Who can apply for a child visa
A child can join a parent in the UK, or stay with one, in several ways. Which one applies depends on where the child was born, who the parent is, and whether the other parent is here. In every case the child must be under 18 when they apply, must not be married or in a civil partnership, and must not be living independently. A child aged 18 or over can apply only if they already hold family permission that began when they were under 18.
The routes
| Where the child is | The route |
|---|---|
| Born in the UK to a parent with permission | The child generally receives the same permission as the parent. If the parent is British or settled, the child is usually British: see born in the UK: are you a British citizen? |
| Abroad, joining a parent who is British or settled | A family application under Appendix FM, where both parents are in the UK or one parent has sole responsibility. |
| Abroad, joining a parent who has a partner or parent visa | As the dependant of that parent, on the same application or after it. |
| Abroad, joining a parent with a work visa | As a dependant: see dependant visas. |
| Abroad, with a parent who has refugee status | Under the refugee family reunion rules, where those are open. |
Sole responsibility
Where only one parent is in the UK, the child can usually come only if that parent has sole responsibility, or there are serious and compelling reasons that make it right for the child to come. Sole responsibility is about who has continuing control and direction of the child’s upbringing, and is not the same as having legal custody. The evidence is detailed: court orders, letters from schools and doctors, evidence of the other parent’s absence or consent, and communication about the child’s day-to-day life.
Money and accommodation
The parent in the UK must show that they can support the child, and that there is adequate accommodation, without public funds. Where the parent applies under a partner or parent route, the requirement is that route’s own: see the £29,000 financial requirement.
Fees
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| From outside the UK | £2,064 |
| Extending or applying from inside the UK | £1,407 |
| Immigration health surcharge | £776 a year for a child |
Fee waivers are available to families who cannot afford the application, for example those without accommodation or without money for essentials. See the full fees page.
How long it takes
Applications from outside the UK are usually decided within about 12 weeks, and extensions from inside the UK usually within about 8 weeks. Times change, so plan around the child’s permission to stay.
If the application is refused
A refusal of a child’s family application will usually carry a right of appeal, because it is a refusal of a human rights claim. See immigration appeals for the deadlines. A new application is sometimes quicker where the reason is a missing document.
How we help
We establish the right route for the child, gather the evidence of responsibility, finances and accommodation, and prepare the application. A consultation costs from £99.
