From 3 August 2026, a child born in the UK during a parent’s current Graduate permission can apply from inside the UK as that parent’s dependant. The application fee is £937 per child. The Immigration Health Surcharge is charged at the under-18 rate of £776 a year and calculated in six-month periods. The child’s permission will end on the same date as the parent’s existing Graduate permission.
What the application involves
| Item | Current position |
| Application fee | £937 per child |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 a year, calculated in six-month periods |
| Where to apply | Online from inside the UK |
| Usual decision time | Within 8 weeks |
| Main evidence | Full UK birth certificate showing both parents, identity document and evidence of the parent’s Graduate permission |
| Successful outcome | An eVisa expiring with the parent’s Graduate permission |
The child must make a separate online application. You will need a full UK birth certificate showing both parents, together with the child’s passport or other accepted identity document. UK Visas and Immigration may request additional evidence depending on the family’s circumstances.
Once the application has been submitted, the child must not travel outside the Common Travel Area, comprising the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, until a decision is made. An in-country application is treated as withdrawn if the applicant leaves the Common Travel Area while it is pending. Decisions are usually issued within 8 weeks after the applicant has proved their identity and provided the required documents.
Timing matters more than many parents expect
The Graduate route cannot be extended. If the parent has 9 months of permission remaining, the child can receive only those 9 months. As the surcharge is rounded up to the next six-month period, 9 months of permission would normally attract one full year of the child-rate surcharge.
The reduction of most Graduate visas from 2 years to 18 months applies to main applicants who submit their Graduate application on or after 1 January 2027. Doctoral graduates will continue to receive 3 years. This change does not shorten permission that has already been granted, and a child’s application does not restart the parent’s Graduate leave.
Where the family goes next
Many families later move into UK work sponsorship. If the parent qualifies for the Skilled Worker route, the child can normally submit a separate application as their dependant. Review Skilled Worker visa eligibility and the current Skilled Worker salary thresholds before the Graduate permission expires.
Those considering a business-led route can read about the self sponsorship visa and the Skilled Worker sponsor licence guide. Eligible Commonwealth citizens with a qualifying UK-born grandparent may also consider the UK Ancestry visa.
Five years on an eligible settlement route may lead to indefinite leave to remain and later British citizenship by naturalisation. Graduate permission does not count towards the five-year Skilled Worker settlement period, although lawful residence may count towards the separate ten-year long-residence route.
Frequently asked questions
Is a baby born in the UK automatically British?
Not usually. A child is generally British at birth only if at least one parent was British or settled when the child was born. A child born in the UK may later qualify through registering a child as a British citizen if a parent becomes British or settled before the child turns 18. A separate registration route may apply after the child’s first 10 years, subject to absence requirements.
Does the child need permission before travelling?
Yes. GOV.UK states that a dependant application is required if the child will travel outside the UK and return. Apply and receive a decision before booking international travel.
Review the wider British citizenship requirements before planning the family’s long-term route. Call Hedgley Immigration’s Bromley team on 07704 909490 or use the contact page for advice before applying.