Richard Heath

ASF eligibility: dependents of skilled workers

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No doubt like other colleagues, we are still getting our heads round the new ASF eligibility rules (mostly happy with the changes in principle; nul points to DfE for the timing). We have already had several instances where applications have been made by dependent spouses of people on skilled worker visas. Are they eligible? Logic would seem to suggest not, but I guess that depends on whether they are considered to be under the same visa, and I have no idea about that. Any clues?

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Nichola Bury Davies

I submitted this same query to the helpdesk this week and the response was the below so it's a no to dependents of Skilled worker/Sponsorship visa's being eligible.

Learners on skilled worker sponsorship visas are not eligible for ASF funding, as these visas cannot be extended, individuals on such visas can only remain in the UK for a limited period (typically 2 to 3 years), which means the skills acquired are unlikely to be utilised within the UK labour market.

This includes their dependants 

Karen Simmons

There was a similar query on another post where the learner had partner visa but told them their husband was here on a sponsorship visa. 

If the learner has an e-Visa showing partner, spouse or dependant, are we saying that we need to ask to see the partner/spouse e-Visa as well??  

Nichola Bury Davies

Hi, we have been speaking to college's who we work with and are in agreement that we will need to request the partner/spouse e-Visa to confirm it is not one of the Sponsorship/Student/Graduate visa's. It's frustrating and ideally, the e-Visa would state the Partners e-Visa status to avoid requesting further e-Visa's and evidence. 

Aqib

Hi everyone, I’m new here. Just wondering if anyone knows about Adult Skills Fund rules, can someone on a dependant visa get it if their partner’s on a Global Talent visa (not student/skilled worker)? And are people with refugee status eligible, too? I’ve seen a lot of mixed info about dependents on student/sponsor visas, so just trying to understand.

Richard Heath

Hi Aqib

If the information in this post is to be believed, DfE have now completely changed their minds on the question of dependents. 

Aqib

Where do we go from here?

Aqib

Hi all,

I just received this reply from DfE this morning 

Dear Aqib

 

Thank you for your enquiry.

 

We are aware that this has caused some confusion, and we will be updating the funding rules to clarify that dependants of all individuals with sponsorship visa status, with the exception of seasonal workers, are eligible for ASF funding.

 

I hope this clarifies.

 

Kind regards
 

Tom
Customer Service


Josh Hough

The 25/26 rules now states:

"Dependants of all individuals with sponsorship visa status, with the exception of seasonal workers, are eligible for ASF funding."

Adult skills fund: funding and performance management rules 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK

Somewhat confusingly that line has been placed in the "Individuals who are not eligible for funding" section under Residency eligibility.

Wayne Hosking

Hi all,

  I'd like to know whether providers are now doing double share code checks? One for the dependent and one for those they are dependent on? Really annoying as adding in that seasonal workers not being eligible, you don't know they are a seasonal worker without an additional check.

Kind regards

Wayne

Karen Simmons

Yes we are Wayne Hosking.   

When I raised this with the DfE helpdesk I did say to them that their rule change does not remove the need for providers to have to ask to see the visa of the learners partner/spouse as we will still need to check it is not a Seasonal worker visa.  I asked if we can accept a self-declaration from the learner confirming the status of their spouse/partners visa so we can check it is not a Seasonal worker visa and they said no, for audit purposes a self declaration by the learner would not be acceptable evidence.
A note of what evidence has been seen by yourselves, signed and dated needs to be kept in the evidence pack to confirm that the learner meets the residency criteria.

(Edited)

Wayne Hosking

Thanks Karen,

   We were thinking about the self declaration as an option but seems like you have already got the answer, sadly. Additional checks it is :(

Kind regards

Wayne