Children

This information explains what the Immigration Directions say about children coming to join their parents or a parent who is settled in Jersey. It is only a guide, but aims to answer frequently asked questions.

If you need more information about an immigration matter please contact us at the Customs & Immigration Service 

When you contact us please provide the following:

• your name (as in your passport)

• your date of birth

• your nationality

• your Home Office reference number (if you have one)

• your child’s name

• his or her date of birth

• his or her nationality

• his or her father’s full name.

How do I qualify to bring my child to Jersey?

You must be able to show that:

• you currently live and are settled in Jersey legally, with no time limit on your stay:

• you have adequate accommodation where you can all live without help from public funds;

• you are the child’s parent (this includes the stepfather or stepmother of a child whose father or mother is dead, both the father and mother of an illegitimate child and an adoptive parent in certain defined circumstances).

I am not settled in Jersey so can I still bring my child to Jersey?

If you are here in another immigration category it may be possible for your child to join you. For further information please refer to the Customs & Immigration Service or the Directions of the Lieutenant-Governor. ( 236Kb - Opens in a new window)

How can my child qualify to join me in Jersey?

Your child must show that:

• they are not leading an independent life, are not married and have not formed an independent family unit; and

• they are under eighteen

Important - Children cannot normally come to live in Jersey if one parent is living abroad, unless the parent here has sole responsibility for the child, or if there are serious reasons why the child must be allowed to come here. Your child must get an entry clearance before they travel to Jersey.

How long can my child stay?

If both you and your husband or wife are settled here or you have sole responsibility for the child, they will normally be allowed to stay here permanently from the date they arrive.

If your child comes here with your husband or wife, they will normally be given permission to stay in Jersey for the same length of time as your husband or wife. If your husband or wife is allowed to stay here permanently, your child will normally be allowed to stay here permanently as well.

Can I bring an adopted child to Jersey?

Information on how an adopted or prospective adopted child may be brought here is available from the Customs & Immigration Service. Please contact us for further information.