ILR Route for dependent child
Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2026 2:53 pm
Hi all — looking for advice on my son's application. Our family's situation:
Me (main applicant): in the UK since 30/09/2016 — about 10 years — applying now under the 10-year Long Residence route. Am on my skilled worker visa at the moment.
Spouse: already has ILR (via the 5-year work route).
Daughter: in the UK since 30/09/2016 — about 10 years — also applying under the 10-year Long Residence route. Dependent of my skilled worker visa currently.
Son: in the UK since 16/10/2017 — only about 9 years — route still to be decided. Dependent of my skilled worker visa currently.
My son has been in the UK as a dependant since 16 October 2017, so he has completed only about 9 years — he does not yet meet the 10-year Long Residence requirement.
1. Which category should he apply under? I'm planning to apply for him as the child of a work-visa holder / child of a settled parent (Set(O)), since his mother already has ILR and I'm applying for mine now.
2. When should I apply for him — at the same time as my application, or only after my ILR is granted (so that both parents are settled)?
Would appreciate any experience on the best route and timing for a child who's short of the 10 years.
Many Thanks in advance!
Me (main applicant): in the UK since 30/09/2016 — about 10 years — applying now under the 10-year Long Residence route. Am on my skilled worker visa at the moment.
Spouse: already has ILR (via the 5-year work route).
Daughter: in the UK since 30/09/2016 — about 10 years — also applying under the 10-year Long Residence route. Dependent of my skilled worker visa currently.
Son: in the UK since 16/10/2017 — only about 9 years — route still to be decided. Dependent of my skilled worker visa currently.
My son has been in the UK as a dependant since 16 October 2017, so he has completed only about 9 years — he does not yet meet the 10-year Long Residence requirement.
1. Which category should he apply under? I'm planning to apply for him as the child of a work-visa holder / child of a settled parent (Set(O)), since his mother already has ILR and I'm applying for mine now.
2. When should I apply for him — at the same time as my application, or only after my ILR is granted (so that both parents are settled)?
Would appreciate any experience on the best route and timing for a child who's short of the 10 years.
Many Thanks in advance!