• 1 parent is dead and the other is settled or coming to settle here; or
• the parent who is settled or coming to settle in the UK has had sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing; or
• 1 parent is settled or coming to settle in the UK and there are serious reasons why the child must be allowed to come here.

The term ‘parent’ includes the stepfather or stepmother of a child whose father or mother is dead, both parents of an illegitimate child, and an adoptive parent in certain circumstances.

There are additional requirements for adopted children .

Your child must show that they:

• are not leading an independent life;
• are not married or in a civil partnership;
• have not formed an independent family unit; and
• are aged under 18.

If you or one of the child’s parents is applying to enter, remain, or has limited leave to remain in the UK as a partner or parent, you must meet the financial requirement. In all other cases you will need to show that you have accommodation where you can all live without help from public funds to bring your child to settle in the UK.

• aged 18 or over; and
• a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a British citizen or person settled in the UK.

You can apply to join a settled person in the UK if:

• You need long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks, such as washing and cooking.
• The care you need is not available in the country where you are living, either because it is not available and there is no person in the country where you are living who can reasonably provide it or it is not affordable.
• Your sponsor can show that he or she is able to provide adequate maintenance, accommodation and care for you without having to rely on public funds. Your sponsor will need to sign a sponsorship undertaking form to confirm that they will be responsible for your care without relying on public funds for a period of at least 5 years.

• under the age of 18 on the date you apply;
• living in the UK; and
• a British citizen or settled in the UK.

You can apply under this route if:

• you have sole responsibility for the child; or
• if the parent or carer that the child normally lives with is a British citizen or settled in the UK, but is not your partner, and you do not qualify for entry clearance as a partner.

You must provide evidence that you either have sole responsibility for or access rights to the child or that you are taking, and intend to continue to take, an active role in the child’s upbringing. The documents you need to provide are listed on the application form.