Ensuring a child can join their parent in the UK is a priority for any family. The UK Child Dependant Visa is the dedicated immigration route for children to live with their parent(s) in the UK. The application process is intricate, with different rules depending on your age, where you were born, and the immigration status of your parents.
Mistakes in these applications can lead to long, stressful delays and potential separation. Our team of specialist immigration advisors offers a compassionate and expert service, managing the entire application process for your child. We ensure every detail is handled with the care and precision required to unite your family in the UK.
Core Eligibility Requirements for All Child Applicants
Regardless of the specific application route, every child applicant must prove that they:
- Will live with their parent(s) in the UK (unless they are living away for full-time education, such as at a boarding school).
- Are not married or in a civil partnership.
- Will be adequately maintained and accommodated without recourse to public funds.
If You Were Born in the UK
If you were born in the UK but are not a British citizen, your immigration status is directly linked to that of your parents. You will get the same permission to stay as them. You can secure your status by either:
- Being included as a dependant in your parent’s next visa extension or settlement application.
- Applying separately for your own visa to align with your parent’s status.
- Applicants under 18: Your application is linked to your parent’s current visa status.
- Applicants 18 or over: You can only apply if you are already in the UK on a visa that was granted to you when you were under 18.
If You Were Born Outside the UK
This is the most common route for children joining a parent from overseas or switching visa categories within the UK.
For Children Under 18
To be eligible, one of your parents must either be applying for, or already have, a UK visa in one of the following categories:
- As a partner, and the person they are joining in the UK is your other parent. This ensures both parents are on a path to settlement together.
- As a parent, and that parent has sole parental responsibility for you.
You may also be able to apply if your parent has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. In exceptional cases where these routes don’t apply, you might still be eligible if there are serious and compelling reasons for you to be in the UK, and robust care plans are in place.
For “Children” Over 18
You can only apply as a child dependant if you are 18 or over if you were initially granted a family visa when you were under 18 and have continuously held that visa. You cannot apply as a new dependant for the first time if you are already over 18.
Navigating the Application Process: Forms and Procedures
The application process can be confusing as it often depends on how and when your parent is applying.
- Applying at the Same Time as Your Parent: If your parent is applying to join their partner in the UK, you will typically be included in their application. The specific form (often Appendix FM online) depends on the UK partner’s immigration status.
- Applying Separately from Your Parent: If your parent is already in the UK, you will need to submit a separate application. This application must include your parent’s financial information to prove they meet the income requirements of their own visa category.
Our experts will identify the precise application form and process for your family’s unique situation, eliminating confusion and preventing critical errors.
Decision Timelines and What to Expect
- Applying from Outside the UK: A decision is typically made within 12 weeks.
- Applying from Inside the UK: A standard decision usually takes around 8 weeks.
It’s important to note that if your parent is on a longer, 10-year route to settlement, the processing time for your dependant application may also be significantly longer. In some cases, priority services are available for an additional fee to get a faster decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Child Dependant Visas
Q: Can my child apply if only one parent is moving to the UK?
A: This is a complex area. Generally, the Home Office expects both parents to be moving to the UK together unless the sponsoring parent has ‘sole responsibility’ for the child’s upbringing. We can provide specialist advice on sole responsibility cases.
Q: My parent in the UK is a British citizen. Can I apply?
A: Yes, if your British parent’s partner is also moving to the UK (your other parent), you can apply as a dependant on their partner visa application. If only the British parent is in the UK, the application route is different and more complex.
Q: What happens when my child turns 18 in the UK?
A: As long as they were granted their initial visa as a child dependant, they can continue to extend their visa as a dependant, provided they are not married and are not living an independent life.
Secure Your Child’s Future in the UK with Expert Support
A child’s visa application is one of the most important you will ever make. The rules are strict, and the evidence required must be precise. Our dedicated team of immigration advisors offers the expert and compassionate service your family deserves.
- We determine the correct application route for your child.
- We ensure all parental responsibility requirements are met.
- We manage the entire application process, from form-filling to document submission.
- We provide peace of mind during a stressful time.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.