Family Visas
Where a parent is in the UK with limited leave, on a partner or other family route rather than settled status, their child usually applies to join or stay with them in line with that parent's leave. The child's leave mirrors the parent's and follows the same path to settlement. We make sure the child's application lines up with the parent's so the family stays on track together.
At a glance
In line with the parent
The child's leave is normally granted in line with, and for the same period as, the parent's limited leave
The child
Normally under 18 at the date of application, not living independently, and not married or in a civil partnership
Our fee
Fixed fee from £1,500 to £2,800, agreed in writing before any work begins
This is part of the family route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. It is for a child whose parent is in the UK with limited leave to remain, for example on a partner route, rather than with settled status or British citizenship. The child applies to be in the UK in line with that parent, which means their leave is normally granted for the same period and on the same conditions as the parent's.
As the parent extends their leave and moves towards settlement, the child usually does the same alongside them. The key practical point is keeping the two applications aligned, so the child's leave runs in step with the parent's and there are no gaps. We handle the child's application with that coordination in mind.
Each case turns on its own evidence, but most applications on this route must satisfy the following.
A parent with limited leave
A parent must hold limited leave in the UK on a qualifying route, and the child applies in line with that leave. Where the parent is extending, the child's application is usually made at the same time.
The child's circumstances
The child must normally be under 18 at the date of application, not leading an independent life, and not married or in a civil partnership. Where they have turned 18 but were last granted leave as a child, different provisions may apply.
Maintenance and accommodation
The child must be able to be adequately maintained and accommodated without relying on public funds, usually assessed together with the parent's position and the financial requirement for the parent's route.
Alignment with the parent's leave
The child's application needs to fit with the parent's, so the leave runs in step. Mismatched timing is a common cause of avoidable problems, which is what we guard against.
Immigration rules and the conditions on this route change regularly. The points on this page are a general guide, correct as at June 2026, not advice on your case. We confirm the rules that apply to you before any application is made.
We review the parent's leave, the child's circumstances, and the timing, then tell you plainly whether the child qualifies and when to apply.
We plan the child's application so it sits correctly alongside the parent's, keeping the leave in step and avoiding gaps.
We check every document, draft the supporting letters, and complete the application so it presents the child's circumstances clearly.
We submit the application, deal with the Home Office on your behalf, and keep you updated until a decision is made.
Government costs are paid separately and are not part of our fee. These can include the Home Office application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, the biometric enrolment fee, and any translation costs. The exact figures depend on the type of application, so we confirm the current amounts with you before you apply.
The difference is the parent's status. If the parent is British or settled, the child can usually be granted settlement related leave. If the parent has only limited leave, the child is granted leave in line with the parent and follows the same path to settlement over time. We confirm which route applies in your case.
Usually yes. Applying together keeps the leave aligned and avoids gaps. If timing has already slipped, we will advise on the best way to bring things back into step.
As the parent moves towards and reaches settlement, the child's position is usually dealt with alongside, in line with the rules at that time. We can handle each stage so the family progresses together.
Not necessarily. Where a child was last granted leave as a child and applies to extend, there can be provision for them even after turning 18. These cases are fact sensitive, so speak to us promptly.
