Child Dependant Visa

What is a Child Dependant Visa?

A Child Dependant visa enables an overseas child to accompany or join a parent or parents who will be living or are living in the UK.

The type of visa application depends entirely on the circumstances and can be categorised into the following three groups:

• At least one parent must be lawfully present in the UK with limited leave with a Partner or Parent visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules or is being granted, or has already been granted a Partner or Parent visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules;
• At least one parent must be lawfully present in the UK with limited leave with a PBS visa or is being granted, or has already been granted a PBS visa;
• At least one parent must be lawfully present in the UK with indefinite leave to remain or is being granted or has been granted indefinite leave to remain.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Child Dependant Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a Child Dependant visa, an applicant must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be outside the UK;
• Must be under the age of 18 at the date of the application;
• Must not be married or in a civil partnership;
• Must not have formed an independent family unit;
• Must not be leading an independent life;
• One of the applicant’s parents must be in the UK or applying for leave as a partner or parent and;
• The Applicant’s parent’s partner is also the applicant’s parent; or
• If the applicant will not be living in the UK with both parents, the parent the applicant will be living with must have sole responsibility for the applicant’s upbringing; or
• There are serious and compelling family or other considerations which make the applicant’s exclusion undesirable and suitable arrangements have been made for their care.
• Must meet the financial / maintenance funds requirement (this will vary according to the visa category the applicant is applying for); and
• Must meet the accommodation requirements.

How Long is Child Dependant Visa Valid?

A Child Dependant visa is granted in line with the length of stay granted to the child’s parent(s).

Can a Child Dependant Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of a Child Dependant visa, an applicant must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. If the extension application is approved, the applicant will be granted permission to stay in the UK in line with their parent(s) visa.

Does a Child Dependant Visa Lead to Settlement?

In most cases, once a child dependant has lived in the UK for 5 years, they will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The child will also be eligible to apply once their parent qualifies for settlement.

How Long Does it Take for a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office service standard for deciding a Child Dependant visa submitted under Appendix FM from outside the UK is 12 weeks, however they are currently advising that applications should be decided within 24 weeks.

The Home Office processing time for deciding a Child Dependant visa submitted under the PBS route is generally decided within 3 weeks.

The Home Office processing time for deciding a settlement Child Dependant is generally decided within 6 months.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Child Dependant visa application made under Appendix FM from outside of the UK is £1,538. If the application is made within the UK, the Home Office fee is £1,048.

The Home Office fee for a Child Dependant visa application made under the PBS routes outside of the UK is £625 for a visa up to 3 years or £1,235 for a visa more than 3 years. If the application is made within the UK, the Home Office fee is £719 for a visa up to 3 years or £1,423 for a visa more than 3 years.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge which costs £470 per year for a child under the age of 18.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.