The Child Route under Appendix FM is designed for children of British citizens or settled persons who wish to join or remain with their parents in the UK. This route applies to children both born in and outside the UK. Here are key details about the Child Route:
Eligibility Criteria:
The child must be under the age of 18.
The child must be the biological child of a British citizen or settled person in the UK.
Adopted children and stepchildren may also be eligible.
Genuine Relationship:
The parent-child relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
The child must not be leading an independent life and should be part of the parent’s household.
Financial Requirement:
Sponsors (parents) need to demonstrate that they can adequately support and accommodate the child without relying on public funds.
Financial evidence, such as income records and accommodation details, must be provided.
Application Process:
Applications are typically submitted online.
Supporting documents, including proof of parent-child relationship and financial records, must be provided.
Duration of Stay:
Initially granted as a temporary visa, usually for 30 months or 33 months if applying from outside the UK.
After the initial period, an extension application can be made, leading to settlement after a total of five years.
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR):
Settlement can be applied for after completing five years in the UK under this route.
Successful settlement grants the child the right to stay in the UK permanently.
Applicants are advised to carefully review the specific requirements outlined in the most recent version of the Immigration Rules and seek professional advice when necessary to ensure a successful application for their child.
