Bring Your Child toLive with You in the UK
Expert guidance for bringing children under 18 to join parents in the UK. 98%+ success rate with proper documentation.
Children on dependent visas cannot work but can attend school full-time. The child receives the same residency authorization as their parent(s).
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What is a UK Child Dependent Visa?
The Child Dependent Visa allows children under 18 to join their parents who are already in the UK or planning to move there. The child receives the same residency authorization as their parent(s).
For Children Under 18
Designed for children whose parents have valid UK visas or are settled in the UK.
Same Duration as Parent
The child's visa validity matches the parent's visa duration and type.
Full Education Rights
Children can attend schools and universities in the UK without restrictions.
Important: Work Restrictions
Children on dependent visas cannot work in the UK. However, they can attend school full-time, including boarding schools. The visa type depends on whether the parents are settled or have temporary residence. If one parent is settled or is a British citizen, the child may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE).
Who Can Apply?
Child is under 18 years old at the time of application
At least one parent has a valid UK visa or settled status
Child is not married or in a civil partnership
Parent(s) can financially support the child without public funds
Adequate accommodation is available in the UK
Benefits
Join parent(s) living in the UK
Access to UK schools and universities
Free NHS healthcare (with health surcharge)
Can extend visa in line with parent's status
Pathway to settlement when parent qualifies
Child Dependent Visa Requirements
To bring your child to the UK, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Requirements vary based on the parent's immigration status.
Financial Requirements
Parents must show they can financially support the child without recourse to public funds. The amount varies based on the parent's visa type.
Acceptable sources:
- Parent's UK employment income (salary, wages)
- Self-employment earnings in the UK
- Cash savings (minimum £16,000)
- Pension income
- Property rental income
Evidence Required
Bank statements, payslips, or self-assessment tax returns for the past 6 months.
Accommodation
You must show adequate accommodation where the child will live with the parent(s) in the UK.
Requirements:
- Owned or rented by parent(s)
- Not overcrowded according to UK standards
- Meets public health standards
- Suitable for child's age and needs
Acceptable Evidence
Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, property ownership documents, or landlord letter.
Parental Responsibility
You must prove legal parental responsibility and that the child will be living with you.
Requirements:
- Both parents present in UK, or applying together
- Sole parental responsibility, or
- Other parent's written consent to move
- Child not married or in civil partnership
Stepchildren
Stepchildren can apply if you demonstrate legal responsibility and obtain consent from the other biological parent.
Parent's Immigration Status
The child's eligibility depends on the parent's visa type and status in the UK.
Qualifying parent status:
- British citizen or settled person
- Skilled Worker visa holder
- Partner visa holder (spouse/fiance)
- Refugee or humanitarian protection status
- Student visa holder (certain circumstances)
Required Documents
Complete documentation is essential for a successful application. All documents not in English or Welsh must be professionally translated.
Child's Documents
- Valid passport (at least one blank page)
- Birth certificate (full version)
- Previous passports (if applicable)
- Recent passport photos
- TB test certificate (if required)
Parent's Documents
- Passport or biometric residence permit
- Current visa/immigration status proof
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Sponsorship undertaking form
Financial Evidence
- 6 months bank statements
- 6 months payslips (if employed)
- Employment contract/letter
- Tax returns (if self-employed)
- Savings statements (if applicable)
Accommodation Proof
- Tenancy agreement, or
- Mortgage statement, or
- Property ownership documents
- Landlord permission letter
- Council tax bill or utility bills
Legal Documents
- Parental responsibility documents
- Consent letter from other parent
- Custody/court orders (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if parent deceased)
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
Additional Documents
- Certified translations (if required)
- School enrollment proof (if applicable)
- Travel history evidence
- Previous UK visa evidence
- National Insurance number (if applicable)
Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully bring your child to the UK.
Check Eligibility
Verify your immigration status and ensure you meet all requirements. Check if your child qualifies based on age, relationship, and your visa type. Contact us for a free assessment if you're unsure.
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents including child's passport, birth certificate, parent's visa, financial evidence, and accommodation proof. Arrange certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh.
Complete Application Form
Fill out the appropriate online application form based on your situation. Use Appendix FM if the parent has settled status, or specific forms for other visa categories. Ensure all information is accurate.
Pay Fees
Pay the application fee (varies by category: £625-£2,404) and Immigration Health Surcharge. The fee depends on whether applying from inside or outside the UK and the parent's visa type.
Book Biometric Appointment
Schedule an appointment at a visa application center for fingerprints and photos. If applying from outside the UK, bring all supporting documents to submit at the appointment.
Attend Appointment
Visit the visa application center with the child. Have biometrics taken and submit all documents. Keep copies of everything submitted for your records.
Wait for Decision
Processing typically takes 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK, or 12 weeks from outside the UK. For parents on 10-year routes, it may take up to 12 months. Track your application online.
Receive Decision & Travel
If approved, your child will receive a visa matching your own visa duration. They can then travel to the UK and join you. The visa grants the same residency rights as the parent's visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about Child Dependent Visas.
Speak to a Specialist
Get personalized advice about bringing your child to the UK. Our experts understand family immigration.
Call 0121 271 0499Free Eligibility Assessment
Take our assessment to understand if your child qualifies and what documents you'll need.
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