Apply for Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) – UK Child Settlement Visa
To apply for Indefinite Leave to Enter, a child granted a UK settlement visa through the Indefinite Leave to Enter route must meet specific criteria.
If you’re a British citizen and your child under 18 lives outside the UK — such as in Thailand — you may be eligible to bring them to the UK permanently under the Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) route. This visa grants the child settled status (ILR) on arrival. Thai Visa Express UK can help guide you through this important process with expert immigration support.
What Is Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE)?
ILE allows children of British citizens or settled persons to enter the UK with indefinite leave, meaning they can live in the UK permanently without needing to extend their visa later. This status is equivalent to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) but is granted upon entry.
Who Can Apply?
- The child is under 18 years old
- One or both parents are British citizens or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain
- The child is not living independently (not married or working)
- The child will live with the British parent permanently in the UK
Documents Required
- Child’s passport and birth certificate
- British parent’s passport or naturalisation certificate
- Proof of parental responsibility
- Consent letter from the other parent (if applicable)
- Evidence of ongoing relationship (photos, calls, remittances)
- UK accommodation proof
- Financial documents (payslips, P60, bank statements)
How to Apply
- Apply online via the UK Family Visa Portal
- Select “Settlement – Child of a British Citizen”
- Download and complete the Appendix 1 (VAF4A) form
- Book biometric appointment in Thailand
Fees & Processing Time
- Visa fee: approx. £1,846
- IHS surcharge: £0 (for ILE)
- Priority service (optional): ~£500
- Standard processing time: ~12 weeks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not submitting Appendix 1
- Missing translations of Thai documents
- Insufficient evidence of relationship or parental consent
Expert UK Immigration Help for Thai Families
Our UK-based team at Thai Visa Express UK specialises in family immigration cases, including Indefinite Leave to Enter for children. We handle everything from eligibility assessments to preparing your application and ensuring all supporting documents meet Home Office standards. With years of experience, we’ve successfully helped Thai children reunite with their British parents in the UK.
We also provide follow-up support with BRP collection, registering with schools, and helping families settle into UK life after arrival.
Contact Thai Visa Express UK
Let us take the stress out of your child’s visa application. Get in touch today to begin the process:
📍 UK Office Address: Telegraph House ,80 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, DN31 3EF, United Kingdom
📞 Phone: +44 –07493269875
🌐 Website: www.thaivisaexpress.co.uk
📧 Email: info@thaivisaexpress.co.uk
