UK Child Dependent Visa Solicitors

A child dependant visa allows a child to join or stay with their parents in the UK. These cases are often very complex with strict evidential requirements which vary depending on individual circumstances, highlighting the importance of receiving specialist legal advice.

At BHD Solicitors, our specialist immigration team can advise you on the most suitable child dependant routes to apply under, taking into account your personal circumstances, and support you with every aspect of the application process.

Our child dependant visa solicitors provide tailored guidance on child visa requirements, options, and the steps you need to take. Our child dependant visa solicitors will ensure that all documentation is completed to the highest degree of accuracy, with no room for errors or unnecessary delays.

With over 30 years of experience in handling child visa applications, we have established ourselves as one of the UK’s leading firms of immigration solicitors. We put the needs of our clients first and work tirelessly to give them the best chance of achieving a fair outcome.

We are recognised immigration experts, having been awarded the following Law Society Accreditations in recognition of our skills:

• The Immigration and Asylum Law Accreditation
• The Immigration Law Advanced Accreditation

We have also been highly ranked as one of the top firms in the South East by the prestigious client guide, the Legal 500.

Your experience with us is just as important as the results we achieve. We ensure that we are always available during office hours to pick up the phone or answer your emails. No concern is too small or insignificant. If you have a question about your case or the visa application process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Contact our child dependant visa solicitors in London

For expert advice about child dependant visas, arrange a free telephone consultation with one of our solicitors by calling our London or Croydon offices today on 0208 681 5128.

What is a child dependant visa?

A UK child dependant visa allows a child (anyone under the age of 18) to join or remain in the UK with a parent who holds a valid UK visa or has settled or pre-settled status. The visa enables the child to live, study, and, in some cases, work in the UK for the duration of the parent’s visa.

Our expertise with child dependant visas

Every individual is unique, so we tailor our advice to meet our clients’ specific needs. We understand how confusing, stressful, and emotionally draining going through immigration processes can be, so as well as providing the legal advice you need, we are here to provide emotional support and ensure that you understand exactly what is going on at all stages of the process.

Specialist advice on UK child dependant visas

Our team have extensive experience advising families on UK child dependant visa applications across a wide range of immigration routes.

We understand that applications involving children are often emotionally sensitive and legally complex, particularly where family circumstances are not straightforward. When you work with our team, you will benefit from receiving clear, practical advice at every stage, ensuring applications are prepared accurately and in line with Home Office requirements.

Detailed assessment of child dependant visa eligibility

Every child dependant visa application is assessed on its individual facts. We carefully review the immigration status of the sponsoring parent, the child’s age, dependency, living arrangements and family circumstances to confirm eligibility before an application proceeds any further.

Where potential issues exist, such as age thresholds or previous refusals, we will be upfront about your options and advise on the most appropriate strategy moving forward.

Evidence preparation and document review

Successful child dependant visa applications rely heavily on strong supporting evidence. We assist clients in identifying, preparing and organising the correct documentation to demonstrate the parent-child relationship, financial dependency, accommodation arrangements and compliance with the Immigration Rules.

Our solicitors for UK child dependant visas will ensure that evidence is clearly presented and fully supports the legal requirements of the application.

Ongoing Support and Long-Term Immigration Planning

Our specialist child dependant visa solicitors don’t just support with the application process. We support families with long-term immigration planning. This includes advising on visa extensions, settlement routes, and ensuring children remain compliant with UK immigration law as family circumstances evolve.

Frequently asked questions about child dependant visas

Who can apply for a child dependant visa?

Parents will typically make an application on behalf of their child (under 18 years of age). An application for a child dependant visa can be made if someone is the biological child, adopted child, or a child born in the UK to a parent who holds a qualifying UK visa or immigration status. The sponsoring parent must have permission to bring dependants to the UK under their visa category.

What is the maximum age limit for a child to qualify for a UK dependant visa?

Generally, a child must be under the age of 18 at the date of application. However, children over 18 may qualify if they were granted their first dependant visa as a minor (under 18) and continue to meet dependency requirements.

What is the financial requirement that the sponsoring parent in the UK must meet?

The sponsoring parent must show they can adequately maintain and accommodate the child in the UK without relying on public funds. The specific financial threshold depends on the parent’s visa category and household circumstances.

Do I need to prove sole responsibility for my child if I am divorced or separated from the other parent?

In some cases, yes. If the child is not travelling with both parents, the Home Office may require evidence that the sponsoring parent has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing, or that appropriate consent has been provided by the other parent. Each case is assessed on its individual facts.

Can a child apply for a dependant visa if the sponsoring parent is on a skilled worker, student, or partner visa?

Yes, children can apply as dependants of parents holding skilled worker, student, global business mobility or partner visas, provided the visa route permits dependants and all eligibility requirements are met.

What are the requirements for a child who is over 18 but still financially dependent?

Children over 18 must show that they continue to live with their parents (unless studying away from home) and remain financially dependent. Evidence may include proof of shared accommodation, financial support, education records and dependency history.

What specific documents are required to prove the parent-child relationship for the visa application?

Common documents that will be required to prove the parent-child relationship for child dependant visa applications include the child’s birth certificate, adoption certificate (if applicable), passports, parental consent letters, court orders (if relevant), and evidence of ongoing parental involvement and dependency.

How long does the processing time typically take for a UK child dependant visa application from outside the UK?

Processing times vary depending on the country of application, but most applications made outside the UK are decided within several weeks. Priority services may be available in some locations.

How long does a UK child dependant visa process take?

Applications made within the UK are typically processed within 8 weeks, although processing times can vary depending on case complexity and whether additional information is requested by the Home Office.

How much does a UK child dependant visa cost?

Fees for UK child dependant visas will vary depending on various factors, including whether the application is made inside or outside the UK and the length of the visa. The cost includes the Home Office application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Our team can provide up-to-date fee guidance before an application is submitted.

Contact our child dependant visa solicitors in London

For expert advice about child dependant visas, arrange a free telephone consultation with one of our solicitors by calling our London or Croydon offices today on 0208 681 5128.