What Is the UK Child Visa?
The UK Child visa is the immigration route for children under 18 who wish to join or remain with a parent or parents in the United Kingdom. It is governed by Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Requirements differ depending on whether the child is joining a parent who is a British citizen, a settled person, or a person on a temporary visa.
Who Can Apply Under Appendix FM?
Under Appendix FM, a child may apply to join or remain with a parent in the UK where that parent is a British citizen, holds ILR, or holds refugee or humanitarian protection status. Both parents must either be settled in the UK, or one parent must be settled and the other absent, without contact with the child, or there must be sole responsibility or other exceptional circumstances.
What Is 'Sole Responsibility'?
Where the child's UK-based parent does not have shared parental responsibility with the other parent abroad, the UK parent must demonstrate "sole responsibility" — that they have been primarily responsible for the child's upbringing, including important decisions about education, health, and welfare, even if the child has been living with the other parent abroad. Establishing sole responsibility is legally complex and requires careful legal advice and thorough documentary evidence.
Can a Child Join a Parent on a Work Visa as a Dependant?
Yes. Children under 18 may be included as dependants on most long-term work visa applications, including the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, and Global Talent visa. Dependant children have the right to live in the UK, study — including at state schools — and access NHS healthcare. They cannot work until they turn 18 unless they obtain separate permission.
Complex Parenting Situations
Child visa applications can be emotionally sensitive and legally complex — particularly where parental situations are complicated, where questions of sole responsibility arise, or where a child has been cared for by an extended family member. Our solicitors approach every child visa matter with compassion and precision, ensuring the application presents the clearest possible case for the child to be granted leave.