Insight
Child Dependant Visa UK: Requirements & Practical Guide
Jenny Han
|
19 Jan 2026
Bringing your children to the UK is a significant step, but the rules governing dependent child have become more tightly regulated in recent years. Whether you are in the UK on a work route such as Skilled Worker or Scale-Up, or on a study route, understanding how dependency, financial maintenance, and future settlement interact is essential to avoid refusal.
It is important to note that there is no visa category formally called a “child dependant visa”. This term is commonly used as a general reference to describe applications made by children as dependants under a main visa route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, Student visa, or family visas under Appendix FM.
This guide explains how dependent child applications operate in the UK in 2026, outlines the current requirements, and highlights key policy developments that families should consider when planning their applications.
Key Points
Who qualifies: Children under 18, or over 18 only if already dependants and not living an independent life
Financial maintenance: Minimum funds apply unless the main applicant qualifies for exemption
English language: Children under 18 are generally exempt; adult dependants may need to meet language requirements at extension or settlement stage
Digital status: Dependant visas are issued as eVisas rather than physical BRPs
Settlement outlook: Time as a dependant may count towards settlement, subject to evolving policy frameworks
1. What Is the Child Dependant Visa?
The Child Dependant Visa allows a child to join or remain in the UK with a parent who holds a valid visa under an eligible route. The child’s immigration status is directly linked to that of the parent, often referred to as the main applicant.
This is not a standalone visa category. Eligibility and duration depend entirely on the parent’s visa type and length of permission.
2. Who Is Classed as a Dependant Child?
To qualify as a dependant, a child must meet age, relationship, and dependency criteria.
Age Requirement
Under 18 at the date of application, or
Over 18 only if they already hold dependant status and continue to meet dependency requirements
Relationship Requirement
The child must be the son or daughter of a parent who either already has permission to live in the UK, is applying at the same time, or is settled or a British citizen. In cases where the parent is settled or British, the child must previously have had permission to stay in the UK as that parent’s dependant, or have been born after the parent’s last visa was granted and before the parent became settled.
Please note that new restrictions apply to dependent children of main applicants applying under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), as well as to Care Workers and Senior Care Workers. Further details are set out in our separate article on this topic.
You must prove the parental relationship through:
A full birth certificate, or
Legal adoption documents
In most cases, both parents must either be applying at the same time as the child or already have permission to live in the UK (other than as a Visitor).
This requirement does not apply where one parent is the sole surviving parent, has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing, or where the other parent is a British citizen or a person who has an unrestricted right to enter or remain in the UK and lives, or intends to live, in the UK.
Applications based on sole responsibility are often complex. The Home Office will expect strong supporting evidence to demonstrate this, which may include court orders, medical records, school records, or other official documentation.
Dependency Requirement
The child must not:
Be married or in a civil partnership
Be living an independent life
For children aged 16 or 17, the Home Office requires evidence to confirm that they are not living an independent life.
The child must provide two documents from the Home Office’s list of accepted evidence to confirm their address. In addition, the parents must submit bank statements to show that they continue to provide financial support for the child.
3. Financial Requirements for Child Dependants (2026)
Financial requirements depend on the parent’s visa route and whether the family qualifies for exemption.
Parent’s Visa Route | Amount Required (per child) | Key Condition |
Skilled Worker / Scale-Up | £315 (first child) / £200 (additional) | Funds held for 28 days |
Student (Postgraduate) | £845 per month ( for courses in London) / £680 ( for courses outside London) | Up to 9 months |
Health & Care Worker | Reduced cost route | Maintenance still assessed |
Practical notes:
If the parent has been lawfully present in the UK for at least 12 months, the child is often exempt from showing maintenance funds.
For applicants applying under the Skilled Worker route, including the Health and Care Worker visa, the maintenance requirement can be met if the employer certifies maintenance for the main applicant on the COS.
4. English Language Requirements: What Applies in Practice
Children under 18 are generally exempt from English language testing when applying for a dependant visa.
However, where a dependant child:
Turns 18, and
Applies to extend their stay or later apply for settlement
English language requirements may apply at that stage, depending on the rules in force at the time of application. Sponsors and families should plan ahead, particularly for older children approaching adulthood.
Still have questions?
5. Processing Times and Digital Status
How long does a Child Dependant Visa take?
Short answer: Processing times can vary.
In most cases, applications for children are decided within the standard Home Office processing times that apply to the main applicant’s visa. However, delays can occur if the Home Office requests additional information or documents. Priority and super priority services may be available, depending on the application route and location.
Digital immigration status
Child dependants are now issued digital immigration status (eVisa) rather than physical Biometric Residence Permits. Parents should ensure the child’s UKVI account details remain accessible and accurate.
6. Settlement and Long-Term Planning
Time spent in the UK as a child dependant may count towards settlement, provided all requirements are met and the parent remains eligible.
Public consultations have discussed reforms to settlement frameworks, including longer qualifying periods in some circumstances. While no single model applies to all families, it is increasingly important to plan settlement early—particularly for children who may turn 18 during the family’s stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child work on a dependant visa?
Short answer: Yes.
Children over 16 can usually work, except as a professional sportsperson or coach. Please note that child applicants must not be leading an independent life. Where a child is working, additional evidence will be required to demonstrate that they remain financially and socially dependent on their parent(s).
What happens if my child turns 18 in the UK?
They may continue to extend their stay as a dependant, provided they were under 18 when they first entered the route and do not live an independent life.
Do I need a TB test for my child?
Yes. A TB test is required if your child is applying from outside the UK, is coming from a country listed by the Home Office for TB screening, and will be staying in the UK for more than six months.
Expert Commentary
Dependant child applications frequently fail not due to a lack of eligibility, but because the evidence provided does not adequately demonstrate dependency or sole responsibility. In practice, thorough preparation of family, financial, and living-arrangement evidence is essential, particularly where the child is aged 16 or over.
Forward planning is also crucial for children approaching adulthood, as immigration requirements can change significantly at that stage. An early legal review can help minimise the risk of complications or disruption later on.
Final Thoughts
Dependant child applications continue to play an important role for families building long-term lives in the UK. As Home Office scrutiny around dependency, financial evidence, and settlement planning increases, careful preparation is more important than ever.
Keeping clear records, understanding how the rules can change as children grow older, and planning extensions well in advance can significantly reduce the risk of delays or refusal.
Next step:
If you are unsure whether you meet the dependency or sole responsibility requirements, or if your child is approaching the age of 18, obtaining legal advice before applying can help identify potential issues early and ensure your application is properly prepared.
Disclaimer
The information provided in these articles is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently and individual circumstances vary, so you should always seek tailored advice from a qualified immigration lawyer before making any decisions. If you require professional support, our team would be pleased to assist you.
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