UK Child Dependant Visa: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Guardians
The UK Child Dependant Visa is an essential route for children of foreign nationals to live in the UK with their parents. Whether you are a British citizen, a settled person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a Skilled Worker visa holder, or under another immigration category, ensuring your child can legally reside with you in the UK is a top priority.
However, UK immigration laws concerning dependent children can be complex and restrictive. Many applications fail due to lack of proper evidence, misunderstandings of dependency requirements, or incomplete documentation. To avoid delays, refusals, or unnecessary stress, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, and financial requirements in detail.
At Sahin Legal Consultancy, we specialize in guiding families through child visa applications, refusals, and appeals, ensuring that children can reunite with their parents in the UK without unnecessary hurdles.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about the UK Child Dependant Visa, along with a detailed FAQ section, so that no question remains unanswered.
1️⃣ What is a UK Child Dependant Visa?
The Child Dependant Visa allows children of British citizens, settled persons, or visa holders (such as Skilled Workers, Spouse Visa holders, and Student Visa holders) to join or remain with their parents in the UK.
Depending on the parent’s immigration status, the child’s visa conditions will vary.
✔ If the parent is a British citizen or settled person (ILR/Settled Status), the child may receive Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Limited Leave to Remain.
✔ If the parent holds a temporary visa (Skilled Worker, Student, Spouse Visa, etc.), the child will be granted a visa with the same expiry date as the parent’s visa.
✔ Children born in the UK may be eligible for British citizenship or need to apply for a visa, depending on the parent's immigration status.
2️⃣ Who Can Apply for a UK Child Dependant Visa?
To qualify for a Child Dependant Visa, the child must meet strict eligibility criteria set by the UK Home Office.
✅ The Child Must:
✔ Be under 18 years old at the time of application.
✔ Not be married, in a civil partnership, or leading an independent life.
✔ Be financially dependent on the parent(s).
✔ Live with the parent(s) as part of the family unit.
✅ The Parent(s) Must:
✔ Have British citizenship, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or a valid UK visa.
✔ Show that they can financially support the child without relying on public funds.
✔ Provide evidence that the child will be adequately accommodated in the UK.
📌 Key Consideration:
- If one parent lives in the UK and the other parent is abroad, the UK-based parent must have sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing OR prove that the child cannot live with the other parent due to exceptional circumstances.
3️⃣ Financial Requirements for a Child Dependant Visa (Updated 2024)
If the parent holds a Skilled Worker Visa, Spouse Visa, or another temporary visa, they must meet specific financial requirements to sponsor a child.
🔹 Financial Requirements for Skilled Worker & Family Visa Holders:
✔ £3,800 per year for the first child.
✔ £2,400 per year for each additional child.
💡 Example: If a Skilled Worker wishes to bring two children, they must earn at least £6,200 per year in addition to their salary requirement (£29,000 for Skilled Workers).
🔹 Financial Requirements for British or Settled Parents (ILR Holders):
- No fixed salary threshold.
- The parent must show they can support the child without public funds.
📌 Key Mistake: Many applications are refused because parents fail to submit complete financial documentation (e.g., bank statements, employment records). Always provide at least six months of financial records to prove eligibility.
4️⃣ Required Documents for a Child Dependant Visa
To ensure a successful application, you must provide clear and detailed documentation.
🔹 Essential Documents:
✔ Valid passport or travel document for the child.
✔ Birth certificate showing the relationship between parent and child.
✔ Proof of the parent’s UK immigration status (British passport, ILR, or visa).
✔ Proof of sole responsibility (if applicable), such as legal custody orders.
✔ Financial evidence, including payslips, tax records, and bank statements.
✔ Accommodation proof, such as tenancy agreements or property ownership documents.
✔ Evidence of the child's dependency, including school records, medical records, and letters from caregivers.
📌 Tip: If the documents are not in English, they must be officially translated.
5️⃣ Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Online Application
- Apply through the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) website.
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 2: Submit Documents & Biometrics
- Upload required documents.
- Schedule a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Step 3: Wait for a Decision
- Standard processing time: 8-12 weeks.
- Priority service: 5-day processing (£500 extra).
- Super priority service: 24-hour processing (£1,000 extra).
📌 Tip: If your application is complex, processing times may be longer.
6️⃣ What Happens If the Visa is Refused?
If your Child Dependant Visa is refused, you may be able to:
✔ Request an administrative review (if there was a processing error).
✔ Appeal on human rights grounds (if separation would cause undue harm).
✔ Reapply with stronger evidence addressing the refusal reasons.
💡 Common Reasons for Refusal:
❌ Insufficient financial evidence.
❌ Inadequate proof of sole responsibility.
❌ Failure to demonstrate dependency.
❌ Missing or incorrectly translated documents.
📩 If your child’s visa is refused, contact Sahin Legal Consultancy immediately for expert legal support.
7️⃣ FAQs About UK Child Dependant Visas
Q1: Can I apply for my child’s visa while inside the UK?
✔ If the child is already in the UK on a valid visa, you can apply to switch their status.
Q2: Can my child work in the UK on this visa?
✔ If the child is over 16, they may be allowed to work depending on their visa conditions.
Q3: Can my child get British Citizenship?
✔ If the parent is a British citizen, the child may be eligible for registration as a British citizen instead of applying for a visa.
Q4: What happens if I lose my job while sponsoring my child?
❌ If your visa depends on a job (e.g., Skilled Worker visa), you may need to find new sponsorship or switch to another visa category.
Ensure Your Child’s Future in the UK
Applying for a Child Dependant Visa can be challenging, but with the right legal support, success is achievable. The key to approval is strong documentation, financial readiness, and proof of dependency.
At Sahin Legal Consultancy, we specialize in child visa applications, refusals, and appeals, ensuring that children can legally remain with their parents in the UK.
📩 Need expert help? Contact Sahin Legal Consultancy today and let’s secure your child’s future in the UK! 🚀
