Are you planning to carry your family to the United Kingdom on a work visa in 2026? While the chance is interesting, the Home Office has presented tougher financial checks that can create or break your application. Beyond the headline salary limits, the Work Visa Dependents Maintenance Cost—the real cash you must hold in your bank account—is a non-negotiable requirement that often traps applicants off guard.
In this simple and easy guide, we break down every pound and penny required for your partner and children in 2026, from the 28-day rule to the latest Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) rates.
Statutory Maintenance Funds: How Much Cash is Required?
For work visas like Skilled Worker, you must prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you first arrive in the UK. This is a fixed amount of cash. It is not about your salary.
You must show this money in your bank account. It is called “cash in hand” or “maintenance funds”.
Here are the amounts for 2026:
- Main applicant (you): £1,270
- Partner (spouse or civil partner): £285
- First child: £315
- Each extra child: £200
You must have all this money together in one account or joint accounts.
Example Calculation for a Family of Four
For you, your partner, and two children, the total is: £1,270 (you) + £285 (partner) + £315 (first child) + £200 (second child) = £2,070 This money must be ready before you apply. If you do not have it, your visa may be refused.
The Important 28-Day Rule
The money must stay in the bank for 28 days in a row. The balance cannot drop even by £1 during these 28 days. The last day of the 28 days must be within 31 days before you submit your application. For example, if you apply on 15 February 2026, your bank statement must show the money from around 15 January to 12 February. The closing balance date must be recent.
The Home Office checks bank statements carefully. They use digital checks with banks to make sure the money is real.
Mandatory Health & Application Costs (Upfront Fees)
Maintenance funds are only part of the cost. You also have to pay big fees upfront.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
This is a fee for using the NHS (UK health service).
- For adults (partner): £1,035 per year
- For children under 18: £776 per year
You pay for the full years of the visa. If your visa is for more than 6 months, you pay for a full year.
For a 3-year visa:
- Adult partner: £1,035 × 3 = £3,105
- Each child: £776 × 3 = £2,328
For a family of four (you + partner + two children), the IHS can be over £10,000 for 3 years.
Special Exemption for Health and Care Workers
If your job is as a doctor, nurse, or social care worker (Health and Care Visa), your family does not pay the IHS. This can save a lot of money – sometimes over £10,000 for a family.
Application Fees
Each person pays a visa application fee. For a Skilled Worker dependent visa from outside the UK, it is usually £769 for 3 years. Fees can be higher if you apply from inside the UK or for longer visas.
You pay the fee online when you apply.
Evidence & Verification Standards for 2026
The Home Office wants to see clear proof of your money. They use new technology to check bank data.
Ways to Meet the Maintenance Requirement
- Show bank statements with the full amount for 28 days.
- If your employer certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), you do not need to show money. This is the easiest way. Check if your employer does this.
- If your family has lived in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa, you are usually exempt from showing maintenance funds when you renew.
Bank Statement Rules
- Statements must show the bank name, your name, and account number.
- They must be official and clear.
- If money is in foreign currency, use the OANDA exchange rate on the day you apply. Keep extra money (5-10% buffer) in case the rate changes.
Gift Money Rules
If someone gives you the money (like parents), you need a signed gift letter. Also show where the money came from (like a sale of property). The Home Office now uses AI to check sudden large deposits.
2026 Policy Shifts: RQF Levels and Digital Status
The rules changed in 2025 and continue in 2026.
Who Can Bring Dependents?
Most new work visa jobs must be at RQF Level 6 or higher (degree level). If your job is lower (RQF 3-5), you usually cannot bring family unless you started before the change.
- Digital eVisa Your family will get a digital status, not a plastic BRP card. Link their passports to their UKVI account. Update all details to avoid travel problems.
- No Public Funds All dependent visas have “No Recourse to Public Funds”. This means your family cannot use UK benefits. If they do, it breaks the visa rules.
- Strategy Tip for Families Do not put large money into your account just before the 28 days. This can look suspicious. Plan early and keep the money steady.
FAQ: UK Dependant Costs 2026
Can I use my partner’s bank account for the maintenance funds?
Yes, if the account is in your name, your partner’s name, or a joint account.
Does the money have to be in a UK bank?
No. It can be in any bank, but the bank must have electronic records that the Home Office can check.
What if my balance drops for just one day?
Your application will likely be refused. The 28-day rule is very strict.
Can I use the same money for the main applicant and dependents?
Yes, the total amount covers everyone.
Are there any other costs?
Yes, like travel to the visa centre, translations, and possible priority service.
This guide helps you plan your money for 2026. The rules are strict, so check everything carefully.
Would you like me to make a simple cost calculator for your family size or a checklist for your bank statements?
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Always check the official GOV.UK website or talk to a qualified immigration advisor before you apply. Rules can change.