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.

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.

You can apply for a UK child dependent visa if:

• 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

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.

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 must meet the same eligibility criteria and provide extra documentation, such as:
• 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

We can advise on how to prepare the most persuasive evidence for complex family structures.

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

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
• £2,400 for each additional child
• This is added to the £29,000 minimum salary threshold for sponsoring partners

• 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

1. Choose the correct visa category
2. Complete the online application
3. Pay the visa and immigration health surcharge
4. Upload documents and attend a biometric appointment
5. Await a decision
6. Our team can manage every step of the process on your behalf for peace of mind.

Other Fees:

BRP Fee: £19.20
IHS (Health Surcharge): £776 per year, per child

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

Super Priority Service is available for an additional £1,000 — offering a decision by the next working day.

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

Let our immigration experts help you reunite your family in the UK. Whether you’re applying for the first time or facing a visa refusal, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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.