Medium-skilled roles are jobs classed at RQF Level 3–5, and under the Skilled Worker rules they have stricter dependant eligibility requirements. After 22 July 2025, dependants are only allowed in certain medium-skilled cases, mainly depending on:
when the lead applicant first applied as a Skilled Worker, and
whether they previously held permission in a medium-skilled role
Because these rules can be confusing for employers and applicants, this article explains the main reasons dependants are not eligible and provides a link to check the correct SOC codes.
🟢 When Dependants Can Apply
Dependants may apply if:
The lead applicant had Skilled Worker permission (the date the CoS was assigned) before 22 July 2025 in a medium-skilled role.
🔴 Common Reasons Dependants Would Not Qualify
Below are the most common scenarios where dependants are not eligible under the Skilled Worker route:
❌ 1. Lead applicant had Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025, but NOT in a medium-skilled role
Even if the applicant held Skilled Worker permission before 22 July, If the role was not medium-skilled, dependants cannot qualify.
❌ 2. Lead applicant did NOT have Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025
If the applicant’s first Skilled Worker permission was on or after 22 July 2025, dependants are not eligible when:
The role is medium-skilled and listed on:
In these cases, dependants cannot apply.
❌ 3. Lead applicant does not meet continuity requirements
Even if they previously held Skilled Worker permission, dependants will not qualify if:
The applicant cannot demonstrate continuous permission and the gap is not covered by the Exceptions for Overstayers.
❌ 4. The role held by the lead applicant is not one of the eligible SOC codes
Dependants will not qualify if the lead applicant’s occupation is not classified as medium-skilled under the relevant codes.
🍼 When a Dependant Child Can Still Apply
A child dependant can apply if:
The lead applicant is the sole surviving parent
The lead applicant has sole responsibility (permission to stay applications only)
The lead applicant has joint responsibility with another Skilled Worker in an eligible occupation (permission to stay applications only)
The child was born in the UK
🧭 5. Where to Check SOC Codes and Occupation Eligibility
Use the official GOV.UK tool to confirm whether an occupation is medium-skilled and to check if it appears on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage Occupation List:
👉 Eligible occupation codes:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/eligible-occupations