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What Is a UK Child Visa?

Understanding the UK Child Visa: Purpose and Benefits

A UK Child Visa (also called a Child Dependant Visa or Child Family Visa) allows children under 18 to join a parent in the UK. I

It’s for those whose parent is already in the UK under a visa route that allows dependants, or for children born in the UK who need permission to stay.

  • The visa is granted for the same duration as the parent’s visa and can be extended at the same time
  • If eligible, the visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the future 

Who Can Apply for a Child Visa?

UK Child Visa Requirements: Are You Eligible?

Child Requirements

  • Must be under 18 and not married or in a civil partnership
    Must live with the parents in the UK, unless away in full-time education

Parent Eligibility

The parent must be in the UK on a route that allows dependants—such as Skilled Worker, Student (PhD), Global Talent, or be settled/British or have protection status.

Born in the UK

If born here, the child gets the same leave as their parent and can be added to the parent’s application or apply separately.

Documents You Need

UK Child Visa Document List: What to Prepare

  • Child’s passport and full UK birth certificate (showing both parents) if born in the UK
  • Evidence of relationship: birth certificate, adoption order, parental responsibility documents
  • Proof that the child lives with the parent (e.g. school letters, bank statements)
  • Parent’s visa status, certificate of sponsorship, or settled status evidence
  • Evidence of adequate maintenance and accommodation without public funds
  • Tuberculosis test (if required for certain nationalities)

Financial Requirements

Meeting Financial Proof for Child Visa

Parents must show they can support and accommodate the child without public funds. 
Requirements vary by visa route, but generally include:

  • Salaried employment income or certified savings over the preceding 28 days
  • For Skilled Worker: £315 for first child, £200 for each additional child, and £1,270 for the sponsor themselves
  • For other routes: must show earnings or savings cover child and household costs

How to Apply Step by Step

UK Child Visa Application Process

  1. Check eligibility and collect documents
  2. Complete online Form (Appendix FM – Child or equivalent; separate for each child)
  3. Pay visa fee (£1,938 outside UK; £1,321 inside UK) and Immigration Health Surcharge for child
  4. Book a biometrics appointment and submit documents
  5. Wait for decision: expect decision in 12 weeks from outside; 8 weeks from inside (can extend)
  6. Parents may include the child in their initial application or the child can apply separately

Fees and Healthcare Surcharge

Cost Breakdown for Your Child's Move

Applicants must work in an eligible occupation, as listed by the UK government, and meet specific skill level requirements. 

Application fee

  • £1,938 (outside UK)
  • £1,321 (inside UK)

Immigration Health Surcharge for each child (under 18)

  • £1,940 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
  • £2,716 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
  • £3,880 if you’re staying for 5 years

Priority processing

Available inside the UK; super priority optional for faster decision.

After Approval: What Comes Next

Next Steps Following Visa Approval

  • You’ll receive a vignette and then a full BRP for the child
  • The visa expires at the same time as the parent’s leave
  • Child can start school, access NHS care, and travel freely
  • No access to most public funds

Extending the Visa & Path to Settlement

Extending and Settling on a Child Visa

  • Visa extensions are linked to parent’s route; apply before expiry
  • After 5 years on continuous family leave, child may be eligible for ILR if the parent becomes settled or the child qualifies
  • Children born in the UK to settled parents may claim citizenship

What If the Visa Is Refused?

Handling a UK Child Visa Refusal​

  • The decision letter will detail if you can appeal or reapply
  • Reapply with stronger evidence if appeal is not an option
  • Seek legal advice if refusal is due to financial shortfalls or insufficient documentation
  • Already in the UK on a student visa may switch to a dependent child visa if eligible

Bringing Multiple Children

Applying for Multiple Child Visas

  • Each child must apply separately but may be included on one form if applying at the same time
  • All must be under 18 (or under 18 when first granted leave) and meet criteria
  • Each child pays separate application fees and health surcharge

Latest Child Visa News

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