Child Visa Overview
Dependent children under 18 years of age can apply for leave to enter or remain in the UK to live with a parent or parents who are settled in the UK or have leave to remain. The route is governed by Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and requires careful preparation.
Who Can Apply?
- Children under 18 joining one or both parents in the UK
- Children who are not leading an independent life
- Children who will be accommodated and maintained adequately
- Children where one parent has limited leave to remain (with the other parent settled or having no parental rights)
- Children in sole parental care of a person in the UK
Key Requirements
The main requirements for a dependent child visa include:
- The child must be under 18 at the time of application
- The parent(s) in the UK must have appropriate immigration status
- Adequate accommodation and maintenance without recourse to public funds
- Both parents must consent to the child living in the UK (or sole responsibility must be demonstrated)
- The child must not be leading an independent life
Sole Responsibility
Where only one parent is in the UK and the other parent remains abroad, the applicant parent must demonstrate sole parental responsibility for the child. This is a commonly misunderstood legal concept and applications based on sole responsibility require careful preparation. Evidence of sole responsibility includes financial support, involvement in education and healthcare decisions, and communications with the child.
How We Can Help
Britlaw Solicitors advises on child visa applications from the initial eligibility assessment through to submission. We identify potential issues — such as questions of parental consent, sole responsibility, or the adequacy of accommodation — and address them comprehensively in our legal representations.