Children of parents who are living lawfully in the United Kingdom may be eligible to join or remain with them under a child dependent visa. The appropriate immigration route will depend on the immigration status of the parent in the UK and the individual circumstances of the child.
A child dependent visa enables an overseas child to enter or stay in the UK with a parent who has lawful status. These applications are assessed carefully by the Home Office, with particular focus on parental responsibility, the child’s living arrangements and the family’s ability to support the child without recourse to public funds.
Who Can Apply for a Child Dependent Visa?
A child dependent visa is available to children who are seeking to join a parent living in the UK. In most cases, the Home Office expects both parents to be present in the UK with the child. However, applications can still be considered where only one parent is based in the UK.
Where one parent is in the UK and the other parent is overseas, the sponsoring parent must demonstrate that they have sole parental responsibility for the child. Sole responsibility means that the UK-based parent has full authority over the child’s upbringing and major life decisions.
If sole parental responsibility cannot be demonstrated, the sponsoring parent must provide evidence of serious and compelling family or other considerations that make the child’s exclusion from the UK undesirable. This requirement is strictly applied and must be supported by clear and credible evidence.
Categories of Child Dependent Visa Applications
Under the UK immigration system, child dependent visa applications fall into three main categories:
- Where at least one parent is settled in the UK or applying for settlement
- Where at least one parent holds, or is applying for, a partner visa
- Where at least one parent has Limited Leave to Remain in the UK
The specific requirements and duration of leave granted will depend on the category under which the application is made.
UK Child Dependent Visa Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a UK child dependent visa vary depending on the family’s circumstances. However, the general requirements include the following:
- The child must be under the age of 18
- The child must not be married or in a civil partnership
- The child must not be leading an independent life
- The sponsoring parent must meet the financial requirement and show sufficient funds to support the child’s life in the UK
- The parent or parents in the UK must meet the proof of relationship requirement and demonstrate full legal responsibility for the child
- Suitable accommodation must be available in the UK, with sufficient rooms for the child and the rest of the family
Children applying under this route are not required to demonstrate knowledge of the English language.
UK Child Dependent Visa Application Fees
The Home Office application fees for a UK child dependent visa are as follows:
- £1,523 for applications submitted outside the UK
- £1,033 for applications made from within the UK, including switching into the child visa category or extending an existing child visa
These fees are subject to change and are payable for each child included in an application.
Conclusion
A UK child dependent visa provides a route for children to join their parents and continue family life in the United Kingdom. Given the complexity of the requirements, particularly around parental responsibility, applications must be prepared with care. They should also be supported by appropriate and well-structured evidence. Each case is assessed on its individual merits, and meeting the relevant criteria is key to a successful outcome.
With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
