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UK Child Dependant Visa

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Overview and Eligibility

Understanding the UK Child Dependant Visa

When planning to bring your child to the UK, it’s crucial to understand their entitlements under various child dependant visa options. To qualify, you must demonstrate their dependence on you and verify that you have the means to support them during their stay in the UK.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Child Dependant Visa?

The Child Dependant Visa facilitates the reunion of an overseas child with a parent residing in the UK. Generally, the Home Office requires both parents to be in the UK with the child. If only one parent is in the UK, the sponsoring parent must prove they have sole parental responsibility for the child.

If one parent is in the UK and the other is overseas, and the sponsoring parent cannot establish sole responsibility, they must provide compelling evidence of significant family reasons or other considerations making the exclusion of the child undesirable.

Categories Based on Parental Status:

  1. Parent Settled or Applying for Settlement in the UK: This applies when a parent is already settled in the UK or is in the process of applying for settlement.
  2. Parent Has or is Applying for a Partner Visa: This is for cases where a parent holds or is applying for a partner visa under the family visa scheme.
  3. Parent Has Limited Leave to Remain: This includes scenarios where a parent has temporary residence in the UK.

Parental Categories and Child Visa Eligibility

Parent Settled or Applying for Settlement in the UK

If a child’s parent is a settled individual with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the child can apply to join their parent’s UK residence. Upon approval, the child will also be granted ILR. This process typically involves a residency period of about five years while holding a work visa or another specific visa type.

Parent Has or is Applying for a Partner Visa

If a child’s parent has secured or is applying for a partner visa, the child can accompany their parent to the UK. The child can submit their application concurrently with their parent’s or at a later date. After typically residing in the UK for five years with their parent, the child can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Parent Has Limited Leave to Remain

Several long-term visa categories allow holders to bring dependents to the UK. These include:

  1. Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with specific skills and job offers from UK employers.
  2. Health and Care Worker Visa: For professionals in the health and care sectors.
  3. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility): For high-ranking or specialized employees of international companies.
  4. Minister of Religion Visa (T2): For individuals intending to work as a religious minister or missionary.
  5. International Sportsperson Visa: For elite athletes and coaches.
  6. Innovator Visa: For experienced entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.
  7. Start-up Visa: For aspiring entrepreneurs with a viable business plan.
  8. Global Talent Visa: For individuals with exceptional talent in specific fields.
  9. Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.
  10. British National (Overseas) Visa: For BN(O) citizens from Hong Kong.
  11. Full-time Student Visas: For individuals pursuing full-time courses in the UK.

Requirements and Documentation

General Requirements for a UK Child Dependant Visa

  • The child must be under 18, unmarried, and not in a civil partnership.
  • The child should not lead an independent life.
  • Meet financial requirements to support the child in the UK.
  • Prove the relationship between the UK-based parent and the child.
  • Ensure suitable accommodation for the child and the family.
  • Children are not required to demonstrate English proficiency.

Proof of Relationship Requirements

If the child is not residing in the UK with both parents, the parent with whom they will reside must have “parental responsibility” for them. Evidence demonstrating full legal responsibility is required.

Suitable Accommodation Requirements

The UK sponsor must provide proof of suitable accommodation arrangements, ensuring enough room for the child and family.

Documents Needed for Child Dependant Visa Application

  • Passport of the Main Visa Holder: Clear copy of all pages, including visa stamps.
  • Evidence of Immigration Status of the UK-Based Sponsor: Proof such as a letter from the Home Office, vignette in the passport, or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
  • Child’s Passport: Valid and up-to-date passport for the child.
  • Child’s Birth Certificate: Original or certified copy.
  • Evidence of Relationship with the Child: Photos, messages, emails, or correspondence.
  • Proof of Sole Parental Responsibility (if applicable): Legal documents affirming sole parental responsibility.
  • Evidence of Sufficient Support Funds: Recent payslips, bank statements, or P60.
  • Evidence of Suitable Accommodation: Tenancy or mortgage documents.
  • Parents’ Date of Birth and Nationality (if applying from outside the UK): Clear information.
  • Tuberculosis Test Results (if applicable): Test results if required.
  • Certified Translation of Non-English or Welsh Documents: Translations by a certified translator.

Application Process and Costs

How to Apply for a UK Dependant Visa for a Child: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Complete the Appropriate Application Form: Identify and fill out the required application form based on your child’s circumstances.
  2. Payment of Fees: Pay the visa application fee, Biometric Residence Permit fee, and immigration healthcare surcharge.
  3. Upload Necessary Documents: Submit all required documents as specified by the Home Office.
  4. Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a local visa application centre or a UKVCAS service centre.
  5. Biometric Appointment: Attend to have fingerprints scanned and a photo taken.
  6. Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary, so stay informed on the expected timeframe.

Fees Breakdown

  • Application Fee:
    • Applying Outside the UK:
      • Dependant Child (Family Visa Route): £1,538
      • Dependant Child (Long-term Visa Holder): £625 (up to 3 years), £1,235 (more than 3 years)
    • Applying Inside the UK:
      • Dependant Child (Family Visa Route): £1,048
      • Dependant Child (Long-term Visa Holder): £719 (up to 3 years), £1,423 (more than 3 years)
      • Dependant Child of a Settled Person: £2,404
  • Additional Fees:
    • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Fee: £19.20
    • Immigration Healthcare Charge: £470 per child per year

Processing Time for UK Dependant Visa for a Child

  • Dependant Child Visa UK (Family Visa Route):
    • Applying Outside the UK: Decision within 12 weeks.
    • Applying Inside the UK: Decision within 8 weeks.
  • Dependant Child Visa UK (Long-term Visa Holder): Decision within 3 weeks.
  • Dependant Child Visa UK (Child of a Settled Person): Decision within 6 weeks.
  • Super-priority processing service: £800 fee for next working day decision.

Child Dependant Visa to Settlement (ILR)

A child with a dependant visa can usually settle (gain ILR) after residing in the UK for 5 years. When the parent(s) achieve ILR, the child can apply for ILR concurrently.

For personalized assistance with your child’s leave to remain extension or ILR application, contact our immigration lawyers at +44 (0) 121 572 8126 or via email at immigrations@ausuk.co.uk.

Specializing in providing effective immigration advice and visa services for individuals and businesses worldwide. Our expert team is dedicated to making the immigration process straightforward and stress-free. Regulated by the OISC, we uphold the highest standards of care and practice. Contact us for your immigration needs.

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