Single Mother on study visa wants to take daughter along

[Mahnoor777]

Dependant visa got rejected last year as they inquired about fathers whereabouts. Her father and I have been living desperately ever since my daughter birth. I went to UK without my daughter but couldn't stay for long and neither could study that way. So I came back after two months after having informed the college abt the situation. Almost one and half year have passed n I sought help from court and now we r legally separated n I am sole custodian of my daughter. I've enrolled myself in a university now and about to reapply visa. What documents are required to get my daughter a visa? What r chances this time.

[Lucapooka]

Is the university a HEI; is the course level 7 or above?

[Mahnoor777]

Thanx for responding. Yes it is..

[Lucapooka]

Are you able to study and look after a very young child? There may be various opportunities for refusal of your own visa if the care arrangements for the child are not clear or you if you can't satisfy the ECO that you intend to enter the UK and study in accordance with the terms of the category of leave.


So in addition to the normal paperwork necessary for a PBS dependant application (found on the form and guidance), you should also indicate that you have arranged suitable accommodation in the UK (not necessary for an adult application but necessary for a minor) and that you have, and have had for some time, sole responsibility for the child. This latter requirement will involve official legal instruments from the family courts in your location. I am not able to comment on the type and suitability of family law official instruments issued by the courts in your location. The visa will not be granted if there is not a straightforward document that shows you have these rights. Although not mandatory, a statement from the father giving his consent would also be an advantage, but in addition rather than in lieu of official court instruments. Additionally, you should check your local laws. Some states do not allow minor children to travel to the exterior without consent from both parents, or the death certificate of one, or the orders of the court. This is an entirely separate issue to the UKBA granting a visa to enter the UK. It would be shame to see the visa granted only to be stopped at the airline check-in desk by the mandatory application of national laws.

[Mahnoor777]

Thanx for an elaborate reply. I understand its not a straightforward case n involves additional paper work. My daughters 5 years old n goes to a kindergarten. I have
A custody letter issued by court(signed by her father n me)
A seperation letter
Her school certificate
I intend to get her admitted into a daycare once I get there. But if necessary I could arrange it beforehand so that i can assure them that she is well looked after during my classes. Also try to get fathers consent letter n hope this makes my case stronger.

[Lucapooka]

You have not thought this through. School is compulsory for any child that has reached five years and is living in the UK. You will have to make arrangements and I suggest you do this before you apply for the visa, for the sake of your application and the child's.

Are you able to study and look after a very young child? There may be various opportunities for refusal of your own visa if the care arrangements for the child are not clear or you if you can't satisfy the ECO that you intend to enter the UK and study in accordance with the terms of the category of leave.

[Mahnoor777]

Ok.. thats understandable. i will try to make suitable arrangement for the purpose before applying. Is there any other document u think required considering my case?

[Mahnoor777]

I have arranged for a private day care. Schools only accepts applications from inside UK and that could be done once we reach there. I hope it's enough ...??