Child Dependent Visa

The Child Dependent Visa allows children to join their parents in the UK when the parent holds a visa such as a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, or Global Talent Visa. This visa ensures that children under the age of 18 can live with their parent(s) while they work, study, or live in the UK.

This visa can be a crucial step in family reunification and ensures children have the opportunity to live and be cared for by their parents in the UK.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Child Dependent Visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are the biological or adopted child of a parent who holds an eligible visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student, Global Talent).
• You are under the age of 18 at the time of application.
• You will live with your parent(s) in the UK.
• You meet the financial requirement, which generally involves proving that your parent(s) can financially support you during your stay in the UK without relying on public funds.
• You meet the relationship requirement, providing evidence that the parent-child relationship is genuine and subsisting.

Duration of Stay

The duration of stay for a Child Dependent Visa typically depends on the length of your parent’s visa. You can stay in the UK for the same duration as your parent’s visa, whether it is:

• The length of the parent’s visa (e.g., 2-5 years depending on the type of visa held).
• If your parent extends their visa, you may also be able to extend your Child Dependent Visa.

Application Process

Timeline

You can apply for a Child Dependent Visa up to 3 months before your planned travel date to the UK. As part of your application, you will need to:

• Prove your identity.
• Provide required documents, including evidence of your relationship with your parent(s), financial support, and the parent’s valid visa status.
• You may need to attend an appointment to provide biometric information.

Decision Timeframe

• 8 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
• 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

• Live in the UK with your parent(s).
• Attend school or college in the UK.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK during the validity of your visa.

What You Cannot Do:

• Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the state pension.
• Work in the UK unless you have the right to do so under a separate work visa or specific allowance.
• Apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) independently of your parent’s visa status.

Get in touch with us now at Squadlead to make your Child Dependent Visa application process seamless and stress-free!