Child Dependent Visa UK

A Child Dependent Visa UK allows eligible children to join or remain with their parent or parents in the United Kingdom where the relevant immigration requirements are met. This immigration route enables families to live together in the UK and is available to qualifying dependent children under the applicable Home Office rules.

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Family Visa

Professional Child Dependent Visa UK Assistance

Preparing a Child Dependent Visa UK application requires careful consideration of the eligibility requirements and supporting evidence. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the relevant Home Office criteria and provide the documents necessary to support their individual circumstances.

At Westbury Law, we provide practical guidance on Child Dependent Visa applications, helping families understand the eligibility requirements, prepare supporting documents and submit well-presented applications.

Parent with child consulting immigration lawyer for dependent child visa
Eligibility & Criteria

Child Dependent Visa UK Requirements

A Child Dependent Visa is available to eligible children who wish to join or remain with their parents in the United Kingdom. Before a visa can be granted, applicants must satisfy the relevant Home Office requirements and provide appropriate supporting evidence.

Age Requirement

They are under the age of 18 at the time of the application, unless an exception applies.

Not Married or Civil Partner

They are not married or in a civil partnership.

Not Living Independently

They are not living an independent life.

Joining Parent in UK

They are applying to join or remain with a parent who meets the relevant immigration requirements.

Financial Requirements

They satisfy the applicable financial requirements.

Suitable Accommodation

Suitable accommodation has been arranged for them in the United Kingdom.

Child Dependent Visa UK Cost

For applications made under the Family Visa route, the current Home Office application fee is £1,938 for applications submitted from outside the UK and £1,321 for applications made from within the UK. Where a child is applying as the dependant of a long-term visa holder, such as a Skilled Worker, different application fees apply depending on the length of the visa being requested and where the application is submitted. In addition to the application fee, applicants may also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and other associated costs, depending on the immigration route. As Home Office fees are subject to change, applicants should check the latest fee information before submitting their Child Dependent Visa UK application.

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Financial, Relationship and Accommodation Requirements

Financial, Relationship and Accommodation Requirements

As part of a Child Dependent Visa UK application, the Home Office will normally expect evidence that the sponsoring parent can financially support the child without relying on public funds. The financial requirement will vary depending on the immigration route under which the parent is applying or has permission to stay in the UK.

Financial Maintenance

The Home Office will normally expect evidence that the sponsoring parent can financially support the child without relying on public funds.

Relationship Evidence

Applicants must also provide evidence of their relationship with the sponsoring parent. Where the child is not living with both parents, the Home Office may require evidence that the UK-based parent has sole parental responsibility or otherwise meets the relevant parental responsibility requirements.

Accommodation

The Home Office will also expect evidence that suitable accommodation is available for the child and that appropriate arrangements have been made for their care while living in the United Kingdom.

Individual Assessment

The exact UK Child Dependent Visa requirements will depend on the applicant's individual circumstances, the immigration status of the sponsoring parent and the supporting evidence submitted with the application.

Supporting Documents

Documents Required for a Child Dependent Visa UK

Preparing the correct supporting documents is an important part of a UK Child Dependent Visa application. The documents required will depend on the child's individual circumstances, the immigration status of the sponsoring parent and the requirements of the relevant immigration route.

Child's Passport

  • A valid passport for the child

Parent's Passport

  • A valid passport or travel document for the sponsoring parent

Parent's Immigration Status

  • Evidence of the sponsoring parent's immigration status, such as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), eVisa or Home Office documentation

Birth Certificate

  • The child's full birth certificate

Relationship Evidence

  • Evidence of the relationship between the child and the sponsoring parent, where required

Parental Responsibility Evidence

  • Documents demonstrating sole parental responsibility, where applicable

Financial Evidence

  • Financial evidence, including bank statements, payslips, P60s or other documents demonstrating that the financial requirements are met

Accommodation Evidence

  • Evidence of suitable accommodation, such as tenancy agreements or mortgage documents

Parents' Details

  • Details of the parents' dates of birth and nationalities, where required for applications made from outside the UK

TB Test Results

  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results, where required under the Immigration Rules

Certified Translations

  • Certified translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh
Immigration Experts

How Westbury Law Can Help with Child Dependent Visa UK Applications

At Westbury Law, we provide dedicated legal support for UK Child Dependent Visa applications. Our immigration team will assess your circumstances, explain the relevant Home Office requirements and help you prepare the supporting evidence needed for your child's application.

We can assist with reviewing financial and relationship documents, advising on parental responsibility and accommodation requirements and checking that your child's application is complete before submission. By providing practical legal guidance throughout the process, we help families submit UK Child Dependent Visa applications with greater confidence.

Immigration expert providing consultation
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Child Dependent Visa?

A Child Dependent Visa allows eligible children to join or remain with their parents in the United Kingdom, provided they meet the relevant Home Office requirements.

Who can apply for a Child Dependent Visa UK?

Children who meet the relevant eligibility requirements, including age, dependency and relationship criteria, may be eligible to apply for a UK Child Dependent Visa.

How long does a UK Child Dependent Visa application take?

A UK Child Dependent Visa application typically takes 3 to 12 weeks depending on the main visa route, whether you apply from inside or outside the UK and if you purchase a priority service.

Can a child apply from inside the UK?

In some circumstances, a child may be able to apply from within the UK, depending on their current immigration status and whether they meet the relevant Immigration Rules.

Can a Child Dependent Visa UK application be refused?

Yes. An application may be refused if the Home Office is not satisfied that the relevant immigration requirements have been met or if sufficient supporting evidence has not been provided.

Can a child study in the UK on a Child Dependent Visa?

Yes. Children granted a Child Dependent Visa UK are generally permitted to study in the United Kingdom in accordance with the conditions of their visa.

BRING YOUR FAMILY TOGETHER

Bring Your Family Together with a Child Dependent Visa UK

Speak with Westbury Law today for practical guidance on your UK Child Dependent Visa application. Our experienced immigration team is here to help you prepare a strong application and support your family throughout every stage of the process.

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Supporting Clients Across Bristol, Birmingham & the UK

Westbury Law provides immigration guidance to individuals and families throughout the United Kingdom. Whether you prefer in-person appointments or remote consultations, our team is here to support you at every stage of your immigration journey.

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Supporting clients across Bristol and the surrounding South West region. Professional face-to-face consults.

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Providing immigration assistance to clients throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands from our central offices.

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We work with clients nationwide through telephone and online consultations, making our services accessible wherever you are in the UK.

Inquiry Form

Send your child dependent visa details for a quick review.

Use this form to consult with a specialist lawyer on your child's visa eligibility and documentation.