UK family visas
UK child visa: a child joining a parent in the UK
A child can join a parent who lives in the UK on a family visa. The conditions depend on the parent's own status and on whether the child was born in or outside the UK.
- Child's age
- Under 18 at application
- Decision from India
- Usually about 12 weeks
- Living arrangement
- With the parent
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- A child of a parent who has a UK family visa or lives in the UK
- A child born outside the UK whose parent is applying as a partner or has sole responsibility
- A child whose parent has protection status
The basics
What the UK looks for
- The child is under 18, unmarried and not in a civil partnership
- The child lives with the parent, unless in full-time education away from home
- For a child born abroad, one of the listed links applies, such as joining both parents or sole parental responsibility
- If applying separately, proof of the parent's income
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. GOV.UK: Apply as a child
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- Check first whether the child may not need a visa at all, for example if a parent is already settled
- Sole responsibility needs real evidence
- A child who turns 18 during the process is treated differently
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
A consultation tells you where you stand, and what to do first.
Book a consultationFAQs
Child visa questions
Can a child apply on their own?
Yes, a child can apply separately from the parent, with proof of the parent's income. It is often simpler to apply together.
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