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The ability to sponsor a child’s visa to come to the UK depends on the parent’s own immigration status. If you are a British citizen, settled in the UK (holding Indefinite Leave to Remain or permanent residence), or have permission to stay under a family visa or humanitarian route, you may be eligible to bring your child.

Those living in the UK under skilled worker or student visas may also bring their children—but through the dependant visa route, not the family visa discussed here. This guide focuses specifically on family visas for dependent children under Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules.

Eligibility for a child to come to the UK on a family visa is not automatic, even if the parent is already lawfully resident. The Home Office outlines specific requirements that a child must meet to qualify:

• Age: The child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application.

• Marital status: The child must not be married, in a civil partnership, or have formed an independent family unit.

• Dependency: The child must not be living an independent life—they should be financially, emotionally, and practically reliant on their parent(s).

It’s worth noting that children who are over 18 may still qualify in some rare cases—for instance, if they were under 18 when their initial application was made and remain dependent. However, these are treated on a case-by-case basis and are not the norm.

Living an "independent life" in the UK context means the child does not live alone or support themselves financially, and remains under their parent’s care. If the child lives with the parent, attends school, and is supported in daily life, these are all markers of dependency.

Biological Children

For biological children, the application process is relatively straightforward provided you can demonstrate a genuine parental relationship, dependency, and the child’s eligibility. Birth certificates, school reports, and shared living arrangements can all help support the application.

Adopted Children

The UK treats adopted children with the same seriousness as biological ones, though with an added layer of documentation. You’ll need to show:

• Legal adoption that is recognised by the UK,

• That the adoption was not primarily for immigration purposes,

• That the child is fully dependent on you and meets the age and relationship criteria.

International adoptions can take time and often require assessments by UK authorities, particularly if the adoption occurred recently or in a country with different legal frameworks.

Stepchildren

Stepchildren present a more complex case. To bring a stepchild to the UK, the sponsoring parent must:

• Be married to or in a civil partnership with the child’s biological parent,

• Show that the child either lives with them or is wholly dependent,

• Demonstrate that they play a parental role in the child’s life.

Supporting this type of application may include letters from schools, proof of financial support, or photos and communication records that indicate a genuine parental bond.

In cases where only one parent is planning to relocate to—or remain in—the UK, the question of sole responsibility becomes pivotal. This isn't just about custody on paper; it's about demonstrating to the Home Office that you are the primary guiding force in your child's life.

Sole responsibility goes far beyond financial support. It refers to the totality of day-to-day decisions you make for your child: which school they attend, how medical care is handled, and how their routines and values are shaped. If the other parent remains abroad or is otherwise uninvolved, you must build a compelling, evidence-based case to show that the child’s well-being depends on you—not jointly on two caregivers.

Supporting documents might include school records naming you as the emergency contact, letters from teachers, or formal affidavits that confirm you manage the child’s upbringing singlehandedly. Immigration officers are trained to assess not only what’s written in legal documents but what’s implied by the lived reality of your parenting.

To bring a child to the UK under a family visa, you must demonstrate that you can financially support them without relying on public funds. These requirements are clearly set out under Appendix FM-SE of the UK Immigration Rules.

As of 2025, the minimum income threshold is:

• £29,000 per year for sponsoring a partner only,

• An additional £3,800 for the first child, and

• £2,400 for each additional child.

So, for example, if you are sponsoring a spouse and two children, your required annual income would be £35,200.

Income can be proven through employment, self-employment, pension, or specified savings. You must submit documents such as payslips, bank statements, and employer letters—following the strict formatting rules laid out in Appendix FM-SE.

👉 For full documentation rules, refer to the official Appendix FM-SE guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-fm-se

Preparation is key to a successful visa application. Each item submitted should confirm either your relationship, your legal and financial standing, or your suitability as a parent.

Here is a non-exhaustive list:

• Child’s valid passport or travel document,

• Full birth certificate or legal adoption certificate,

• Proof of relationship (photos, school records, correspondence),

• Evidence of sole responsibility (if applicable),

• Proof of suitable accommodation in the UK,

• Financial documents (payslips, P60s, bank statements),

• Sponsor’s UK immigration status (BRP, visa vignette, settled status).

If any document is not in English or Welsh, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Complete the online application via gov.uk/family-visa/child.

1. Pay the application fee:

   • £1,846 if applying from outside the UK,

   • £1,048 if applying from inside the UK.

2. Book a biometric appointment at a visa application centre.

3. Submit supporting documents either online or during your appointment.

4. Wait for a decision, which may take several weeks depending on volume and complexity.

Once approved, your child will receive a 30-day entry vignette in their passport. Upon arrival in the UK, they must collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the designated Post Office within ten days.

With their visa in place, your child can attend school, register with a GP, and live with you as a dependent. They will be expected to follow UK immigration rules and renew or switch visas as necessary.

In most cases, children can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after a certain number of years in the UK, typically alongside the parent.

It’s not uncommon for applications to be refused, but many of these decisions stem from avoidable oversights:

• Insufficient evidence of relationship, especially for stepchildren or adopted children.

• Failure to meet financial requirements, due to incomplete documents or underestimating the threshold.

• Weak sole responsibility claims, with vague or unconvincing supporting material.

• Outdated or missing paperwork, particularly where translations or certified copies are required.

A well-prepared application not only increases the chances of approval but also reduces emotional stress for the entire family.

The process of bringing a child to the UK on a family visa can be intricate, but it is navigable with the right preparation. By understanding the Home Office’s expectations, gathering robust evidence, and presenting a clear case, you give your family the best chance at being reunited in a stable and supportive environment.

For official and up-to-date guidance, always refer to the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/family-visa/child

And if you're preparing a larger move, this may just be the first step in your new life together.