Navigating Your Journey: Your Expert Guide to the Dependent Visa for UK
- mgibson66
- Sep 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 3
This guide provides an in-depth understanding of the process for families seeking to reunite or travel in the UK.
My name is Marc Gibson, I'm a registered Immigration Adviser with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) since 2005. I have 20 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate complex UK immigration process. My mission at MYG LTD is to ensure that those who meet the visa application requirements can be reunited or travel with their families and build a new life in the UK.
Understanding the Dependent Visa for UK
A dependent visa for UK allows close family members of a main applicant to join or accompany them in the UK. The Dependent route has two categories Adult Dependents and Child Dependents this article focuses on the route specifically for children under 18 who are not married, in a civil partnership, or living an independent life. This application route is the main pathway for family travel or reunification, and getting the application right is essential. If you are already hold a United Kingdom tourist visa you'll need to consider exiting the UK first before applying or consider using an alternative category you could be eligible to apply through.
You'll need to demonstrate your relationship with the main applicant or sponsor, meet financial requirements, and provide evidence that the child will be adequately housed in the UK.
Route 1: Children Accompanying or Joining a Parent on a UK Visa
This route applies to children whose parent is either applying for a UK visa or already holds a valid visa that permits them to bring dependents with them. This typically applies to visas in the Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker (with some restrictions), Global Talent, or Student categories.
Eligibility: In most case's the child must be under 18 on the date of application and financially dependent on the parent.
Application Process: The child can apply at the same time as the parent or at a later date. They must complete a separate application form and pay the required fees.
Key Requirement: The parent's visa must explicitly allow for dependents. This is a critical point to check, as recent rule changes in July 2025 have restricted the ability of certain visa holders (such as those in jobs below RQF level 6 and most international students) to bring dependents.
Exceptions for Children Over 18
As a general rule of thumb, children applying for the first time must be under 18. However, exceptions can apply if a child is over 18 and has previously been granted permission to stay in the UK as a dependent when they were under 18 and are not living an independent life. In such cases, they can apply for an FLR extension to remain in the UK as a dependent, even if they have turned 18. This is a highly specific and limited exception, and it's essential to ensure all criteria are met to avoid complications.
Proving the Child’s Relationship and Financial Dependence
To apply, you will need to provide evidence of the child's relationship to the main applicant, such as a birth certificate showing the names of both parents. You must also prove that your child is financially dependent on you, even if they are over 16 years old.
For more information about all aspects of minor dependent applications visit our designated website page for dependents.
Route 2: Parent of a UK Child Visa
This route is for parents who need a visa to enter the UK to look after a child who is already living here the child can be a British national or foreign national. This is a highly specific route with a focus on parental responsibility and the child's welfare.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Child's Status: The child must be under 18, living in the UK, and either a British citizen, settled in the UK, or in the UK with pre-settled status.
Parental Responsibility: You must demonstrate that you have sole parental responsibility for the child. If you share parental responsibility with another parent, that parent must be a British or Irish citizen, or have settled status in the UK.
Active Role: You must be taking, and intend to continue to take, an active role in the child's upbringing.
Financial Requirements: You must be able to adequately maintain and accommodate yourself and your dependents in the UK without recourse to public funds. The financial threshold for this route has been set at £29,000 as of April 2024 (1st time applications).
Proving Sole or Shared Parental Responsibility
This is a critical element of the application. The UKVI requires you to demonstrate that you are a parent with either sole or shared parental responsibility for your child.
Sole Responsibility: This means you have had complete and ongoing control over your child's upbringing for a significant period, with tangible evidence of your active involvement.
Shared Parental Responsibility: If you share parental responsibility, you must show you have regular in-person access to your child, either by agreement or by a court order.
For a successful application, you need to provide confirmation in writing from third-party sources such as your child’s school, their GP, dentist, or other health care workers.
Serious and Compelling Circumstances
In rare cases where a child needs to join a relative (e.g., an aunt or uncle) who is not their parent, the circumstances must be exceptional. This is only considered when the child's care situation in their home country is impossible due to serious and compelling reasons, such as complex medical needs. The sponsor's personal circumstances (e.g., old age, illness) are not considered relevant.
Route 3: Dependent Children from Previous Relationships
This route is for a child whose parent is applying for a UK partner visa (as a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and the child is from a previous relationship. In this scenario, the child's other biological parent is not applying to come to the UK with them.
For this type of dependent visa for UK , the main applicant must show they have sole responsibility for the child's upbringing. This is a very specific and high-bar requirement. You will need to provide strong evidence that you are the primary decision-maker for the child's welfare and daily needs.
This is a complex area of immigration law where expert guidance is recommended. To understand the precise evidential requirements and how to build a strong case, please refer to my dedicated article:
The Path to Permanent Residence
Your journey to permanent residence starts with a successful application.
Visa Duration: When applying from outside the UK, you will typically receive a visa for up to 33 months. If you extend or switch into this category from within the UK through Further leave to Remain application, your visa will be valid for 30 months.
Progression to ILR: The earliest you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is after a continuous period of 60 months (5 years) of residence in the UK.
Citizenship: Once you receive your permanent residence card and depending on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for Naturalisation (British Citizenship) immediately.
Let's Get Your Application Started Together
Navigating this path requires informed decisions and expert guidance. By selecting the right Immigration Adviser in UK, you can ensure your application is submitted correctly the first time and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change regularly. I highly recommend you contact me directly for a free initial application assessment to clarify your eligibility and discuss your unique circumstances.
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