Child Visa UK
If you are a child and you want to join or stay with a parent or family member in the UK, you may be eligible to enter and remain in the UK.
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Questions about your Child Visa UK?
How to Apply for a Child Visa
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Eligibility Check
Ensure that the Child meets the eligibility requirements, including relationship and dependency on a British / Irish citizen, someone with settled or asylum / humanitarian protection status.
You must show adequate finances and UK accommodation. If you're uncertain, QC Immigration can clarify and ensure you're on the right track with the most suitable application for the child’s circumstances.
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Prepare Documentation
Prepare the necessary package of documents to support your application, such as:
- Identification
- Proof of relationship and dependency
- Financial evidence
- Proof of accommodation
- TB medical certificate where relevant and other required documents.
Ensure these documents comply with any format and date requirements.
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Complete the Online Application Form
Complete the online application form accurately at the Home Office website. The form you need to use differs for applications filed within the UK and outside the country.
Provide all required personal details, relationship information, and financial details. Be ready to pay the government fees and upload requested documents.
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Pay the Relevant Fees
Pay the application fee (£1,321 from within the UK or £1,938 from outside the UK) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is £776 per year.
The IHS is a mandatory advance payment for covering healthcare costs while residing in the UK.
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Submit Biometric Data
Make an appointment at UKVCAS or a local visa application centre to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs), accompanied by a qualifying adult.
Alternatively, you may be given the option to upload the biometric information via the ID verification app. This step is essential for processing your Child Visa application.
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Submit Supporting Documents
Upload the necessary documents either online or at a visa application centre. Verify the document submission procedures for your country, as they may vary.
Ensure all documents are accurately presented and complete, as missing information can lead to a Child Visa refusal.
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Await Decision
Wait for the Home Office to process the application via the Standard or Priority service. You can track the progress of your application online. Processing times may vary, so be prepared for a waiting period.
The parties related to the application may be asked to provide further information or invited for an interview to assess the application further. Be prepared for this possibility and ensure all your documentation and information are accurate and complete.
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Receive Your Visa Decision
If your application is successful, you will receive the child’s new grant of leave to live in the UK and activate the Child Visa. This visa allows the Child to join the parent or family member in the UK, opening a path to settle in the UK.
Who may qualify for a child visa?
You’ll need a ‘family of a settled person’ visa if you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and you want to join, for 6 months or more, a family member who is living in the UK or returning to the UK permanently.
You will be making an Entry Clearance application if you are living outside the UK, or a Leave to Remain application if you are living in the UK
*A decision should be made within 8 weeks if you apply online or by post/ on the same day if you use the premium service
- You must be under 18
- you’ll be living with your parent or parents
- you’re not married, in a civil partnership or living an independent life
- you’ll be supported and accommodated adequately without using public funds, or you meet the financial requirement
Your family member can either:
- be a British citizen
- have settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or EEA Permanent Residence Card)
- have asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK
You can:
- work
- study
- bring some family members
You can’t:
- get public funds for yourself and any dependants.
- get benefits
Extend your stay: You may be able to apply to extend your visa or settle in the UK permanently.
Eligibility for a child visa:
Your parent or family member must have one of the following:
- British citizenship
- settlement in the UK
- asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK
Please contact us if you would like to discuss how we can help with this application.
Common questions
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Begin your Child Visa UK with a regulated specialist
Map your route and pressure-test your evidence in a focused consultation with an IAA-regulated lawyer — then have your whole application owned by one specialist, from first reply to decision.
Tell us what you need help with
A regulated adviser reviews your situation and comes back with an honest next step within one working day.
- An IAA-regulated UK immigration adviser reviews your case.
- A personal reply with your next step, within one working day.
- No payment required. Fixed fees if you proceed.
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