UK CHILD OF A PARTNER OR PARENT VISA

The UK Child of a Partner or Parent Visa is intended for Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) children residing in Switzerland who wish to enter or remain in the UK where one parent has already been granted, or is simultaneously being granted, a Partner or Parent Visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

If the child's parent does not have, and is not being granted, leave as a Partner or Parent under Appendix FM but holds another form of leave, the child should apply under the family life provisions of Part 8 of the Immigration Rules or as a dependent child of a points-based system migrant.

If the child is British, has indefinite leave to remain, or is otherwise settled in the UK, they do not need to apply for a visa to enter the UK.

UK Child of a Partner or Parent Visa Requirements for Swiss National Children (and Non-Swiss National Children) Resident in Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Child of a Partner or Parent Visa for a Swiss citizen child or a child holding another citizenship but resident in Switzerland, you must satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

• Child's Location: Your child is outside the UK.

• Child's Age: Your child is under 18 at the date of application.

• Family Unit: Your child has not formed an independent family unit.

• Dependent Status: Your child is not leading an independent life.

• Parent's Status: One parent is in the UK with, or is being granted, a Partner or Parent Visa under Appendix FM (the ‘child’s parent’).

Additionally, either:

• Parent-Partner Relationship: The child’s parent’s partner under Appendix FM is also a parent of the child; or

• Sole Responsibility: The child’s parent has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing; or

• Compelling Considerations: There are serious and compelling family or other considerations making exclusion undesirable, and suitable arrangements for the child’s care have been made.

Your child must also satisfy financial and accommodation requirements.

The specific requirements vary based on personal circumstances, so consulting an immigration lawyer is recommended.

Immigration Status Requirement

For a UK Child of a Partner or Parent Visa by a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) child resident in Switzerland, one parent must be in the UK with, or be granted, a Partner or Parent Visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Relationship Requirement

This requirement can be satisfied if:

• The partner of the child’s parent, who has or is being granted a Partner or Parent Visa, is also a parent of the child; or

• The child’s parent has had and continues to have sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing; or

• There are serious and compelling family or other considerations making exclusion undesirable, and suitable arrangements for the child’s care have been made.

Sole Responsibility

Sole responsibility means one parent is solely responsible for the child's day-to-day care and upbringing. The parent must demonstrate with comprehensive supporting evidence that they alone are responsible for the child’s welfare.

Serious and Compelling Family or Other Considerations

The Home Office considers the child's welfare and best interests. Family considerations involve the child’s emotional needs, while other considerations might include their social and economic environment, evidence of neglect or abuse, or other unmet needs. Suitable care arrangements must also be in place in the UK.

Independent Family Unit and Independent Life

The Swiss resident child must not be living independently as part of another family unit or leading an independent life. Typically, this means the child should be living with their parents, not employed full-time, and dependent on their parents for financial and emotional support.

Financial Requirement for a Swiss Resident Child

The financial requirement varies depending on whether the child is applying as a Child of a Parent or a Child of a Partner.

Child of a Parent: The parent must show they can maintain and accommodate themselves, the child, and any other dependents without public funds. Adequate maintenance is calculated using a specific formula considering income and accommodation costs.

Child of a Partner: The parent or their partner must have a gross annual income of at least £29,000. Different considerations apply if the parent’s partner receives certain state benefits.

Accommodation Requirement for Children Resident in Switzerland

The family must have adequate accommodation without relying on public funds, with evidence of legal and exclusive occupancy that meets health regulations.

English Language Requirement for Children Living in Switzerland

Children applying for this visa do not need to satisfy an English language requirement.

Supporting Documents Needed for a UK Child of a Partner or Parent Visa Application in Switzerland

Strict documentary requirements must be met for a successful application. Consulting an immigration lawyer can ensure all necessary documents are properly prepared.

UK Child of a Partner or Parent Visa Application Fee in Switzerland

• Applying from Switzerland: £1,846

• Switching or extending within the UK: £1,048 Additional fees apply for Priority or Super Priority services.

Processing Time for a UK Child of a Partner or Parent Visa Application in Switzerland

• Outside the UK: 24 weeks (Priority Service: 30 working days)

• Inside the UK: 8 weeks (Super Priority Service: next working day)

Visa Duration

The visa will expire on the same date as the parent’s visa. Extensions or applications for indefinite leave to remain must be made before the initial grant expires.

Switching from Within the UK

Children can switch to this visa route from inside the UK if they meet all requirements.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through our Swiss immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland. Our dedicated UK immigration lawyers provide personalised support and expert advice throughout the entire UK visa application process.

For professional assistance and expert advice on a UK Child of a Partner or Parent Visa application from Switzerland, contact our British visa specialists in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.