Skilled dependents application, ILR and IHS charges in between

[riabasu]

Subject: Guidance Required on Skilled Worker Dependant Extension and ILR Eligibility

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would be grateful for your guidance on my family’s immigration situation and next steps. Please find the details below:

- I have been in the UK since March 2017 on a Tier 2 ICT visa, working for a major IT company.
- My wife and son were initially in the UK as ICT dependants.
- In January 2021, I switched (within the UK) to a Skilled Worker visa.
- In March 2021, my wife obtained her own Skilled Worker visa sponsored by her employer.
- In July 2021, my son and I both switched to Skilled Worker dependant visas under my wife.
- In February 2026, my wife was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

My queries are as follows:

- Based on the above timeline, is it correct that:
- My son and I should now apply for a Skilled Worker dependant visa extension, and
- We would be eligible to apply for ILR around June 2026?

- For the extension:
- Do we need to apply for a full 3-year extension, and
- Will we be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the full duration? If to be paid, will that be refunded for the duration not used ?

- Are there any recent or upcoming changes in immigration rules that could affect our eligibility or application process?
- If so, would such changes apply to us, or is there typically a cut-off/transition protection based on current visa status?

I would sincerely appreciate any clarification or advice on the most appropriate way to proceed.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Kind regards,
Aarm

[CR001]

Useful to state when your dependent visa expires.

[riabasu]

Useful to state when your dependent visa expires.

Thanks for the response.
It expires on 30th March,2026 for both of us, me and my son.

[CR001]

An extension is for 3 years as dictated by rhe immigration rules.

IHS is not refunded when you apply for ILR

Not sure you could apply for ilr and delay biometrics. You have 45 working days to enroll biometrics, so you would need to do the calculation.