If you are currently living in the UK and wish for your child to join you from overseas, understanding the Child Dependant Visa UK requirements is essential. This visa pathway allows eligible children to reside in the UK alongside their parent(s), ensuring families can remain united while accessing UK education and healthcare services.
This guide covers the eligibility criteria, financial conditions, required documents for a Child Dependant Visa UK, costs, application steps, and typical processing times.
Understanding the Child Dependant Visa UK
The Child Dependant Visa UK is part of the UK’s broader immigration system, allows children under 18 to enter or remain in the UK with a parent who is either:
- A British citizen or settled in the UK (i.e. holding Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- On a partner/spouse visa
- On a temporary visa, such as a Skilled Worker or Student visa
To qualify, the child must:
- Be under 18 at the time of application
- Be financially and emotionally dependent on the parent
- Not be married or living independently
- Be applying to live with a parent who is legally in the UK or applying to enter the UK
Child Dependant Visa UK Requirements
To qualify for this visa, both the child applicant and sponsoring parent must meet specific criteria set by the UK Home Office. These requirements of the UK Child Dependant Visa ensure that the child is genuinely dependent and that adequate arrangements are in place for their care and support in the UK.
1. Age and Dependency
The applicant must be under 18 years old on the date of application. If the child is aged 16 or 17, the Home Office will scrutinise their dependency more closely. They must prove they are:
- Not living an independent life (e.g. financially or residentially)
- Dependent on their UK-based parent for care and support
If the child is over 18 but already holds a dependant visa issued before turning 18, they may still be eligible to extend under dependency rules.
2. Proof of Relationship
The Home Office requires evidence of a genuine parent-child relationship. This may include:
- Birth or adoption certificate
- Legal custody or guardianship papers
- Letters from schools or healthcare providers confirming parental involvement
For step-children, evidence of legal responsibility and permission from the other biological parent may also be needed to fulfil the Child Dependant Visa UK Requirements.
3. Sole Parental Responsibility (Where Applicable)
Where only one parent resides in the UK, they must demonstrate sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing. This requires:
- Legal documentation (e.g. custody orders)
- Evidence of financial support
- Correspondence proving active parental involvement in the child’s welfare
In cases where both parents are not available, applicants may apply under compelling family circumstances provisions.
4. Suitable Accommodation
The UK-based parent must prove there is adequate accommodation for the child who needs to apply for UK Child Dependant Visa, without relying on public funds. Accepted documents include:
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
- A landlord’s letter confirming sufficient rooms for the child
- The accommodation must meet UK housing standards and provide exclusive use of the living space
5. Financial Requirement
The financial threshold varies based on the parents’ immigration status:
- For settled or partner visa holders:
- Minimum income of £29,000 per year
- For temporary visa holders (e.g. Skilled Worker):
- £315 savings for the first child, £200 for each additional child
These funds must be held for at least 28 days prior to application.
Child Dependant Visa UK Documents
When applying for UK Child Dependant Visa, the following documents must be provided:
- Valid passport for the child
- Child’s birth/adoption certificate
- Parents’ immigration documents (e.g. BRP, Home Office letter)
- Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, savings account statements)
- Accommodation documents
- Proof of relationship (e.g. school letters, medical records)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment confirmation
- Certified translations for non-English documents
Additional UK Child Dependant Visa documents may be required for:
- Step-children – proof of legal custody and consent from the other biological parent
- Sole responsibility cases – court orders, financial remittances, school communications
Child Dependant Visa UK Cost
The Child Dependant Visa UK cost depends on the route and location of application:
| Application Type | Location | Fee per Child |
|---|---|---|
| Family visa (joining parent, partner or child as dependant)
Family visa |
Outside UK | £1,938 |
| Inside UK | £1,321 | |
| Dependant of parents holding other visas (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student, Tier 2, etc.) – up to 3 yrs | Outside UK | £769 |
| Inside UK | £885 |
Healthcare surcharge
Applicants might also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of the cost of UK Child Dependant Visa application.
For each child (under 18), it costs:
- £1,940 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £2,328 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £3,880 if you’re staying for 5 years
Super Priority
The Super Priority service allows applicants to receive a decision on a UK Child Dependent Visa by the end of the next working day, for an additional fee of £1,000. This expedited option is ideal for families needing a faster outcome than the standard processing time.
Application Process: How to Apply for a Child Dependant Visa UK
1. Determine Eligibility
Confirm both parent and child meet all the Child Dependant Visa UK requirements detailed above, including age, dependency, relationship, accommodation, and financial criteria.
2. Complete the Application
Use the Appendix FM online form for family visa routes, or the appropriate route for temporary visas.
3. Pay the Fees
Submit the UK Child Dependant Visa application cost and IHS payment online. Both fees must be paid in full for the application to be considered valid.
4. Book a Biometrics Appointment
After submitting the online application and paying the fees, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide the child’s biometric information (photograph and fingerprints).
5. Upload Supporting Documents
Submit the UK Child Dependant Visa required documents digitally or at the appointment.
6. Await a Decision
Processing times vary:
- Family Visa (outside UK): up to 12 weeks
- Family Visa (inside UK): up to 8 weeks
- Temporary visa dependants: around 3 weeks
- Super priority applications: decision in 24 hours (if eligible)
Professional Support for UK Child Dependant Visa Applications
Applying for a Child Dependant Visa UK can be complex, especially in sole-responsibility or step-parent cases. A small oversight can result in delays, refusals or extra cost of UK Child Dependant Visa. British Connections provides tailored UK Visa Application services. Our immigration specialists can help prepare your Child Dependant Visa UK application documents thoroughly and ensure compliance with Child Dependant Visa UK requirements.
Schedule a professional visa consultation with British Connections today.
FAQs About UK Child Dependant Visa
1. Can a step-child apply for a Child Dependant Visa UK?
Yes, but the sponsoring parent must provide legal proof of responsibility and, if applicable, consent from the other biological parent.
2. What if the child is over 18?
The child may still apply if they were granted a dependant visa before turning 18 and continue to live as a dependant.
3. What is the processing time for a Child Dependant Visa UK?
Standard processing ranges from 3 to 12 weeks after all Child Dependant Visa UK documents have been submitted. Priority services for UK Child Dependant Visa with extra cost charged are available for faster decisions.
4. How do I prove sole parental responsibility?
You must submit legal custody documents, evidence of decision-making in the child’s life (e.g. school or healthcare records), and proof of financial support.
Reference:
- Family visas: apply, extend or switch
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa - Home Office immigration and nationality fees: 9 April 2025
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-9-april-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com
