UK Citizen With A US-born Child. What Visa If Any Does The Child Need To Move To The UK?

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As a British citizen returning to the UK after 12 years in the US, you're likely to have many questions about the visa requirements for your US-born child. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of determining the necessary visa for your child to move to the UK.

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria

Before we dive into the visa options, it's essential to understand the eligibility criteria for your child. As a British citizen, you have the right to live and work in the UK, but your child's eligibility depends on their nationality and your relationship with them.

Your Child's Nationality and Visa Requirements

As a US-born child, your child is a US citizen. However, the UK has a special relationship with the US, and US citizens can enter the UK without a visa for up to six months. However, if you plan to live in the UK with your child, you'll need to apply for a visa.

Dependent Visa Options for Your Child

As a British citizen, you can sponsor your child's visa application under the Parent of a Child Visa or the Ancestry Visa. However, since your child is a US citizen, they may not be eligible for these visas.

The Child of a British Citizen Visa

The Child of a British Citizen Visa is a more suitable option for your child. This visa allows US-born children of British citizens to live in the UK without the need for a separate visa. However, your child will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

  • Being under 18 years old
  • Being a US citizen
  • Having a parent who is a British citizen
  • Meeting the English language requirement
  • Meeting the maintenance requirement

The Child of a Settled Person Visa

If you're not a British citizen but have settled status in the UK, your child may be eligible for the Child of a Settled Person Visa. This visa allows US-born children of settled persons to live in the UK without the need for a separate visa. However, your child will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

  • Being under 18 years old
  • Being a US citizen
  • Having a parent who is a settled person
  • Meeting the English language requirement
  • Meeting the maintenance requirement

The Family Visa

If you're not a British citizen and don't have settled status in the UK, you may need to apply for a Family Visa for your child. This visa allows US-born children of British citizens to live in the UK with their parent. However, your child will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

  • Being under 18 years old
  • Being a US citizen
  • Having a parent who is a British citizen
  • Meeting the English language requirement
  • Meeting the maintenance requirement

The Application Process

Once you've determined the necessary visa for your child, you'll need to apply for it. The application process typically involves:

  • Gathering required documents, including your child's birth certificate, passport, and proof of your relationship with them
  • Completing the online application form
  • Paying the application fee Attending an appointment at a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application centre

Tips and Recommendations

  • Apply for the visa as soon as possible to avoid any delays
  • Ensure you have all the required documents before submitting the application
  • Consider hiring a immigration lawyer to help with the application process
  • Be prepared to provide additional documentation or attend an interview if required

Conclusion

As a British citizen returning to the UK with a US-born child, navigating the visa requirements can be complex. However, by understanding the eligibility criteria and the different visa options available, you can ensure a smooth move for your child. Remember to apply for the necessary visa as soon as possible and be prepared to provide additional documentation or attend an interview if required.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Do I need to apply for a visa for my child if I'm a British citizen? A: No, as a British citizen, you can sponsor your child's visa application under the Parent of a Child Visa or the Ancestry Visa.
  • Q: What is the Child of a British Citizen Visa? A: The Child of a British Citizen Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of British citizens to live in the UK without the need for a separate visa.
  • Q: What is the Child of a Settled Person Visa? A: The Child of a Settled Person Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of settled persons to live in the UK without the need for a separate visa.
  • Q: What is the Family Visa? A: The Family Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of British citizens to live in the UK with their parent.
    UK Citizen with a US-Born Child: Frequently Asked Questions ===========================================================

As a British citizen returning to the UK with a US-born child, you may have many questions about the visa requirements and the application process. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process.

Q: Do I need to apply for a visa for my child if I'm a British citizen?

A: No, as a British citizen, you can sponsor your child's visa application under the Parent of a Child Visa or the Ancestry Visa. However, since your child is a US citizen, they may not be eligible for these visas. In this case, you'll need to apply for the Child of a British Citizen Visa or the Child of a Settled Person Visa.

Q: What is the Child of a British Citizen Visa?

A: The Child of a British Citizen Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of British citizens to live in the UK without the need for a separate visa. To be eligible, your child must meet certain criteria, including being under 18 years old, being a US citizen, having a parent who is a British citizen, meeting the English language requirement, and meeting the maintenance requirement.

Q: What is the Child of a Settled Person Visa?

A: The Child of a Settled Person Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of settled persons to live in the UK without the need for a separate visa. To be eligible, your child must meet certain criteria, including being under 18 years old, being a US citizen, having a parent who is a settled person, meeting the English language requirement, and meeting the maintenance requirement.

Q: What is the Family Visa?

A: The Family Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of British citizens to live in the UK with their parent. To be eligible, your child must meet certain criteria, including being under 18 years old, being a US citizen, having a parent who is a British citizen, meeting the English language requirement, and meeting the maintenance requirement.

Q: What documents do I need to apply for a visa for my child?

A: To apply for a visa for your child, you'll need to gather the following documents:

  • Your child's birth certificate
  • Your child's passport
  • Proof of your relationship with your child (e.g. birth certificate, adoption papers)
  • Proof of your British citizenship (e.g. passport, birth certificate)
  • Proof of your income and maintenance (e.g. payslips, bank statements)
  • Proof of your child's English language proficiency (e.g. language test results)

Q: How long does the visa application process take?

A: The visa application process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the type of visa and the complexity of the application. It's essential to apply for the visa as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

Q: Can I apply for a visa for my child online?

A: Yes, you can apply for a visa for your child online through the UK Government website. However, you may need to attend appointment at a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application centre to provide biometric data and supporting documents.

Q: What is the cost of applying for a visa for my child?

A: The cost of applying for a visa for your child depends on the type of visa and the nationality of your child. You can find the current fees on the UK Government website.

Q: Can I hire an immigration lawyer to help with the application process?

A: Yes, you can hire an immigration lawyer to help with the application process. Immigration lawyers can provide guidance and support throughout the application process and help ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

Q: What happens if my child's visa application is refused?

A: If your child's visa application is refused, you can appeal the decision or reapply for the visa. It's essential to seek advice from an immigration lawyer to understand your options and the best course of action.

Conclusion

Applying for a visa for your US-born child can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, by understanding the eligibility criteria and the different visa options available, you can ensure a smooth move for your child. Remember to apply for the necessary visa as soon as possible and be prepared to provide additional documentation or attend an interview if required.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Do I need to apply for a visa for my child if I'm a British citizen? A: No, as a British citizen, you can sponsor your child's visa application under the Parent of a Child Visa or the Ancestry Visa.
  • Q: What is the Child of a British Citizen Visa? A: The Child of a British Citizen Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of British citizens to live in the UK without the need for a separate visa.
  • Q: What is the Child of a Settled Person Visa? A: The Child of a Settled Person Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of settled persons to live in the UK without the need for a separate visa.
  • Q: What is the Family Visa? A: The Family Visa is a visa that allows US-born children of British citizens to live in the UK with their parent.