The process of obtaining a UK Spouse Visa can be intricate, especially when dependent children are involved. Navigating through the immigration rules, understanding eligibility criteria, and ensuring proper documentation can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the essential information about Dependent Children and the UK Spouse Visa.
Eligibility for Dependent Children
If you have dependent children, you can include them in your application as long as they are under 18 years old at the time of your application or were below 18 when they were first granted permission to stay in the UK. It’s important to note that they should not be living an independent life. If, for instance, they have moved out of the family home, gotten married, or started their own families, they would be considered as living an independent life.
Applying with Your Children
You can add children to your application as dependants if both of the following apply:
- They are under 18 when you apply, or were under 18 when they were first granted leave
- They do not live an independent life
Children Over 18
Your parent can only include you in their application as a dependant if you:
- Got permission to come to or stay in the UK (‘leave to enter or remain’) on a family visa when you were under 18
- Do not live an independent life
- Are applying from inside the UK
Financial Requirements
You and your partner must have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year if you’re applying as a partner and you want to settle in the UK (get ‘indefinite leave to remain’) within 5 years.
You must prove you have extra money if you have children who:
- Are not British or Irish citizens
- Do not have pre-settled status
- Are not permanently settled in the UK
You might not need to prove you have extra money if your children are citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and they do not have pre-settled status or are not permanently settled in the UK.
If you need to prove extra money for your children, you’ll need to earn an extra:
- £3,800 a year for your first child
- £2,400 a year for each child you have after your first child
This is called the ‘minimum income requirement’. You may be able to use your savings instead of income.
Understanding the UK Spouse Visa
The UK Spouse Visa is designed to allow individuals to join their partners who are settled in the United Kingdom. This visa category aims to keep families together and facilitate the reunification of spouses and dependent children.
Eligibility Criteria for Dependent Children
Dependent children, under the age of 18, can be included in the UK Spouse Visa application. It’s crucial to understand the specific requirements and conditions that define a dependent child in the context of immigration.
To meet the eligibility criteria, a child must be:
Biologically related to the applicant or their partner.
Under the age of 18 at the time of application.
Not leading an independent life and is not married or in a civil partnership.
Required Documentation
The documentation process for dependent children is as critical as it is for the main applicants. This includes but is not limited to:
Birth certificates proving the relationship.
Passport-sized photographs of the child.
Consent letters from the non-applying parent.
Financial Requirements
Demonstrating financial stability is a key aspect of the UK Spouse Visa application. This is especially important when dependent children are involved, as the financial threshold needs to cover the entire family.
It’s advisable to provide:
Bank statements.
Proof of employment and income.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps, from completing the application form to attending a biometric appointment. Understanding the process thoroughly is essential to ensure a smooth and successful application.