A child may be able to come to or remain in the UK to live with a parent or close relative who is present and settled here under Part 8 of the Immigration Rules. From 3 August 2026, the close-relative route uses a clearer test: the applicant must have no family, other than the close relative in the UK, who could reasonably be expected to support or care for them.
This does not create an automatic right to enter or remain. The child must meet all applicable age, dependency, maintenance, accommodation, entry-clearance and suitability requirements. Applications submitted before 3 August 2026 are decided under the rules in force on 2 August 2026.
What changed on 3 August 2026?
The July 2026 statement of changes, HC 259, amended paragraphs 297 and 298. The previous close-relative provision relied on “serious and compelling family or other considerations”. The new wording aligns Part 8 more closely with the approach used for children joining relatives who hold protection status.
The amendment also clarifies settlement applications involving one settled parent and another parent who has, or is being granted, limited permission in the UK. In that situation, the ordinary settlement limb is not met unless there are serious and compelling reasons to grant settlement.
For the wider relationship between child and parent applications, see our guide to child dependant and parent routes.
Main requirements
| Requirement | What normally needs to be shown |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | A parent, parents or close relative who is present and settled in the UK |
| Close-relative care test | No family other than the UK-based close relative can reasonably support or care for the applicant |
| Age | Under 18 for a new overseas application; limited continuation provisions apply to certain older applicants already on a child route |
| Independence | The applicant is not leading an independent life, married, in a civil partnership or part of an independent family unit |
| Accommodation | Adequate accommodation is available without recourse to public funds |
| Maintenance | The sponsor can maintain the applicant without recourse to public funds |
| Suitability | The application does not fall for refusal under Part Suitability |
| Entry clearance | An overseas applicant holds the correct UK entry clearance |
These requirements are cumulative. Meeting the new care test alone is not enough if the maintenance, accommodation or suitability requirements are not satisfied.
Who is considered settled?
“Present and settled” generally means that the sponsor is settled in the UK and physically present here when the application is made. This may include a British citizen, a person with indefinite leave to remain or someone with qualifying settled status.
A relative may have reached this position through indefinite leave to remain based on long residence or after completing another route, such as a Skilled Worker visa or the self-sponsorship route. These routes are separate from employing overseas workers through a sponsor licence.
What evidence should be provided?
The application should explain the child’s complete family circumstances and why nobody else can reasonably provide care or support. Evidence may include birth and death certificates, medical or school records, statements from relatives, proof of the sponsor’s immigration status, financial documents, housing evidence and a detailed plan for the child’s care.
Where facts require clarification, family visa interviews may be used to examine relationships, previous care arrangements and the proposed living situation. Documents should be consistent and address obvious gaps before submission.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child join an aunt, uncle or another close relative?
Potentially, but the relationship alone is not enough. The sponsor must be accepted as a close relative, be present and settled in the UK, and satisfy the care, maintenance and accommodation requirements.
Does a successful application grant settlement?
An overseas application under paragraph 297 is for indefinite leave to enter. An eligible application from within the UK under paragraph 298 is for indefinite leave to remain.
Which rules apply to an application made before 3 August 2026?
It is decided under the Immigration Rules in force on 2 August 2026, even if the decision is issued later.
Get advice before applying
Start with our overview of family visa applications in 2026 and the related refugee protection and family reunion changes. Cases involving older relatives should instead be considered under the rules for adult dependent relative visas and bringing elderly parents or relatives to the UK.
Speak to our immigration solicitors in London for advice on the correct route and supporting evidence. Call +44 (0)20 7799 1600 or request a consultation.
