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Bring your children to join you in the UK on the family route
The Child Dependent visa allows overseas children under 18 to join a parent who is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK. This visa is part of the family route and enables children to live with their UK-based parent, attend school, and eventually apply for settlement and British citizenship.
The visa is designed to protect the welfare of children and maintain family unity. It recognises that children have a right to be with their parents and ensures that British citizens and settled persons can be reunited with their children in the UK. When one parent is in the UK and the other is overseas, this visa route provides a legal pathway for children to join their UK-based parent, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and obtaining necessary consent from the overseas parent where applicable.
If granted, the visa is typically issued until the child reaches 18 years of age, or for 2.5 years if the child is already close to 18. After 5 years of continuous residence, the child may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and subsequently British citizenship.
A child can apply for a Child Dependent visa if:
Get expert guidance to bring your child to the UK safely and legally.
Understanding which visa categories allow you to bring children as dependents is crucial. The requirements differ depending on your immigration status in the UK.
This route is specifically for children joining parents who are settled in the UK. The UK-based parent must have one of the following statuses:
If you hold one of these visa categories, you can bring children as dependents on your visa application (not as a separate Child Dependent visa):
The Child Dependent visa has specific requirements that must be met to ensure the child's welfare and the family's ability to support them in the UK.
The application process for a Child Dependent visa requires careful preparation and comprehensive evidence to demonstrate that all requirements are met.
We assess your circumstances to confirm the child meets the age, dependency, and relationship requirements, and that you can meet the financial and accommodation requirements.
We provide a tailored checklist and guide you through gathering all required documents, including birth certificates, parental consent, financial evidence, and accommodation proof.
We complete the application form, prepare supporting representations, and submit your application with all evidence clearly organised and indexed for the Home Office caseworker.
We manage all communications with the Home Office, respond to any requests for additional information, and keep you informed throughout the decision-making process until you receive the outcome.
Child Dependent visa applications require comprehensive documentation to prove the relationship, dependency, and the parent's ability to support the child in the UK.
The costs for a Child Dependent visa include government fees set by the Home Office. These fees are subject to change, and we will provide you with the most up-to-date information during your consultation.
In addition to the application fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the NHS during the child's stay in the UK. The IHS is calculated based on the length of the visa.
* These fees apply when joining your partner, parent or child. The same fees apply for each dependant added to a spouse/partner visa application. Fees are set by the UK government and may change. We will confirm the latest fees during your consultation.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the Child Dependent visa route.
A Child Dependent visa allows children under 18 (or up to 19 if they are applying before their 18th birthday) to join a parent who is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK. The child must be dependent on the UK-based parent and not be leading an independent life. This visa forms part of the family route and can lead to settlement after 5 years of continuous residence.
Children under 18 can apply if one of their parents is a British citizen, has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or refugee/humanitarian protection in the UK. The child must not be married or in a civil partnership, must not be leading an independent life, and must be financially dependent on the UK-based parent. Children aged 18 or over may also apply in limited circumstances, such as if they are still in full-time education and dependent on their parent.
The UK-based parent must meet the financial requirement, which is typically £18,600 per year for the first child, plus an additional £3,800 for each additional child. However, as of 2024, the minimum income requirement has increased to £29,000, with plans to rise further. The parent must demonstrate they can adequately maintain and accommodate the child without recourse to public funds. Evidence includes payslips, bank statements, employment letters, and accommodation details.
Yes, if the other parent is alive and has parental responsibility, you will need their written consent for the child to come to the UK. This consent must be provided in a specific format and may need to be witnessed. If the other parent has passed away, you will need to provide a death certificate. If you have sole parental responsibility, you must provide evidence of this, such as a court order or legal document.
Yes, children on a Child Dependent visa can attend school in the UK. They have the same rights to state education as British children. The visa allows full access to the UK education system, and children can progress through primary and secondary education. If the child is over 16, they can also study at further education colleges or universities.
Child Dependent visas are typically granted until the child reaches 18 years of age, or for 2.5 years if the child is already close to 18. The visa can be extended if the child remains dependent and the parent continues to meet the requirements. Once the child turns 18, they may need to switch to a different visa category if they wish to remain in the UK.
Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a Child Dependent visa, the child can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they continue to meet the requirements. Once they have ILR, they may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting the nationality requirements. The child must have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years and must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
If your child turns 18 while holding a Child Dependent visa, they may need to switch to a different visa category to remain in the UK. Options include a Student Visa if they are studying, or they may be able to apply for ILR if they have completed 5 years of continuous residence. It is important to plan ahead and seek advice before the child turns 18 to ensure continuity of their immigration status.
Yes, in many cases you can apply for your child to join you as a dependant if you are in the UK on certain visa categories, such as a Skilled Worker visa, Student visa, or other work visas. The requirements and process may differ from the Child Dependent visa for British citizens/settled persons. We can advise you on the specific requirements based on your visa category.
Reuniting families is at the heart of what we do. Our expert team can guide you through the Child Dependent visa process, ensuring all requirements are met and your application is presented in the strongest possible way.