Child Dependent Visa UK: Complete Guide for Parents in 2025

Bringing your child to the UK can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand visa requirements, costs, and timelines. Whether you’re already settled in the UK or hold a work visa, understanding the child dependent visa process is the first step to reuniting your family. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about applying for a child dependent visa UK, from eligibility requirements to application steps and costs.

What is a Child Dependent Visa UK?

The application process varies depending on your immigration status in the UK. Whether you hold indefinite leave to remain, a work visa, or a partner visa, there’s a pathway for your child to join you.

Age and Relationship Requirements

To qualify as a dependent child, your son or daughter must be under 18 years old, unmarried, and not in a civil partnership. They also cannot be living an independent life, which means they rely on you for their day-to-day care and financial support.

If your child is over 18, they may still qualify if they previously had permission to stay in the UK as your dependent when they were under 18 and they continue to rely on you for support.

Who Can Apply for a Child Dependent Visa?

The UKVI groups child dependent visa applications into three main categories, depending on the parent’s immigration status.

When at Least One Parent is Settled in the UK

If you’re a settled person in the UK, meaning you hold indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship, your child can apply to join you and will typically be granted settlement immediately. Most people achieve settled status after living in the UK for five years on a valid visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa or family visa.

This is the most straightforward route because your child won’t need to renew their visa later. They’ll have the same rights as you, including access to the NHS and the ability to study without restrictions.

When a Parent Has a Partner Visa

If you hold a spouse visa, fiancé visa, or another partner visa under the family migration route, your child can apply as a dependent. They can apply at the same time as you or join you later once your visa is approved.

Children on this route will initially receive limited leave to remain for the same period as their parent. After five years of living in the UK, they become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided they continue living with you and meet the requirements.

When a Parent Has Limited Leave to Remain

Several long-term visa categories allow you to bring dependent children to the UK, including:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Global Business Mobility visa
• Global Talent visa
• Innovator visa
• Minister of Religion visa
• International Sportsperson visa
• Ancestry visa
• British National (Overseas) visa

Your child will receive leave to remain for the same duration as your visa. When you extend your visa, your child can apply to extend theirs at the same time. After five years, they can apply for settlement, just like you.

Can Step-Children Apply for a Child Dependent Visa UK?

Yes, step-children can be included in a child dependent visa application, but you’ll need to provide additional evidence to satisfy the Home Office that you have legal responsibility for the child’s care and welfare.

The immigration rules recognise that modern families come in many forms. However, the Home Office wants to see clear proof that you or your partner are legally responsible for the step-child. This means providing evidence that you:

• Have financial responsibility for the child
• Are involved in their day-to-day care, including schooling decisions
• Have permission from the other biological parent for the child to live in the UK

If there’s any question about legal custody or parental responsibility, the Home Office may refuse the application or ask for more information. Getting help from experienced immigration solicitors in Manchester can make sure you submit all the right evidence from the start.

UK Child Dependent Visa Requirements

The requirements for a child dependent visa depend on which visa category you fall under. However, there are some common requirements that apply to almost all applications.

Financial Requirements Explained

You need to prove you can financially support your child without relying on public funds. The financial threshold varies depending on your visa type.

For work visa holders (such as Skilled Worker visa or Global Talent visa), you must show:

• £315 in savings for your first child
• £200 for each additional child
• The money must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying

For family visa holders (spouse visa, partner visa), you must meet higher income requirements:

• £29,000 minimum annual income for you and your partner
• An additional £3,800 per year for your first child
• An additional £2,400 per year for each subsequent child

You can meet these requirements through employment income, savings, or a combination of both. Bank statements, payslips, and a P60 are typically required as proof.

Proof of Relationship Requirements

The Home Office needs to see that you have parental responsibility for your child. If both parents are coming to the UK with the child, this is straightforward. However, if only one parent is in the UK, you must show either:

• You have sole parental responsibility, or
• There are serious and compelling family reasons why the child should be allowed to join you

Evidence might include custody agreements, court orders, consent letters from the other parent, or proof that the other parent is absent or unable to care for the child.

Suitable Accommodation Requirements

The Home Office will check that you have adequate accommodation for your child. This means:

• You must have exclusive use of the property (not sharing with unrelated adults)
• There must be enough space for your family
• The accommodation must meet UK housing standards

You’ll need to provide a tenancy agreement or mortgage documents showing that you have the right to live in the property and that there’s sufficient room for everyone.

Documents Required for Child Dependent Visa

Gathering the right documents is one of the most important parts of the application. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Your passport and immigration documents (BRP, visa vignette, or settlement letter)
• Your child’s valid passport
• Your child’s full birth certificate showing both parents’ names
• Evidence of your relationship with your child (photos, messages, school reports)
• Proof of sole parental responsibility if applicable (custody orders, consent letters)
• Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, P60, employment contract)
• Accommodation evidence (tenancy agreement or mortgage documents)
• TB test results if your child is from a country where this is required
• Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh

If you’re unsure what documents you need for your specific situation, Solicitors in Manchester can review your case and create a personalised checklist.

How to Apply for a UK Dependent Visa for a Child

The application process has several steps, and it’s important to complete them in the right order.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form The form you need depends on your visa category. For family visa dependents, you’ll use the Appendix FM form. For work visa dependents, you’ll use a different form specific to your visa type. Make sure to include your visa reference number so the applications are linked.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee Fees vary depending on where you’re applying from and which visa route you’re using (see costs section below).

Step 3: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge This gives your child access to the NHS during their stay. The charge is £776 per child per year of the visa.

Step 4: Upload Your Documents You’ll upload scanned copies of all required documents through the online portal.

Step 5: Book a Biometric Appointment If applying from outside the UK, you’ll book an appointment at a visa application centre in your country. If applying from within the UK, you’ll use a UKVCAS service centre.

Step 6: Attend the Appointment Your child will need to have their fingerprints scanned and photo taken. Children under 5 are only photographed, not fingerprinted.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision Processing times vary by route (see below).

Applying from Inside vs Outside the UK

The process is similar whether you apply from inside or outside the UK, but there are a few differences. Outside the UK, you’ll attend a visa application centre and your child will receive a visa vignette in their passport. Inside the UK, you’ll use UKVCAS centres and your child will receive a biometric residence permit (BRP) by post.

Child Dependent Visa UK Costs in 2025

Understanding the costs involved helps you budget properly for your application.

Application Fees:

Route	Applying Outside UK	Applying Inside UK
Family visa dependent	£1,938	£1,321
Work visa dependent (up to 3 years)	£769	£885
Work visa dependent (over 3 years)	£1,519	£1,751

Additional Costs:

• Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per child per year
• Priority service: around £500 (if available)
• Super priority service: £1,000 for next-day decision

Remember that these fees are per child, so if you’re applying for multiple children, you’ll need to multiply the costs accordingly.

Processing Times for Child Dependent Visa

How long you’ll wait for a decision depends on which route you’re applying under and where you apply from.

Family visa route:

• Outside the UK: up to 12 weeks
• Inside the UK: up to 8 weeks

Work visa dependents: Usually within 3 weeks

Child of a settled person: Usually within 6 weeks

If you need a faster decision, you may be able to pay for priority processing, though this isn’t always available for all visa types or application locations.

What Happens After Your Child Gets a UK Visa?

Once your child’s visa is approved, they can travel to the UK (if applying from abroad) or continue living here legally (if applying from within the UK). They’ll have the right to:

• Live with you for the duration of their visa
• Study at any school or college (including state schools)
• Access NHS healthcare
• Travel in and out of the UK

Your child will follow the same path to settlement as you. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, they can apply for indefinite leave to remain. Once they have ILR, they can later apply for British citizenship if they wish. Children applying for citizenship don’t need to take the Life in the UK test until they’re over 18.

Common Reasons for Child Dependent Visa Refusal

Understanding why applications get refused helps you avoid common mistakes:

Insufficient financial evidence: Not showing you have enough money or income to support your child is one of the most common reasons for refusal. Make sure your bank statements cover the required period and clearly show you meet the threshold.

Inadequate accommodation proof: If your tenancy agreement doesn’t clearly show you have exclusive use of the property or if it appears overcrowded, the Home Office may refuse the application.

Missing parental responsibility documents: If you can’t prove you have the legal right to bring your child to the UK, particularly in cases involving one parent, the application will likely be refused.

Expired or missing documents: Make sure all documents are current and valid. Birth certificates and passports must be submitted, and translations must be certified.

If your application is refused, you may be able to appeal or submit a new application with the correct evidence. Getting professional advice quickly can save you time and money.

Get Expert Help with Your Child Dependent Visa Application

Applying for a child dependent visa involves detailed paperwork, strict deadlines, and complex requirements. One missing document or mistake can lead to delays or refusal, keeping your family apart for longer.

The team at Solicitors in Manchester understands how important it is to get your application right the first time. Our experienced immigration lawyers can review your case, prepare your documents, and handle your application from start to finish. We’ll make sure you meet all the requirements and give your application the best chance of success.

Whether you need help understanding which visa route is right for your family, gathering the correct evidence, or appealing a refused application, we’re here to help. Our UK Visas & Immigration Services cover all aspects of family migration.Call us today on 0161 464 4140 for a free telephone consultation, or book an appointment online at a time that suits you. Let us take the stress out of your child dependent visa application so you can focus on preparing for your family’s future together in the UK.