Should Dependents apply as well

[Reyo0706]

Hi,

I am on a Tier-2 General visa with validity till May 2022. I have two dependents (A wife and a kid) with a Tier-2 PBS dependent visa till May 2022. Now I am planning to switch my employer and my new employer is willing to give COS for 3 years under the Skilled Worker category. Should my dependents also apply for a visa along with me as Dependents or they can continue with the current visa till May 2022 and then go for the extension?

If they don't reapply for a visa now, will it cause an issue while filing ILR after 5 years?

[sjagadeesan]

I am on the same situation. I keep getting mixed responses in other forums that dependents have to reapply as it is change in visa category, and others say they can continue on same PBS dependent visa.

Experts, please clarify .. Thanks!

[vinny]

Guidance for dependants of UK visa applicants (Tiers 1, 2, 5 and Appendix W)

61. If the Main Applicant changes employer or educational institution and is therefore issued with a new certificate of sponsorship/confirmation of acceptance for studies and is applying for leave to remain to work or study under their new sponsor, PBS dependants do not have to apply with them for leave to remain. Instead PBS dependants can remain in the UK until the end of the validity period of their existing PBS dependant leave. They can later apply for leave to remain to bring their leave in line with the leave of the PBS migrant. Dependants of Appendix W Workers should apply to switch at the same time as the Main Applicant.

[Reyo0706]

Guidance for dependants of UK visa applicants (Tiers 1, 2, 5 and Appendix W)

61. If the Main Applicant changes employer or educational institution and is therefore issued with a new certificate of sponsorship/confirmation of acceptance for studies and is applying for leave to remain to work or study under their new sponsor, PBS dependants do not have to apply with them for leave to remain. Instead PBS dependants can remain in the UK until the end of the validity period of their existing PBS dependant leave. They can later apply for leave to remain to bring their leave in line with the leave of the PBS migrant. Dependants of Appendix W Workers should apply to switch at the same time as the Main Applicant.

Thanks Vinny.