Tier 2 - general
Dependants
This page explains whether you can bring your dependants with you when you come to the United Kingdom under the creative and sporting sub-category within Tier 2 of the points-based system. The information is based on our statement of intent published on 6 May 2008. The information in this section will be updated as we continue to develop the policy over the next few months.
If your application for entry clearance under Tier 2 is successful, you will be able to apply for your dependants to accompany you to the United Kingdom. We consider your dependants to be your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner and any children under 18 who are financially dependant on you.
Dependants will need to make an application for entry clearance before they travel to the United Kingdom. Applications for entry clearance must be made from outside the United Kingdom. You should make your application at the British diplomatic post in the country in which you are ordinarily resident, however you may apply for entry clearance from a country that is not your normal place of residence if you are in that country, with the main applicant who is there for a similar or comparable purpose to the activity he or she proposes to undertake in the United Kingdom. Applications for entry clearance are processed by our visa services team. Our visa services website will provide more information on the application process when Tier 2 is introduced in autumn 2008.
If your dependants are given permission to accompany you to the United Kingdom, they will be given permission to stay for the same length of time as you. Your dependants will be allowed to work while they are in the United Kingdom, however, they will not be able to switch into any Tier of the points-based system. If dependants would like to apply to be in the United Kingdom in their own right they will need to leave the United Kingdom in order to apply.
