UK CHILD DEPENDENT VISA
Sponsor your Child to the United Kingdom
The Child Dependent Visa allows a child under 18 to join their parent(s) in the UK, whether the parents are:
- British citizens
- Settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status)
- Living in the UK on a visa (Limited Leave)
A successful application allows the child to:
- Live in the UK
- Attend school (free state education)
- Stay with their family long-term or permanently
When is the application straightforward?
If both parents are in the UK (or are applying to move to the UK together), the process is typically more straightforward, provided other requirements are met.
What if only one parent is in the UK?
When only one parent lives or is moving to the UK, the application becomes more complex. You’ll need to address the issue of “sole responsibility”, which means showing that:
- The UK-based parent is the primary caregiver
The other parent (who is abroad) is not involved in the child’s day-to-day upbringing
This is one of the most challenging parts of these applications, and the immigration Solicitor can guide you through how to evidence this clearly and effectively.
What if the child or parent is an EEA national?
If you or your child are citizens of an EEA country, your child may be eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme. The Solicitor can assess your eligibility and advise on which route is best.
Is the child already British?
If one or both parents are British citizens, the child may already be a British citizen, depending on whether the parent is British:
- “By descent” (born abroad to a British parent who was also born abroad): the child may not be British automatically
- “Otherwise than by descent” (born in the UK or naturalised): the child is usually automatically British
If your child is British, they won’t need a visa—but they will need a British passport. The specialist solicitor can help you apply.
Can a parent apply to live with their child in the UK?
Yes—if your child is living in the UK and is:
- A British citizen
- Settled (ILR or Settled Status)
- Holds Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Then a parent may be eligible to apply for a visa to join them.
Key Requirements for the Child Dependent Visa
The specific requirements depend on the family’s situation, but generally, the following must be demonstrated:
A. Family relationship
You must show that:
- The applicant is under 18 years old
- The child is the biological or adopted child of the sponsoring parent(s)
The child is not married or living independently
B. Financial support
You must prove that the parent(s) can:
- Financially support the child without relying on public funds
- Meet the minimum income requirement, where applicable (e.g., £29,000/year if applying under a partner route with dependents)
C. Accommodation
You must show that there is suitable accommodation available for the child, which is:
- Safe
- Not overcrowded
- Owned or rented by the parent(s)
D. Sole responsibility (if one parent is applying)
This is a complex legal test, and requires substantial evidence. Examples include:
- Legal custody documents
- Letters from the non-resident parent stating no objection
- School and medical records
- Proof of financial and emotional support from the UK-based parent
The Solicitor will guide you on how to present a strong case for sole responsibility.
What an experienced Solicitor do for your Child Dependent Visa application
An experienced Solicitor will:
- Provide personalised advice based on your family and country-specific situation
- Create a tailored document checklist for your case
- Assist with the application form and supporting evidence
- Submit your application and advise you on Biometric appointments
- Support you through the entire process until a decision is made