Under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, children can apply to enter and stay in the UK if they are joining a parent who has limited leave to remain under the family route. This guide outlines the requirements, procedures, and considerations involved in securing entry clearance as a child while also highlighting why our Leading London Immigration Law Firm is the best choice to handle your application.
Do You Meet the Eligibility Requirements for Entry Clearance as a Child?
The UK Home Office has strict requirements for child visa applications under Appendix FM. Our specialist London law firm will assess your case to ensure your child meets all necessary criteria, including:
Under Section E-ECC of Appendix FM, a child must:
- Be under 18 years old at the time of application.
- Not be married, in a civil partnership, or living independently.
- Have at least one parent in the UK with limited leave to remain under Appendix FM.
- Meet the financial and accommodation requirements.
The child must be applying to join:
- Both parents in the UK; or
- One parent with sole responsibility; or
- One parent where there are serious and compelling reasons making the child’s exclusion undesirable.
Demonstrating sole responsibility or compelling reasons can be legally complex. At Lexvisa, our expert immigration team will meticulously prepare your case, presenting the strongest possible evidence to the Home Office.
How to Prove Sole Responsibility in a Child Visa Application
One of the most challenging aspects of a child visa application is proving that one parent has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing. This involves more than just legal custody—it requires evidence of full control over the child’s daily life and welfare.
Supporting evidence may include:
- Legal custody documents
- School and medical records showing one parent as the primary guardian
- Witness statements from teachers or caregivers
If both parents are involved in the child’s life, even minimally, proving sole responsibility can be difficult. Our specialist London law firm will provide tailored legal strategies to strengthen your case and improve approval chances.
What Are Serious and Compelling Considerations?
If sole responsibility cannot be demonstrated, the application may still succeed under the grounds that excluding the child from the UK is undesirable due to serious and compelling reasons, such as:
- Neglect, abuse, or an unsafe living environment
- Medical conditions requiring specialist UK treatment
- Lack of education or opportunities in the child’s home country
Each case is unique, and providing the right evidence is critical. With Lexvisa’s expert immigration team, you can be confident that your child’s best interests will be effectively presented to the Home Office.
Financial and Accommodation Requirements: Do You Qualify?
The UK government requires parents in the UK to meet a minimum income threshold and provide adequate accommodation for their child.
At Lexvisa, our legal experts will assess your finances and housing situation to ensure full compliance, avoiding common pitfalls that lead to refusals.
Why Choose Lexvisa? | Specialist London Immigration Law Firm
Expert Legal Representation
Our expert immigration team has in-depth knowledge of Appendix FM child visa applications and a track record of securing approvals, even in complex cases.
High Success Rate
With years of experience handling child visa applications, we meticulously prepare each case to comply with the latest Home Office requirements, significantly improving your success rate.
Full Legal Support
From your initial consultation to application submission, we offer comprehensive legal assistance, ensuring every document is in order and every argument is effectively made.
Avoid Delays and Refusals
Applications are often rejected due to missing documents or weak evidence. By choosing Lexvisa, you minimise risk and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
FAQs | Child Visa Applications Under Appendix FM
What is the minimum income requirement for a child visa under Appendix FM?
The minimum income requirement varies depending on whether the parent is applying alone or with a partner. Contact Lexvisa for a case assessment and detailed financial guidance.
Can my child apply if I have limited leave to remain?
Yes. If you have limited leave under Appendix FM, your child may qualify, provided they meet the necessary relationship and financial requirements.
How long does a child visa application take?
Processing times can vary, but delays are common if documents are missing. Our expert immigration team will ensure your application is complete, reducing unnecessary delays.
What if my child’s application is refused?
If your child’s visa application is refused, Lexvisa can help with an appeal or fresh application, ensuring all issues are correctly addressed.
Start Your Child’s Journey to the UK Today!
Securing a child visa under Appendix FM requires careful preparation and expert legal support. At Lexvisa, we provide tailored advice, ensuring your application has the best chance of approval.
Contact our specialist London law firm today to schedule a consultation with our expert immigration team.