This article explains the 2024 updates and which routes still allow dependants. 

What has changed

Since 11 March 2024, workers sponsored for social care roles have new restrictions on bringing dependants to the UK. Social care workers usually apply under the Skilled Worker route. They must have sponsorship under a specific occupation code (SOC code).  

The restrictions only apply to: 

  • Care workers and home carers (SOC code 6135) 
  • Senior care workers (SOC code 6136) 

For those who applied before 11 March 2024, transitional measures are in place. 

The following workers can still bring dependants:

  • Healthcare workers in roles outside of the codes mentioned above 
  •  Workers on Skilled Worker visas under other eligible codes 

Changes also apply to the Student visa route. Since 1 January 2024, only the following students can bring dependants: 

  • Students in postgraduate research courses  
  • Those with government-funded scholarships

Who can bring dependants

The following routes allow workers to bring dependants: 

  • Innovator Founder: For starting your new business in Scotland
  • Global Mobility - Expansion Worker: For opening a new branch in the UK of your existing overseas business 
  • Global Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker: For expanding your workforce in the UK by transferring overseas employees to the UK 
  • Skilled Worker: For hiring workers and expanding your workforce

Each of these routes has specific requirements and benefits. It’s important to get advice to find the best option for your needs. 

It’s still possible to bring dependants under most immigration routes relevant to workers so don’t be discouraged.  

What can dependants do in Scotland?

Dependants have fewer restrictions than the main applicant when it comes to working in the UK. They can: 

  • Work in any job, except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach 
  • Be self-employed  
  • Open or be involved in the running of a business 
  • Volunteer without restriction 

They can also study without any limits. Some subjects at a certain level require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. 

Unlike Skilled Worker applicants: 

  • Dependants’ jobs do not have to be of a certain level  
  • There’s no salary requirement other than the national minimum wage

Employers also don’t need to: 

  • Pay the Immigration Skills Surcharge 
  • Provide a Certificate of Sponsorship 
  • Handle the administrative processes that come with sponsorship 

How long a dependant can stay is based on the main applicant’s visa. Whether they can extend or settle in Scotland depends on the main applicant. 

Conclusion

While some restrictions were introduced in 2024, most immigration routes still allow workers to bring their dependants to Scotland.  

Supporting workers to bring their dependants can encourage them to work for you for longer. Given dependants can also work in the UK, it can add value to the Scottish workforce without the restrictions that apply to main applicants. This makes it an appealing choice for employers and workers alike. 

For more detailed guidance on these changes get free one-on-one legal advice from Scotland’s Migration Service.