As part of an application under the Skilled Worker route applicants will need to meet the maintenance requirement. This applies to the main applicant, but also to any of their dependents.
The maintenance requirement exists to ensure that applicants have sufficient funds, or access to sufficient funds, to prevent reliance on the UK’s welfare state, i.e., public funds during their first month in the UK.
You can meet the maintenance requirement in one of the following ways.
Maintenance certified by sponsor
Your sponsor (UK employer) may agree to certify maintenance for you, and potentially for your dependants. This means that your sponsor will be agreeing to maintain and accommodate you and your dependants, if necessary, up to the end of the first month of your visa in the UK up to a maximum amount of:
The sponsor will only be required to provide this support if absolutely necessary, such as if you and any of your family, who are also travelling to the UK as your dependents, become destitute in the UK.
Evidence of sufficient funds
If your sponsor does not certify maintenance you will have to show that you hold sufficient funds, as specified above, at the time you apply, and have done so for at least 28 days. In order to submit a successful application it is crucial to demonstrate that the statement covers the specified period, and does not fall below the required amount at any time within this period.
The Home Office also prescribe where the funds must be held, and what evidence they will accept to prove that the criteria have been met. It is important to follow their guidance to the letter, or again, your application can be refused.
Are there any exceptions?
If you and or your family are applying from within the UK and have been living in the UK lawfully for at least 12 months before the date of application, you will automatically meet the financial requirement and you will not need to provide any further evidence.