Child of a Partner or Parent Visa

Advice for children joining a parent in the UK, or remaining with a parent on the partner route — two distinct fact patterns.

Reviewed by Border & Boundaries Immigration Team·Last updated 30 Aug 2026

Overview

Child applications under the family rules must match the right fact pattern: a child joining a parent already settled or present in the UK, or a child applying with or after a parent on a partner visa. The documents and legal tests differ.

Overview & Eligibility

What is this visa?

A Child of a Partner or Parent Visa covers children who need permission to join or stay with a parent in the UK under the family Immigration Rules. It is not a single generic “family visa”; the correct category depends on the parent’s status and where the child is applying from.

Who qualifies

Typically the child must be under 18, not leading an independent life, and either joining both parents in the UK or joining one parent who has sole responsibility (or where there are serious and compelling circumstances). Exact tests depend on the parent’s immigration status.

Child joining a parent already settled or present in the UK

Where a parent is British or settled, the application focuses on parental responsibility, adequate maintenance and accommodation, and whether both parents are in the UK or sole responsibility is shown. Custody documents and care arrangements need careful presentation.

Child born to or applying with a parent on a partner visa

Where a parent is on a Spouse or Partner Visa, the child’s application is often linked to that route. Timing, dependant fees, and evidence of the parent’s ongoing leave all matter. Do not conflate this with a child joining a settled parent — the paperwork and decision letters differ.

Requirements & Evidence

Financial requirement

Maintenance rules depend on the parent’s route. Partner-route families usually need to show the household can support the child without public funds, sometimes alongside the adult financial threshold.

Relationship & evidence requirement

Birth certificates, parental responsibility orders, and evidence of ongoing care are central. Where parents are separated, explanations must be consistent and complete.

English language requirement

Young children are usually exempt from English language tests. Age and route determine whether any language requirement applies later.

Accommodation requirement

Show the child will have suitable accommodation without overcrowding. Room sizes and occupancy matter under Housing Act standards.

Applying, Costs & Refusals

Applying from inside vs outside the UK

Some children apply from overseas; others need leave to remain if already in the UK. Applying in the wrong place can invalidate the application.

Costs & processing time

Child applications attract Home Office fees and usually the Immigration Health Surcharge. Processing times vary. We confirm current costs for your household.

Route to settlement

Children may later qualify for ILR in line with a parent’s settlement or under child-specific rules. Planning the adult and child timelines together reduces gaps.

Common reasons applications are refused

Unclear parental responsibility or custody arrangements
Inadequate maintenance or accommodation evidence
Mixing up settled-parent and partner-visa-parent fact patterns
Missing consent from a parent abroad

Key Eligibility Points

Child must usually be under 18 at the date of application
Both parents in the UK, or sole responsibility / serious compelling circumstances, depending on the route
Child must not be leading an independent life
Adequate accommodation and maintenance evidence

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a separate visa if I have a spouse visa?

Often yes. Children usually need their own application as dependants or under the relevant child rules, even when a parent already holds partner permission. We confirm the correct category for your family.

What if only one parent is in the UK?

You may need to show sole responsibility or serious and compelling circumstances. These tests are evidence-heavy. We assess whether your facts fit before you apply.

Is there an English test for children?

Young children are typically exempt. Requirements can change with age and route, especially as the child approaches adulthood or settlement.

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