What is a Child Visa?
A Child Visa, often referred to as a Child Dependant Visa, enables dependent children outside the UK to accompany a parent who is either moving to the UK or already living here. This visa type is part of the wider Family Visa Route and is designed to support family life and unity, allowing children under 18 to live with their biological parents, adoptive parents, or the partner/civil partner of a parent already residing in the UK.
At Drummond Miller, we understand the importance of reuniting families. We provide guidance through every stage of the Child Dependant Visa UK application process, offering a combination of legal expertise, immigration knowledge, and genuine care.
Who is Eligible for a Child Visa?
A Child Dependant Visa allows children under 18 to join a parent in the UK, whether that parent is a Settled Person, holds British citizenship (or in some cases in the UK with temporary status).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Relationship, Age and Dependency
The child must be the biological, adopted, or stepchild of the parent living in or travelling to the UK. They must be under 18, unmarried, and not in a civil partnership. Some more complicated applications have to meet the test of “sole responsibility” or “compelling family considerations - Financial Requirements
The sponsoring parent must meet the maintenance requirement, showing adequate income sources to support the child without recourse to public funds. - Suitable Accommodation
There must be adequate accommodation in place for the child. The property must meet the Home Office’s accommodation criteria, including requirements on overcrowding. Evidence may include tenancy agreements or mortgage statements.
Applying for a UK Dependant Visa requires careful preparation of documentation. That’s why our team of dedicated lawyers will work closely with you to strengthen your child’s application and guide you through collecting and preparing the evidence required to support your application.
How Drummond Miller Can Support Your Application
With decades of experience in UK immigration law, our team offers tailored support with a personal and professional touch.
We provide:
- Initial Consultation - A thorough assessment to confirm eligibility under the relevant UK Visas and Immigration categories, including alternatives where the visa type may vary.
- Document Preparation - Guidance on collecting key materials such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption certificates, and other proof of relationship. We assist with translations of non-English documents where necessary.
- Application Preparation and Submission - Support with the application form, guidance on biometrics appointment, and scheduling your visit to a Visa Application Centre. We provide guidance on payment of the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and ensure compliance with all biometric information requirements.
- Updates and Communication - We keep you informed throughout, managing processing times, responding to Home Office enquiries, and we do our best to reduce the risk of visa refusal by ensuring all requirements are met.
Where suitable, we can also advise on faster processing time options, including priority and super-priority services, where time is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Child Dependant Visa
A Child Dependant Visa and a UK Child Visa refer to the same immigration route that allows a dependant child to join a parent in the UK. The term Child Visa is often used when describing entry clearance applications for children under the Immigration Rules, while Child Dependant Visa is more commonly used as the general term for this route.
In very limited circumstances, the sponsor can hold limited leave to remain in the UK, for example some Pre Settled Status holders under the EU Settlement Scheme or those with protection status.
Typical supporting documents include, proof of the parent-child relationship, financial evidence, and proof of accommodation. Where documents are not in English, certified translations will be required.
Yes. A dependant child in full-time education can apply, but the application must still meet the requirements of Appendix Children under the Immigration Rules, and evidence of dependency must be provided.
The visa application fee will depend on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK and the processing time selected. In addition to the visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge is payable. Some applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver depending on their circumstances.
Yes. Time spent in the UK on a Child Dependant Visa can count towards settlement, and in some cases, a child may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Enter or Indefinite Leave to Remain once they meet the residency and other requirements.
Yes. A refusal can occur if the Home Office believes the Immigration Rules have not been met. Common reasons for refusal include insufficient financial evidence, not meeting the relationship requirements, or concerns about accommodation. In these cases, our UK Immigration specialists can advise on your options.
If the parent lives in Northern Ireland or holds Irish citizenship, different considerations may apply, particularly in relation to the Common Travel Area and UK Immigration Rules. It is important to seek professional immigration advice before applying.
Why Choose Drummond Miller for Your Child Visa?
At Drummond Miller, we understand the significance of uniting with family members and the complexities involved in child immigration. Our dedicated immigration team combines legal knowledge with a personal touch, supporting you with expert advice, clear guidance, and a firm commitment to reuniting families through applications such as the Child Dependant Visa or other relevant visa types under the Immigration Rules.
Our immigration team is recognised as Band 1 by Chambers & Partners and Top Tier by the Legal 500. David Brown is recognised in the Legal 500, in the Hall of Fame as being at the pinnacle of the profession. Janey Armstrong and Humphrey Ndubuisi are recognised as Next Generation Partners in the Legal 500 and Band 2 in Chambers & Partners.
As a result, here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Personalised service: We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Your circumstances are unique, and so is your case. Our team takes the time to understand your specific situation, tailoring our legal advice and approach to suit your needs, whether you are applying for a Child Dependent Visa from abroad via an entry clearance application or seeking permission to stay in the UK.
- Attention to detail: We know that a small mistake can delay your visa or even lead to a visa refusal. As a result, our solicitors ensure your application is thorough, clear, and submitted on time, meeting all requirements for supporting documents, financial evidence, and accommodation requirements.
- Comprehensive support: We guide you through every stage of the process, from gathering the right documents, such as birth certificates or proof of family relationship, to submitting your visa application and beyond.
As immigration experts, we’re here, to get you there. For us, this means helping your family come together in the UK, supported by a team that truly cares and delivers expert guidance on all aspects of UK Visas and Immigration.
Experienced Immigration Lawyers
Whether you're just beginning your journey to bring your child to the United Kingdom, or you have hit a bump in the road with your UK Family Visa application, our experienced immigration solicitors are here to help. With Drummond Miller by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your child visa application is in expert hands.
It's your future together - let us help you make it a reality.
- Call us on 0131 226 5151