If you are a British citizen or a settled resident in the UK, bringing your non-EU child to live with you is possible through the UK Child Visa. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know, from eligibility and application to required documents and costs. Whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK, this article will help you navigate the process.
What is the UK Child Visa?
The UK Child Visa is part of the family visa category, designed for children of British citizens or settled residents who wish to live with their parents in the UK for more than six months. This visa makes sure that families can reunite and live together under the same roof.
Eligibility Requirements
For Children Born in the UK
- Automatic Eligibility: Children born in the UK are usually granted the same immigration status as their parent.
- Forms to Use:
- FLR(M): If the parent is on a limited stay as a partner (2- or 5-year route).
- FLR(FP): If the parent has limited leave based on private life or other settlement routes.
For Children Born Outside the UK
To be eligible for a UK Child Visa, children born outside the UK must meet the following conditions:
- Age: Must be under 18 at the time of application and not living independently.
- Marital Status: Must not be married or in a civil partnership.
- Financial Support: Must be financially supported by the sponsoring parent without claiming public funds.
- Parental Status: At least one parent must be a British citizen, have indefinite leave to remain, or be applying for a partner or parent visa simultaneously.
- For Children Over 18: Must have previously been granted leave as a dependent while under 18 and continue to live with and depend on the sponsoring parent.
Also read How to Apply for UK Temporary Worker Visa (T5)?
Financial Requirements for the UK Child Visa
The UK government mandates that parents meet specific financial criteria to sponsor their children, ensuring that they can support them without relying on public funds.
Minimum Income Requirement
- Basic Income: The sponsoring parent must earn at least £18,600 per year.
- Additional Dependents:
- £3,800 per year for the first additional child.
- £2,400 per year for each subsequent child.
Accepted Sources of Income
- Salary from employment in the UK.
- Savings above £16,000.
- Pension funds.
- Non-employment income (e.g., rental property income, dividends).
Proof of Income
Applicants need to provide documentation such as:
- Bank statements.
- Six months of payslips.
- Letter from employer detailing job title, employment duration, and salary.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Online Application:
- Complete the VAF4A Appendix 1 form if applying from outside the UK.
- Apply online through the official UK government website.
- Biometric Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment to submit biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
- Document Submission:
- Submit all required documents online or at the visa application center as instructed.
Also read UK Student Visa (Tier 4): Cost and Application Process
Applying from Within the UK
- Application Options:
- Apply online or by post.
- Attend an in-person appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center for biometric submission.
- Document Upload:
- Upload documents online or have them scanned during your UKVCAS appointment.
Required Documents
Essential Documents
- Valid passport for the child, with at least one blank page.
- Previous passports, if applicable.
- Two passport-sized color photos that meet UK standards.
Supporting Evidence
- Birth certificate to confirm the parent-child relationship.
- Proof of parental responsibility, such as custody agreements or proof of joint living arrangements.
- Financial evidence (e.g., bank statements, payslips).
- Accommodation proof showing sufficient space for the child in the UK home.
Additional Information
- Full name and date of birth.
- Details of any prior immigration applications.
- Criminal record details, if any.
- Parental information, including date of birth and nationality.
- Tuberculosis test results, if required by the child’s country of residence.
Also read Who can apply for UK Global Talent Visa?
Note: All documents not in English or Welsh must be translated by a certified translator.
Cost of the UK Child Visa
Visa Fees
- Applying from outside the UK: £1,464.
- Applying online or by post within the UK: £993.
- Premium service in the UK: £1,583.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must be paid:
- £776 per dependent child for each year of stay.
Processing Time
Standard Processing Times
- Applications from outside the UK: Up to 12 weeks.
- Applications from within the UK: Up to 8 weeks.
Premium Services
- In-person applications: Decisions can often be made within one day.
Possible Delays
Processing may take longer due to:
- Failure to meet financial requirements.
- Incomplete documentation.
- Requirement for additional interviews.
- Criminal record checks.
Also read How to Sponsor your family in Canada?
FAQs
1. How long does it take to process a UK Child Visa?
The standard processing time is up to 12 weeks for applications made from outside the UK and 8 weeks for those made within the UK.
2. Are children required to meet the English language requirement?
No, children under 18 are exempt from the English language requirement.
3. Can a child work or study on a UK Child Visa?
Yes, children can study, and when they reach working age, they may also work in the UK.
4. What is the fee for applying as a dependent?
The fee for dependents is the same as the main applicant: £1,464 for applications outside the UK and £993 for applications within the UK.
5. Can the UK Child Visa be extended?
Yes, the visa can be extended before it expires, provided the applicant continues to meet all eligibility criteria.
By understanding the application process, financial requirements, and necessary documentation, parents can ensure a smoother application journey. Stay updated with the latest UK government guidelines and consider consulting with an immigration expert for personalized assistance.