Specialists in immigration law
Apply as a child
Children may be able to apply to live in the UK if their parent or parents are already living here. These applications are part of the UK’s family immigration routes, allowing families to live together where certain legal requirements are met. Applications for children can involve detailed Home Office rules, particularly where only one parent is present in the UK or where immigration statuses differ between parents. Providing the correct evidence and understanding the requirements is essential to avoid delays or refusals.
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Who can apply as a child?
A child may be eligible to apply for a visa if they are joining or remaining with a parent who is living lawfully in the UK.
Generally, the child must:
- Be under the age of 18 at the time of application
- Not be living an independent life (for example, not married or financially independent)
- Intend to live with their parent or parents in the UK
- Be supported and accommodated without relying on public funds
The eligibility requirements can vary depending on the immigration status of the parent in the UK and whether one or both parents are involved in the child’s upbringing.
Call the Immigration Team Situations where a child visa may apply
Child visa applications often arise in a number of common family situations, including:
- A child joining parents who have settled in the UK
- A child applying to join one parent who already lives in the UK
- Children applying at the same time as a parent under a family visa route
- A child applying to remain in the UK after previously entering under another visa
Each situation may require slightly different evidence and legal considerations.
Call the Immigration Team 
Applications where only one parent is in the UK
Where only one parent is living in the UK, the Home Office will normally require evidence that the parent in the UK has sole responsibility for the child or that there are serious reasons why the child should live in the UK.
This can involve providing documentation such as:
- Court orders relating to custody or parental responsibility
- Written consent from the other parent
- Evidence of the child’s living arrangements and care
Call the Immigration Team “We understand how overwhelming immigration rules and policies can feel for individuals and families, we are therefore committed to being empathetic to your needs, giving clear and supportive advice. We’re easy to reach and easy to talk to.”
Misbah Mohammed
Solicitor
Apply as a child
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child join me in the UK if I have a visa?
In many cases, yes. Children can often apply to join a parent who holds a valid visa or immigration status in the UK, provided the relevant requirements are met. The rules depend on the type of visa held by the parent and the child’s circumstances.
How long does a child visa application take?
Processing times vary depending on where the application is made. Applications submitted from outside the UK often take several weeks to a few months, while applications made inside the UK may take around 8 weeks, depending on the visa route.
Does my child need to speak English to apply?
Children applying under family visa routes are not normally required to meet the English language requirement that applies to some adult applicants.
What happens when my child turns 18?
If a child has already been granted permission to live in the UK as a dependent, they can usually continue their immigration route and apply for further permission or settlement, provided they still meet the requirements of their visa category.
Meet our Expert Immigration Specialist: Misbah
Start your immigration journey
with confidence.We keep our rates low and provide the option of fixed fee advice, so costs are clear from the start. Our friendly and experienced team are available to assist with all your Immigration matters. Contact us today:* Please note that the information provided is for general information purpose only, for advice specific to your case we ask that you contact us at Ridley and Hall where we can offer you an initial free consultation.
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