Petition · Home Office

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

Open for signatures 17 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

Timeline

10 Mar 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 17
Status Open for signatures
Department Home Office
Opened 10 Mar 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.