Children under 18 are allowed to join both their parents to live permanently in the UK provided the parents have permanent residence, and have adequate accommodation and income without help from public funds, to support the child. It must be clear that the child is still fully dependent upon the parents, and that they have not been abandon ed to other friends and relatives. Evidence of ongoing interest and support may be needed if the children have been living apart from the parents for a long time.

In some cases, only one parent is living in the UK, and in that case, it is necessary for the parent in the UK to prove that they have sole responsibility for the child’s support and upbringing. A visa must be applied for at the nearest British Visa Post to where the child lives, supported by documentary proof of ongoing support from the UK b y the parent. If proof is not available, the parent would have to prove serious and compelling reasons for bringing the child to the UK.

Adopted children under age 18 may apply to accompany or join their adoptive parents in the UK subject to certain criteria. A De Facto adoption may be accepted provided the adoptive parents have lived with the child in the country of origin for 18 months, and it is clear that there has been a genuine transfer of parental responsibility. Otherwise, if the adoptive parents are living in the UK, there must have been a formal adoption under the adoption procedures of the country of origin, and the country’s adoption orders must be recognised by the UK.

Parents and Grandparents can qualify to settle permanently in the UK with their children only in circumstances where the applicants can show clearly that they have no other children in their own country on whom they depend, and that they receive regular financial support from their sponsor in the UK, confirming that they are dependant on their UK resident son or daughter. Proof of dependency must be in the form of bank transfers or other receipts for monies sent to the parent in order to support the application, and birth documents of the UK relative to prove the relationship will be needed.

Brothers, Sisters, Uncles and Aunts of persons settled in the UK may also apply if they are living in exceptionally poor conditions. It must be apparent that they are living at a standard below the average of their country, and that they have no other relatives in their country to whom they can turn for financial or other assistance. Proof of support from the UK and of relationship are also needed with these applications.