Child Dependant Visa UK

What is the UK Dependant Child Visa?

The UK Child Dependant Visa is a family reunification visa that grants the right for a child to meet a parent or guardian that they’re dependant on in the UK.

If one or both of the child’s parents has indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK or permanent residence permission, they may not need to apply. If one or both of the child’s parents holds settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, they may be able to apply under the same scheme.

The Dependant Child visa is part of the UK’s Family category of visas, including the Spouse, Parent and Dependant Adult visas.

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Dependant Child Visa

Where a child was born in the UK while their parent/s were resident, they can either apply to be added to their parent’s next visa application as a dependent or choose to apply separately; providing that they:

• Continue to live with their parent/s in the UK; OR
• Are living away from home in full-time education (usually at a boarding school or university); AND
• Are not married and not in a civil partnership

If these criteria are met, the child will be granted the same residency permission as the parent/s.

If the child is under 18, they must know the immigration status of their parent/s in the UK in order to apply for a Child Dependency Visa. If aged over 18, the child can only apply if their permission to stay in the UK started while they were still a minor – and they can only apply from already in the UK.

Where a child was born out of the UK, one of the parents must be applying or have applied for a visa or to extend their residency to stay as either:

• A partner, and joining your other biological parent as that partner
• A parent, and they have sole parental responsibility over the child

If a child was born outside of the UK and is aged over 18, they too can only apply if their permission to stay in the UK started while they were still a minor.

There are some exemptions and exceptions to the UK Child Dependent Visa eligibility. For more details, call IAS on +44 (0)333 414 9244

UK Child Dependent Visa Documents

Child Dependent Visa applications are subject to the submission of valid supporting documents along with the visa application form and visa fee. These document requirements are:

• The names of all parent/s, guardian/s and children
• A current and valid passport or other travel ID with at least one blank page
• Copies of the photo page of the passport alongside any visa or entry stamps
• A copy of the parent/s’ biometric residence permit and/or visa details
• Details of any previous UK immigration applications made by parent/s and child
• Details of any criminal convictions
• National Insurance number (if you have one)
• Parent/s’ ID and proof of nationality and date of birth (usually a passport)
• A copy of a clean Tuberculosis test (if from a country requiring the test)
• Proof of English knowledge (if from a country requiring the test)
• Proof of the parent/s’ finances
• A sponsorship form from the parent/s

Any documents not already in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Financial Requirements for the UK Child Dependent Visa

There are set immigration rules that dictate minimum financial requirements by the settled person (aka the UK based parent). Exactly how much money is required is dependent on the type of visa being applied for, and is based on the settled person’s income.

The applicant must be able to provide:

• Proof of the parent/s’ UK income from employment before tax and National Insurance (NI); OR
• Proof of the parent/s’ UK income from self employment or as a director of a UK limited company; OR
• Cash savings of a minimum of £88,500 ; OR
• Cash savings from a pension; OR
• Non-work income from property rentals or regular company dividends

These proofs are usually provided in the form of bank statements, pay slips or a self-assessment tax return.

To confirm how much money your visa type requires the settled person to hold access to, call +44 (0)333 414 9244 and discuss your individual circumstances with an IAS specialist immigration lawyer.

How to Apply for a UK Child Dependant Visa

Child Dependent Visa applications vary dependent on the parent/s’ immigration status and where the child is resident at the time of application.

If the child is applying at the same time as the parent, and the parent is applying to enter the UK as the partner of one of the following:

• A British citizen
• An Irish citizen
• A person with ILR
• A person with pre-settled status, settled status or permanent residence
• A person with a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker Visa
• A person holding ILR as a refugee or humanitarian protection
• A person holding ILR as a stateless person

They must apply with the Appendix FM online form.
If the parent is applying to enter the UK for any other reason, they must fill in both the online application form and the Appendix 1 paper form.

If the child is applying separately to the parent and they have either ILR or are on a five or 10 year route settlement as the partner of one of the above, they must complete the Appendix FM online form. If they are in the UK on any other permission, they must fill in both the online application form and the Appendix 1 paper form.

If the child is applying while already resident in the UK, they must apply online.

If the child is applying while outside of the UK, they must book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to present their application form and all evidential documentation.

Unsure of which application route is right for you? Call +44 (0)333 414 9244 to talk through your options with an IAS immigration lawyer.

Child Dependant Visa Application Costs and Processing Time

The visa application fee is dependent on the type of visa being applied for. If applying as a dependent of a visa route such as the Skilled Worker visa, then the application fee will be the same as the main applicant.

If applying as a dependent of a settled person then it costs £1,938 when applying from outside of the UK

In addition, there may be a Immigration Health Surcharge payable. The amount of this varies depending on where the application is being made from and what type of visa is being applied for.

Dependent Child Visas are not cheap, and a visa waiver can be applied for if:

• The applicant cannot afford a place to live
• The applicant is in a place of financial hardship for essential living costs
• The applicant has a low income and paying the fee would impact the child’s wellbeing

Speak to an IAS immigration specialist on +44 (0)333 414 9244 to learn more on visa waivers.

If a Child Dependent Visa is being applied for from outside of the UK, a decision will usually be received within 12 weeks. If from within the UK, a decision will usually be received within 8 weeks. If a parent has ILR on a 10-year route to settlement, it can take 12 months to receive a decision.

How Can IAS Help?

IAS is a firm of specialist immigration lawyers who help travellers navigate the application and/or appeals process of applying for visas, residence permits and international travel permissions. We understand the gravity of family reunification and so work with families globally to help them receive the necessary permissions they need to live together; no matter how complex their situations.

Call +44 (0)333 414 9244 today to speak to one of our advisors or visit us online, and receive guidance and support in getting your family back together, happily, in the UK.