Child Dependant Visa
Bringing Your Child to the UK
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we understand how important it is for families to stay together. Fortunately, the UK immigration system provides various routes that allow children under the age of 18 to join their parents in the United Kingdom.
Whether you’re already settled in the UK or currently applying for status, we offer expert legal advice and support to help your child lawfully enter and remain with you.
Our Child Dependant Visa Services
Children who are not British citizens may be eligible to enter or remain in the UK as dependants of a parent who is either a British citizen or holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
In some cases, both parents may already be in the UK. In others, one parent remains overseas. In those situations, the parent in the UK will need to demonstrate sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing. This is a crucial legal test that can be complex and requires careful preparation.
What Does Sole Responsibility Mean?
To meet the requirement of sole responsibility, you must show that the other parent abroad is no longer involved in day-to-day parenting or long-term decision-making concerning the child’s welfare. The Home Office will expect to see clear evidence that you are the primary person guiding the child’s life.
Decisions you must be solely responsible for may include:
Which school the child attends
Where the child lives
Permission to travel abroad (e.g. holidays or school trips)
Which religion or cultural practices the child follows
Common Reasons for Refusal
A common reason for refusal of a Child Dependant Visa is when one parent is still residing abroad and is seen to have an active role in the child’s life. The Home Office may take the view that both parents share responsibility, which would make the child ineligible to join only one of them in the UK.
That’s why it is essential to demonstrate that you, as the parent in the UK, are making all significant decisions in your child’s life and that the other parent has no material influence.
How We Can Help
Our experienced immigration solicitors are highly skilled in preparing strong Child Dependant Visa applications. We will work with you to gather all relevant documentation and present a compelling case that demonstrates your sole responsibility for your child.
From evidence of financial support and education arrangements to statements from family or school authorities, we ensure every detail is handled professionally and thoroughly.
Contact HM & Co. Solicitors
If you are considering a Child Dependant Visa application or need guidance on how to prove sole responsibility, we are here to help. Speak with one of our dedicated immigration solicitors for tailored advice based on your family’s specific circumstances.
Get in touch today to keep your family together and secure your child’s future in the UK.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Child Dependant Visas FAQs
Can I bring my children to live with me in the UK?
Yes, you can. It is generally more straightforward if both parents are already living in or planning to reside in the UK. Once this is established, you’ll also need to demonstrate that you can financially support your child without relying on public funds.
What if one parent remains outside the UK?
If only one parent is in the UK, you’ll need to prove that you have sole responsibility for your child’s upbringing. This means showing that you are the primary decision-maker in the child’s life and that the other parent plays no active role in day-to-day parenting.
How do I demonstrate sole responsibility?
You must provide evidence that, even if you have not recently lived with your child, you are the one making all major decisions regarding their welfare. This may include decisions about:
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Their education (school enrolment and attendance)
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Their place of residence
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Travel permissions (e.g. holidays or school trips)
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Religious or cultural upbringing
Supporting documentation may include school records, financial transfers, medical consents, and written statements.
Is legal representation necessary to prove sole responsibility?
Absolutely. These applications are often complex and detail-heavy. Sole responsibility is a high legal threshold, and it is strongly advised that you seek legal support. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we have a dedicated team specialising in child immigration matters and can guide you through every step of the process.
Can I apply for all of my children at the same time?
Yes. In fact, where possible, it is preferable to submit a joint application for all of your children. The Home Office generally views it as in the best interests of the children for siblings to remain together, regardless of where they currently reside.
Need help with your Child Dependant Visa application?
Contact HM & Co. Solicitors for a confidential consultation with one of our immigration experts. We’ll ensure your application is carefully prepared, giving you and your family the best possible chance of success.
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I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
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Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
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