Bringing an adopted child to the UK involves navigating complex visa requirements, meeting specific eligibility criteria, and understanding pathways to British citizenship. This comprehensive guide covers everything from intercountry adoption processes to securing an adoption visa—including guidance for those adopting relatives such as a nephew or niece from overseas.
Understanding the Requirements for Bringing an Adopted Child to the UK
Bringing an adopted child to the UK requires meeting specific immigration and adoption law requirements set by both UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and the Department for Education. The process differs significantly depending on whether you are adopting through a Hague Convention country, a designated list country, or a non-designated country.
The adoption visa—formally known as the Child Settlement Visa for adopted children—allows children adopted overseas to enter and settle in the UK with their adoptive parents. Before applying for this visa, the adoption itself must be legally completed in the child's country of origin and, in most cases, recognised under UK law. The official Government guidance on child adoption provides authoritative information on these requirements.
Can I Adopt My Nephew or Niece from Another Country to the UK?
Yes, you can adopt your nephew or niece from another country and bring them to the UK, but the process must comply with both UK intercountry adoption regulations and the laws of the child's home country. You must be assessed and approved as suitable to adopt by a UK adoption agency before proceeding.
Adopting a relative such as a nephew or niece from overseas is one of the most common intercountry adoption scenarios. However, adopting a family member does not simplify the legal requirements—you must still complete the full adoption assessment process, obtain necessary permissions from both countries, and apply for the appropriate visa.
Requirements for Adopting a Relative from Overseas
- UK Adoption Assessment: Complete a home study and be approved by a UK adoption agency as eligible and suitable to adopt
- Certificate of Eligibility: Obtain approval from the Department for Education (DfE) confirming you meet UK requirements
- Child's Best Interests: Demonstrate that adoption serves the child's welfare and they cannot be safely cared for in their home country
- Legal Adoption Abroad: Complete the adoption process according to the child's country's laws
- Immigration Status: You must have the immigration status to sponsor a dependent's entry to the UK
In some countries where formal intercountry adoption is not legally recognised (such as Pakistan and Bangladesh), you may need to apply for legal guardianship instead and bring the child to the UK under alternative visa routes. Professional immigration advice is strongly recommended for these complex cases.
Country-Specific Adoption Requirements
Adoption requirements vary significantly by country. Hague Convention countries follow standardised procedures, while non-Hague countries have unique requirements. Countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh only permit guardianship, not formal adoption, requiring alternative immigration routes.
The process for bringing an adopted child to the UK varies depending on the child's country of origin. The UK recognises adoptions from Hague Convention countries, designated list countries, and certain other countries under specific conditions.
Adoption from India to UK
India is a Hague Convention country, meaning adoptions must be processed through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). Key requirements include:
- CARA Registration: All intercountry adoptions must be registered with CARA
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required from CARA before the child can leave India
- UK Agency Coordination: Your UK adoption agency must work with CARA throughout the process
- Home Study: Comprehensive assessment completed in the UK before matching
Adopting from Pakistan to UK
Pakistan does not permit formal intercountry adoption under its legal system. Instead, prospective parents must apply for legal guardianship under Pakistani law. The child can then enter the UK under alternative visa arrangements, potentially as a dependent or through the "Child of a Relative" route if applicable.
Adoption from Bangladesh to UK
Similar to Pakistan, Bangladesh does not recognise formal intercountry adoption. Legal guardianship is the available option, followed by visa application under appropriate immigration categories.
Adopting a Child from Philippines to UK
The Philippines is a Hague Convention country. Adoptions are processed through the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB). Requirements include:
- ICAB Approval: Documentation confirming the adoption meets Philippine requirements
- UK Accredited Agency: Must work with an agency authorised for Philippines adoptions
- Child's Philippine Passport: Required for visa application
British Citizenship by Adoption
A child adopted by British citizen parents may automatically acquire British citizenship if the adoption is recognised under UK law. For adoptions not automatically recognised, the child can apply for citizenship by registration after meeting residency requirements in the UK.
British citizenship by adoption depends on when and where the adoption took place, whether it is recognised under UK law, and the citizenship status of the adoptive parents. Understanding these pathways is essential when bringing an adopted child to the UK.
Pathways to British Citizenship for Adopted Children
- Automatic Citizenship: Applies to Hague Convention adoptions and UK adoptions where adoptive parents are British citizens
- Registration (Form MN1): For children under 18 whose adoption is recognised but doesn't confer automatic citizenship
- Naturalisation: For children who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period and meet continuous residence requirements
Application Process for British Citizenship
The citizenship application process involves completing the appropriate form, paying the Home Office application fee, and providing supporting documents including:
- Child's birth certificate (original)
- Adoption certificate or court order
- Child's current passport
- Adoptive parents' British passports or proof of citizenship
- Proof of UK residence if applying through registration or naturalisation
Processing times can take several months. For detailed timelines, see our guide on settlement application processing times.
De Facto Adoption UK Explained
A de facto adoption occurs when adoptive parents have lived abroad with the child for at least 18 months, assuming full parental responsibility from the beginning of this period. This demonstrates a genuine transfer of parental duties and can qualify for UK immigration purposes even without a formal adoption order.
De facto adoption is particularly relevant for bringing an adopted child to the UK from countries that do not have formal adoption processes or where the adoption was not completed through official channels. However, strict evidence requirements apply to demonstrate the genuine nature of the parental relationship.
Requirements for De Facto Adoption Recognition
- 18-Month Cohabitation: You must have lived with the child abroad for at least 18 continuous months
- Full Parental Responsibility: You assumed parental duties from the beginning of the 18-month period
- Genuine Relationship: Evidence that the arrangement is not primarily for immigration purposes
- Child's Best Interests: The arrangement must serve the child's welfare
Application Process and Timeline for Bringing an Adopted Child to the UK
The visa application involves completing an online application, paying the visa fee, submitting biometric information, and providing supporting documents. Processing typically takes several weeks to months depending on the child's country of origin and case complexity.
Once the adoption is legally finalised in the child's home country and you have obtained all necessary approvals, you can proceed with the UK visa application. The child will typically apply for a Child Settlement Visa (adoption visa).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1 - Online Application: Complete the visa application through the UK Government's visa portal
- Step 2 - Fee Payment: Pay the applicable visa application fee
- Step 3 - Biometrics: Submit the child's fingerprints and photograph at a visa application centre
- Step 4 - Supporting Documents: Provide adoption certificate, financial evidence, and accommodation proof
- Step 5 - Processing: Wait for decision (timelines vary by location)
Required Documentation
- Child's valid passport
- Adoption certificate or court order (certified translation if not in English)
- NOC or approval from relevant authority (CARA, ICAB, etc.)
- DfE Certificate of Eligibility (if required)
- Financial evidence showing ability to support the child
- Proof of UK accommodation
- TB test results (if required by country of origin)
- Adoptive parents' proof of British citizenship or immigration status
For detailed information on processing times after biometrics, check our dedicated guide. If the child is over 10 years old, they may also need to meet English language requirements.
- Bringing an adopted child to the UK requires meeting both UK and the child's home country requirements
- Adopting relatives (nephew, niece) follows the same process as non-relative adoptions
- Countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh only permit guardianship, not formal adoption
- British citizenship may be automatic for Hague Convention adoptions by British parents
- De facto adoption requires 18 months of living with the child abroad
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing an Adopted Child to the UK
Can I adopt my nephew from another country and bring them to the UK?
Yes, you can adopt your nephew from another country and bring them to the UK. You must complete a UK adoption assessment, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Department for Education, finalise the adoption legally in the child's home country, and then apply for an adoption visa. The process is the same as adopting a non-relative child.
What is the adoption visa UK process?
The adoption visa (Child Settlement Visa) process involves completing an online application, paying the visa fee, submitting biometric information at a visa application centre, and providing supporting documents including the adoption certificate, financial evidence, and accommodation proof. Processing times vary from several weeks to months depending on the country.
Does an adopted child automatically get British citizenship?
British citizenship by adoption is automatic if the adoption is a Hague Convention adoption or recognised under UK law and at least one adoptive parent is a British citizen. For other adoptions, the child can apply for citizenship through registration (Form MN1) or naturalisation after meeting UK residency requirements.
What is de facto adoption in the UK?
A de facto adoption occurs when adoptive parents have lived abroad with the child for at least 18 continuous months, assuming full parental responsibility from the start of this period. This arrangement can qualify for UK immigration purposes even without a formal adoption order, but strict evidence requirements apply.
How do I adopt a child from Pakistan to the UK?
Pakistan does not permit formal intercountry adoption. Instead, you must apply for legal guardianship under Pakistani law through the courts. Once guardianship is granted, you can apply for the child's UK visa through alternative routes such as the dependent visa or "Child of a Relative" category, depending on your circumstances.
What is the cost of bringing an adopted child to the UK?
Costs include adoption agency fees, Department for Education approval fee (£1,975), visa application fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, travel expenses, legal fees, and translation/authentication of documents. The total can range from several thousand to over £10,000 depending on the child's country of origin and complexity of the case.
How long does it take to bring an adopted child to the UK?
The entire process—from initial UK adoption assessment to the child arriving in the UK—typically takes one to three years. This includes the home study assessment, matching, legal adoption in the child's country, and visa processing. Timelines vary significantly based on the country involved and individual circumstances.
Are there countries from which adoption to the UK is restricted?
Yes, restrictions apply to adoptions from certain countries including Cambodia, Guatemala, Nepal, Haiti, and Ethiopia. These restrictions are due to concerns about adoption practices in these countries. Contact the Intercountry Adoption Team at the Department for Education for current guidance and potential exceptions.