Last Updated: 29th March 2018

What is a UK Visa for Children Under 18?

A UK Visa for Children Under 18 is a visa that enables a child of a British (or settled) parent to apply for leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK.

Who is suitable for a UK Visa for Children Under 18?

  • A person who is under the age of 18, inside or outside the UK can apply for a UK Visa for Children Under 18 who has at least one living British (or settled) parent.

Find out if you qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, today.

What are the requirements for a UK Visa for Children Under 18?

When both parents are 1) British (or settled) or 2) only the British (or settled) parent is alive or 3) the British (or settled) parent has sole responsibility for the upbringing of the child or 4) a British (or settled) parent or relative has compelling reasons to include the child/children (and suitable childcare arrangements have been made):

  • The child/children must be under 18 years of age
  • The child/children must not be leading an independent life
  • The child/children is/are not accessing public funds
  • The parent/relative must be able to support the child/children’s stay in the UK without accessing public funds

Under this route, the child/children can apply for settlement / indefinite leave to remain immediately.

When the child/children is applying with a non-British (or non-settled) parent (also referred to as a dependant family visa):

  • The child/children must be under 18 years of age
  • At least one of the parents must be British (or settled) and living
  • There must be suitable accommodation available in the UK for the child/children
  • The parent must meet the financial requirements – minimum income threshold of £18,600, increased to £24,800 if two children are involved, plus £2,200 for each additional child. Alternatively, the parent can have savings of no less than £62,500 to satisfy the financial requirements – additional financial requirements apply for any dependent children that are not British citizens
  • The parent must be able to support the child/children’s stay in the UK without accessing public funds

Under this route, the child/children can apply for settlement / indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.

Common questions asked about the UK Visa for Children Under 18

How long can I stay in the UK?

This will be subject to if you are eligible for Indefinite leave to remain when you apply for entry clearance. If you are not eligible, you will have 33 a month visa. You will have to apply for a 2.5 year extension no more than 28 days prior to when your visa expires.

Can I extend my dependant family Visa?

Yes. You can extend your dependant family visa by 30 months.

When can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

If you are on a dependent family visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after you have been in the UK for 5 years.

Can I study in the UK?

Yes. Once a dependant family visa is granted, you are allowed to study in the UK.

What fees do we have to pay to Home Office?

You have to pay a fee to Home Office and the Immigration Health Surcharge for the dependant family visa. You will not need to pay for Immigration Health Surcharge if you applied for entry clearance for indefinite leave to remain.

How much is Immigration Health Surcharge?

Immigration Health Surcharge is £200 a year. For the dependant family visa, you will have to pay £500 for initial application.

What is sole responsibility?

Sole responsibility is the term applied to the person who makes important decisions for the upbringing of the child/children such as decisions relating to; religious practice, choice of school, where and with whom the child lives. Additionally, financial and emotional support and how regular the parent is with the child will be factored into the Home Office assessment.

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