Skilled worker dependant visa post ILR decision

[sunilhoysala]

The dependent has been in the UK for 9 years on 2 different visas:

1. First, a Tier 2 (ICT) visa (entered the UK on 07/08/2016), and
2. Recently switched to a Skilled Worker dependent visa (issue date: 13/06/2026, valid until: 17/10/2026).

The main applicant now has ILR (secured on 02/08/2026). I am planning to apply for a 1-year Skilled Worker dependent visa to fulfill the 10-year route (Long Residence), but the IHS portal is asking me to pay for 3 years."

Could you please assist,
1 - Is there any way to extend a Skilled Worker dependent visa for 1 year?
2 - Should I go with a Skilled Worker dependent visa (3 years) or a family visa (2.5 years)? I also want to keep my options open in case the 10-year route is removed before September 2027

Thanks in advance, any help is much appreciated.

[CR001]

1 - Is there any way to extend a Skilled Worker dependent visa for 1 year?

No there is not. It is a 3 year extension as stated in the immigration rules. There is no discretion and you cannot choose to apply for less time.

2 - Should I go with a Skilled Worker dependent visa (3 years) or a family visa (2.5 years)? I also want to keep my options open in case the 10-year route is removed before September 2027

Extend the skilled worker dependent visa, it is cheaper and has less requirements to meet and does not reset the 5 year ILR clock which a 2.5 year spouse visa would do.

[sunilhoysala]

Thank you for your quick response.

I was told that sometimes a case worker might consider it if I changed the CoS end date to cover a 1-year period while filling out the application, and attached a cover letter explaining my scenario. Does it work for me or will be rejected?

[CR001]

It doesn't work like that.

Caseworkers follow the immigration rules, no discretion as the rules state 3 years for an extension when the main visa holder has obtained ILR.

Note it is not compulsory to apply for ILR at exactly 5 years.

[sunilhoysala]

Thank you once again

May be the last question, there are 2 applications to extend the skilled worker dependant visa. Can you pls advice which one should I use?

1. Skilled worker dependant application, where there is no option to include main applicant current status (ilr). A separate applications to be raised for children, and a linking code generated to link the applications.
2. PBS dependant applications - I can provide the main applicant status as ilr and also I can add children in the same applications. Somewhere I read it says pbs dependant application is old version, and skilled worker application should be used