Dependent Visa Holders Allowed to Work in UK - New Regulations

As of January 11, 2018, dependent visa holders in the UK are allowed to work without the need for a work permit under new regulations. This is an important development for many families as it allows for more financial stability and independence. In this article, we will explore the new regulations and what they mean for dependent visa holders who wish to work in the UK.

What is a Dependent Visa?

A dependent visa is a type of visa that is granted to the family members of someone who is in the UK on a work, study, or other type of visa. This includes spouses, partners, and children. In the past, dependent visa holders were not allowed to work in the UK without first obtaining a work permit.

What are the New Regulations?

The new regulations allow dependent visa holders to work in the UK without first obtaining a work permit as long as the main visa holder is in the UK on a Tier 2 visa. This includes Tier 2 General visa, Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer visa, and Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa. The Tier 2 visa must have a validity period of at least 6 months remaining, and the dependent must also have permission to stay in the UK for at least 6 months.

What Types of Work are Allowed?

The new regulations allow dependent visa holders to work in any type of job, including self-employment, and there are no restrictions on the number of hours that the dependent can work. The only restriction is that the dependent cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

What are the Benefits of the New Regulations?

The main benefit of the new regulations is that it gives dependent visa holders the ability to work and earn money in the UK without the need for a work permit. This allows for more financial stability and independence for families who may have previously been reliant on the main visa holder's income. In addition, it allows for greater career opportunities for dependent visa holders, who may have previously been unable to pursue a career in the UK.

What are the Requirements?

In order to take advantage of the new regulations, dependent visa holders must meet several requirements. They must have a valid Tier 2 dependent visa and the main visa holder must have a valid Tier 2 visa with at least 6 months' validity remaining. The dependent must also have permission to stay in the UK for at least 6 months. Finally, the dependent must not work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

Conclusion

The new regulations allowing dependent visa holders to work in the UK without the need for a work permit is an important development that provides greater financial stability and career opportunities for families. While there are requirements that must be met, the benefits are significant. This change is likely to be welcomed by many dependent visa holders who have been eager to contribute to the UK economy and society.