UK Child Dependant Visa: Can You Switch Between Parents? Skilled Worker vs Health and Care
When both parents have different UK work visas, which should sponsor your child? Learn about switching dependants between Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas, costs, and the most economical approach.
The Situation: Two Parents, Two Visas, One Child
Many families in the UK face this scenario: both parents have work visas, but they're on different routes with different costs and expiry dates. The question becomes: which parent should sponsor the child as their dependant?
Common Scenario:
- 👨 Parent A: Skilled Worker visa (expires October 2026)
- 👩 Parent B: Health and Care visa (expires July 2027)
- 👧 Child: Currently Parent B's dependant, but visa expires with Parent A (October 2026)
The goal: Keep the child as the Health and Care visa parent's dependant because it's more economical.
Why Health and Care Visa Is Cheaper
The Health and Care Worker visa has significant cost advantages:
| Cost | Skilled Worker | Health and Care |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £719 - £1,500 | £284 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035/year | Exempt (£0) |
| Dependant visa fee | £719 - £1,500 | £284 |
| Dependant IHS | £1,035/year | Exempt (£0) |
💰 Health and Care dependants are EXEMPT from the Immigration Health Surcharge
This can save thousands over a visa period. For a 3-year visa, that's £3,105 saved per person!
Can a Child Switch Between Parents?
Yes! A child can switch from being one parent's dependant to another parent's dependant, provided:
- ✅ The new sponsoring parent has a visa that allows dependants
- ✅ The child meets the eligibility criteria for that route
- ✅ You apply before the child's current visa expires
How to Switch Your Child to the Other Parent
Option 1: Apply When Child's Current Visa Expires
When the child's visa (aligned with Parent A) is about to expire:
- Apply for the child as Parent B's dependant (Health and Care route)
- The child's new visa will align with Parent B's visa dates
- Benefit from lower fees and IHS exemption
Option 2: Apply Early to Switch
You don't have to wait until expiry. You can apply to switch the child's sponsoring parent at any time.
Application Process:
- Complete dependant application form naming the Health and Care parent as sponsor
- Provide evidence of relationship (birth certificate)
- Show accommodation and maintenance can be provided
- Pay reduced fees (Health and Care rate)
- Attend biometrics for the child
Your Scenario: Step-by-Step Advice
Current Situation:
- Your visa: October 2026
- Wife's visa: July 2027 (Health and Care)
- Child's visa: October 2026 (currently wife's dependant, but dates match yours)
Recommended Approach:
Step 1: Renew Your Own Visa First (Before October 2026)
You need to extend your Skilled Worker visa before it expires. Apply as usual with your employer.
Step 2: Apply for Child as Wife's Dependant (Health and Care Route)
When renewing the child's visa:
- Apply for the child as your wife's dependant (not yours)
- Use the Health and Care Worker dependant application
- The child's visa will align with your wife's dates (July 2027)
- Benefit from IHS exemption and lower fees
Step 3: Consider Timing Carefully
| Option | Timing | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply child now | Any time | Child gets longer visa (to July 2027) | Pay fees now |
| Wait until near October 2026 | Aug-Sept 2026 | Maximise current visa | Tighter deadline |
Documents Needed for Child Dependant Switch
- ☐ Child's current passport
- ☐ Child's current BRP
- ☐ Birth certificate showing both parents
- ☐ Wife's Health and Care visa/BRP details
- ☐ Proof of relationship (if applicable)
- ☐ Accommodation evidence (tenancy, mortgage)
- ☐ Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips)
- ☐ Consent from both parents (if required)
Cost Comparison for Your Family
Scenario A: Child as Your (Skilled Worker) Dependant
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dependant visa fee | ~£719 |
| IHS (2.5 years) | ~£2,587 |
| Total | ~£3,306 |
Scenario B: Child as Wife's (Health and Care) Dependant
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dependant visa fee | ~£284 |
| IHS | £0 (exempt) |
| Total | ~£284 |
💰 Potential Savings: Over £3,000
Important Considerations
1. Both Parents' Consent
If both parents have parental responsibility, both may need to consent to the application.
2. Accommodation and Maintenance
The sponsoring parent (wife) needs to show they can accommodate and maintain the child without recourse to public funds.
3. Visa Dates Will Change
Once switched, the child's visa dates will align with the new sponsoring parent's visa. Plan accordingly.
4. Future ILR Implications
The child can apply for ILR once the sponsoring parent (wife) becomes eligible. Health and Care workers can apply for ILR after 5 years on the route.
5. What If Wife Changes Jobs?
If your wife switches to a non-Health and Care role, she (and the child) would lose the IHS exemption from the next visa renewal.
What If We Apply at Different Times?
It's possible to have family members with different visa expiry dates. This is normal and manageable:
- ✅ Each person renews when their visa is due
- ✅ The child follows the sponsoring parent's dates
- ✅ You don't need to align everyone's visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child be a dependant of both parents?
No. A child can only be sponsored by one parent at a time. You choose which parent will be the sponsor.
Will switching affect the child's continuous residence for ILR?
Switching sponsoring parent doesn't break continuous residence, provided there's no gap in leave.
Can I switch the child back to me later?
Yes. You can switch the child back to being your dependant at a future renewal if circumstances change.
Do I need a solicitor for this?
Not necessarily. The application is straightforward if you have all the documents. However, if unsure, seek advice.
What if my wife's visa expires before mine in the future?
You can switch the child back to being your dependant at that point.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Yes, you can switch your child between parents as dependant
- 💰 Health and Care route is cheaper — no IHS for dependants
- 📅 Child's visa dates will align with the sponsoring parent
- 📋 Apply as wife's dependant when the child's current visa expires
- 💵 Potential savings: Over £3,000 compared to Skilled Worker route
Related Guides
Official Government Resources
- 🔗 Health and Care Worker Dependants — gov.uk
- 🔗 Skilled Worker Dependants — gov.uk
- 🔗 Health and Care Visa Fees — gov.uk
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Immigration laws and visa requirements vary by country and change frequently without notice.
Always refer to official government sources of the relevant country (e.g., gov.uk for UK, travel.state.gov for USA, ec.europa.eu for EU/Schengen, mofa.go.jp for Japan) as your primary source of truth. The information provided here may not cover all scenarios, exceptions, recent policy changes, or country-specific requirements.
SolveVisaCase is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. We do not provide legal representation or guaranteed outcomes. For complex cases, country-specific questions, or if you're unsure about your eligibility, please consult a qualified immigration lawyer or licensed adviser in the relevant jurisdiction.
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