Child Visa — United Kingdom

The UK child visa allows a child to join a parent who has permission to live in the UK. Eligibility depends on the child’s age, place of birth, and the parent’s immigration status under UKVI.

What the visa covers

The UK child visa falls under the Family Visa category. It’s for children who want to join a parent already living in the UK.

It covers children:

• Born outside the UK who want to join a parent living in the UK
• Born in the UK to a parent with limited leave to remain
• Under 18 and dependent on a parent with valid immigration permission

If a child is born in the UK, they receive the same permission to stay as their parent. The child must live with that parent unless in full-time education.

You must apply under the correct route. Sometimes this connects to a parent’s:

• Spouse or Partner Visa
• Parent Visa
• Other Family Visa categories

This visa isn’t the same as a Child Student Visa or an Adult Dependent Relative Visa. Those serve different purposes.

UKVI decides the application. UK Border Force assesses entry at the UK border.

Who it's for

This visa is for children who want to live in the UK with a parent who has permission to stay.

Eligibility depends on:

• The child’s age
• Whether the child was born inside or outside the UK
• The parent’s immigration status
• The visa category under which the parent applied

If you’re under 18, check your parent’s current immigration permission. If they have limited leave to remain, you typically apply to join or remain with them.

For children born outside the UK, the application links directly to the parent’s visa route. The form may include Form VAF4A Appendix 1 and, in some cases, Form SU07, depending on how the parent applied.

You must apply before travelling to the UK. UKVI must approve your application first.

Before you apply

Confirm whether a visa is required. If one parent holds indefinite leave to remain, a child may not need this visa.

Steps before applying:

1. Confirm your parent’s immigration status.

2. Identify the correct visa category under the Family Visa route.

3. Check if your case relates to a Spouse or Partner Visa or Parent Visa.

4. Complete the correct application form, such as VAF4A Appendix 1 if required.

5. Apply and receive approval before travelling.

Eligibility also depends on:

• Where you’re applying from
• Why you want to come to the UK
• How long you plan to stay
• Your personal circumstances

UKVI handles all application decisions.

Guidance is important when your family structure, immigration history, or paperwork doesn’t fit a standard UKVI application. Mistakes in financial evidence, forms, or visa categories can lead to refusals or returned applications.

Complex family situations

Help is needed if your case involves more than a straightforward Family Visa application. This includes situations where your parent holds settled status but hasn’t confirmed whether a family visa route applies to you.

If your parent can’t add you to their application and you’re already in the UK, you may need to consider a Private Life in the UK application instead. Both you and your parent must apply from inside the UK in that situation.

Seek advice if your case overlaps with other visa routes, such as:

• Spouse or Partner Visa
• Parent Visa
• Adult Dependent Relative Visa
• Child Student Visa

Each route uses different forms and evidence. For example, some Family Visa applications require Form VAF4A Appendix 1, while other categories may require different supporting documents. Using the wrong form, such as submitting Form SU07 when it doesn’t apply, can delay or invalidate your case.

If your child’s status depends on a parent’s financial or immigration position, professional review reduces the risk of refusal.

Common application pitfalls

Many refusals result from missing or incorrect documents.

You must provide clear proof that your parent meets the financial requirement. Failing to include complete financial evidence is a common reason UKVI refuses child visa applications.

Other frequent problems:

• Applying separately without submitting the required financial documents.
• Not checking whether you should apply under a Family Visa route when your parent has settled status.
• Leaving mandatory fields blank.
• Failing to sign and date the form.

An unsigned application form will be returned.

Use this checklist before submission:

A child visa application does not guarantee approval. Accuracy and complete documentation matter.

When to consult a professional

Consult a professional if UKVI has previously refused an application for you or your parent. A prior refusal increases the risk of another refusal if you repeat the same errors.

You should also seek help if:

• Your parent’s financial documents are complex or incomplete.
• You’re unsure whether to apply under a Family Visa or another route.
• You believe you may qualify for Private Life in the UK but aren’t certain about eligibility.
• You’re combining applications with a parent under a Spouse or Partner Visa or Parent Visa.

A professional can review your forms, confirm you used the correct category, and ensure all required documents are included before submission to UKVI. This reduces the risk of delay, return, or refusal based on avoidable technical mistakes.

You must file the correct application with UKVI and select the form that matches your parent’s immigration status. Where you apply from and which form you use will determine how UKVI processes your case.

Filing with UKVI

You submit your child visa application directly to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). UKVI receives, processes, and decides your application.

Start by identifying the immigration category your parent holds. Your application must align with that status, such as:

• Family Visa
• Spouse or Partner Visa
• Parent Visa
• Adult Dependent Relative Visa
• Child Student Visa

Using the wrong category can delay your case or lead to refusal.

Certain applications require specific forms, such as:

• Form VAF4A Appendix 1
• Form SU07

Confirm which form applies to your situation before you submit anything.

Applying from inside the UK

If you’re already in the UK, you must apply online. UKVI does not accept paper applications for in-country child visa submissions.

You complete the online form that corresponds to your parent’s immigration route. The system will guide you to the correct version once you confirm your circumstances.

Before you begin, prepare:

• Your parent’s current visa status details
• The correct application category
• The required form (such as SU07, if applicable)

Applying online ensures UKVI receives your information directly through its official system.

Choosing the correct form

Your application form depends on your parent’s immigration status. The form must match their visa category.

For example:

Don’t guess on forms. Review UKVI’s form guidance and confirm the version before you submit.

Apply to extend your Family Visa before your current permission runs out. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) checks your continued eligibility and supporting documents when you request more time.

Renewal and status changes

Apply to extend your stay under the same route, such as a Spouse or Partner Visa, Parent Visa, or Adult Dependent Relative Visa, unless your circumstances have changed.

If your situation changes, you may need to switch categories.

• A child may move from a Child Student Visa to a Family Visa route.
• A dependant child may apply in line with a parent extending a Spouse or Partner Visa.
• You may need to submit updated forms such as Form VAF4A Appendix 1 or declarations like Form SU07, depending on your case.

UKVI checks if you still meet the relationship and dependency rules of your route. If your family circumstances change, formal evidence is needed.

Document and certificate notes

When extending your visa, updated civil documents may be required. These can include a notice, certificate, court order, or official declaration confirming identity or family relationship.

If you need a replacement nationality certificate, UKVI charges:

Submit clear copies or originals as required by UKVI. If a document has changed since your last application, provide the latest version.

For extensions linked to a parent or partner, your documents must match the main applicant’s current status. Inconsistent records can delay a decision.

You must meet criteria on your child’s age, birth circumstances, and your own immigration status. Financial rules and clear evidence are required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Age, birthplace and parent status

Your child must fall within UKVI’s age rules. In most cases, you apply under the Family Visa route as the child of someone who holds or is applying for a Spouse or Partner Visa or a Parent Visa.

You’ll need to show:

• Your child’s age at the date of application
• The child’s relationship to you
• Your own immigration status in the UK

If your child was born in the UK, you must still confirm their status and whether they need leave to remain. Birth in the UK doesn’t automatically remove the need to regularise their stay.

If your child applies from outside the UK, you usually complete Form VAF4A Appendix 1 (Family Settlement). The sponsor in the UK may need to provide supporting documents referenced under Form SU07 requirements if relevant.

This route is different from a Child Student Visa, which applies when a child comes to the UK for education rather than family reunion. It also differs from the Adult Dependent Relative Visa, which covers dependent adults, not minors.

UKVI will check if you have legal responsibility for the child and whether the application matches your visa category.

Income and financial thresholds

You must meet the minimum income requirement for your visa category. UKVI will refuse the application if your financial evidence doesn’t meet the threshold.

Your obligation depends on whether you hold or are applying for:

• A Spouse or Partner Visa
• A Parent Visa
• Another qualifying Family Visa route

You’ll need to provide documents that clearly show your income meets the required level. This may include employment income or other permitted sources, depending on your route.

Submit:

• Evidence of income that satisfies the minimum requirement
• Supporting financial documents in the correct format
• Any required sponsor declarations

If your income falls below the required level, UKVI won’t exercise discretion just because a child is involved. Refer to UKVI’s financial thresholds and acceptable evidence before you apply.

Missing or incorrect financial evidence is a common reason for refusal.