Specialists in immigration law
We understand how important it is to have your child’s visa application resolved to support stability and integration in the UK, with the proposed changes coming into effect in April 2026 it is essential to understand how these developments may affect your children’s current and future applications especially towards settlement in the UK. Our friendly team are here to provide holistic, up to date advice so that you can continue to enjoy family life in the UK.
Experienced solicitors guiding you every step of the way
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Children under 18 often are subject to different immigration rules than adults. These rules can, in some cases, be less restrictive, making it especially important to understand the requirements that apply to child applicants. Under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, the Home Office must treat safeguarding and the child’s best interests a primary consideration when considering applications from children in the UK.
Children who have lived continuously in the UK for seven years since their birth may be eligible for immediate indefinite leave to remain, providing they meet the continuous residence requirements, and it is not reasonable for the child to leave the UK. We have years of experience supporting applications for children under this category and understand the factors and supporting documentation required to strengthen your child’s application to the Home Office.
Call the Immigration Team Children born in the UK may be eligible to apply for British citizenship where one parent became British or obtained indefinite leave to remain after the child’s birth. For children under 18 there are no English language or life in the UK test requirements.
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Children under 18 may also be eligible to apply for discretionary citizenship. If the applying child is aged 10 or over, they must be of good character. This is a discretionary application with wide scope allowing the Secretary of State to register a child as British if thinks it ‘fit’ to do so.
Call the Immigration Team It is always important to check if you are automatically British, if for example one of your parents are British or have settlement and this may have been passed on, different regulations apply depending on the year you were born. We are able to assist with all naturalisation applications; we offer affordable fixed rates to avoid complicated billing arrangements.
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“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
Children
In many cases, children can apply to join a parent who is living in the UK, provided certain immigration requirements are met. The specific rules depend on the parent’s immigration status and the child’s circumstances.
For most immigration routes, a child is defined as someone who is under the age of 18 and who is not married, in a civil partnership, or living independently.
In many situations, the Home Office expects evidence that both parents agree to the child living in the UK, unless the parent in the UK has sole responsibility or there are exceptional circumstances.
Yes. In some circumstances, children who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement), depending on their immigration route and family circumstances.
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