Child Dependent Visa UK
Bringing your child to live with you in the UK is a life-changing step. Our experienced immigration lawyers are here to guide you through the child dependent visa process with care and clarity.
Table of Content
- What is a child dependent visa?
- Who can apply for a child dependent visa?
- Visa categories for child dependents
- Step-children and additional requirements
- Child dependent visa eligibility criteria
- Child dependent visa financial requirements
- Child dependent visa required documents
- How to apply for child dependent visa
- Child dependent visa fees
- Child dependent visa processing times
- Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Contact us for child dependent visa legal advice today
What is a child dependent visa?
The Child Dependent Visa enables a child under 18 to join a parent who is living in the UK, whether the parent is settled, on a work visa, or on a family visa route. To qualify, the parent must show full parental responsibility and prove they can financially support and accommodate the child without recourse to public funds.
Who can apply for a child dependent visa?
You can apply for a UK child dependent visa if:
If only one parent is in the UK, they must demonstrate sole parental responsibility or provide evidence of serious and compelling family or welfare considerations.
At least one parent is lawfully living in the UK with: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status; Limited Leave to Remain (e.g. Skilled Worker, Student visa); a partner visa under the family route.
Visa categories for child dependents
Parent is settled or applying for settlement
Children can apply to join a parent with Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship. In many cases, they may also qualify for ILR immediately.
Parent is on a partner visa
If a parent holds a family visa as a partner or spouse, children can apply to join as dependents, either simultaneously or separately.
Parent is on a work or study visa
Children can apply to join parents on visas such as: Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker; Student or Graduate Visa; Global Talent, Start-up or Innovator routes; Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson; British National (Overseas). The child's visa duration usually matches the parent's.
Step-children and additional requirements
Step-children must meet the same eligibility criteria and provide extra documentation, such as:
We can advise on how to prepare the most persuasive evidence for complex family structures.
Proof of legal custody or parental permission
Evidence of ongoing care and financial responsibility
A letter of consent from the other biological parent, where relevant
Child dependent visa eligibility criteria
To qualify, the child must:
Be under 18 years old
Not be married or in a civil partnership
Be financially dependent on the parent
Not be living an independent life
Be joining a parent who has adequate accommodation and meets financial requirements
Child dependent visa financial requirements
For Skilled Worker / Work Visa holders
£315 for the first child; £200 for each additional child; funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
For Family Visa route
Minimum income must increase by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child. This is added to the £29,000 minimum salary threshold for sponsoring partners.
Child dependent visa required documents
Child's passport
Child's birth certificate
Evidence of parent's legal status in the UK (e.g. BRP or visa)
Proof of relationship (letters, photos, school records)
Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips)
Evidence of suitable accommodation
Parental consent or sole responsibility documents
Tuberculosis test (if applicable)
Translations for any non-English documents
How to apply for child dependent visa
Our team can manage every step of the process on your behalf, so nothing is missed.
Choose the correct visa category
Complete the online application
Pay the visa and immigration health surcharge
Upload documents and attend a biometric appointment
Await a decision
Child dependent visa fees
Family Visa (Partner/Parent)
£1,538 applying outside the UK; £1,048 applying inside the UK.
Work Visa Dependent (under 3 years)
£625 applying outside the UK; £719 applying inside the UK.
Work Visa Dependent (over 3 years)
£1,235 applying outside the UK; £1,423 applying inside the UK.
Child of Settled Person
£2,404 applying outside the UK; £2,404 applying inside the UK.
BRP Fee
£19.20
IHS (Health Surcharge)
£776 per year, per child
Child dependent visa processing times
Super Priority Service is available for an additional £1,000, offering a decision by the next working day.
Family Visa (outside UK)
up to 12 weeks
Family Visa (inside UK)
around 8 weeks
Work Visa Dependent
within 3 weeks
Child of Settled Person
usually 6 weeks
Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Once a child has lived in the UK for 5 continuous years on a valid dependent visa, they may be eligible for ILR, provided they:
Still meet the eligibility requirements
Continue living with their parent or guardian
Have maintained lawful status throughout
Contact us for child dependent visa legal advice today
Let our immigration experts help you reunite your family in the UK. A first application or a refusal to overturn, we are here to help.
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers in London will guide you through every step, from meeting the financial and relationship requirements to submitting a complete application or handling a refusal.
Contact us today for personalised legal advice and take the first step toward starting your life in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what clients ask us most. Still unsure? Book a free consultation and we will talk it through.
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