Child of a Partner or Parent Visa

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What is the Child of a Partner or Parent Visa?

The Child of a Partner or Parent Visa is a type of UK family visa that allows a child to enter or remain in the UK to live with their parent or their parent’s partner who is either a British citizen, has settled status, or holds permission to stay under certain categories. This visa supports the principle that a child should live with their family, especially where there are serious and compelling family considerations.

This visa falls under the Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, specifically under the parent or partner visa route. A child applying for this visa can do so outside the UK or inside the UK, depending on their current immigration status and the status of their parent in the UK.

The application can be made on its own or in conjunction with a partner or parent visa application, depending on the family’s situation. It is a route to settle in the UK and, eventually, to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Who is the Child of a Partner or Parent Visa For?

This visa is intended for a dependent child of a parent or a partner of the child’s parent who:

Is already living in the UK or applying for a visa to come to the UK

Is already living in the UK or applying for a visa to come to the UK

Is already living in the UK or applying for a visa to come to the UK

Is already living in the UK or applying for a visa to come to the UK

Has sole or shared parental responsibility for the child

Has sole or shared parental responsibility for the child

Has sole or shared parental responsibility for the child

Has sole or shared parental responsibility for the child

Can maintain and accommodate the child without relying on public funds

Can maintain and accommodate the child without relying on public funds

Can maintain and accommodate the child without relying on public funds

Can maintain and accommodate the child without relying on public funds

Can meet the financial requirement parent visa under Appendix FM

Can meet the financial requirement parent visa under Appendix FM

Can meet the financial requirement parent visa under Appendix FM

Can meet the financial requirement parent visa under Appendix FM

It applies whether the child:

Is the biological child or adopted child

Is the biological child or adopted child

Is the biological child or adopted child

Is the biological child or adopted child

Is applying with a parent who is submitting a partner or parent visa application

Is applying with a parent who is submitting a partner or parent visa application

Is applying with a parent who is submitting a partner or parent visa application

Is applying with a parent who is submitting a partner or parent visa application

Is already in the UK and needs to apply to extend or switch

Is already in the UK and needs to apply to extend or switch

Is already in the UK and needs to apply to extend or switch

Is already in the UK and needs to apply to extend or switch

Is living outside the UK and seeking to join a parent in the UK

Is living outside the UK and seeking to join a parent in the UK

Is living outside the UK and seeking to join a parent in the UK

Is living outside the UK and seeking to join a parent in the UK

This visa also applies in certain cases where one of the child’s parents has died, or where the child’s exclusion from the UK would have harmful consequences for their upbringing or well-being.

What is the Application Process Like?

The partner or parent visa application for a child can be submitted:

  • Outside the UK: for children applying to enter the UK

  • Inside the UK: for children who wish to remain in the UK or switch visas

Step-by-step Child Visa Application Process:

  1. Prepare documents
    Include proof of parental responsibility, accommodation, and financial ability to support the child.

  2. Complete the online application
    Submit the visa application through the UK Visas and Immigration online system.

  3. Attend biometrics appointment
    If applying from abroad, the child (or both parents depending on age) must attend an appointment outside the UK.

  4. Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

  5. Wait for a decision
    Standard processing times range from 8 to 12 weeks.

If the application is approved, the child will be allowed to enter the UK or stay in the UK and live with their family. If already in the UK, the child may extend or switch to this visa category depending on circumstances.

What Are the Requirements?

To apply under the child of a partner or parent visa route, certain immigration rules must be satisfied. These requirements depend on whether the child is applying alone or with a parent, and whether they are inside or outside the UK.

Age and Dependency

The child must be under 18 years old at the time of application

The child must be under 18 years old at the time of application

The child must be under 18 years old at the time of application

The child must be under 18 years old at the time of application

Must not be married or living independently

Must not be married or living independently

Must not be married or living independently

Must not be married or living independently

Must be dependent on their parent or their parent’s partner

Must be dependent on their parent or their parent’s partner

Must be dependent on their parent or their parent’s partner

Must be dependent on their parent or their parent’s partner

Parental Responsibility

The parent or parent’s partner must have:

Sole or shared parental responsibility

Sole or shared parental responsibility

Sole or shared parental responsibility

Sole or shared parental responsibility

Clear proof of day-to-day care or long-term commitment to the child’s upbringing

Clear proof of day-to-day care or long-term commitment to the child’s upbringing

Clear proof of day-to-day care or long-term commitment to the child’s upbringing

Clear proof of day-to-day care or long-term commitment to the child’s upbringing

Arrangements that are in the best interests of the child

Arrangements that are in the best interests of the child

Arrangements that are in the best interests of the child

Arrangements that are in the best interests of the child

Sole responsibility means that one parent has full control over the child’s care, decisions, and education, even if the other parent is alive.

Financial Requirement

The sponsor (parent or parent’s partner) must meet the financial requirement, which includes:

Gross annual income of at least £29,000

Gross annual income of at least £29,000

Gross annual income of at least £29,000

Gross annual income of at least £29,000

Higher thresholds apply if the child is applying with other siblings

Higher thresholds apply if the child is applying with other siblings

Higher thresholds apply if the child is applying with other siblings

Higher thresholds apply if the child is applying with other siblings

Income can come from employment, self-employment, or certain benefits

Income can come from employment, self-employment, or certain benefits

Income can come from employment, self-employment, or certain benefits

Income can come from employment, self-employment, or certain benefits

Proof of the ability to maintain and accommodate the child without recourse to public funds

Proof of the ability to maintain and accommodate the child without recourse to public funds

Proof of the ability to maintain and accommodate the child without recourse to public funds

Proof of the ability to maintain and accommodate the child without recourse to public funds

If the partner is in receipt of eligible benefits, other financial rules may apply under Appendix FM of the immigration rules.

Accommodation Requirement

There must be adequate accommodation for the child, without overcrowding

There must be adequate accommodation for the child, without overcrowding

There must be adequate accommodation for the child, without overcrowding

There must be adequate accommodation for the child, without overcrowding

The parent must demonstrate stable housing where the child will live

The parent must demonstrate stable housing where the child will live

The parent must demonstrate stable housing where the child will live

The parent must demonstrate stable housing where the child will live

English Language

While the child is not typically required to meet an English language requirement, if applying with a parent or partner, that adult must satisfy the English language rule as part of their partner or parent visa application.

Key Benefits of the Child of a Partner or Parent Visa

The child of a partner or parent visa is an important option for families who want to live together under one roof in the UK.

Here are the key benefits:

Allows a child to the UK to live with their parent or their parent’s partner

Allows a child to the UK to live with their parent or their parent’s partner

Allows a child to the UK to live with their parent or their parent’s partner

Allows a child to the UK to live with their parent or their parent’s partner

Keeps families united, especially when there are serious and compelling family considerations

Keeps families united, especially when there are serious and compelling family considerations

Keeps families united, especially when there are serious and compelling family considerations

Keeps families united, especially when there are serious and compelling family considerations

Provides a route to settled status and later British citizenship

Provides a route to settled status and later British citizenship

Provides a route to settled status and later British citizenship

Provides a route to settled status and later British citizenship

Can be used to extend or switch to another visa from inside the UK

Can be used to extend or switch to another visa from inside the UK

Can be used to extend or switch to another visa from inside the UK

Can be used to extend or switch to another visa from inside the UK

Aligns with the best interests of the child as defined under UK immigration rules

Aligns with the best interests of the child as defined under UK immigration rules

Aligns with the best interests of the child as defined under UK immigration rules

Aligns with the best interests of the child as defined under UK immigration rules

The visa allows the child to receive full-time education in the UK

The visa allows the child to receive full-time education in the UK

The visa allows the child to receive full-time education in the UK

The visa allows the child to receive full-time education in the UK

Opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain once eligibility criteria are met

Opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain once eligibility criteria are met

Opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain once eligibility criteria are met

Opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain once eligibility criteria are met

Why Choose Bekenbey?

At Bekenbey, we specialize in complex family immigration matters, including partner or parent visa applications, child of a partner visas, and dependent child of a points-based system migrant cases.

Our visa lawyers are highly experienced and can support your family in:

  • Preparing a strong visa application

  • Demonstrating parental responsibility and genuine care

  • Providing guidance when applying for a child independently or with a parent

  • Responding to refusals or complications

  • Handling applications under Appendix FM, Part 8 of the Immigration Rules, or special discretionary routes

We ensure that your case is approached with professionalism, compassion, and legal expertise—because we understand how important it is to be with your family.

Apply for a Child of a Partner or Parent Visa Today with Bekenbey

If your child is currently outside the UK and you hold or are applying for a partner or parent visa, they may be eligible to apply to join you.

Likewise, if your child is already living away from home or in full-time education, they may still be able to remain in the UK or switch visa categories, depending on whether their current status allows.

Applying as a child under the partner or parent visa route requires careful planning. Our team will guide you through:

  • Documenting your relationship with the child

  • Proving financial and housing eligibility

  • Meeting any requirements related to the family life provisions of Part 8

  • Submitting a successful visa application

We also assist families using the Free EU Settlement Scheme, if applicable, or when applying for settled or pre-settled status.

If your family situation is complex, or you need help proving your responsibility for the child’s upbringing, contact Bekenbey to start your visa application with confidence.

Needed Documents

We’ve listed all the key documents required for your visa application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:

1

Child’s valid passport or travel document

1

Child’s valid passport or travel document

1

Child’s valid passport or travel document

1

Child’s valid passport or travel document

2

Birth certificate or proof of relationship

2

Birth certificate or proof of relationship

2

Birth certificate or proof of relationship

2

Birth certificate or proof of relationship

3

Proof of parental responsibility

3

Proof of parental responsibility

3

Proof of parental responsibility

3

Proof of parental responsibility

4

Proof that one of the child’s parents is in the UK or applying to enter the UK

4

Proof that one of the child’s parents is in the UK or applying to enter the UK

4

Proof that one of the child’s parents is in the UK or applying to enter the UK

4

Proof that one of the child’s parents is in the UK or applying to enter the UK

5

Proof of settled status, British citizenship, or parent’s visa

5

Proof of settled status, British citizenship, or parent’s visa

5

Proof of settled status, British citizenship, or parent’s visa

5

Proof of settled status, British citizenship, or parent’s visa

6

Evidence of accommodation

6

Evidence of accommodation

6

Evidence of accommodation

6

Evidence of accommodation

7

Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, benefit letters)

7

Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, benefit letters)

7

Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, benefit letters)

7

Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, benefit letters)

8

Letter from school or other evidence of full-time education (if living away)

8

Letter from school or other evidence of full-time education (if living away)

8

Letter from school or other evidence of full-time education (if living away)

8

Letter from school or other evidence of full-time education (if living away)

9

Explanation for the child’s exclusion being harmful or unjustified (if applicable)

9

Explanation for the child’s exclusion being harmful or unjustified (if applicable)

9

Explanation for the child’s exclusion being harmful or unjustified (if applicable)

9

Explanation for the child’s exclusion being harmful or unjustified (if applicable)

For complex cases involving sole responsibility, it’s important to include:

10

Court orders or legal documents

10

Court orders or legal documents

10

Court orders or legal documents

10

Court orders or legal documents

11

Letters from school, doctors, or local authorities

11

Letters from school, doctors, or local authorities

11

Letters from school, doctors, or local authorities

11

Letters from school, doctors, or local authorities

12

Proof of the other parent’s lack of involvement (if relevant)

12

Proof of the other parent’s lack of involvement (if relevant)

12

Proof of the other parent’s lack of involvement (if relevant)

12

Proof of the other parent’s lack of involvement (if relevant)

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Your Immigration
Questions, Answered

Have questions about UK immigration? We’ve got you covered. If you have more questions, you can contact us.f

Can my child apply even if the other parent is not in the UK?

Yes, if the parent in the UK has sole responsibility for the child or if serious and compelling family considerations apply, then the child may still be eligible for a visa. You must prove that the child’s best interests are served by joining the parent in the UK.

Can my child apply even if the other parent is not in the UK?

Yes, if the parent in the UK has sole responsibility for the child or if serious and compelling family considerations apply, then the child may still be eligible for a visa. You must prove that the child’s best interests are served by joining the parent in the UK.

Can my child apply even if the other parent is not in the UK?

Yes, if the parent in the UK has sole responsibility for the child or if serious and compelling family considerations apply, then the child may still be eligible for a visa. You must prove that the child’s best interests are served by joining the parent in the UK.

Can my child apply even if the other parent is not in the UK?

Yes, if the parent in the UK has sole responsibility for the child or if serious and compelling family considerations apply, then the child may still be eligible for a visa. You must prove that the child’s best interests are served by joining the parent in the UK.

Can a child switch to this visa from another visa inside the UK?

Yes. A child may extend or switch to the partner or parent visa route if they are already in the UK under another visa category and meet the eligibility criteria. However, it depends on immigration history and whether the child is applying with a parent or independently.

Can a child switch to this visa from another visa inside the UK?

Yes. A child may extend or switch to the partner or parent visa route if they are already in the UK under another visa category and meet the eligibility criteria. However, it depends on immigration history and whether the child is applying with a parent or independently.

Can a child switch to this visa from another visa inside the UK?

Yes. A child may extend or switch to the partner or parent visa route if they are already in the UK under another visa category and meet the eligibility criteria. However, it depends on immigration history and whether the child is applying with a parent or independently.

Can a child switch to this visa from another visa inside the UK?

Yes. A child may extend or switch to the partner or parent visa route if they are already in the UK under another visa category and meet the eligibility criteria. However, it depends on immigration history and whether the child is applying with a parent or independently.

What if the application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal or submit a new application. The assessment is highly fact-sensitive, especially where family considerations and the best interests of the child are involved. Bekenbey can help you challenge refusals or reapply effectively.

What if the application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal or submit a new application. The assessment is highly fact-sensitive, especially where family considerations and the best interests of the child are involved. Bekenbey can help you challenge refusals or reapply effectively.

What if the application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal or submit a new application. The assessment is highly fact-sensitive, especially where family considerations and the best interests of the child are involved. Bekenbey can help you challenge refusals or reapply effectively.

What if the application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal or submit a new application. The assessment is highly fact-sensitive, especially where family considerations and the best interests of the child are involved. Bekenbey can help you challenge refusals or reapply effectively.