If you are already in the UK on a dependant visa, you may be able to switch to a work visa without leaving the country. For most people searching for how to convert dependent visa to work permit in UK, the practical route is not a separate “work permit” in the old sense. It is usually the Skilled Worker visa.
The process is not automatic. You need a qualifying job offer, a UK employer approved by the Home Office, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, the right salary, proof of English, and a complete visa application before your current permission expires. The details matter, because a dependant can often work in the UK already, while a Skilled Worker visa changes the basis of your immigration status entirely.
This guide explains who can switch, what the current Skilled Worker requirements are, how many hours a dependant can work in the UK, what documents you need, how much it costs, and what to think about before moving from dependant status to your own sponsored work visa.
Can You Convert a Dependent Visa to a Work Permit in the UK?
Yes, in many cases you can switch from a dependant visa to a work visa from inside the UK. The most common work route is the Skilled Worker route, which replaced the old Tier 2 General visa.
It is better to think of this as a new visa application, not a simple conversion. Your current dependant visa does not automatically turn into a work visa. You apply under the Skilled Worker route and must qualify in your own right.
That means your application will be judged on your job, your sponsor, your salary, your occupation code, your English language evidence, your finances where required, and your immigration history.
If your application is approved, your permission to stay in the UK will no longer depend on the main visa holder. It will be linked to your sponsored job and employer.
Dependant Visa and Skilled Worker Visa: What Is the Difference?
A dependant visa is based on your relationship with someone else. You may be the partner or child of a person who holds a Student visa, Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, or another eligible UK visa. It also helps to understand the recent dependant visa changes that may affect who can apply and how plans should be made.
A Skilled Worker visa is based on your own job offer.
That difference sounds simple, but it affects almost everything: who sponsors you, how you prove eligibility, what happens if your job changes, and how your future settlement route may be calculated.
On a dependant visa, your right to stay usually follows the main visa holder’s permission. On a Skilled Worker visa, your UK employer becomes your sponsor. You are expected to work in the role described on your Certificate of Sponsorship, and you may need to update your visa if you change employer or move to a different eligible job.
For some people, switching is a sensible step towards a more independent immigration route. For others, staying as a dependant may be more practical, especially if they already have broad work rights and are close to settlement.
Can a Dependent Work in the UK?
In many cases, yes. A UK dependant visa holder can usually work in the UK, but you must always check the conditions attached to your own immigration status.
This is one of the most common points of confusion. Many people ask can dependent work in UK or can dependent visa holder work in UK because they assume a dependant visa is too restricted. Often, it is not.
Many dependant visa holders can work full-time, change jobs, and work for different employers without needing sponsorship. However, some restrictions may still apply. For example, work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach is commonly restricted.
If your online immigration status, your BRP details, or visa decision says “no work” or lists a specific condition, you must follow that condition.
How Many Hours Can a Dependent Work in the UK?
For many dependant visa holders, there is no fixed hourly limit. This means the answer to how many hours dependent can work in UK is often: full-time, if your visa conditions allow work.
A dependant is not normally limited to 20 hours per week in the same way many Student visa holders are during term time. That said, the safest answer always comes from your own immigration status. Do not rely only on general advice if your permission includes specific wording.
If you are allowed to work as a dependant, you may not need to switch to a Skilled Worker visa just to take a job. The reason to switch is usually different: you may want your own immigration route, your employer may require sponsorship, or your family’s current visa position may be uncertain.
Who Can Switch From a Dependant Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
You may be able to switch from inside the UK if you are already in the UK with valid immigration permission and you meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements.
In most cases, you will need:
- a valid dependant visa at the time you apply
- a genuine job offer from a UK employer
- an employer approved by the Home Office to sponsor Skilled Workers
- a Certificate of Sponsorship, often called a CoS
- an eligible occupation code
- a salary that meets the required Skilled Worker threshold
- evidence that you meet the English language requirement
- enough money to support yourself, unless you are exempt
- a valid passport or travel document
- any extra documents required for your job or personal circumstances
A student dependant, spouse dependant, Skilled Worker dependant, or dependant under another eligible route may be able to apply. The key point is that your dependant status alone does not guarantee approval. You must qualify for the Skilled Worker visa separately.
Who Cannot Switch From Inside the UK?
Some visa categories do not allow an in-country switch to the Skilled Worker route. If you are currently in the UK under one of these categories, you will normally need to leave the UK and apply from overseas instead. If you want a broader overview of switching routes from inside the UK, that can help put these restrictions into context:
- Visit visa
- Short-term Student visa
- Parent of a Child Student visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
- Immigration bail
- Permission to stay outside the Immigration Rules, such as permission granted on compassionate grounds
This is where wording matters. A person asking whether a dependent visa can be converted to work permit may have a possible route. A person asking whether a UK visit visa can convert to work permit is usually dealing with a different answer.
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements in 2026
To switch from a dependent visa to work visa in the UK, you need to meet the current Skilled Worker rules. These rules are strict, and they are not only about having an employer who wants to hire you.
You Need a Job Offer From an Approved Sponsor
Your employer must have a valid sponsor licence. In plain English, this means the Home Office has approved the employer to sponsor overseas workers.
A company can offer you a job and still be unable to sponsor you. Before you build your plans around a role, check that the employer is licensed for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
You Need a Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record, not a paper certificate. Your employer assigns it to you, and you use the CoS reference number in your visa application.
Your CoS should match the job you are actually going to do. It normally includes:
- your job title
- your occupation code
- your salary
- your weekly working hours
- your work location
- your start date
- your employer’s sponsor licence details
- your CoS reference number
Small mistakes here can cause large problems. A salary written incorrectly, the wrong occupation code, or a job description that does not match the role can lead to delays or refusal.
Your Job Must Be Eligible
Not every role qualifies for the Skilled Worker route. Your job must match an eligible occupation code.
This is not just a box-ticking step. The occupation code should reflect the real duties of the job. If the job title sounds eligible but the duties are too junior, too different, or not aligned with the selected code, UKVI may question the application.
Your Salary Must Meet the Required Level
The standard Skilled Worker salary requirement is usually the higher of:
- £41,700 per year, or
- the going rate for your occupation code
The “going rate” is important. A salary can meet the general threshold and still fall short if the going rate for that occupation is higher.
There are limited cases where a lower salary may be accepted, such as certain jobs on the Immigration Salary List, some new entrant cases, relevant PhD qualifications, and specific healthcare or education roles. These exceptions can be helpful, but you should verify them carefully. They are not a general shortcut around the salary rules.
You Must Prove English Language Ability
If you are switching from another visa route to the Skilled Worker visa, you will usually need to prove English at CEFR level B2. That means you need to be able to read, write, speak, and understand English at the right level.
You may be able to prove this through:
- an approved Secure English Language Test
- a UK degree
- a degree taught in English
- an accepted UK school qualification
- previous acceptance of English evidence in a relevant UK visa application, if the rules allow
If your degree was awarded outside the UK, you may need an Ecctis assessment to confirm that it is equivalent to a UK degree and was taught in English.
You May Need to Show Maintenance Funds
You will usually need at least £1,270 available to support yourself, unless you are exempt.
In many cases, this money must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days. The 28th day must normally be within 31 days of the date you apply.
You may not need to show this money if you have already been in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months, or if your employer confirms on your Certificate of Sponsorship that they will certify your maintenance.
Step-by-Step: How to Convert Dependent Visa to Work Permit in UK
The process is manageable if each stage is handled carefully. The mistake many applicants make is treating the job offer as the whole application. It is only the beginning.
1. Check Your Current Visa and Expiry Date
Start with your current status. Your dependant visa should still be valid when you apply. If your visa is close to expiry, do not leave the application until the last few days. Rushed applications are more likely to contain avoidable mistakes.
Also check whether your current route allows switching from inside the UK.
2. Find a Sponsored Job
Ask your boss to double-check the job code, pay, hours, and whether the employment fits the Skilled Worker requirements.
This phase is more than simply paperwork. The application might not go through if the job has the improper occupation code or if the remuneration is not the right amount.
3. Confirm the Occupation Code and Salary
Ask your boss to double-check the job title, pay, hours, and whether the employment fits the requirements for skilled workers.
This phase isn't simply for paperwork. If the job has the wrong job classification or the pay isn't right, the application can not go through.
4. Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship
Once your employer is ready to sponsor you, they will assign your Certificate of Sponsorship. Check the details before applying. Your name, job title, salary, hours, work location, and start date should all be accurate and consistent.
5. Prepare Your Documents
The documents you need will depend on your job and personal circumstances, but many applicants need:
- valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- employer name and sponsor licence number
- job title, occupation code, salary, and working hours
- proof of English language ability
- bank statements, if maintenance evidence is required
- tuberculosis test certificate, if applicable
- criminal record certificate, if required for your role
- ATAS certificate, if required for sensitive research roles
- certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh
It is better to prepare documents before submitting the application, not after.
6. Apply Online
You have to apply online before your current visa expires. The application will ask for your personal details, immigration history, sponsor information, CoS reference number, job details, and supporting evidence.
Read each section slowly. Errors in sponsor details or salary figures are not always easy to fix later.
7. Prove Your Identity
You may be asked to prove your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or you may need to attend a UKVCAS appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
The application system will tell you which method applies.
8. Wait for the Decision
A decision on an inside-UK Skilled Worker application usually takes up to eight weeks under the standard service. Faster services may be available for an extra fee, but availability can vary.
You should not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while the application is pending. If you do, your application may be treated as withdrawn.
How Much Does It Cost to Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?
The cost depends on the length of the visa, your job type, and whether family members apply with you.
For applications made inside the UK, the standard Skilled Worker application fee is usually:
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Length of visa
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Standard inside-UK application fee
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Up to 3 years
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£943 per person
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More than 3 years
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£1,865 per person
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A lower fee may apply if your job is on the Immigration Salary List.
You will also usually need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, commonly called the IHS. This is generally £1,035 per year for most adult Skilled Worker applicants.
Other possible costs include:
- English language test fee
- Ecctis assessment, if required
- document translation
- TB test, if applicable
- criminal record certificate, if required
- priority or super priority service, if available
- professional advice, if your case is not straightforward
The total cost can rise quickly if your partner or children are applying as your dependants at the same time.
What Happens to Your Partner or Children If You Switch?
Your family members’ visas do not automatically switch when your visa changes.
If they already have valid visas, those visas usually remain valid until their original expiry date. They may apply as your Skilled Worker dependants at the same time as you, or before their current visas expire, if they meet the rules.
They may also need to show maintenance funds unless an exemption applies. The usual amounts are:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
These amounts are in addition to the £1,270 required for the main applicant, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance or another exemption applies.
There are extra restrictions in some care worker, senior care worker, and medium-skilled roles. If your sponsored job falls into one of those categories, check the dependant rules carefully before assuming your family can switch with you.
Can a Student Dependent Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, a student dependant may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if they meet the full requirements.
This is common where the dependant partner of an international student finds a qualifying job in the UK. It may also become relevant if the main student’s visa is ending and the family wants a new route to remain in the UK.
The applicant still needs sponsorship, an eligible job, the correct salary, English language evidence, and the right documents. Being a student dependant does not reduce the Skilled Worker requirements.
Can You Switch From Spouse Visa to Work Visa?
In many cases, a person on a spouse or partner visa may be able to switch to a work visa if they qualify for the Skilled Worker route.
But this decision should be made carefully. A spouse visa and a Skilled Worker visa can lead to different settlement timelines, different conditions, and different family planning issues. If you are already on a route to settlement as a spouse or partner, switching to Skilled Worker may not always be the best move.
This is a good example of where the technically possible option is not always the most sensible option.
Does Switching Affect ILR or Settlement?
It may.
If you switch from a dependant visa to a Skilled Worker visa, your five-year qualifying period for settlement under the Skilled Worker route will usually start from the date your Skilled Worker permission is granted. Time spent as a dependant does not normally combine with Skilled Worker time for that specific five-year route.
That does not mean your previous lawful residence is worthless. It may still matter for long residence, depending on the rules and your full immigration history. But if settlement is a near-term goal, switching routes without checking the consequences can be costly. This is why long-term settlement planning matters before you change immigration routes.
Before applying, think beyond the visa approval itself. Ask: will this route help my long-term plan, or simply solve a short-term employment problem?
Common Reasons a Switch Application Is Delayed or Refused
Most problems are avoidable. They usually come from mismatched details, weak evidence, or assumptions about eligibility. If a case does go wrong, understanding what to do after a refusal can help you plan the next step more carefully.
The Employer Cannot Sponsor You
A job offer from a UK company is not enough. The employer must be approved to sponsor Skilled Worker applicants.
The Occupation Code Is Wrong
UKVI can look at the real duties of the role, not only the job title. If the selected code does not fit the job, the application can be questioned.
The Salary Is Too Low
The salary must meet the correct threshold for that occupation. The general figure and the going rate both matter.
English Evidence Is Not Accepted
Not every English test or qualification is valid for the Skilled Worker route. If you need Ecctis or a Secure English Language Test, make sure the evidence is accepted before applying.
Bank Statements Do Not Meet the Rules
If you need to show maintenance funds, the balance and timing must meet the requirements. A temporary drop below the required amount during the 28-day period can cause issues.
The Application Is Made Too Late
Applying after your visa expires can create serious immigration problems. Start early, especially if your employer still needs to issue the CoS.
The Applicant Travels While Waiting
Leaving the Common Travel Area before a decision can result in the application being withdrawn. This catches people out because the trip may feel harmless, especially if it is short.
Should You Stay on a Dependant Visa or Switch?
Switching is not automatically better. It depends on your work plans, family situation, and settlement goals.
Staying on a dependant visa may make sense if you already have broad work rights, the main visa holder’s route is secure, and you are not trying to build your own sponsored route.
Switching may make sense if you have a strong sponsored job offer, want immigration status in your own name, or need a route that does not depend on the main visa holder.
There is also a practical question: does the new route improve your position enough to justify the cost, paperwork, and possible settlement impact? For some applicants, yes. For others, not yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to convert dependent visa to work permit in UK?
You need to apply for a work visa, usually the Skilled Worker visa. This means securing a sponsored job offer, getting a Certificate of Sponsorship, meeting the salary and English requirements, preparing your documents, applying online before your current visa expires, and proving your identity.
Can dependent visa be converted to work permit?
A dependant visa does not automatically convert into a work permit. However, many dependant visa holders can apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if they meet the requirements.
Can a dependent work in the UK?
Many dependants can work in the UK, including full-time work, but it depends on the conditions attached to their visa. Always check your immigration status before starting work.
How many hours can dependent work in UK?
Many dependant visa holders can work full-time with no specific hourly limit. However, your own visa conditions are the final authority, so check your online immigration status or visa documents.
Can a student dependent switch to Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, a student dependant may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if they have a qualifying sponsored job and meet the salary, English, document, and eligibility requirements.
Can I switch from spouse visa to work visa?
In many cases, yes, if you meet the Skilled Worker requirements. But switching from a spouse visa can affect your settlement planning, so it should be considered carefully.
Do I need to leave the UK to switch from dependent visa to work visa?
Many dependant visa holders can apply from inside the UK. Some visa categories, such as visitor visas and short-term student visas, usually do not allow an in-country switch.
What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa?
The standard requirement is usually £41,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation code, whichever is higher. Some limited exceptions may apply.
Can I work while waiting for a Skilled Worker visa decision?
Your rights while waiting depend on your current visa conditions and whether you applied before your permission expired. You should not assume you can start the sponsored job until your position is clear.
Does time on a dependant visa count towards Skilled Worker ILR?
Time spent as a dependant does not normally count towards the five-year Skilled Worker settlement route. It may still be relevant for long residence, depending on your full immigration history.
Conclusion
Understanding how to convert dependent visa to work permit in UK starts with one clear point: for most applicants, the route is a new Skilled Worker visa application. You need a licensed sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, an eligible job, the correct salary, English language evidence, and a well-prepared application.
If you already have the right to work as a dependant, switching may not be necessary just to take employment. But if you want your own sponsored route, have a qualifying job offer, and understand the settlement impact, moving from a dependant visa to a Skilled Worker visa can be a practical next step.
Check the latest rules, confirm your sponsor details carefully, and do not treat the application as a formality. A strong application is built before it is submitted.