Child Dependant Visa

UK citizens and those who are settled in the UK may be eligible to bring their children to the UK to live with them.

Eligibility Criteria for dependent child visa

The requirements for candidates vary on the basis of their age and place of birth. Usually at least one of the parents has to be settled in the UK in order for the child to apply for a dependent visa.

For children born in the UK.

The child will get the same permission to stay as their parent.

The child under 18 can either:

be added to their parent’s next application as a dependent.
apply separately.

If the child is over 18, their parent can only include them in their application as a dependent only if the child:

got permission to enter and remain in the UK for an appointed period of time on a family visa when they were under 18.
do not live an independent life. If the child has left home, got married, or had children, they are considered to live an independent life.
is applying from inside the UK

For children born outside of the UK.

If the child is under 18, they must

not be married, in a civil partnership, or living an independent life.
be supported by their parents, who don’t receive public funds

One of their parents must also be applying or have applied for a visa or to extend their permission to stay as a partner or parent.

If the child is over 18, their parent can include them in their application as a dependent. The child can also apply separately.

In both cases, they can apply only if they:

got permission to enter and remain in the UK for an appointed period of time on a family visa when they were under 18.
don’t live an independent life

Financial requirements for dependent children:

This requirement must be fulfilled by the parent who is living in the UK. The child’s parent must have an income of at least £18,600 per year.

Conditions of Stay for dependent children.

Successful applicants will receive a biometric residence permit which will be valid for 2,5 years. They will be able to study and work while they are in the UK.

How to Apply for a dependent child visa and how much it costs.

The application must be made online. It costs £1,464 to apply from outside of the UK and £993 to apply in the UK excluding premium services appointment fees. The healthcare surcharge fee (£624 per year) and biometric information fee (£19.20) must be paid separately.

The decision is normally made within 12 weeks if you are outside the UK and 8 weeks if you are inside the UK.

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