From 3 August 2026, a child born in the UK while a parent holds Graduate route permission can apply in the UK as that parent’s dependant. Previously, the route generally covered family members who had already been Student dependants and children born during the parent’s most recent period of Student permission. It did not clearly accommodate a baby born after the parent had switched to the Graduate route.
The application fee is £937 per child, and the Immigration Health Surcharge normally applies. A successful child’s permission will be aligned with their parents’ immigration permission.
What has changed?
The amendment appears in the Statement of Changes HC 259, laid before Parliament on 9 July 2026. It adds children born in the UK to a person who already holds Graduate permission to the categories permitted to apply as Graduate dependants.
Before this change, a child who had been a Student visa dependant could continue as a Graduate dependant. A child born in the UK during the parent’s Student permission could also apply. However, the Rules did not provide the same route for a child born after the parent had become a Graduate.
Families considering other immigration options should review the wider child dependant and parent routes.
Who can apply?
| Your situation | Position from 3 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Child previously held permission as your Student dependant | Can apply to continue as a Graduate dependant |
| Child born in the UK during your Student permission | Can apply as a Graduate dependant |
| Child born in the UK during your Graduate permission | Can now apply as a Graduate dependant |
| Child living outside the UK | Cannot apply to join you directly under the Graduate route |
| Partner who was not previously your Student dependant | Cannot become a Graduate dependant under this change |
The child must be in the UK on the application date. The usual relationship, care, age and suitability requirements also apply.
What does the application cost?
| Item | Current amount or position |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £937 per child |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year for an applicant under 18 |
| Permission granted | Normally ends when the relevant parents’ permission ends, using the earlier expiry date where the parents have different dates |
These figures reflect the UK visa fee increases that took effect on 8 April 2026. The health surcharge is paid upfront and calculated according to the length of permission, with part-years generally charged in six-month blocks.
How the application works
Consider a parent who switches to the Graduate route in October and has a baby in the UK the following March. From 3 August 2026, the child can apply as a Graduate dependant while the parent still holds Graduate permission.
The application will usually require the child’s valid passport or other identity document and a full UK birth certificate establishing the relationship. Depending on the application process, identity may be confirmed through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a biometrics appointment.
Successful applicants receive an eVisa rather than a physical document. A decision is usually expected within eight weeks after the application, identity checks and supporting documents have been completed, although Home Office processing times can vary.
What the change does not do
The amendment does not allow a new child dependant to apply from overseas. It also does not extend the Graduate parent’s permission or turn the Graduate route into a settlement route.
Graduate permission does not count towards the usual five-year qualifying period for settlement as a Skilled Worker. However, it can contribute towards ILR based on long residence where the applicant completes ten years of qualifying lawful and continuous residence and meets the other requirements.
A baby born in the UK is not automatically British unless a parent was British or settled at the time of birth. Where a parent later becomes British or settled while the child is under 18, the child may become entitled to registration. This should be considered separately from the parent’s British citizenship application.
Graduate visa holders may later consider switching to a Skilled Worker visa, applying under the UK spouse visa route or moving into another suitable category. The Start-up visa is closed to new applications. Innovator Founder remains available for qualifying entrepreneurs, while “self-sponsorship” describes a potential Skilled Worker strategy rather than a separate visa category.
Common questions
Does a UK-born baby automatically become British?
No. Citizenship normally depends on whether a parent was British or settled when the child was born. Further details appear in the GOV.UK Graduate visa guidance.
Can I add a partner I married during my Graduate permission?
Not normally. A partner generally must have previously held permission as the Graduate’s Student dependant.
What happens if the application is refused?
The decision should explain whether administrative review is available. A further application may also be possible, depending on the reason for refusal. Our guide on what to do after a UK visa refusal explains the practical considerations.
Speak to the immigration solicitors in London at Garth Coates Solicitors on +44 (0)20 7799 1600 to review your child’s position before submitting an application.
