Children as Dependants on a UK Partner Visa: Fees, Evidence and Best Practice Explained Clearly

If you want to bring your children with you to the UK on a Partner Visa, you need to know the fees, evidence, and best practices involved. Children can apply as dependants on your UK Partner Visa, but you must meet specific financial, relationship, and accommodation requirements to succeed. Understanding what documents to provide and how much it costs will help make the process smoother.

You’ll need to prove your relationship with your child, show you can support them financially, and provide evidence of suitable living arrangements. Knowing which documents are essential and how to organise them can save you time and avoid delays during the application.

This article will guide you through the key fees you can expect, the exact evidence required, and useful tips to strengthen your child’s dependant visa application. Following a clear and correct approach improves your chances of approval and helps keep your family together.

Understanding Children as Dependants on a UK Partner Visa

When you apply for a UK Partner Visa, you can include your children as dependants if they meet certain rules. These rules define who qualifies as a dependant child, which family members are eligible, and the age limits you must consider. Meeting these conditions is essential for a successful application.

Definition of a Dependant Child

A dependant child is typically your biological or legally adopted child under the UK immigration rules. They must be financially dependent on you, meaning they rely on you for support.

Children do not have to live with you in the UK before applying, but you must prove your relationship and financial responsibility. The definition covers children of your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner if you are applying under a partner visa route.

Dependants on a UK Partner Visa get the right to live and study in the UK as long as your visa is valid. Your child’s dependant status depends on the main applicant’s status.

Eligible Family Members and Relationship Categories

You can include children who are your biological children, legally adopted children, or those you have parental responsibility for. This also covers children of your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner if the partner visa allows.

The UK dependent visa rules extend to children who are living with you or who join you later. It does not extend to adult relatives beyond age criteria unless exceptional financial dependency is proven.

Your partner and children apply separately but together to live with you in the UK. Be prepared to provide documents like birth certificates, adoption papers, and proof of relationship for each dependant.

Age Limits and Criteria for Dependent Children

Children must usually be under 18 years old to qualify as dependants on your partner visa. They should not be living an independent adult life or financially independent.

In some cases, children over 18 may qualify if they are still dependent owing to illness or disability. You will need to provide medical evidence for this exemption.

Once your child turns 18, they must apply for their visa independently and can no longer be counted as a dependant on your partner visa. Planning for this transition is important during your visa application process.

Key Requirements for Including Children as Dependants

When adding children as dependants on your UK partner visa application, you must meet specific rules. These include proving your relationship with the child, showing you can support them financially and have suitable accommodation, and understanding your legal responsibilities.

Relationship and Parental Responsibility

You need to prove your relationship with the child. This usually means providing birth or adoption certificates showing you are the parent or legal guardian. If the child is not your biological child, you must show legal documents confirming parental responsibility.

Parental responsibility means you have the right to make decisions about the child’s care and upbringing. The UK immigration rules expect you to demonstrate this clearly. If you don’t have sole parental responsibility, you may need consent from the other parent.

Proof of ongoing involvement in the child’s life, such as school records or medical documents, can also support your application. This helps confirm the child’s dependency and your active role in their care.

Financial and Accommodation Requirements

You must meet the financial requirement for your partner visa, which includes having enough income to support all dependants without relying on public funds. This usually means earning at least £18,600 per year, with extra income needed for each child (£3,800 for the first child, £2,400 for additional children).

You must also prove you have adequate accommodation for your whole family. This means your home should have enough space and be safe and suitable for children. Providing documents like tenancy agreements or mortgage statements helps confirm the accommodation meets the required standards.

Failing to meet either the financial or accommodation requirements can lead to the refusal of your child’s dependant visa application. So, gather all relevant evidence clearly and completely.

Sole Responsibility and Child’s Independent Life

If you have sole responsibility for the child, you should provide proof through legal documents or court orders. This can make your application stronger, especially if the child lives primarily with you.

In some cases, children may be considered to have an independent life, such as when they are over 18 and financially independent. Such children usually cannot be included as dependants unless they are still in full-time education and dependent on you.

You must clearly explain the child’s status in your application and provide evidence to support your claim that they are still dependent on you. The immigration rules will assess whether your child requires protection and support under a dependant visa.

Application Process for Children on a UK Partner Visa

When applying for a child as a dependant on your UK Partner Visa, you must follow clear steps and use the correct forms. You will handle either entry clearance from abroad or an in-country application. Properly linking your family’s applications is essential to avoid processing delays.

Application Steps and Forms

You start by completing the dependant visa application for your child using the online UK visa application system. This process involves providing personal details, travel history, and proof of your relationship with the child.

You will need to fill out the Global Web Form accurately if you face issues or need to update your application. Ensure you include the correct documents, such as birth certificates and evidence of your immigration status in the UK.

You'll pay a fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application. Check the latest amounts before you apply. Keep a copy of your unique application number for tracking purposes.

Entry Clearance and In-Country Applications

If your child is outside the UK, they must apply for entry clearance to join you. This is done at the nearest British embassy or visa application centre.

For children already in the UK, an in-country dependant visa application can be submitted to extend their stay or switch visa types. The process includes proving your child's relationship to you and your right to live in the UK.

Both types of applications require biometric information and supporting documents. Timing is important; apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying.

Linking Family Applications

You should use the family linking code to connect your child's visa application to your own when applying online. This helps UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) process your family's applications together.

Linking applications improves communication between cases and prevents delays. You will receive a linking code as part of your visa application process. Share this code with whoever is applying for your child.

If applications are not linked, UKVI may treat dependent and main applications separately, which can cause longer waiting times or confusion. Carefully follow the instructions to ensure all family members are connected properly.

Evidence and Documentation Required

When applying for a Child Dependant Visa on a UK Partner Visa, you must provide specific documents to prove identity, relationship, residence, consent, and financial backing. These papers show you meet Home Office rules and support your application.

Birth and Marriage Certificates

Your child’s birth certificate is essential. It must clearly show your name and prove your relationship with the child. If the birth certificate is not in English or Welsh, provide an official translation.

If you or your partner are married, include your marriage certificate. This document confirms your marital status, which supports your partner visa and your child’s dependant application.

Make sure all certificates are original or certified copies. Photocopies alone usually won’t be accepted. The certificates must come from the issuing country’s official agency.

Residence and Relationship Evidence

You need to show you and your child have lived together or have an ongoing relationship. This helps prove your child is genuinely dependent on you.

Providing documents such as school records, letters from doctors, or official correspondence addressed to both of you can serve as proof.

If your child’s nationality differs from yours, you may need to prove joint residence abroad before applying. Regular contact evidence like phone bills or emails can help show ongoing interaction.

Custody and Parental Consent

If you are not the only parent or guardian, you must provide legal proof that you have custody rights or permission to bring your child to the UK.

Official documents such as court orders or custody agreements are required. These confirm you have the legal right to make decisions about your child’s residence.

If the other parent is not applying or cannot join you, their written consent may be necessary. This should be a notarised letter or a formal statement permitting the move.

Financial Documentation

You must prove you have enough money to support your child without relying on public funds.

Provide bank statements, payslips, or employment letters showing your income meets the Home Office minimum financial threshold.

If your sponsor holds a Certificate of Sponsorship, include this as it confirms your right to reside and work in the UK. Financial evidence should cover the entire family, including your child, to avoid visa refusal.

Fees and Costs Involved for Child Dependants

When applying for a UK partner visa with children as dependants, you will face several important fees. These include the main application charge from the Home Office, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and some extra possible costs. Being aware of each charge will help you budget correctly.

Home Office Application Fees for Children

You must pay an application fee for each child dependant applying to join you. The Home Office charges vary depending on the visa type and how long the visa lasts. For a partner visa dependant child, the fee is usually lower than for adult applicants but can still be several hundred pounds.

You will pay this fee upfront when submitting the visa application online. It covers processing your child’s visa and biometric information. If you extend or switch the visa later, a further fee will be required. Check the latest government fee list carefully as charges can change each year.

Immigration Health Surcharge and IHS Fee

You also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for your child. This fee lets your child access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.

The IHS is charged per year of visa validity. For children on a dependent visa, the charge is the same as for adults. You pay the IHS at the visa application stage, along with the application fee. Without paying the IHS, your child’s visa application will be refused.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Beyond fees, there may be other costs to keep in mind. For example, obtaining biometric appointments or travel expenses to a visa application centre can add money to your budget.

You must also prove you have enough funds to support your child without public funds. This means showing proof of income or savings to cover living costs. Failure to meet financial requirements can lead to application refusal even if fees are paid.

Some immigration lawyers charge fees if you use their services to help with your child’s visa. Keep this in mind when planning your total costs.

After Arrival: Rights, Restrictions, and Best Practice

Once your child arrives in the UK on a partner visa as a dependant, there are important rules about their rights, permissions, and how you should manage their status. You must understand what they can access, how to keep their visa valid, and steps to avoid errors that could affect their future in the UK.

Right to Health, Education, and Work

Your child has the right to access the NHS without extra charges, as healthcare is free at the point of use for dependants on partner visas. Make sure to register them with a local GP soon after arrival.

They can attend state schools full-time without needing a separate student visa. This applies whether they are under 18 or over, provided they remain dependants.

Children over 16 may work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays. However, they must not work in restricted jobs like those involving adult entertainment or dangerous industries.

Visa Extension and Pathway to Settlement

Your child’s visa will usually match the length of your partner visa, such as under a skilled worker dependant visa. You should apply for an extension before it expires to maintain their lawful stay.

After living in the UK for five years continuously, your child may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement. This path grants permanent residency rights, including the ability to work and study without restrictions.

It’s important to keep thorough records of your child’s residency and any visa applications, as missing deadlines or documentation can delay or prevent settlement.

Ensuring Compliance and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Always keep your child's passport and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) up to date and carry them when leaving or entering the UK.

Avoid overstaying or working beyond the allowed hours, as this can affect future visa applications or settlement eligibility.

Regularly check the Home Office rules, as requirements for dependants can change, especially around income thresholds or English language criteria.

Seek advice from an immigration lawyer if unsure, especially when your visa is close to expiry or if complicated changes like switching visa types (e.g., from skilled worker dependant to global talent dependant) are involved.

Looking for trusted legal experts? Athi Law offers experienced business immigration solicitors to support your company’s global talent needs, specialists in commercial conveyancing to protect your property transactions, and reliable independent legal advice for mortgage agreements. We also assist with immigration for parents, helping reunite families with care. Speak to us today!