Apply as a Child for a Family Visa
Children who wish to join their parents in the UK may apply for a Family Visa. Depending on your parent’s residency status, you may not need a visa or could
be eligible for other visa routes such as the Private Life in the UK or the EU Settlement Scheme.
Eligibility Requirements
- If you were born in the UK, you will receive the same permission to stay as your parent. You can either be added to your parent's next application as a dependant or apply separately.
- You must live with your parent in the UK, unless you’re away for full-time education, such as boarding school or university.
- You must not be married or in a civil partnership.
Born in the UK
Children born in the UK can apply to stay with the same visa permission as their parent. You can either be added to your parent's next visa application as a dependant or submit a separate application.
If you are under 18, you need to know what type of permission (limited leave to remain) your parent holds. If you are 18 or older, you can apply for a visa only if you were granted leave to enter or remain in the UK when you were under 18.
Born Outside the UK
If you were born outside the UK, your eligibility to apply depends on your age and your parent's visa status. You must:
- Live with your parent unless you are in full-time education.
- Not be married or in a civil partnership.
If you are under 18:
One of your parents must be applying for or extending their permission to stay as a:
- Partner (and the partner they are joining is your other parent).
- Parent (with sole parental responsibility for you).
If neither of these applies, you may still be eligible to apply if there are serious reasons for you to come or stay in the UK and arrangements for your care are in place.
If you are 18 or over
You can be included in your parent's application as a dependant or apply separately if you hold permission to stay on a family visa that began before you turned 18.
FAQs
A Family Visa allows children to join or remain with their parent in the UK,
provided certain conditions are met, including their parent’s visa status and the
child’s age.
If at least one of your parents holds indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or proof of
permanent residence, you may not need a Family Visa. You may also be eligible
to apply for settlement directly.
If at least one of your parents holds indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or proof of
permanent residence, you may not need a Family Visa. You may also be eligible
to apply for settlement directly.
If you were born in the UK, you will receive the same permission to stay as your
parent. You can be added to their next application as a dependant or apply
separately, as long as you live with your parent and meet other requirements.
Yes, you can apply if you were born outside the UK. The eligibility depends on
your age and your parent’s visa status. You must live with your parent, unless
you are in full-time education, and must not be married or in a civil partnership.
If you are 18 or older, you can apply for a Family Visa only if your permission to
stay began when you were under 18. Your parent can include you in their
application, or you can apply separately.
You will need:
- Proof of your parent’s income to meet the financial requirement.
- Evidence of your parent's visa status.
- Supporting documentation showing your relationship with your parent.
Yes, you can apply from outside the UK. You will need to provide information and
evidence with your application and may apply at the same time as your parent.
Your parent must meet the financial requirement for their type of Family Visa.
For example, if your parent is applying as a partner, they need to prove they
meet the financial threshold for partners. You’ll need to include this evidence
with your application.
- If applying from outside the UK: You will usually get a decision within 12 weeks.
- If applying from inside the UK: You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks. It may take up to 12 months if your parent is on the 10-year route to settlement.
Yes, if you are eligible, you can apply separately from your parent. You will need
to provide proof of your parent’s income and their visa status, as well as
evidence of your relationship.
If you cannot afford the visa fee, you may apply for a fee waiver if you meet
certain criteria, such as:
- Having no place to live or being unable to afford essential living costs.
- Having a very low income that would harm your child's wellbeing if the fee is paid.
If your parent is on the 10-year route to settlement, it may take up to 12 months
to get a decision on your visa application. Your parent's decision letter will
confirm whether they are on the 5-year or 10-year route to settlement.
At Fard Solicitors, we understand the importance of family unity and provide expert guidance to ensure that children can join their parents in the UK through the appropriate visa route. Contact us today for tailored legal advice and support with your Family Visa application.
At Fard Solicitors, we understand the importance of family unity and provide expert guidance to ensure that children can join their parents in the UK through the appropriate visa route. Contact us today for tailored legal advice and support with your Family Visa application.
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