Child family visas

A clear starting point

Prepare a child’s family application with the care, consent and evidence it needs. This page sets out the questions to consider before choosing an application and paying any charges.

Children applying to join or remain with a parent under the family rules. The correct approach depends on the exact permission, application location and immigration history involved. A similar-looking case may be subject to a different rule or transitional arrangement.

Who is this for?

Children applying to join or remain with a parent under the family rules.

General eligibility and requirements

Age, dependency, living arrangements and the immigration position of both parents need checking. Sole responsibility and serious family considerations require careful evidence where relevant.

Check the current official guidance for the intended submission date. If you have a previous refusal, an approaching expiry date or a change in circumstances, include that in your initial enquiry. These details may affect what is possible and how urgently you need advice.

Supporting documents

A useful evidence file addresses the specific requirements, with clear dates and consistent personal details. Depending on your circumstances, the following may be relevant:

• Full birth certificate
• parents’ status
• custody and consent records
• care arrangements
• dependency evidence
• accommodation and maintenance records

This is a preparation list, not an exhaustive submission checklist. Check required formats, relevant evidence periods and translation requirements. Keep an exact copy of the final application and evidence. See our document preparation guide for a practical way to organise your records.

The application process

1. Review both parents’ immigration positions and the child’s age, dependency and care arrangements. Identify the correct family provision before choosing the form.
2. Obtain the required consent and documentary family links. Where sole responsibility or serious family considerations are relevant, prepare evidence that addresses the actual care history.
3. Review accommodation, maintenance and safeguarding arrangements. Make sure the information in the child’s application is consistent with any accompanying or earlier parental application.

For appeals, protection and employer compliance matters, the relevant procedure may be a review, tribunal process or ongoing duty rather than a visa application. The official source below identifies the appropriate starting point.

Government fees & processing times

Professional fees are separate from government charges. Ask for a written quote confirming scope, any VAT, exclusions and additional costs. Our fees information explains what to clarify. Paying for a faster service does not guarantee approval or a decision by a particular date.

Common issues to consider

Missing consent, inconsistent parental information, unsupported claims of sole responsibility and confusing family-route rules with work-route dependant rules.

Where a record is missing or inconsistent, explain the issue honestly and establish which evidence can address it. Do not amend a document to make it appear to meet a requirement. For help preparing for a discussion, read our consultation preparation guide.

Frequently asked questions