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Reunite With Your Child Through A Child Dependent Visa
Applying for a Child Dependant Visa can feel overwhelming, particularly where rules around dependency, parental responsibility, or financial evidence are unclear. Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors provide precise, legally compliant guidance under Home Office and UKVI rules, helping families prepare applications that are structured, accurate, and defensible from the outset.
A Child Dependant Visa UK allows a child to join or remain with a parent who holds a qualifying immigration status in the UK. Eligibility depends on the child’s age, dependency, parental responsibility, and the sponsoring parent’s visa route. Applications must meet strict Home Office and UKVI requirements and be supported by clear, consistent evidence.
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A Child Dependant Visa UK allows a child to join or remain with a parent in the UK where the parent holds qualifying immigration permission. This route is designed for children who are financially and emotionally dependent on their parents and who meet the Home Office and UKVI requirements for age, relationship, and parental responsibility.
The visa does not operate as a standalone route. A child’s eligibility is directly linked to the immigration status and circumstances of the sponsoring parent.
Essential Considerations
Child Dependent Visa Duration
A Child Dependant Visa is normally granted for the same length of time as the sponsoring parent’s permission to stay in the UK. If the parent extends their visa, the child can usually apply to extend at the same time, provided the dependency and eligibility requirements continue to be met. This route may contribute towards settlement where the relevant qualifying period and conditions apply.
Application Routes for Child Dependant Visa
Application routes depend on the immigration status of the parent sponsoring the child. A child may apply at the same time as the parent or separately, depending on the circumstances. Applications are submitted online and require payment of the relevant fees, enrolment of biometrics, and documentary evidence confirming the parental relationship, dependency, and the parent’s ability to support the child in the UK.
Child Dependant Visa Approval Criteria
The Home Office assesses applications based on the child’s age, dependency, relationship to the sponsoring parent, and compliance with immigration conditions. In general, the child must be under eighteen at the date of application, unmarried, not living an independent life, and genuinely dependent on the parent. Approval depends on clear, consistent, and verifiable evidence rather than assertions alone.
The Documentation Checklist
A Child Dependant Visa application must be supported by documents that confirm identity, parental relationship, dependency, and compliance with visa conditions. This typically includes a valid passport, evidence of the parent’s immigration status, financial and accommodation evidence, and any additional documents required based on the application route. Documents not in English or Welsh must be provided with certified translations.
When applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This visa is for a short, single stay and does not grant access to the UK’s public healthcare system.
Most Child Dependant Visa applications require payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to the NHS during the period of leave. The surcharge is paid in full at the point of application and is calculated based on the length of the visa granted, in line with Home Office requirements.
When applying for a Spouse visa, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to cover your healthcare costs while in the UK. Since February 2024, the surcharge has been £1,035 per year, following a 86% increase. For in-country application, it will be for 30 months and out-country application, it will be for 33 months.
In addition to the Home Office application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, applicants may incur other costs. These can include biometric enrolment fees, priority processing where available, and professional translation or certification of documents. All applicable fees must be paid before an application can be submitted.
The Marriage Visitor Visa allows for a single stay of up to 6 months. This visa cannot be extended, and you must leave the UK at the end of this period.
A Child Dependant Visa allows a child to live in the UK with their parent in accordance with visa conditions. While holding a valid leave, the child may access education and healthcare through the NHS and travel in and out of the UK. Longer-term residence may be possible where settlement requirements are met.
This visa allows you to get married or register a civil partnership, but you cannot work, study, or live in the UK. You must use this visa solely to visit and get married.
Processing times vary depending on where the application is made and the route relied upon. Applications submitted from outside the UK are generally decided within several weeks, while in-country applications may take longer. Where a parent is on a ten-year settlement route, decision times can be significantly extended.
child’s visa application
Choosing the correct immigration solicitor can have a direct impact on how a child’s visa application is assessed. Careful preparation, accurate documentation, and a clear understanding of Home Office expectations reduce the risk of delays or refusal.
This section explains how professional legal oversight adds structure, clarity, and compliance to a Child Dependant Visa application.
Benefits
Why Choose Us for Your UK Child Dependant Visa?
Child Dependant Visa applications are assessed strictly under Home Office and UKVI rules. Errors in evidence, dependency assessment, or parental responsibility can lead to refusal. Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors prepare applications with a clear legal structure, careful document review, and route-specific compliance, helping families submit accurate and well-supported cases.
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Success Rate
37,573
Applications Approved
93.7%
Immigration Appeal Win Rate
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From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
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Evidence-based case preparation
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Home Office compliance checks
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Success rate optimisation
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Risk mitigation strategies
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
Work With Trusted, SRA-Regulated UK Immigration Experts
Your immigration journey is too important to risk on unqualified or unregulated help. Every case we handle is prepared by SRA-regulated solicitors who apply structured legal reasoning, precise documentation checks and full compliance with Home Office and UKVI rules.
Our accreditations are your assurance that you are working with a reputable, experienced and highly trained legal team. We combine decades of immigration expertise with strict professional standards to give you clarity, confidence and complete peace of mind — no matter which visa or application route you are pursuing.
Who Can Apply for a Child Dependant Visa?
A Child Dependant Visa allows a child to join or remain with a parent in the UK where the parent holds qualifying immigration permission. Eligibility is assessed under Home Office and UKVI rules and depends on the child’s age, dependency, parental responsibility arrangements, and the sponsoring parent’s immigration status.
Applications are assessed on evidence. The Home Office will consider whether the child is genuinely dependent on the parent and whether suitable care, accommodation, and financial support are available without recourse to public funds.
Age and Dependency Guidelines
To qualify as a dependant, a child must normally be under eighteen years old at the date of application.
If a child turns 18 while holding valid dependant leave, they may be permitted to extend their stay provided they continue to meet the dependency requirements and remain part of the same household as the sponsoring parent.
Where a child was granted dependant status before turning 18, they may continue as a dependant after turning 18 only if they remain unmarried, are not in a civil partnership, and are not leading an independent life.
The child must not:
- Be married or in a civil partnership
- Live independently
- Have formed their own family unit
The Home Office assesses dependency by looking at factors such as living arrangements, financial support, emotional reliance, and the parent’s ongoing responsibility for the child’s welfare.
Sole Responsibility and Parental Responsibility
Sole parental responsibility is relevant where only one parent is present and settled in the UK, or where one parent is applying with the child and the other parent is not accompanying them.
The UK-based parent must demonstrate that they have primary and continuing responsibility for the child’s upbringing. This includes making decisions about education, healthcare, and day-to-day welfare.
Evidence may include:
- Legal documents showing sole custody or parental responsibility.
- Letters from schools, doctors, or other authorities confirming the UK parent’s role.
- Financial proof, like bank statements and remittance records, shows consistent support.
If both parents share responsibility or the child is joining both in the UK, sole responsibility need not be proven, though shared parenting evidence may still be required.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget the Sponsorship Form (SU07). This form is often missed, but it’s important. It confirms the parents’ promise to provide financial and emotional support for the child. Make sure it’s completed and signed before submitting your application.
Types of Child Dependant Visas
There is no single Child Dependant Visa route. Eligibility depends on the immigration status of the sponsoring parent, and the requirements vary according to the parent’s visa category. Whether a parent has restricted leave to remain, a temporary visa, or is an established resident determines the criteria and benefits.
Children of Settled Parents
Children can apply for a visa that gives a more stable immigration status if one or both parents are settled in the UK (for example, they have Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or British Citizenship). This route may allow a child to qualify for settlement in the UK where the relevant Immigration Rules and requirements are met.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Child Dependant Visa UK
- Child must be under 18, unmarried, and not living independently at the time of application.
- Both parents should be settled in the UK, or:
- One parent is settled, and the other is either deceased or being admitted for settlement.
- If only one parent is in the UK, they must:
- Have sole responsibility for the child, or
- Show compelling reasons why the child should not be excluded.
Do you know?
If your child applied before turning 18, they may continue as a dependant even after they turn 18, as long as they remain unmarried and financially dependent. Many families mistakenly assume they must switch visas.
Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE)
In limited circumstances, a child joining a settled parent from outside the UK may be granted Indefinite Leave to Enter. An overseas parent can apply for ILE on behalf of their child, which is similar to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) but allows the child to remain in the UK indefinitely.
A child who receives an ILE may remain in the UK indefinitely, which opens doors to healthcare, education, and eventually citizenship.
ILE is not automatic and is granted only where the Immigration Rules are fully met, and the evidence clearly supports permanent admission.
Child Dependants of UK Partner Visa Holders
Dependant visas are available to children whose parents are already in the UK on a partner visa, serving as the spouse or partner of a citizen or permanent resident of the country. They can stay in the UK with their parent for as long as their parents’ visa is valid.
Who can apply for this visa type?
The child must be financially and emotionally dependent on the parent who holds the partner visa. The child must be under 18, unmarried, and unable to live independently.
If a parent’s partner visa expires at the same time as their child’s visa, the child can apply for entry or stay permission at the same time as the parent’s visa.
A parent can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on behalf of their child once that parent has finished the qualifying period.
Children have the option to apply for their partner visa at the same time as their parents or separately at a later date; the decision is based on the family’s specific situation.
Children of Parents with Limited Leave to Remain (Temporary Visas)
Dependant visas allow children to join their parents in the UK while their parents hold temporary visas (such as Skilled Worker, Innovator, or Student). As this visa path does not offer permanent residency, the conditions and rights are different from those of children of settled parents.
Eligibility Requirement
- The child must be under 18, unmarried, not living independently, and financially reliant on the parent.
- The parent must hold a visa that permits dependants, such as:
- Skilled Worker
- Health and Care Worker
- Global Talent
- Innovator
- Student
- British National (Overseas)
- Financial requirements vary by visa type and must be met to support the child.
Visa Length and Settlement Path
- The child’s visa usually matches the parent’s visa duration.
- They can extend their stay in line with the parents’ visa renewals.
- Time spent as a dependant may count towards settlement, but this depends on the parent’s visa route and whether settlement is available under that category.
Do you know?
Over 40% of visa delays are due to missing or inconsistent documents, especially around sole responsibility or financial proof. Double-check your checklist. Home Office caseworkers don’t request missing files; they just refuse.
Financial Requirements for Child Dependant Visa
As per the UK immigration new rules for dependants, the settled person (often called the parent living in the UK) must meet certain minimum financial obligations. The amount needed depends on the type of visa being filed for and the salary of the settled person.
The applicant must have the ability to provide:
- Evidence of UK employment income (before tax and NI deductions).
- Proof of self-employment income or income as a UK company director.
- Cash savings may be relied upon only where permitted by the parent’s specific visa route and in accordance with the relevant Immigration Rules.
- Savings derived from a pension fund.
- Non-employment income, such as rental income or regular dividends.
- Acceptable documents include bank statements, payslips, or self-assessment tax returns.
Supporting Documents Checklists
The visa application form, visa fee, and any valid supporting documents are required for Child Dependant Visa applications. The documents required depend on the parent’s visa route and whether the application is made inside or outside the UK, but typically include:
- Full names of the parent(s), guardian(s), and child.
- A valid passport or travel document with at least one blank page.
- Copies of the passport’s photo page and any visa or entry stamps.
- Parent(s)’ biometric residence permit or visa information.
- Records of previous UK immigration applications by the parent(s) or child.
- Details of any criminal convictions.
- National Insurance number (if available).
- Parent(s)’ ID showing nationality and date of birth (usually a passport).
- TB test certificate (if applicable, based on the country of origin).
- Proof of English language ability, only where required under the parent’s visa route.
- Evidence of the parent(s)’ financial status.
- Completed sponsorship form from the parent(s).
Certified translations of all papers are required if they are not in English or Welsh.
Child Dependant Visa Cost & Processing Time
Visa Type | Application Location | Visa Fee | Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
Dependant of Skilled Worker, Student, or similar | Inside or outside the UK | Same as the main applicant | Varies by visa type and duration |
Dependant of Settled Person (e.g., ILR holder) | Outside the UK | £1,938 | £1,035 per year (typically for 2.5 years = £2,587.50) |
Dependant of Settled Person | Inside the UK (FLR (M)) | £1,048 | £1,035 per year (usually for 2.5 years) |
Extension or Switch (Dependant Child in UK) | Inside the UK | £1,048 | £1,035 per year |
NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (General) | — | — | £1,035 per year (children & adults) |
Fee waiver may be available if:
- The applicant cannot afford housing or basic needs.
- They are in financial hardship.
- Paying the fee would negatively affect the child’s well-being.
Processing times are estimates only and vary depending on the visa route, application location, and case complexity. If you apply from within the UK, you should get an answer within 8 weeks. Where a parent is on a ten-year settlement route, decision times can be significantly extended.
UK Child dependent Visa FAQs
For UK immigration purposes, a dependant child is usually under the age of eighteen at the date of application and must be financially and emotionally dependent on a parent who holds qualifying immigration permission. The child must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living an independent life. Dependency is assessed by the Home Office based on evidence, not assumptions.
A child must normally be under eighteen years old when the application is submitted. If a child was granted dependant leave before turning eighteen, they may be allowed to extend their stay after turning eighteen, provided they remain unmarried, dependent, and part of the same household.
Processing times depend on where the application is made and the visa route relied upon. Applications submitted from outside the UK are generally decided within several weeks, while in-country applications may take longer. Where a parent is on a ten-year settlement route, decision times can be significantly extended.
The cost of a Child Dependant Visa depends on the parent’s visa route and whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. Fees usually include the Home Office application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Exact costs should be checked at the time of application, as fees are subject to change.
Required documents typically include a valid passport, evidence of the parent’s immigration status, proof of the parental relationship and responsibility, and financial evidence. Additional documents may be required depending on the parent’s visa route and whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. All non-English or non-Welsh documents must be accompanied by certified translations.
Yes. A Child Dependant Visa can be refused if the Home Office is not satisfied that the dependency requirements are met, if evidence is missing or inconsistent, or if the parent does not meet route-specific conditions. Refusals commonly arise from issues around sole responsibility, financial evidence, or incomplete documentation.
A child may qualify for settlement in the UK where the relevant Immigration Rules are met. This depends on the parent’s visa route, the length of lawful residence, and whether settlement is available under that category. Settlement is not automatic and must be applied for separately.
The seven-year child rule applies to certain private life applications where a child has lived continuously in the UK for at least seven years, and it would be unreasonable to expect them to leave. This is a separate legal provision and does not automatically apply to Child Dependant Visa applications.
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