Immigration, Simplified

Child Dependant Visa

The Child Dependant Visa allows children to join or stay with their parent(s) who are living, working, or studying in the UK on an eligible visa, or who are settled in the UK. Unlike the Child Student Visa, this route is based entirely on family ties and allows children to access free UK state education.

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Official UK Government Updates

For accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government source:

Child Student Visa

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Child Dependant visa, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

Age: Usually under 18 years old at the time of the initial application. (Children over 18 can only apply if they are already in the UK as a dependant).
Relationship: Must be the biological, adopted, or stepchild of the main visa holder.
Both Parents Requirement: Generally, both parents must be living in the UK or applying to come to the UK at the same time. Exceptions are made if one parent is deceased, or if the applying parent has “sole responsibility” for the child’s upbringing.
Not Leading an Independent Life: The child must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living independently. They must be financially supported by their parents.
Accommodation: The parents must have adequate housing for the child without relying on public funds.

Education and Healthcare

A major benefit of the Child Dependant Visa is that children are entitled to attend UK state-funded (free) public schools for their primary and secondary education. They do not need a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) or a school sponsor. They will also have full access to the National Health Service (NHS) once the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid during the application.

Financial Requirements

The main applicant (the parent) must prove they have enough funds to support the child:

Specific Amounts: The required maintenance funds depend entirely on the parent’s visa category (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student, Global Talent). For example, a Skilled Worker parent usually needs to show an extra £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child.
Exemptions: If the parent’s employer is an A-rated sponsor who has certified maintenance for the dependants on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or if the family has lived in the UK for at least 12 months, bank statements may not be required.

The “Sole Responsibility” Rule

If only one parent is applying to bring the child to the UK (and the other parent is alive and living abroad), the Home Office will closely scrutinize the application. The UK parent must provide extensive evidence that they have “sole responsibility” for the child’s care, upbringing, and major life decisions, or that there are serious and compelling reasons the child must live with them in the UK.

Application Timing and Process

Outside the UK: The child can apply at the same time as the parent or apply later to join a parent already in the UK.
Inside the UK: The child can apply to extend their stay or switch to a dependant visa, provided they did not enter the UK on a standard visitor visa.

Decision Times

International applications: Usually processed within 3 weeks (if applying as a dependant of a worker/student) or up to 24 weeks if applying as a dependant of a British/Settled person.
UK-based applications: Usually processed within 8 weeks.
(Priority and Super Priority services may be available for faster processing depending on the parent’s visa route).

Length of Stay and Travel

The length of the child’s visa will be granted strictly in line with the main applicant (the parent). If the parent’s visa is valid for 3 years, the child’s visa will expire on the exact same date. They are free to travel in and out of the UK during this time.

Work Rights

Dependant children over the age of 16 are generally permitted to work full-time or part-time in the UK. However, they cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Extensions and Settlement (ILR)

When the parent extends their visa, the child must also apply for an extension. A major advantage of this route is that it leads to permanent settlement. When the parent qualifies for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the child dependant can usually apply for ILR at the same time, eventually paving the way for British Citizenship.