the-ukcivil visa

Understanding the UK Child Visa, PBS Dependant Visa, and Parent Visa

HazelGrace's photo
HazelGrace
·

5 min read

The UK offers several visa routes for families, ensuring that children, parents, and dependants can join their loved ones. Among the most relevant family visas are the Child Visa UK, the PBS Dependant Visa, and the Parent Visa UK. Each visa has its own requirements, conditions, and advantages, making it essential to understand which option is best suited for your circumstances. This article will explore these three visa types in detail, highlighting their requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

Child Visa UK

The UK Child Visa is designed to allow children to join their parent(s) or legal guardians in the UK. It is a pathway for children whose parents have settled status, British citizenship, or certain types of leave to remain in the UK. There are different child visa categories, depending on whether the child is applying from within or outside the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age Requirement: The applicant must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.

  • Parental Status: At least one parent must be living in the UK with British citizenship, settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain), or have limited leave to remain as a partner or parent.

  • Living Arrangements: The child must be planning to live with their parent(s) or legal guardian in the UK.

  • Financial Requirements: The parent(s) or guardian must meet the financial requirements, demonstrating that they can support the child without relying on public funds.

Key Considerations:

  • Dependent Child: Children over 18 may qualify if they are already in the UK as dependants and still reliant on their parents.

  • Settlement: Children who meet the requirements may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after some time.

Application Process:

  • Documentation: Applicants need to provide various documents, including birth certificates, proof of parent’s legal status in the UK, and proof of financial capability.

  • Fees and Processing Time: There are specific fees for each visa application, and processing times may vary depending on the country of application.

PBS Dependant Visa

The PBS dependant visa is for family members (partners or children) of individuals who hold a Points-Based System (PBS) visa, such as a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, or Innovator Visa. The PBS Dependant Visa allows family members to join or stay with the main visa holder in the UK, and in some cases, dependants can work, study, or even apply for settlement in the future.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Main Visa Holder: The dependant must be related to an individual holding a valid PBS visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student, or Innovator visa).

  • Family Members: Eligible dependants include:

    • Spouse or partner

    • Children under 18

    • Children over 18 if they are already in the UK as a dependant

  • Financial Requirements: The main visa holder or the dependant must meet specific financial requirements to show they can support themselves without accessing public funds.

Key Benefits:

  • Work and Study: PBS dependants can generally work and study in the UK, offering a degree of flexibility.

  • Path to Settlement: After a certain period (usually five years), PBS dependants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Application Process:

  • Apply Online: Applications can typically be submitted online, either from within the UK or outside the UK.

  • Documentation: Required documents include proof of relationship to the PBS visa holder, financial evidence, and the main visa holder’s status.

  • Visa Duration: The dependant visa is typically issued for the same length as the main PBS visa holder’s visa.

Parent Visa UK

The Parent Visa UK is a route for non-British citizens who have a child in the UK and wish to join them. The child must be a British citizen, settled in the UK, or have lived in the UK for seven years, and it must be proven that it would not be in the child's best interest to live without the parent.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Child’s Status: The child must be under 18 years old and either a British citizen or settled in the UK.

  • Parental Responsibility: The applicant must have sole or shared responsibility for the child.

  • Living Arrangements: The parent must plan to live with the child and maintain a regular relationship with them.

  • Financial Requirements: The parent must show they can financially support themselves and the child without public funds, though there may be exceptions in certain cases.

Key Considerations:

  • Sole Responsibility: If the applicant is the sole parent of the child, they must prove that they are actively involved in their child’s upbringing.

  • Exceptional Circumstances: If the parent does not meet the financial requirements, they may be able to apply if they can show that it would violate the child’s human rights to refuse the visa.

Application Process:

  • Apply from Inside or Outside the UK: Applications can be made from either inside or outside the UK, depending on the parent’s current immigration status.

  • Fees and Processing Time: Application fees apply, and processing times may vary based on the location of the applicant and the complexity of the case.

Conclusion

Understanding the various family visa options available in the UK is crucial for families wishing to reunite. The parent visa uk each provide unique opportunities for children, partners, and parents to live together in the UK. Before applying, it’s important to assess which visa is most appropriate for your situation and ensure that all eligibility criteria and documentation requirements are met.

With the right information and guidance, these visas can serve as pathways to a more stable, unified family life in the UK. Be sure to consult immigration experts or legal advisors to maximize your chances of a successful application.