life in the UK, they cannot apply for settlement - instead, they should apply to extend their stay using application form FLR(O).

More information

  • Application fees for extending your stay using form FLR(O)

     

    Fee if you are applying by post Fee if you are applying in person
    Main applicant £578 £953
    Partner or child aged under 18 (if they are applying at the same time as the main applicant in a category that allows dependants to be included) £433 for each family member included on the main applicant's application form £808 for each family member included on the main applicant's application form
     Partner or child aged under 18 (if they apply later) in a category that allows dependants to be included)  £578  £953


  • Application fees for settling in the UK using form SET(O)

    Fee if you are applying by post Fee if you are applying in person
    Main applicant £1051 £1426
    Partner or child aged under 18 (if they are applying at the same time as the main applicant) £788 for each family member included on the main applicant's application form £1163 for each family member included on the main applicant's application form
    Partner or child aged under 18 (if they are applying separately from,the main applicant)  £1051  £1426


Application forms

Application for permanent residence in the UK in an employment or other category listed on the form

Application for an extension of stay in the UK (other categories)

Choose a different form

See also

Policy & Law