Children Visas for the UK

2006-10-18

This page explains what the UK Immigration Rules say about children coming to join their parents or a parent who is settled in the United Kingdom.

How do I qualify to bring my child to the United Kingdom?

You must be able to show that:

you currently live and are settled in the United Kingdom legally, with no time limit on your stay;
you have adequate accommodation where you can all live without help from public funds; and
you are the child's parent (this includes the stepfather or stepmother of a child whose father or mother is dead, both the father and mother of an illegitimate child and an adoptive parent in certain defined circumstances).

How can my child qualify to join me in the United Kingdom?

Your child must show that:

they are not leading an independent life, are not married and have not formed an independent family unit; and
they are under 18.

Children cannot normally come to live in the United Kingdom if one parent is living abroad, unless the parent here has sole responsibility for the child or if there are serious reasons why the child must be allowed to come here.

*Your child must get entry clearance before they travel to the United Kingdom.

How long can my child stay?

If both you and your husband or wife are settled here or you have sole responsibility for the child, they will normally be allowed to stay here permanently from the date they arrive.

If your child comes here with your husband or wife, they will normally be given permission to stay in the United Kingdom for the same length of time as your husband or wife (usually a year). If your husband or wife is allowed to stay here permanently, your child will normally be allowed to stay here permanently as well.

Can I bring an adopted child to the United Kingdom?

There is information on how you can bring an adopted child to the United Kingdom in the adoption and inter-country adoption leaflets. The inter-country adoption leaflet also gives you details about the procedures involved in bringing children to this country so they can be adopted through the courts. If you want a copy, telephone or write to us.

What are public funds?

If you come to live or stay in the United Kingdom, you must be able to support and accommodate yourself without claiming certain state benefits. These are:

Income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA);
Income support;
Child tax credit
Working tax credit;
a social fund payment;
Child benefit;
Housing benefit;
Council tax benefit;
State pension credit;
Housing and homelessness assistance;
Attendance allowance;
Severe disablement allowance;
Carer's allowance;
Disability living allowance;

What is entry clearance?

Entry clearance is a visa or entry clearance certificate is given to you so you can travel to the United Kingdom. You must apply for entry clearance to the British Embassy, High Commission or other Diplomatic Mission (known as British Diplomatic Posts) in the country where your child lives.

You can get advice about which British Diplomatic Posts can issue entry clearance from any British Diplomatic Post abroad.

You can get guidance leaflets and information about visas from UK visas. Write to:

Visa Correspondence Section
UKvisas
London
SW1A 2AH
United Kingdom.

General enquiries: +44 (0)20 7008 8438
Application forms: +44 (0)20 7008 8308
Fax numbers: +44 (0)20 7008 8359/8361

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