Open petition: Ensure no-one "ages out" of dependent status during parents' 10-year ILR route

Created by Henry Maina
Closes on 10 September 2026

Reform family visa rules so eligibility for dependent status of all children of visa holders on a 10-year route is extended above age 18. We're concerned current rules cause family separation. Ensure families are protected by consistently enforced rules and aren't affected by administrative delays.

We want all children of those on a long-term visa route to be protected by immigration rules from “aging out” of their child dependant eligibility, due to delays. End what we see as unequal treatment of settled families, and ensure child welfare and family life are properly considered. We are concerned that the current system leads to permanent family separation based solely on timing, not conduct, contribution, or risk, with insufficient assessment of a child’s best interests. We believe this predictable outcome undermines fairness, equality, and confidence in the system.

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