UK Immigration Services

UK Visa and Immigration Applications for an Adopted Child

: Written by: Arshad Mahmood; Last Updated: 05 June 2025

A child who meets the requirements of a legal or de facto adoption may apply for a UK visa to join or accompany an adoptive parent who is a British Citizen or settled in the UK. Children entering the UK as adopted children, or with the intention of being adopted, must satisfy the eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix Adoption of the Immigration Rules. Legal adoption may include intercountry adoption, domestic adoption, or adoption under the Hague Convention.

The adoption visa routes are for a child under the age of 18 to apply to come to the UK either to be adopted or having already been adopted overseas. If a child is granted temporary permission under Appendix Adoption, they would need to apply for settlement under paragraph 298 in Part 8; or for settlement on the route their adoptive parent is on.

Where an adoption has taken place in a country where the adoption is recognised under UK law and the adoptive parent(s) were resident in that country at the time of the adoption, the adopted child may make an application as a dependent child on the same route as their parent(s). Adoption is a route to settlement, which means that a child who enters the UK with limited leave to enter will ultimately qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

At Premium Solicitors, our specialist team of adoption visa lawyers offers expert immigration advice and legal representation for all types of adoption-related visa applications. We provide prompt, friendly, and dependable legal services on a fixed-fee basis for your child’s adoption visa application.

Page Contents
Ask a Question for Free Advice
Adoption Routes
Applications for Adopted Children
Our Team of Family Visa Solicitors
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ask a Question for Free Advice

Our dedicated team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in London specialises in UK visa and immigration applications for an adopted child. We offer one-time free immigration advice online to address your specific enquiries about a UK visa and immigration application for an adopted child. You can either call our free immigration advice helpline, 0044 20 3930 3900, to simply ask a question to our specialist UK immigration solicitors in London for fast and friendly free immigration advice and consultation, or you can schedule an appointment online for comprehensive and detailed immigration advice & consultation with one of our top-rated UK immigration solicitors and lawyers.

Adoption Routes

According to Appendix Adoption of the Immigration Rules, there are four adoption visa routes:

Hague Convention: This route applies when the adoption is facilitated through an adoption agency under the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. Most Hague Convention adoptions will be completed overseas; however, for some countries, the adoption is completed in the UK, and the child must apply for entry clearance to come to the UK for the adoption process to be finalised in the UK.

Recognised Overseas Adoptions: This route allows a child to apply for entry clearance to come to the UK if they have been adopted overseas in a country where the adoption is recognised under UK law, or where the adoption has been recognised by an order of the High Court in the UK.

De facto Adoption: This route is for a child to apply for entry clearance where the child has been living with their adoptive parent(s) overseas for at least 12 months and there has been a genuine transfer of parental responsibility.

Coming to the UK for adoption: This route is for a child to apply for entry clearance where they are in a country whose adoptions are not recognised in the UK, and the child is coming to the UK to be adopted under UK law. Where applicable, the relevant UK authority must have issued the adopters with a certificate of eligibility to adopt.

Immigration Applications for Adopted Children

The following are various applications for adopted children for which our specialist team of UK immigration solicitors can provide expert legal services:

Our Team of Leading Family Visa Solicitors in London

Premium Solicitors Ltd is a London-based law firm specialising in providing high-quality legal services to individuals seeking to apply for a UK visa and immigration for an adopted child. Their expertise in immigration law ensures that clients receive personalised and thorough assistance throughout the immigration application process. The firm is particularly skilled in handling complex immigration cases for adopted children. Their in-depth knowledge of UK immigration law allows them to navigate these challenges effectively, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Premium Solicitors Ltd is renowned for its client-focused approach, providing clear communication and support throughout the entire process. They understand the emotional and financial stress involved in immigration for adopted children and work diligently to alleviate these concerns by providing transparent and reliable legal services. By choosing Premium Solicitors Ltd, clients benefit from a high level of expertise and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for the UK visa and immigration application for adopted children. The firm’s reputation for thoroughness, professionalism, and success makes it a top choice for individuals seeking to adopt a child and bring them to the UK.

The exceptional quality of our UK visa and immigration services is reflected in our 5-star Google Reviews rating, with 99% of our clients expressing their satisfaction. Our dedicated team of London-based UK immigration solicitors is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing unwavering dedication and outstanding legal support for all types of UK visa and immigration applications for adopted children.

At Premium Solicitors, located in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled UK immigration services through our team of dedicated and specialist immigration solicitors. Our team is composed of experienced professionals who possess a deep understanding of the complexities involved in UK immigration laws. This expertise allows us to provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

Meet Our Key Team of UK Immigration Solicitors: