This guide is maintained as a current resource for July 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Comprehensive guide to immigration applications for children and dependants in the UK. Learn who qualifies, legal requirements, documentation, application processes, route‑specific criteria, practical steps, and key considerations for families joining or staying together under UK immigration law.
Immigration applications for children and dependants are a vital part of the United Kingdom's immigration framework. These applications allow family members to join or remain with a main applicant in the UK under various visa routes. Understanding the legal requirements, eligibility criteria, processes, documentation and timelines is essential for families navigating the immigration system. This article explains these elements clearly and practically for members of the public, students of law, and solicitors alike.
Who Is a Dependant?
A dependant is generally defined as:
- Children under the age of 18 on the date of application; and
- In some cases, children aged 18 or over who are already in the UK with valid dependant status.
The definition also applies to a partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner in a durable relationship), but this article focuses on children and other dependants joining or staying with a main applicant.
Legal Framework and Sources
The main legal framework for dependant applications is:
- The Immigration Rules, including Appendix Children; and
- Specific Home Office guidance for each visa route.
Appendix Children sets out particular requirements for applications by or on behalf of children, including parental consent and evidence of care arrangements.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Age and Relationship
- Children must generally be under 18 at the date of application to be treated as a dependant under most visa routes.
- Children already in the UK as a dependant before turning 18 may retain dependant status into adulthood under certain conditions.
Parental Consent and Care Arrangements
For children not applying as a dependant, written consent must be provided by:
- Both parents, or
- One parent with sole responsibility, or
- A legal guardian.
The consent must cover the application, living arrangements, and care in the UK.
For student and worker routes, the Home Office also requires demonstrable arrangements for the child's care in the UK. This means showing that there are suitable plans for a child's accommodation and day-to-day needs if both parents are not applying at the same time.
Lawful Presence of Parents
When a child applies as a dependant to join a parent already in the UK:
- Both parents must usually be lawfully present in the UK, or
- One parent must be lawfully present while the other applies at the same time, unless the child's other parent is deceased, has no involvement, or there are compelling family reasons with suitable care arrangements.
Routes for Children and Dependants
Children and dependants may apply under several visa categories. Requirements vary by route.
Skilled Worker Route
Under the Skilled Worker visa, eligible dependants can apply to join or remain with the main applicant. Eligible dependants normally include:
- Children under 18; and
- Some children over 18 already present as dependants.
From 22 July 2025, changes to the Skilled Worker route mean that in many cases main applicants may be restricted from bringing new dependants, depending on occupation category and visa dates, so it is essential to check route‑specific guidance at the time of application.
Student Route
Students on certain visa routes may bring dependants to the UK. Only a partner and children qualify as dependants.
The University sector guidance notes that children must be under 18 on the date of application, and care arrangements must be evidenced if both parents are not applying together.
UK Ancestry and Other Routes
Where applicable, routes such as the UK Ancestry visa also allow partners and children to apply as dependants, with relationship evidence and eligibility criteria set out in route guidance.
Practical Requirements
Documentation
When submitting an application for a child or dependent, you will typically need:
- Valid passports and identity documents for the child;
- Birth or adoption certificates linking the child to the parent(s);
- Evidence of relationship (e.g., family contact, custody arrangements);
- Proof of living arrangements and care; and
- Payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge where required.
For some routes, financial requirements may also apply; for example, a main applicant on a work visa may need to show minimum funds for dependent children (e.g. £315 for the first dependant child and £200 for additional children in some cases).
Application Process
Applications for children and dependants are usually completed online via the Home Office portal. Each dependant must complete a separate application even if connected to the main applicant's application.
When applying from outside the UK, the dependant will need a Global Web Form (GWF) number and must submit biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre as required.
Timelines and Decisions
Processing times vary by route, service level, and whether a priority service is used. Decisions can take several weeks, and priority services may expedite the process.
Settlement and Long‑Term Status
Children and dependants may eventually qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if they meet the residence and eligibility requirements of their route. The pathway and time required depend on the route and the immigration status of the main applicant. In some cases, dependants may not be eligible for ILR until the main applicant qualifies for ILR. Current proposals affecting settlement timelines and eligibility for dependants are under review and may change in 2026.
Common Issues and Considerations
Refusal and Appeal Rights
If an application is refused, the refusal notice will state whether there is a right of appeal or whether challenges must be made by administrative review or judicial review, depending on the route and the grounds of refusal.
Changes to Rules
Immigration rules are subject to frequent change. For example, recent digitisation means successful dependant visas are now issued as electronic visas (e‑visas) instead of physical stickers in passports from late 2025.
Professional Support
Immigration law is complex; many applicants seek assistance from solicitors or regulated immigration advisers to help with documentation, evidence preparation and appeals where necessary.
Key Takeaways
Applications for children and dependants allow families to join or remain in the UK under various visa routes. Eligibility depends on age, relationship, care arrangements, and the specific requirements of the immigration route. Applicants must provide identity, relationship and supporting documentation, meet financial and other conditions, and understand route‑specific rules such as lawful presence of parents and parental consent. Clear knowledge of these factors and careful preparation can improve the likelihood of a successful application.
