Apply as a child to join or stay with a close relative in the UK
After you apply
If you applied from outside the UK
You鈥檒l get an email with a decision on your application within 12 weeks of having your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken.
If you applied from inside the UK
You鈥檒l get a decision letter through the post.
If your application is approved
You鈥檒l be given permission to stay in the UK for as long as your close relative has permission to stay. This could be up to 5 years.
If you鈥檙e given permission to stay for longer than 6 months, you鈥檒l be able to access an online record that shows this (called an eVisa).聽
This will also allow you to enter the UK - if you applied from outside.
What you can and cannot do
With permission to stay, you can:
- study
- travel abroad and return to the UK
- apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as 鈥榠ndefinite leave to remain鈥�) when your close relative applies or once they are settled
You usually cannot apply for most benefits (public funds).
You鈥檒l get a full list of what you can and cannot do when your application is approved.
Applying for settlement
Settlement (also known as 鈥榠ndefinite leave to remain鈥�) gives you the right to:
- 聽live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like
- 聽apply for benefits if you鈥檙e eligible
When you can apply
You can apply for settlement if all of the following apply:
- you鈥檝e already been given permission to join or stay with a close relative in the UK
- you鈥檙e already living in the UK
- your close relative is already settled in the UK - or is applying for settlement at the same time as you
- you鈥檙e not leading an independent life (for example, you must not be married or have moved into your own home)
- your relative is able to show that they can care for you until you are an adult