Child Dependent Visa UK

Families often need to bring children to live with them in the UK. Whether the parent is a British citizen, permanently settled, or holds a work or study visa, defined immigration routes exist for dependent children. These are collectively referred to as child dependent visas.

The appropriate visa depends on the parent’s immigration category and the child’s circumstances. For children of British or settled parents (or those with protection status), the Family Visa (Child route) under Appendix FM applies. For children of sponsored workers or international students, the PBS Dependant route is used. Children studying independently at licensed independent schools may qualify for a Child Student Visa under Appendix Child Student.

This guide explains the main child dependent visa routes, outlining who qualifies, how to apply, and what financial and evidential standards must be met. It also covers the duration of stay, work and study rights, and how children can transition to long-term settlement in the UK.

What this article is about: A practical and legally precise overview of UK child dependent routes, including Family Visa (Child route), PBS Dependant (work or study), and Child Student Visa, with emphasis on eligibility, finances, evidence, and pathways to settlement or further study.

Section A: What is a Child Dependent Visa in the UK?

The term “child dependent visa” describes UK immigration routes that allow a child to live in the UK because of their relationship with a parent who has lawful status. It can apply to children of British citizens, permanent residents, sponsored workers, or international students. Each route has distinct legal rules, evidence standards, and outcomes for long-term residence.

Under the Immigration Rules, a dependent child is usually under 18, not married or in a civil partnership, and financially and emotionally supported by a parent. The Home Office assesses dependency by looking at living arrangements, parental responsibility, and financial reliance. Children aged 18 or over may continue as dependants if they were granted leave in that capacity before turning 18 and remain part of the same household.

1. Main UK routes for child dependants

• Family Visa (Child route – Appendix FM): For children of British or settled parents, or of those granted refugee or humanitarian protection, and for children included with a parent applying under the family migration rules.
• PBS Dependant Visa: For children of parents holding work or study visas under the Points-Based System (e.g., Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Scale-up, Student). Maintenance rules are set under Appendix Finance.
• Child Student Visa: For children aged 4–17 attending full-time education at an independent school licensed on the Child Student route of the Student Sponsor Register. This is an education route, not reliant on the parent’s visa.

2. Purpose and legal basis

The Family Visa (Child route) is governed by Appendix FM. PBS Dependants are governed by the relevant work or study appendices together with Appendix Finance for maintenance. The Child Student Visa is governed by Appendix Child Student and focuses on educational sponsorship. Each uses different evidential standards (for example, fixed income thresholds versus adequate maintenance) and confers different prospects for settlement.

3. Core differences between routes

• Family Visa (Appendix FM): Family-life route. Can lead to settlement on a 5-year or 10-year basis, depending on whether all eligibility and financial rules are met.
• PBS Dependant: Linked to the parent’s sponsored work or study leave. The child’s permission normally ends when the parent’s permission ends. Settlement becomes available when the parent qualifies and the child meets residence requirements.
• Child Student Visa: Independent education route. Does not directly lead to settlement but allows progression to the Student, and later potentially Graduate or Skilled Worker routes.

Section A Summary: “Child dependent visa” is an umbrella term spanning three distinct frameworks: family-life, sponsored work/study dependants, and independent schooling. Identifying the correct route at the outset is critical because the eligibility tests, financial standards, evidence burden, and long-term outcomes differ across the routes.

Section B: Family Visa (Child Route – Appendix FM)

The Family Visa (Child route) enables children to join or remain with a parent who is British or Irish, settled in the UK (ILR/settled status/proof of permanent residence), holds refugee or humanitarian protection, or has limited leave under the family migration rules as a partner or parent. This route sits within Appendix FM and reflects the UK’s obligations to respect family life while ensuring children are properly supported and accommodated without recourse to public funds.

1. Eligibility criteria

• Age: The child must be under 18 at the date of application. If already 18, they may continue as a dependant only if previously granted leave as a child and they remain part of the same household.
• Relationship and responsibility: The applicant must be the child of a qualifying parent (British/Irish, settled, protection status, or with family-route limited leave). Sole or shared parental responsibility must be evidenced where applicable.
• Dependency and marital status: The child must not be married or in a civil partnership and must remain financially and emotionally dependent on the parent.
• Residence arrangements: The child will normally live with the parent in the UK, save where they live away from home in full-time education (e.g., boarding school or university).

UK-born children and nationality: A child born in the UK is not automatically British unless, at the time of birth, a parent was British or settled (British Nationality Act 1981, s.1(1)). If a parent becomes settled after the child’s birth, the child can usually register as British under s.1(3). Otherwise, a UK-born child will typically be granted leave in line with the parent.

2. Financial rules: Minimum Income Requirement vs adequate maintenance

Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) – partner-led family route: Where the sponsoring parent applies under the partner route, the standard MIR increased to £29,000 on 11 April 2024 and is scheduled to rise to £38,700 in 2025 (Spring). Transitional protection allows families who entered the partner route before 11 April 2024 to continue relying on the previous threshold (commonly £18,600) for further applications on the same route until their route resets. Income can be evidenced via salaried employment, self-employment, pension, specified savings, or other permitted non-employment income in accordance with Appendix FM-SE.

Adequate maintenance – parent/protection scenarios: In specified cases—such as where the qualifying parent has refugee or humanitarian protection, or is applying under the parent route—the fixed MIR does not apply. Instead, the family must show adequate maintenance and adequate accommodation. Adequate maintenance is assessed using net weekly income after housing costs, compared against Income Support levels for a household of the relevant size, per Appendix FM-SE. Documentary evidence must clearly show income, regularity, and permitted deductions.

Accommodation: Regardless of whether MIR or adequate maintenance applies, the family must have accommodation that is adequate and not statutorily overcrowded (evidence may include tenancy agreements, title registers, mortgage statements, or local authority inspection letters).

3. Applying inside vs outside the UK: forms and evidence

• Outside the UK: Apply online using the Appendix FM online form. Where required by the parent’s category, complete both the online form and Appendix 1 (paper) to capture child-specific information. Enrol biometrics and submit supporting evidence at a visa application centre.
• Inside the UK: Apply online to extend or switch into the family route before current leave expires. Provide evidence of the parent’s status, finances (MIR or adequate maintenance), accommodation, and parental responsibility.

Core evidence checklist (illustrative): child’s passport; full birth certificate naming parents; evidence of the parent’s nationality/immigration status; financial documents per Appendix FM-SE; accommodation proof; any court orders/consents showing sole/shared parental responsibility; evidence of cohabitation and dependency.

4. Fee waivers and processing times

Fee waivers: For human rights-based Appendix FM applications (including child cases), a fee waiver may be granted where the family is destitute, lacks adequate accommodation, or paying the fee would harm a child’s welfare. Where granted, the waiver can cover both the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Robust financial evidence (bank statements, arrears/eviction notices, benefit letters, social services correspondence) is required.

Processing times (typical): outside the UK ~12 weeks; inside the UK ~8 weeks. Human rights cases on the 10-year route can take longer due to complexity and evidential assessment.

5. Settlement prospects and alignment with the parent

Children granted leave under Appendix FM normally follow either the 5-year route (where all eligibility and MIR requirements are met) or the 10-year route (human rights/adequate maintenance). When a parent obtains Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a dependent child can usually apply for ILR once continuous residence and suitability requirements are met and dependency continues. In nationality terms, a UK-born child can often register as British when a parent becomes settled (BNA 1981, s.1(3)).

Section B Summary: Appendix FM provides the family-life pathway for children of British, settled, or protection-status parents (and children included with a parent on the family route). Determine early whether the MIR or adequate maintenance applies, evidence accommodation and responsibility comprehensively, and align extensions and settlement timing with the parent’s route and any transitional protection that may apply.

Section C: Child Dependants under Work and Study Visas (PBS Routes)

Children of parents who hold visas under the UK’s Points-Based System (PBS) can apply as dependants to join or remain with them in the UK. This applies to a range of categories including Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Scale-up, and certain Student routes. Each category has its own appendix, but the relationship, dependency, and maintenance principles remain broadly consistent across them.

Under PBS rules, a child’s leave is directly tied to the main visa holder’s status. When the parent’s visa expires or is curtailed, the child’s leave normally ends at the same time. Successful applications rely on clear evidence of the parent–child relationship, ongoing dependency, and financial maintenance that meets Appendix Finance requirements.

1. Eligibility and relationship criteria

• Relationship: The child must be the biological, adopted, or stepchild of the visa holder (or their partner). Both parents should normally live in the UK or apply at the same time unless one parent has sole responsibility for the child.
• Age: The child must be under 18 at the date of application. If aged 18 or over, they may continue as a dependant only if they were granted dependent leave before turning 18 and remain part of the same household.
• Dependency: The child must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living an independent life. They must remain financially and emotionally dependent on the parent(s).

These criteria apply consistently across the main PBS categories, and dependency must be supported by documentary proof such as financial transfers, shared accommodation, or custody evidence where applicable.

2. Eligible main visa categories

• Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa
• Global Talent visa
• Innovator Founder or Scale-up Worker visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility)
• Student visa (postgraduate course of at least 9 months, or full-time government-sponsored course)

Dependants are not permitted for students on courses below postgraduate level, except under transitional arrangements for those already holding dependent status before the rule change. For work routes, dependants are permitted across all core PBS categories.

3. Financial maintenance requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that the family has sufficient funds to support the child without relying on public funds. Under Appendix Finance, the standard maintenance levels for PBS dependants are:

• £285 for a dependent partner,
• £315 for the first child, and
• £200 for each additional child.

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application date. Financial evidence is not required if the employer has certified maintenance on the parent’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This certification is available only for dependants of work routes (not students). Where maintenance is not certified, acceptable evidence includes bank statements, payslips, or official sponsor letters confirming financial support.

For Student visa dependants, higher maintenance applies: £845 per month (up to 9 months) if the main applicant studies in London, or £680 per month (up to 9 months) outside London. Evidence must cover the 28 days immediately before the application date.

4. Application process and documentation

Applications are made online, whether from inside or outside the UK. Each child must complete a separate application, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and submit biometric information. Supporting documents include:

• Child’s passport or travel document
• Full birth certificate naming both parents
• Proof of the parent’s visa or pending application
• Financial evidence or sponsor certification (as applicable)
• Consent letters or custody documentation if only one parent is applying

Applications made from inside the UK must be submitted before the expiry of the current leave to maintain lawful residence.

5. Duration, rights, and settlement

The child’s leave will normally match the main visa holder’s permission. If the parent’s visa expires or is curtailed, the child’s visa will end accordingly. To remain lawful, both must apply for extensions or ILR together. Children can attend school, access NHS healthcare through the IHS, and, if over 16, may work part time in accordance with UK labour laws.

Once the parent obtains Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a dependent child may also qualify for ILR, provided they meet the continuous residence and dependency requirements. Evidence of cohabitation, shared finances, and parental support will be key.

Section C Summary: PBS Dependant Visas enable children of sponsored workers and qualifying students to live lawfully in the UK. Applicants must show genuine relationship and dependency and meet Appendix Finance requirements unless maintenance is certified on the CoS. Dependants of postgraduate or government-sponsored students are permitted, while work-route dependants may qualify for ILR in line with the parent’s settlement.

Section D: Child Student Visa (Independent Route)

The Child Student Visa allows children aged 4–17 to study full time at an independent school in the UK. It is governed by Appendix Child Student of the Immigration Rules and is designed for international students whose education is sponsored by a licensed independent school on the Child Student route of the Student Sponsor Register. This visa operates independently from a parent’s immigration status and focuses on educational sponsorship, financial capability, and appropriate welfare arrangements.

1. Eligibility criteria

To qualify for a Child Student Visa, applicants must:

• Be aged 4–17 on the date of application.
• Hold an unconditional offer of a place at an independent school licensed under the Child Student route.
• Obtain a valid Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the sponsor school.
• Provide parental or guardian consent for the application and travel arrangements.
• Show sufficient funds to pay for tuition and living costs for at least one academic year.

The course must be full time and appropriate for the child’s age and education level. State schools and academies are not permitted to sponsor Child Students. This route is not intended for dependants of PBS visa holders, who must apply under their parent’s dependant category instead.

2. Financial requirements

Applicants must provide evidence that funds are available to cover tuition and living expenses. The amount required depends on living arrangements:

• Boarding students: Must show funds covering one full academic year of tuition and boarding fees.
• Day students living with a parent or legal guardian: The parent or guardian must hold valid immigration status (usually under the Parent of a Child Student Visa) and demonstrate the ability to maintain both themselves and the child without recourse to public funds.

Funds must be held for a continuous 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the application date. The Home Office may request recent bank statements covering the full period and showing available balances. Evidence can include personal bank statements, financial sponsorship letters, or official trust/bursary documentation.

3. Sponsorship and welfare requirements

The sponsoring school must be listed on the Child Student route of the Student Sponsor Register. The CAS confirms the offer of a place, course details, and the school’s sponsorship responsibilities. For younger students, the school must ensure that suitable care and accommodation arrangements are in place, and the Home Office may assess these arrangements during the decision process.

Acceptable living arrangements include:

• Boarding at the school;
• Living with a parent or legal guardian in the UK; or
• Living with a private foster carer approved by local authorities (for children under 16 studying away from parents).

4. Parent of a Child Student Visa

Parents of children under 12 studying in the UK can apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa. This visa allows one parent to live in the UK to care for their child but is subject to strict limitations:

• Only one parent can hold this visa at any time.
• The parent cannot work, study, or bring other dependants.
• The visa cannot be switched into from another route within the UK.
• The parent must leave the UK when the child turns 12 or completes their course.

The parent must show adequate accommodation and financial resources to support both themselves and the child for the duration of their stay. Evidence of dependency and care arrangements is also required to demonstrate that the parent will remain the primary caregiver in the UK.

5. Duration, work rights, and progression

The Child Student Visa is usually granted for the length of the course plus four months. The maximum periods permitted are:

• Up to six years for children aged 4–15;
• Up to three years for children aged 16–17.

Children aged 16 or 17 may take part-time work of up to 10 hours per week during term time and full time during holidays. They may also take part in work placements that form an integral part of their studies. Younger children are not permitted to work.

The Child Student route does not lead directly to settlement, but students who reach higher education age may switch into the main Student route for university study, and later into work routes such as the Graduate or Skilled Worker visa.

Section D Summary: The Child Student Visa enables children aged 4–17 to study at independent schools licensed under the Child Student route. It requires sponsorship, financial proof, and parental consent, and offers the Parent of a Child Student route for one parent of younger pupils. The visa does not lead directly to settlement but provides a foundation for future educational and work-based immigration routes.

FAQs

1. Can I bring my child to the UK if I have a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Skilled Worker visa holders can bring dependent children to the UK under Appendix Skilled Worker: Dependant. The child must be under 18 when they apply, or have been granted dependent leave before turning 18, and must remain financially and emotionally dependent on the parent. Children cannot be married or living independently.

The child’s visa will expire at the same time as the parent’s. Each child must complete a separate online application, pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and submit supporting evidence such as their birth certificate and proof of relationship. Where the employer certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), no further financial evidence is needed.

2. What are the financial requirements for a child dependent visa?

Financial requirements vary by visa type:

• Family Visa (Appendix FM – Child route): The sponsoring parent must show they can maintain and accommodate the child without public funds. The Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) rose to £29,000 in April 2024 and is expected to rise to £38,700 in 2025. Transitional protection applies for families already on the route before April 2024, allowing continued reliance on £18,600 until their route resets. In some cases, such as the parent or protection route, the adequate maintenance test applies instead, comparing net weekly income against Income Support levels.
• PBS Dependant (Work or Study): For work visas, Appendix Finance requires £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child, unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS. For Student dependants, the requirement is £845 per month (London) or £680 per month (outside London) for up to nine months.
• Child Student Visa: Applicants must show funds to pay tuition and living costs for one academic year, or that a parent or guardian in the UK can provide adequate maintenance. Bank statements must show funds held for at least 28 days immediately before applying.

Where applicable, the Home Office may request additional documentation to verify financial stability. Applications supported by certified maintenance are exempt from bank evidence under the work routes.

3. Can my child stay in the UK after turning 18?

Yes, if the child was granted leave as a dependant before turning 18 and still forms part of the same household. The Home Office will assess ongoing dependency, cohabitation, and financial support to confirm eligibility for further leave or settlement.

If a child becomes independent, marries, or starts their own family, they will no longer qualify as a dependant and must apply under another immigration route such as the Skilled Worker or Student visa.

Under Appendix FM, children on the Family route can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years’ residence, provided the parent has settled status and the dependency continues. PBS dependants can apply for ILR in line with their parent once residence and dependency requirements are met.

4. What is the difference between a child dependent visa and a Child Student visa?

The child dependent visa allows a child to live in the UK because of their relationship with a parent who has lawful immigration status. It includes the Family Visa under Appendix FM and PBS Dependant visas under work and study routes. These visas are tied to the parent’s immigration status and can lead to settlement where dependency continues.

The Child Student Visa is different. It is an independent education route that allows children aged 4–17 to study full time at independent schools licensed under the Child Student route. It relies on sponsorship from the school rather than the parent and does not directly lead to settlement, although future switching into study or work routes is possible.

5. Can I apply for a fee waiver for my child’s visa?

Fee waivers are available only for human rights-based Family Visa applications under Appendix FM. A waiver may be granted if paying the visa fee would leave the family destitute, without adequate accommodation, or would risk harming a child’s welfare. The waiver can cover both the application fee and the IHS.

Applicants must submit strong supporting evidence such as income statements, eviction notices, rent arrears, or local authority letters. Fee waivers do not apply to PBS Dependant or Child Student Visa applications, where the full fee and IHS must be paid.

Conclusion

The UK’s child dependent visa framework ensures that families can live together lawfully while maintaining clear legal and financial safeguards. Whether the parent is settled, working, or studying in the UK, there are established immigration routes that support family unity and provide a structured path to residence or education for dependent children.

For British or settled parents, the Family Visa (Child route) under Appendix FM offers the most secure route to long-term residence and citizenship. For sponsored workers or international students, the PBS Dependant routes enable children to live in the UK in line with their parent’s visa, provided they meet the relationship and maintenance requirements. For those seeking education at independent schools, the Child Student Visa provides a standalone path based on sponsorship, financial capacity, and appropriate care arrangements.

All applications depend on proving relationship, dependency, adequate accommodation, and financial sufficiency. Documentary precision is key — families should carefully review the evidential rules under the relevant appendix before submitting any application. Where finances are limited, a fee waiver may be available under the family route to protect child welfare.

For long-term settlement, aligning the child’s visa status with the parent’s route is critical. A child who remains dependent can normally obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once the parent is settled and the family’s residence meets the required continuity period. UK-born children of settled or British parents automatically become British citizens at birth, while others may register once a parent becomes settled.

Families should always use official Home Office forms and refer to the current Immigration Rules and guidance when applying. In complex family or custody cases — such as where only one parent has responsibility — seeking specialist immigration advice is strongly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid refusal on technical grounds.

Conclusion Summary: The UK provides three main routes for child dependants: Family Visa (Child route), PBS Dependant, and Child Student. Each has distinct eligibility and evidential rules, but all focus on maintaining family life while safeguarding the child’s welfare. Careful preparation and legal accuracy are essential for a successful and sustainable outcome under UK immigration law.

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