A child under 18 can be included in a parent's ILR application as a dependent. The child applies at the same time as the parent, pays the same £3,226 fee, and is granted ILR on the same conditions. A child who has lived continuously in the UK for 7 years may also be able to apply on separate grounds.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age limit for dependent ILR | Under 18 at date of application |
| ILR fee per child | £3,226 (same as adult applicant) |
| Qualifying period | Same route as parent — usually 5 years |
| Must apply with parent? | No — can apply at same time or separately |
| Child born in UK with one settled parent | Automatically British at birth |
| 7-year route | Continuous UK residence of 7+ years may give a separate route |
Quick Overview
✅ A child under 18 can apply for ILR at the same time as their parent
✅ Children are granted ILR on the same conditions as the main applicant
✅ Each dependent child pays the full £3,226 ILR application fee
⚠️ A child born in the UK is not automatically British unless at least one parent is British or settled at birth
⚠️ A child over 18 cannot apply as a dependent — they must qualify in their own right
📌 The child must be dependent on the applicant parent and not be married or in a civil partnership
📌 A child resident in the UK for 7+ years continuously may have a separate private life route
💡 Apply for the child at the same time as the parent to avoid a second application and second fee later
When a parent gets ILR, the most common assumption is that children get it automatically. They do not. Each child must apply separately.
The ILR checklist covers the documents needed for both the main applicant and dependent children.
How Dependent Child ILR Works
A dependent child can be included in a parent's ILR application. The child:
- Is named on the parent's application form
- Provides their own biometric information at the appointment
- Submits their own supporting documents
- Pays the separate £3,226 application fee
- Attends the same appointment as the parent (or separately if needed)
The child is granted ILR at the same time as the parent, assuming they meet the dependency conditions.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?
To qualify, the child must:
- Be under 18 at the date of application
- Be the applicant's child — biological, adopted, or stepchild in qualifying circumstances
- Not be married or in a civil partnership
- Not be leading an independent life — for example, working full-time abroad or running their own household
- Be financially dependent on the applicant parent
A child over 18 cannot apply as a dependent. If your child turns 18 before you apply, they must apply on their own qualifying route.
Does a Child Born in the UK Automatically Get ILR?
Not automatically — and whether the child has any status at all depends on the parents' immigration status at birth.
If at least one parent is British or has ILR (settled status) at the time of the child's birth: The child is automatically a British citizen under the British Nationality Act 1981. They do not need to apply for anything — they are already British.
If both parents are on limited leave (a visa) when the child is born: The child is not automatically British and does not have ILR. The child must be added as a dependent on the parent's visa. When the parent applies for ILR, the child applies as a dependent.
Check the immigration status of both parents at the time of birth — this determines whether the child is British, needs to be added as a dependent, or requires a separate application.
The 7-Year Child Route
A child who has been continuously resident in the UK for 7 or more years may be able to apply for leave on private life grounds under the Immigration Rules.
This is a separate route from dependent child ILR. Key points:
- The 7 years must be continuous
- The application is made on the basis that the child has built a significant private life in the UK
- This route does not grant ILR directly — it usually grants limited leave, which can later lead to ILR
- Legal advice is strongly recommended for this route
This route is most relevant when a child has lived in the UK for many years but the parents are not yet ILR-eligible, or the parents' immigration history is complicated.
What Documents Are Needed for a Dependent Child?
Documents typically required include:
- The child's passport
- The child's current BRP or eVisa details
- Birth certificate proving the relationship to the applicant parent
- Evidence of dependency if the child is over 16 or not living with the parent full-time
- The parent's ILR application reference number
Check the ILR checklist for the full current document list. Requirements can vary depending on the parent's visa route.
Common Mistakes
❌ Assuming a child born in the UK has automatic ILR A child born in the UK to two visa-holding parents has no automatic status. They must be added as a dependent on the parent's visa and apply for ILR when the parent applies. Missing this leaves the child's status unresolved — which causes problems for school registration, NHS treatment, and future visa applications.
❌ Not applying for the child at the same time as the parent There is no legal requirement to apply together. But applying separately later costs another £3,226 and requires another appointment. Applying together is simpler and cheaper — one appointment, one submission process.
❌ Forgetting that the child pays the full ILR fee Each dependent child pays £3,226 — the same as the main applicant. A family of two parents and two dependent children pays £12,904 in ILR fees alone.
❌ Applying after the child turns 18 A child who turns 18 before the ILR application is submitted cannot be included as a dependent. If your child is approaching 18, check whether applying before their birthday is feasible. If not, they need to apply on their own qualifying route.
❌ Assuming children need the Life in the UK test Children under 18 are exempt from the Life in the UK test for ILR. Only adult applicants need to meet the language and knowledge requirements.
Expert Tips
1. Apply for the child at the same time as the parent. Even if not legally required, it saves a second fee, a second appointment, and a second round of document gathering.
2. Check the child's age before booking the appointment. If your child turns 18 during the processing window, get legal advice. Dependent child ILR will not be available after their 18th birthday.
3. Verify both parents' immigration status at the child's birth date. If one parent had ILR when the child was born in the UK, the child may already be British. Check this before applying for ILR — you may not need to.
4. If your child has lived in the UK for 7+ years and you are not yet ILR-eligible, get legal advice. The 7-year private life route is a specialist area. Do not attempt it without proper guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child get ILR at the same time as their parent?
Yes. A child under 18 who is dependent on a parent can be included in the parent's ILR application. The child is granted ILR at the same time as the parent, provided they meet the dependency conditions.
Does a child born in the UK automatically get ILR?
Only if at least one parent is British or settled (ILR) at the time of birth — in which case the child is automatically British, not just ILR. If both parents are on limited leave when the child is born, the child must apply for ILR as a dependent when the parent applies.
How much does ILR cost for a dependent child?
£3,226 per child — the same fee as the main applicant. There is no reduced fee for children. A family with two adults and two children pays £12,904 in ILR fees.
What happens if my child turns 18 before I apply for ILR?
A child over 18 cannot be included as a dependent. They must apply on their own qualifying route. If your child is close to 18 and your ILR application is imminent, get legal advice about timing.
Does my child need the Life in the UK test for ILR?
No. Children under 18 are exempt from the Life in the UK test. Only adult ILR applicants must pass the test.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
Dependent child ILR is governed by the Immigration Rules and the British Nationality Act 1981. The Home Office publishes guidance on dependants within the Indefinite Leave to Remain section on GOV.UK. Automatic British citizenship at birth is set out in the British Nationality Act 1981, Section 1(1).
Official Resources
- Indefinite Leave to Remain — GOV.UK — eligibility including for dependants
- British citizenship by birth — GOV.UK — when a child born in the UK is automatically British
Our Free Tools
Adult ILR applicants need to pass the Life in the UK test. Use the free practice questions to prepare. The ILR checklist covers every document needed for both the main applicant and dependent children.
Last reviewed: May 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest fees and dependency requirements.