The UK Child Dependent Visa allows children to join or remain with their parent(s) who are living in the UK. This visa category is designed for children under 18 who have a parent with British citizenship, settled status, or certain types of visas. It enables children to stay with their family, access education, and enjoy life in the UK. This guide covers the eligibility requirements, application process, fees, and other essential information for the Child Dependent Visa.

Who Can Apply for a Child Dependent Visa?

The Child Dependent Visa is designed for children under the age of 18 who wish to join their parent(s) in the UK. This visa can be applied for if:

• One or both parents are British citizens, have indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status, or hold a valid visa in the UK.
• The child is dependent on the parent(s) for their financial and emotional needs.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Child Dependent Visa, the child must meet the following requirements:

1. Age:
   • The child must be under 18 at the time of application. If the child turns 18 after applying, the application can still be processed as long as they were under 18 when it was submitted.
2. Parental Status:
   • At least one parent must be living in the UK as a British citizen, have settled status (e.g., ILR or permanent residence), or have a valid visa that allows the child to join them (such as a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, or Spouse Visa).
3. Genuine and Subsisting Relationship:
   • The child must have a genuine and ongoing relationship with their parent(s). This means they must live with their parent(s) and be financially and emotionally dependent on them.
4. Financial Requirements:
   • The parent(s) must meet the financial requirements to support the child without relying on public funds. The required income varies based on the number of children being sponsored:
     • Minimum annual income for one child: £18,600 (if the parent is also sponsoring a spouse/partner)
     • Additional amount for each child: £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child
5. Accommodation:
   • The parent(s) must have suitable accommodation for the child, which meets the UK’s housing standards.
6. Not Leading an Independent Life:
   • The child should not be living an independent life, which means they cannot be married, in a civil partnership, or living away from the family unit.

Required Documents

The following documents are typically required for a Child Dependent Visa application:

• Valid Passport: A valid passport or travel document for the child.
• Birth Certificate: The child’s birth certificate showing the relationship to the parent(s).
• Proof of Parent’s Immigration Status: Evidence of the parent’s immigration status, such as a BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), ILR, or visa.
• Financial Evidence: Proof that the parent(s) meet the financial requirements, such as bank statements, payslips, or a letter from the employer.
• Accommodation Details: Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents proving the child’s dependency, such as school records, medical reports, or letters from doctors.

Depending on your circumstances, additional documents may be required.

Application Process

The application process for the Child Dependent Visa involves the following steps:

1. Complete the Online Application:
   • The application is made online via the official UK government website. The parent(s) must complete the form and provide details about the child, the parent(s), and their circumstances.
2. Pay the Visa Fee:
   • The visa fee varies depending on the child’s location:
     • Applying from outside the UK: £1,623
     • Applying from within the UK (switching or extending): £1,033
3. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
   • The IHS must be paid as part of the application. It costs £624 per year and allows the child access to the National Health Service (NHS).
4. Provide Biometric Information:
   • The child will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application center.
5. Submit Supporting Documents:
   • Upload or submit the required documents, ensuring that all information is accurate and up to date.
6. Receive a Decision:
   • The decision can take up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK or around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.

Visa Duration and Extension

• The length of the Child Dependent Visa depends on the parent’s visa status:
  • If the parent has limited leave to remain, the child will receive a visa with the same expiry date.
  • If the parent has indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship, the child can apply to remain indefinitely.
• Extensions: You can extend the visa if the parent(s) continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Bringing a Child Born in the UK

If a child is born in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen unless one parent is a British citizen or has settled status. If this is not the case, the parent(s) must apply for a visa for the child to regularize their stay in the UK.

Rights and Benefits of a Child Dependent Visa Holder

• The child can live and study in the UK without any restrictions.
• They are entitled to access healthcare services through the NHS.
• They can travel in and out of the UK during the validity of the visa.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Applications can be refused for several reasons, including:

• Incomplete or inaccurate application forms
• Failure to meet financial requirements
• Lack of evidence proving the parent-child relationship
• Insufficient accommodation or funds

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Ensure Financial Requirements Are Met: Make sure you have enough funds and provide clear evidence of your financial situation.
2. Provide Complete Documentation: Include all necessary documents, ensuring they are accurate and up to date.
3. Show Proof of Relationship: Demonstrate the genuine relationship between the child and parent(s) through detailed evidence.