November 27, 2025
At Gilson Gray LLP, our Immigration team has extensive experience helping Skilled Workers and their families secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Below, we answer some of the most common questions from dependent partners and children applying for settlement.
Who Qualifies as a Skilled Worker Dependant?
Eligible dependants include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18.
Children over 18 may also qualify if they were last granted permission as dependants.
What Are the ILR Requirements for Dependant Partners?
Dependent partners must:
- Be aged 18 or over;
- Have last held permission as a dependent partner;
- Show their relationship is genuine and subsisting; and
- Apply either with the Skilled Worker or after they have settled.
They must also complete five continuous years in the UK as a dependant and meet the English language and Life in the UK requirements.
What About Dependant Children?
Children must generally be under 18, not leading an independent life, and normally living with their parents.
If over 18, they must also meet the English language and Life in the UK test requirements.
Where only one parent is applying for or holds settlement, specific Home Office exceptions may apply. Gilson Gray can advise on how these exceptions work in practice.
Continuous Residence Requirement
Dependants must have five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. Time spent outside the UK must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period, unless exempt.
English Language and Life in the UK Tests
Most applicants must meet these requirements unless exempt (e.g. under 18, over 65, or with a qualifying disability). This can be satisfied through an approved English test, an eligible qualification taught in English, or citizenship of a majority English-speaking country.
If You’re Not Yet Eligible for ILR
If you don’t yet meet the ILR requirements, you can extend your dependant visa. You’ll still need to meet the relationship and care requirements, but if you’ve lived in the UK for over 12 months, the financial requirement is automatically satisfied.
Pathway to British Citizenship
After obtaining ILR, dependants may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation or Registration, provided they meet the residence, character, and language requirements.
How Gilson Gray Can Help
At Gilson Gray LLP, we take pride in delivering clear, pragmatic, and expert immigration advice. Our team can assist with every stage of the process — from initial ILR applications to British Citizenship.
If you or your family are considering applying for ILR as Skilled Worker dependants, please contact our Immigration team to discuss your situation. We are here to help you secure your future in the UK.
Find out more about our Immigration services here.
| David Winnie Partner, Head of Sports and Immigration | ||||
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The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any information contained in this blog, please seek solicitor’s advice from Gilson Gray.
