An overseas person, who wants to move to the UK with children under 18, overseas UK residents who want their children to join them, or a student who wants to or already is studying in an institute in the UK, must read this ‘UK visa information for children under 18’s’ to get their visa.

Note: VisaLobby monitors the information released by United Kingdom Border Agency and regularly updates information on changes to the visa & immigration system and newly introduced visa options.

Under 18's Visa for the UK

A person under the age of 18 before the date of application for a visa is classified as a child. There are various types of United Kingdom visas for children, as further discussed in ‘UK visa information for children under 18’s’ providing the mandatory details about them. These visas are:

• Child family visa
• Child dependent visa
• Child visit visa
• Child study visa

UK Under 18’s Visa Requirements

General requirements for a UK visa for children under 18’s include the basic evidence to prove the age of the children requiring the visa and their relationship with parents (if children are accompanying their parents or going to join any of the parents residing in the UK. But if the child is travelling alone or with a person other than the parents, or travelling on a child study visa, there will be a need for written consent from the parents.

Also, the financial requirements should be satisfied. In the case of a child visit visa, child family visa and child dependent visa, parents have to provide evidence about their financial resources to prove that they can financially support the child.

Child Family Visa for the UK

A child family visa for the UK is the visa that allows the dependent children and the primary visa applicant to apply for entry to the UK, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Requirements for child family visa for the UK

• The child must be under 18 at the time of application 
• The child must not be married
• Applicants shouldn't have an independent family
• Applicants shouldn't be financially independent

Child Student Visa for the UK

A child student visa is for those who are between 4 and 17 years of age and are studying at a school/universty in the UK. When we go into detailed information about eligibility criteria, it suggests that although children aged between 16 to 17 can apply for a child student visa, yet they will need sponsorship from a registered sponsor.

Requirements for a child student visa for the UK

• Proofs of parents/guardians' consent to study in the UK
• A child should meet the financial requirements 
• Proofs of ability to read, write, understand, and speak English 
• At the time of application, the child must be under 

Child Visit Visa for the UK

This UK visa allows a child under 18’s to visit the parent in the UK or to accompany one parent to visit the partner in the UK.

Requirements for child visit visa for the UK

• While applying for this visa, a child must be under 18 
• With a child visit visa, children can visit the parent even if the accompanying parent is having a different type of visa. 
• If children have written consent from parents, and all the care and reception arrangements are taken care of, they can visit with another adult or can visit alone.

Child Dependent Visa for the UK

Child dependent visa is a derivative visa that allows the dependent children of a primary applicant, meeting the eligibility criteria, to apply for entry clearance. A parent can be an overseas national or going to the UK or already living in the UK.

Requirements for a child dependent visa for the UK

• Evidence to satisfy that children are less than 18 years old at the time of application
• Evidence to prove the relationship with parents
• Financial evidence of parents to prove that they will take all financial responsibilities of the child

The Application Process for Under 18’s UK Visa 

Here is complete visa information to guide you about the application process for an under 18’s child visa for the UK. It starts with filling out an application form either online or physically.

General Eligibility Criteria for UK child visas

• The child must be under 18 while applying
• Parent as an applicant should be married or have a civil partnership
• The child must be dependent on the parents 
• Applicant must be financially independent
• Proofs of proper residential requirements for a child in the UK must be provided 
• For a child study visa, English language skills must be proficient

Required documents for the UK under 18’s visa 

• Passport of an applicant with an empty page to affix the visa
• Two fresh photographs were taken at the application centre
• Proofs of applicant and child’s age
• Proofs of sole responsibility of the child
• Evidence about residential requirements in the UK
• Sometimes, there may be a need for a DNA test
• Evidence of required English language skills
• Financial evidence 
• Proofs of the relationship with the other parent living in the UK

How to Apply for the UK Under 18’s Visa

After getting in-depth knowledge of 'UK visa information for under 18’s', the application process gets too easy. First, you have to submit a visa application, and then the dues are paid.

After application and fee submission, the child will need to visit the overseas visa application centre to verify the biometric details. According to the route of application, the child may need to show the documents to satisfy the criteria.

Application processing time for the UK under 18’s visa

After application, the visa processing time may be reaching 8 to 12 weeks if you apply within the UK either by post or by the online route. In the case where you apply in person, you will get a response within a day. The application process can be delayed if you don't meet the requirements such as;

• Not meeting the financial criteria
• Not being able to prove English language skills if applying for a child study visa 
• Have any kind of criminal record
• There are some missing documents

So, all the above mentioned mistakes should be avoided during visa application and visa interview. Once the child visa application for the UK is approved, you will get a biometric residence permit. Applicants must apply for an extension before the date of visa expiry. For more visas, you can check ‘UK visa information for under 18’s’ at our site.

READ MORE

Global Business Mobility Visa Guide

Benefits of Hiring Visa and Immigration Consultants