Child Dependent Visa UK Requirements

Children of parents living lawfully in the UK may be eligible to join or remain with them under a child dependent visa. The applicable route depends on the immigration status of the parent and the child’s circumstances.

Under UK immigration law, there are several categories allowing children to enter or stay in the country — the Family Visa (Child route) under Appendix FM, the Points-Based System (PBS) Dependent Visas for children of skilled workers, students or other sponsored migrants, and the Child Student Visa for those studying independently at licensed independent schools.

This article explains the different child visa routes available under the UK immigration system, outlining eligibility rules, evidential requirements, and how each route links to future settlement.

What this article is about: This guide provides a detailed explanation of the requirements for child dependent visas in the UK. It explains how children can apply to join or remain with parents under the family or work/study routes, and how to apply as a child student. It also highlights documentary and financial requirements, form types, and timelines relevant to each route.

Section A: Understanding Child Dependent Visas in the UK

When referring to a “dependent visa” in the UK, this term broadly describes any visa route that allows a child or partner to join or remain with a main visa holder or sponsor. However, not all dependent visas follow the same legal framework.

Under UK immigration law, three distinct pathways can apply to children:

• the Family Visa (Child route) under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules,
• the PBS Dependant Visa under the work or study routes, and
• the Child Student Visa under Appendix Child Student.

1. Definition of a Dependent Child

A dependent child is defined as a person under 18 years of age who is not married or in a civil partnership and who remains financially and emotionally supported by their parent(s). Once a child turns 18, they may still be considered a dependent if they were granted permission to stay in the UK before turning 18 and continue to form part of the same household.

The Home Office assesses dependency based on living arrangements, financial reliance, and emotional ties. Proof such as shared accommodation, parental financial support, and ongoing communication is often required to demonstrate this dependency.

2. Types of Child Visa Routes

The UK immigration system provides several routes through which children can enter or remain in the UK:

• Family Visa (Child route – Appendix FM): For children joining or remaining with a parent who is British, settled, has refugee or humanitarian protection status, or has limited leave under the family migration rules. This is the route covered by the GOV.UK “Apply as a child” guidance.
• PBS Dependant Visa: For children whose parent holds a work or study visa under the Points-Based System, such as a Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Innovator Founder, Scale-up Worker, or Student Visa. The parent’s immigration status and financial capacity determine eligibility.
• Child Student Visa: For children aged 4–17 who wish to study at an independent school holding a valid sponsor licence (licensed under the Child Student route of the Student Sponsor Register). This is a standalone visa not reliant on a parent’s status, although parental consent and evidence of financial support are required.

3. Key Distinctions Between Routes

While all three routes enable children to reside lawfully in the UK, their eligibility conditions and settlement outcomes differ significantly.

• Family Visa (Appendix FM): Primarily for children of British, settled or refugee parents. Often leads to settlement after five or ten years.
• PBS Dependant: Relies on the parent’s sponsorship under the Points-Based System. The child’s stay is tied to the main visa holder’s permission and ends when the parent’s visa expires.
• Child Student Visa: Independent study route; does not lead directly to settlement but may allow transition to other visa types later.

Section A Summary: A child dependent visa in the UK can take several forms depending on the parent’s status and purpose of stay. Understanding whether the correct route is family-based, PBS-based, or study-based is essential before applying, as the eligibility criteria and long-term rights vary between each category.

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

The Family Visa (Child route) under Appendix FM allows a child to join or remain with a parent who is settled in the UK, British or Irish, has refugee or humanitarian protection status, or holds limited leave under the family migration rules as a partner or parent. This section incorporates current financial rules, transitional arrangements, and clarifies when adequate maintenance applies. It also confirms the position of children born in the UK and fee waiver availability.

1. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify as a child under Appendix FM, the applicant must meet the following:

• Age: Under 18 at the date of application. If 18 or over, they must have previously been granted leave as a child and still form part of the same household.
• Relationship: The applicant is the child of a parent who is British or Irish, settled (ILR/settled status/proof of permanent residence), has protection status, or holds limited leave as a partner or parent under Appendix FM.
• 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.
• Living arrangements: The child must normally live with the parent in the UK, unless they are living away from home in full-time education (e.g., boarding school or university).

Children born in the UK: A child born in the UK does not automatically become British unless, at the time of birth, a parent was British or settled. Where not automatically British, a UK-born child will usually be granted leave in line with the parent.

2. Financial Requirement vs Adequate Maintenance

Appendix FM sets two distinct financial frameworks. Which applies depends on the parent’s route and status:

• Minimum Income Requirement (MIR): Where the sponsoring parent holds or is applying under the partner route, they must generally evidence the partner MIR which also covers children. The MIR increased to £29,000 (from April 2024) and is scheduled to rise to £38,700 in 2025. Transitional protection applies for families already on the route before the increase, who may continue to rely on the previous threshold (commonly £18,600) until their route resets. Evidence can include salaried income, self-employment profits, pension, specified savings, or other permitted non-employment income in accordance with Appendix FM-SE.
• Adequate Maintenance: In certain child applications, particularly where the relevant parent is applying under the parent route or holds protection status, the fixed MIR does not apply. Instead, the family must show adequate maintenance and adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds, calculated under Appendix FM-SE and the Housing Act overcrowding standards. This route assesses household income against UK benefit-equivalent thresholds and permitted deductions.

Accommodation: Regardless of financial route, applicants must show accommodation is adequate and will not be overcrowded. Evidence may include tenancy agreements, title registers, mortgage statements, utility bills, or local authority/property inspection reports.

3. Application Process and Evidence

The process differs depending on whether the child applies inside or outside the UK and on the parent’s own route:

• Outside the UK: Apply online using the Appendix FM online form. Where the parent’s category requires it, 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: Children already in 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 the parental relationship.

Core documents typically include: child’s passport, full birth certificate (naming parents), evidence of the parent’s immigration status, proof of sole or shared parental responsibility where relevant (e.g., court orders or consent letters), financial evidence per Appendix FM-SE, and accommodation documents.

4. Fee Waivers

For Appendix FM applications, a fee waiver may be available if the family cannot afford the fee because they are destitute, lack adequate accommodation, or paying would harm a child’s welfare. Applications must be supported by evidence such as bank statements, rent arrears, eviction notices, benefit letters, or social services correspondence. Fee waivers do not extend to PBS dependant or Child Student applications.

5. Processing Times and Routes to Settlement

Processing times: Outside the UK, decisions are usually made within about 12 weeks. Inside the UK, standard decisions are usually within about 8 weeks, but applications under the 10-year route can take longer (often up to 12 months) due to human rights assessments.

Settlement: 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 (where leave is granted on human rights grounds or adequate maintenance applies). When a parent obtains ILR, a dependent child can typically apply for ILR once the child meets residence and suitability requirements and remains part of the family unit. In all cases, continuous lawful residence and compliance with conditions are critical.

Section B Summary: Appendix FM provides a structured route for children to join or remain with parents in the UK. Applicants must identify whether the fixed MIR or the adequate maintenance rules apply, evidence suitable accommodation, and submit comprehensive relationship and responsibility documentation. UK-born children are not automatically British unless a parent was British or settled at birth; otherwise, they are usually granted leave in line with the parent. Successful applicants progress on a five- or ten-year path to settlement depending on how the financial and other requirements are met.

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

Children of visa holders under the UK’s Points-Based System (PBS) may qualify to accompany or join their parent in the UK as a dependant. This route applies to a wide range of work and study visas, including Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Scale-up, and Student Visas.

Unlike the Family Visa route under Appendix FM, PBS Dependant Visas are directly linked to the main visa holder’s immigration status. The child’s permission to stay will normally expire on the same date as their parent’s leave.

1. Overview of Eligibility

To qualify as a child dependant under a PBS route, the following key requirements apply:

• Relationship: The child must be the son or daughter of a person who is either applying for, or already holds, a valid PBS visa.
• Age: The child must be under 18 at the time of application. Those over 18 may still qualify if they were previously granted permission as a dependent child and continue to form part of the same household.
• Dependency: The child must not be married or living an independent life. They must continue to live with the parent unless attending full-time education away from home.
• Parental presence: Both parents should normally live in the UK or apply for entry at the same time, unless one parent has sole responsibility for the child.

These criteria are similar across all PBS categories, though maintenance and documentation requirements differ slightly depending on the visa type.

2. Eligible Parents

A child can apply as a dependant if their parent holds or is applying for one of the following visa types:

• Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa
• Global Talent visa
• Innovator Founder or Scale-up Worker visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker under the Global Business Mobility routes
• Student visa (postgraduate level or 9 months or longer course)
• Representative of an Overseas Business (now Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker)

Each of these visa categories permits dependants, provided the relationship and dependency requirements are met. For the Skilled Worker route, the child’s eligibility is tied to the main applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and evidence of financial maintenance.

3. Financial Maintenance Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that the family can support themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds. Under Appendix Finance, the following standardised maintenance levels apply for PBS dependants:

• £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 unless the main applicant’s sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. Where maintenance is certified, financial evidence is not required. Acceptable documentation includes bank statements, payslips, or a sponsor letter confirming maintenance certification.

For Student Visa dependants, the financial requirement is higher and location-based:

• £845 per month (up to 9 months) if studying in London
• £680 per month (up to 9 months) if studying outside London

Financial evidence can include recent bank statements, sponsor letters, or a combination of income and savings, provided they meet Appendix Finance evidential standards.

4. Application Forms and Supporting Evidence

All PBS dependent applications must be made online, whether from inside or outside the UK. Biometrics and supporting documents must also be provided. Evidence typically includes:

• Child’s passport or travel document
• Full birth certificate showing both parents’ names
• Proof of the parent’s visa or application status
• Evidence of financial maintenance or maintenance certification
• Consent letter or proof of sole responsibility if one parent is not applying

Each dependent must complete a separate online application, pay the relevant application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Those applying inside the UK must apply before their current leave expires to preserve lawful status.

5. Rights, Duration, and Settlement

The child’s leave is always granted in line with the main visa holder’s permission. If the parent’s visa expires, the child’s leave ends on the same date. To remain lawful, both the parent and child must apply to extend or switch before expiry. Children should be included in any extension or ILR application made by the parent to maintain continuous residence.

Children on PBS Dependant Visas can attend school and access NHS healthcare via the Immigration Health Surcharge. They are not restricted by work or study conditions while under 18. If a child turns 18 while in the UK as a dependant, further leave may be granted if they continue to form part of the same household and remain financially dependent on the parent.

Section C Summary: PBS Dependant Visas allow children of skilled workers, students, and other sponsored migrants to live in the UK. These routes require clear proof of relationship, dependency, and adequate financial resources, though certified maintenance may exempt applicants from providing bank evidence. The child’s status is directly tied to the parent’s visa, and settlement becomes available once the main applicant achieves ILR and the dependency continues.

Section D: Child Student Visa (Independent Route)

The Child Student Visa is a distinct route under the UK immigration system for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. Unlike the Family Visa or PBS Dependant routes, it is not linked to a parent’s visa status. Instead, it is based on sponsorship by a licensed independent school and proof of parental consent and financial capability.

This route falls under Appendix Child Student of the Immigration Rules and is intended solely for full-time education at a school licensed under the Child Student route of the Student Sponsor Register. It does not apply to state schools or academies.

1. When the Route Applies

The Child Student Visa applies when a child intends to study full time at a sponsor-licensed independent school in the UK. It is suitable for pupils attending boarding schools or living with a parent or guardian. It is not designed for children of parents on work or study visas, as those cases are covered by PBS Dependant routes.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Being aged between 4 and 17 years;
• Having an unconditional offer from an independent school licensed under the Child Student route;
• Holding parental or guardian consent to study and live in the UK;
• Providing evidence of funds to pay tuition and living costs for at least one academic year.

Children aged 16 or 17 may alternatively apply for a Student Visa if they wish to undertake higher-level study, but most school-age pupils use the Child Student route.

2. Sponsorship and Course Requirements

Every Child Student must be sponsored by a Home Office-licensed independent school. The school issues a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), confirming the offer of a place, course details, and the school’s willingness to take responsibility for the child’s welfare. Without a CAS, a visa application cannot proceed.

The CAS serves as official confirmation that the school meets all immigration sponsor obligations, including safeguarding and attendance monitoring. The course must be full-time and consistent with the child’s age and education level. Short courses or part-time attendance do not qualify under this route.

3. Financial Evidence

The applicant must show sufficient funds to cover both tuition and living costs. The amount depends on whether the child boards at school or lives with a parent or guardian:

• If living at the school: Funds must cover tuition and boarding fees for one academic year.
• If living with a parent or guardian: The parent must have valid immigration status (usually under the Parent of a Child Student Visa) and show funds to support both themselves and the child for the entire stay.

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application date. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, official financial sponsorship letters, or proof of trust or bursary funds.

4. Parental Arrangements and the Parent of a Child Student Visa

Parents of children under 12 studying in the UK may apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa to accompany them. This visa allows one parent to live in the UK to care for their child but does not permit work, study, or bringing other dependants. The parent must show accommodation and financial ability to support themselves and the child without public funds.

The parent’s permission will end when the child turns 12 or leaves school, and the parent will be required to depart or switch to another visa category if eligible.

5. Duration, Conditions of Stay, and Work Permissions

The Child Student Visa is normally granted for the length of the course plus four months, with overall maximum limits of up to six years for ages 4–15 and three years for ages 16–17. During this time, the child may live in boarding accommodation or with a parent or guardian.

Children aged 16–17 can take part-time work of up to 10 hours per week during term time and full time during holidays. They may also volunteer or take work placements as part of their course, provided this is approved by the sponsor school.

The Child Student route does not directly lead to settlement. However, older students can switch to the Student Visa for higher education, potentially leading to work routes such as the Graduate or Skilled Worker visas in the future.

Section D Summary: The Child Student Visa provides an independent route for children aged 4–17 to study full time at licensed independent schools in the UK. It requires sponsorship, financial proof, and parental consent, and includes clear limits on employment and duration. Parents of younger children can accompany them under a separate visa but cannot work, study, or bring dependants. This route does not lead to settlement but can act as a stepping stone to future study or work-based immigration categories.

FAQs

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

Yes. The Skilled Worker visa allows the main visa holder to bring dependent children to the UK, provided they meet the eligibility and financial maintenance requirements under Appendix Skilled Worker: Dependant. The child must be under 18 (or have been granted leave as a dependant before turning 18), unmarried, and financially supported by the parent. The child’s visa will expire on the same date as the parent’s visa.

Each dependent child must have a separate online application, pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, and submit supporting documents such as the child’s birth certificate and proof of financial maintenance. Where the sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), separate financial evidence is not required.

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

The financial requirements vary depending on the visa category:

• Family Visa (Appendix FM – Child route): The sponsoring parent must show income sufficient to maintain and accommodate the child without public funds. Where applicable, the Minimum Income Requirement is currently £29,000 (rising to £38,700 in 2025), with transitional protection allowing some families to continue relying on the previous £18,600 threshold. In certain cases, such as protection status or the parent route, the adequate maintenance test applies instead.
• PBS Dependant (Work/Study): For work visa holders, the current requirement is £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child, held for 28 consecutive days before the application. For Student dependants, the requirement is £845 per month (London) or £680 per month (outside London) for up to nine months.
• Child Student Visa: Funds must cover tuition fees and living costs for at least one academic year, or adequate funds if living with a parent or guardian.

Financial evidence can include payslips, bank statements, sponsor letters, or other permitted documents. Maintenance certified on a CoS removes the need for separate evidence for work visa dependants.

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

Yes, if the child was granted permission as a dependant before turning 18 and continues to live as part of the same household, they can extend their visa or apply for settlement as a dependent adult. They must continue to rely financially and emotionally on the parent.

If a child becomes independent — for example, by marrying, forming a civil partnership, or having children of their own — they will no longer qualify as a dependant and must apply under a different visa category such as a Skilled Worker or Graduate visa.

For Family Visa holders, a child can usually apply for ILR once they have completed five years’ continuous residence and remain dependent, particularly if the parent has already obtained ILR.

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 holds or is applying for a UK visa. It is tied to the parent’s immigration status — for example, a Family Visa under Appendix FM or a PBS Dependant visa under a Skilled Worker or Student route.

The Child Student Visa, on the other hand, is a standalone visa for children aged 4–17 to study at an independent sponsor-licensed school. It requires sponsorship from the school, not from a parent, and does not lead directly to settlement in the UK.

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

Fee waivers are available only for Family Visa applications under Appendix FM. The Home Office may grant a waiver if paying the visa fee would leave the family destitute, without adequate accommodation, or would harm a child’s welfare. Evidence such as income statements, rent arrears, eviction notices, or social services documentation must accompany the request.

Fee waivers are not available for PBS Dependant or Child Student Visa applications. In those cases, the full visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid.

Conclusion

The UK immigration framework provides several lawful routes for children to live, study, or join parents in the UK. Although often grouped under the term “child dependent visas”, the correct category depends on the parent’s status and the child’s purpose of stay. For families with a British, settled, or protection-status parent, the Family Visa (Child route) under Appendix FM offers the most direct progression to long-term residence, subject to either the Minimum Income Requirement or adequate maintenance rules. Children of sponsored workers and students fall under PBS Dependant provisions, with leave granted in line with the main applicant and financial maintenance governed by Appendix Finance. For education-led moves, the Child Student route enables schooling at licensed independent institutions, with sponsorship by the school and defined limits on work and duration.

Across all routes, success depends on precise evidence of relationship and responsibility, dependency, accommodation adequacy, and funds. Applicants should identify the correct route early, follow the evidential rules in the relevant Appendix, and maintain continuity of status through timely extensions. Where a parent secures ILR, a dependent child will typically be able to apply for ILR once residence and suitability criteria are met and dependency continues. Where affordability is an issue on the family route, fee waivers may be available to protect child welfare. Careful preparation and legally compliant documentation remain central to avoiding refusal and safeguarding future settlement options.

Conclusion Summary: Choose the route aligned to the parent’s status and the child’s purpose, meet the applicable financial and accommodation standards, and evidence dependency and responsibility comprehensively. Maintain lawful residence through extensions and align settlement planning with the parent’s ILR timeline.

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