UK Child Visa
Bring your children to live with you in the United Kingdom
What is the UK Child Visa?
The UK Child Visa is a family reunion visa category that enables British citizens and settled residents of the United Kingdom to sponsor their dependent children from overseas. This visa route recognizes the importance of maintaining family unity and allows children to join their parents living in the UK.
The visa is available for children of non-British nationality who do not hold EEA citizenship. Eligibility and specific requirements differ depending on whether the child was born within the UK or overseas. The visa provides dependent children with secure status and the ability to remain with their parent while accessing education and other family services in the UK.
Quick Facts
- •Minimum income requirement: £18,600 per year
- •Initial visa duration: 2 years and 6 months
- •Child must be under 18 years old
- •Processing time: 3-12 weeks typically
Two Visa Pathways
Children Born in the UK
Children who were born within the United Kingdom automatically receive the same immigration status as their parent. The process and requirements differ depending on the parent's specific visa category and settlement status.
If the parent is settling in 2-5 years, apply using form FLR(M). For 10-year settlement routes, use form FLR(FP).
Children Born Outside the UK
For children born outside the UK, sponsorship requirements are more stringent and must meet specific eligibility criteria based on age, family circumstances, and parental status.
Children under 18 must meet dependency requirements. Over 18, children must have previously held valid family visas and remain dependent.
Eligibility Requirements
Under 18 Years Old
- ✓Must be unmarried (not in a registered marriage or civil partnership)
- ✓Must not be living an independent life outside parent's care
- ✓Must be dependent financially on the UK-based parent
- ✓Must have at least one parent applying as sponsor living in UK
- ✓If both parents alive, usually one must be applying and other supporting
Over 18 Years Old
- ✓Must have previously held valid family visa (while under 18)
- ✓Must still be dependent on parents (not living independently)
- ✓Must continue to receive financial support from parent
- ✓Parent must still be settled or have valid visa status
- ✓Must apply for extension before existing visa expires
Financial Requirements
Income Thresholds
The sponsoring UK parent must demonstrate sufficient household income of at least £18,600 per year for themselves plus:
- • First child dependent: Add £3,800 annually
- • Each additional child: Add £2,400 annually
- • Each dependent adult: Add £3,800 annually
Income Sources
- ✓ Employment salary
- ✓ Self-employment (with tax returns)
- ✓ Savings above £16,000
- ✓ Pension income
- ✓ Investment returns
- ✓ Rental income
Supporting Financial Documentation
Employment Evidence
- • 6 months of payslips
- • Employment letter with job title and salary
- • P60 tax documents
Bank and Savings
- • 6 months of bank statements
- • Savings account statements
- • Investment account documentation
English Language Requirements
Language Requirements by Age
Children are exempt from English language requirements. Adult applicants (aged 18+) applying as dependent children must meet the CEFR A1 level requirement if they are not from exempt countries.
Proof Methods (if required)
- 1.Approved English language test (SELT) with A1 minimum in speaking and listening
- 2.Bachelor's degree or higher taught/examined in English and recognized by UK NARIC
Exempt Countries
Applicants from English-speaking countries are exempt: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and others.
Application Process
Gather Required Documents
Collect child's passport, birth certificate, parent's documents, proof of relationship, financial documentation from sponsor, proof of residence, and any previous visa documentation
Complete Application Form
Complete the appropriate application form online (VAF4A Appendix 1 for overseas birth or FLR(M)/FLR(FP) for UK-born children) on the UKVI website
Upload All Documents
Securely upload all supporting documents through the application portal, ensuring each is clearly labeled and in correct format
Pay Applicable Fees
Submit payment for visa fees (£1,464 outside UK, £993-£1,583 inside UK) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year for dependent child)
Provide Biometric Information
Attend appointment at visa application center to provide child's fingerprints and photograph. For UK applications, you will receive notification of this requirement
Await Decision
Immigration authorities will assess your application and provide a decision. Standard processing takes 3-12 weeks depending on application location and case complexity
Fees and Processing Times
Visa Fee Options
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year per child
Processing Timeline
Outside UK Applications
Standard processing: Up to 12 weeks
Inside UK (Online/Post)
Standard processing: Up to 8 weeks
Premium Service
Decision within 1 business day
Note: Complex cases or missing documents may require extended processing.
Visa Duration and Renewal
Initial Validity
Child visas are issued with a validity period of 2 years and 6 months. A biometric residence permit will be provided as proof of immigration status.
Extensions
Extensions can be applied for 28 days before the current visa expires. Parent must continue to meet income requirements and child must remain dependent.
Settlement Rights
After 10 years of continuous residence on child visas, applicants may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
Key Takeaways
Dependency Requirement
The child must demonstrate clear financial dependency on the UK-based parent. This includes receiving financial support for living costs, education, and other expenses.
Age Deadline
Children must apply before reaching 18 years old, unless they previously held valid family visas and remain dependent on parents.
Sponsor Financial Stability
The UK-based parent must demonstrate sustained £18,600+ annual income. Multiple children increase this requirement by £2,400-£3,800 per child.
Document Organization
Thorough organization and clear presentation of all documents significantly improves approval chances. Include photographs and communications proving family relationships.