Child Dependant Visa UK

A Dependant Child Visa can be obtained for a child where their parent lives in the UK or is in the process of applying for settlement or British citizenship.

For support undergoing the Child Dependant Visa UK application process, speak to an immigration expert at IAS on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or fill in an online form.

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Benefits of Choosing IAS for Your Family Visa Application

We can help you in obtaining a UK Family Visa. A skilled immigration lawyer from our team will examine the specifics of your case and guide you in identifying the most effective pathway for securing a Family Visa.

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients achieve their Family visas, we ensure that your application is of the utmost quality.

Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With us, you get immigration lawyers who are dedicated to ensuring you reunite with your family member(s). Work with IAS for:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A one-stop shop that extends beyond the application to include guidance on citizenship matters.

Personalised Letter of Representation for a compelling family visa case.

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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.

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

Non-Biological Children

Adopted children can qualify for a child dependant visa if the adoption is legally recognised under UK law. They may apply as a dependant of their adoptive parent, provided they meet the relevant requirements of the sponsor’s immigration route.
Stepchildren can also qualify, provided they meet the definition of a dependent child under the Immigration Rules. The sponsoring parent will generally need to demonstrate parental responsibility, or that the child normally lives with them or forms part of their household, depending on the visa category.

Applying for Over 18s

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 while already in the UK.

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.

If you want to bring your child who is over 18 with you to the UK, you may be able to apply for a different visa, such as an Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) visa.

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

Key Eligibility Criteria for the UK Dependant Child Visa

Criterion	Requirement	Additional detail
Relationship to parent/guardian	The child must live with their parent(s) or guardian(s) who are in the UK or seeking to settle British citizenship.	The parent/guardian must have the relevant immigration status.
Age of the child	Typically under 18 years old; or if over 18, must have permission to stay in UK which started while they were a minor.	Over-18s must still meet “child dependent” rules (not married, etc).
Marital / civil-partnership status	The child must not be married or in a civil partnership.	Applies even if over 18.
Living arrangement	Either living with the parent(s) in the UK or living away from home in full-time education (usually boarding school or university).	For children born in the UK while parent(s) resident.
Parent(s) immigration status	The parent must hold or be applying for (or have) relevant status: e.g. ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme; or applying under certain family routes.	If born outside UK or applying separately the parent’s status matters.
Country of birth / location of application	If child born in UK and parent(s) resident, they may be added to parent’s visa; If born outside UK or applying separately, must apply from outside or inside UK depending on circumstances.	The location (inside/outside UK) affects which application route.

Get professional help from our team applying for a UK dependant child visa.

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.

Documents Required for the UK Child Dependent Visa

Document	Who must provide it	Purpose
Names of all parent(s), guardian(s) and children	Child + parent(s)/guardian(s)	To establish family relationship and dependency.
Child’s passport or other travel ID (with at least one blank page)	Child applicant	To prove identity and travel document.
Photo page copy of passport + visa/entry stamps	Child and parent(s) where relevant	To show immigration history.
Parent(s)’ biometric residence permit / visa details	Parent(s)	To verify parent(s)’ immigration status in the UK.
Details of any previous UK immigration applications (child and parent)	Child + parent(s)	To show previous visas, renewals etc.
Details of any criminal convictions	Child applicant	To show character/grounds for refusal check.
National Insurance number (if available)	Child applicant	Possibly to show employment history or ties (if over 18).
Parent(s)’ ID and proof of nationality & date of birth (usually passport)	Parent(s)	To verify identity and status.
Clean Tuberculosis test (if required by country)	Child applicant (or parent depending on route)	To meet health screening rules for certain countries.
Proof of English language knowledge (if required)	Child or parent depending on route	To satisfy English language requirement if applicable.
Proof of parent(s)’ finances	Parent(s)	To show financial requirement is met.
Sponsor form from parent(s)	Parent(s)	To formally show parent(s) will sponsor child.
Certified translations	Applicant(s) for any document not in English or Welsh	To ensure documents are understood by UK Visas & Immigration.

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.

Accommodation Requirements

It is generally required for the sponsor of a dependant child in the UK to show that:

suitable accommodation has been arranged for the child in the UK
the property will not be overcrowded under UK housing legislation; and
the accommodation complies with public health requirements.

Typical supporting documents include tenancy agreements or mortgage statements, property inspection reports (where appropriate), utility bills, and evidence of income such as payslips and bank statements.

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.

Application Scenarios & Required Form / Location

Scenario	Parent’s status	Child’s application origin (inside/outside UK)	Form(s) required	Notes
Child applying with parent when parent is applying to enter UK as partner of British/Irish/ILR/settled etc.	Parent entering UK as partner of British citizen / Irish citizen / person with ILR / pre-settled etc.	Typically outside UK (child and parent enter together)	Online application with Appendix FM online form.	Standard route for entry with parent.
Child applying with parent in other parent-status route (parent entering UK under other permission)	Parent applying under another reason	Outside UK	Online application + Appendix 1 (paper) form.	Additional form due to less common immigration category.
Child applying separately to parent who holds ILR or on a 5-/10-year settlement route as partner (of above)	Parent already holds ILR or is on 5/10 year settlement route as partner of British etc.	Child could be outside or inside UK	If outside UK: online application with Appendix FM; if inside UK: online application (route depends).	Eligibility depends on when parent’s permission started, when child’s permission started etc.
Child already resident inside UK and applying from inside the UK	Parent has relevant status and child meets criteria	Inside UK	Online application.	No need to attend Visa Application Centre abroad.

Our legal experts can help you compile necessary documents for child dependant visa application.

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 £2,064 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.

Can a Child Dependant Obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

A child who holds a dependant visa may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once they satisfy the settlement requirements of the immigration route they are on. In most cases, the child will apply at the same time as their parent or after the parent has already obtained settlement.

To qualify, the child will generally need to:

continue to meet the relationship requirements with their sponsoring parent
be living with and financially dependent on their parent (where applicable)
not be married, in a civil partnership, or leading an independent life; and
meet the relevant continuous residence requirements for their visa route.

The qualifying period before ILR varies depending on the parent’s immigration category, with many routes requiring five years of lawful residence.

How Can IAS Help with Child Dependent Visas?

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.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

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Written by Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha

Director – Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha is the director of the Immigration Advice Service. He is a committed human rights and immigration lawyer. He was awarded the IoD North West SME of the year award and commended for his work in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Stepchildren can be included in a Child Dependent Visa, but the applicant must be able to provide proof that the applicant or their partner is legally responsible for the child’s care and welfare, as well as that they have permission from the child’s other biological parent for them to live in the UK.

Custody arrangements must be proven with full clarity, or the Home Office is likely to reject the application on the basis of not wanting to break up any established family unit.

A dependent child is usually considered to be a minor, and aged under 18. However, they may be over 18 if not married or in a civil partnership, and they are financially dependent on the parent with previous permission to stay in the UK (granted when they were a minor).

Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of a negative TB test when applying for a British visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Cameroon, China, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dijbouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberie, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Soloman Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikstan, Tanzania, Togo, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The parent/s from these countries will have to submit the same with their original visa application.

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