Adopted Child Visa
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
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Adopted Child Visa

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months

Estimated Cost

From GBP £2,064

Other charges may apply

Stay Duration

Permanent (if ILE) or 24 months (if temporary)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,000
Quality of Life
174/200

Overview

This route is for children under 18 who have been adopted overseas or are coming to the UK to be adopted by parents who are British citizens, settled in the UK, or holding limited leave on a route that allows dependants.

The UK Adopted Child visa (Appendix Adoption) allows children under 18 adopted overseas — or coming to the UK to be adopted — to join British citizen or settled adoptive parents. Four adoption routes apply: Hague Convention, Recognised Overseas, De facto, and Coming to UK for adoption.

Successful applicants may receive Indefinite Leave to Enter — granting immediate settlement — or limited leave matching the adoptive parent's permission. The application fee is £2,064, plus an IHS of £776 per year at the child under-18 reduced rate. Processing is typically 12 weeks from outside the UK.

This visa is ideal for adopted children under 18 joining UK-based adoptive parents where the adoption meets one of the four recognised routes.

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Cost Breakdown

Application FeeGBP £2,064
IHS (per year)GBP £776
recurring
TotalGBP £2,064

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Child must be under 18.

Must meet one of four adoption routes (Hague, Recognised Overseas, De facto, or Coming to UK for adoption).

Parents must meet financial requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Child's passport and birth certificate

Official adoption order

Financial evidence of parents

Accommodation evidence

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows family reunification for adopted children
  • Pathway to settlement

Worth Knowing

  • Complex financial and accommodation requirements
  • Strict adoption recognition criteria
  • Failure to meet financial requirements
  • Non-qualifying adoption route

Application Process

1

Complete online application

2

Pay fee and IHS (if applicable)

3

Attend biometric appointment

4

Upload documents

5

Await decision

Application Forms

Online Visa Application PortalFill online

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