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Adding Family to Your Visa Application from India — 2026 Guide
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If you're travelling with your spouse or children, you have two choices: file one joint family application, or file separate individual applications. The right choice depends on the destination country — some accept family applications, others require everyone to apply separately. This guide covers the rules.
Schengen — separate applications, joint submission
Each family member files a separate application with their own forms, photos, and fees. However, you can submit all applications together at the same VFS/TLScontact appointment and ask for them to be reviewed as a family group. Consulates usually treat linked applications as a unit but process each individually.
- Separate application form per person
- Separate photos, fees, and biometric appointments
- One applicant (usually the primary earner) provides the financial documents
- Family members reference the primary applicant's finances in their cover letters
- Children under 12 pay €45 (reduced fee); under 6 are free
UK — separate applications
The UK requires each applicant to submit a separate online application and pay separate fees (£127 per adult). Family members can book VFS appointments at the same time slot. Financial documents from the primary earner are accepted for all family members if they're clearly dependents.
US B1/B2 — separate applications and interviews
Each US visa applicant files their own DS-160 and pays their own MRV fee ($185). Each adult attends their own interview. Children under 14 are usually interview-exempt and their parent handles the process. Family interviews can be booked for the same date at the same consulate.
Canada TRV — one application for the family
Canada uniquely allows you to file a single application for the entire family. You pay CAD 500 (maximum family fee) for 5+ people, covering all members. IRCC processes the whole group together. One set of supporting documents from the primary applicant covers everyone.
Australia — single application for all
Australia's Subclass 600 allows a single application for the primary applicant + dependents (spouse + children under 18). You pay the base fee (AUD 195) for the primary applicant plus additional fees for each dependent. Processed as a single unit.
How to handle children's documents
- Birth certificate — mandatory for every child
- Notarised consent letters — if only one parent is travelling with the child, the other parent must provide a notarised consent letter
- School letter — confirming enrolment and leave for the travel period (for school-age children)
- Children's photos — per destination specifications, even for infants
- Aadhaar — supporting ID for children
Single parent travelling with a child
If only one parent is travelling with a minor child, the non-travelling parent must provide a notarised consent letter confirming permission for the child to travel. This is strictly enforced by UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, and Japanese consulates. Failing to include it is an automatic refusal. The consent letter should state:
- Non-travelling parent's full name, passport number, and signature
- Child's full name, passport number, and date of birth
- Travel dates and destination
- Explicit consent for the travel
- Notarised in India, with a notarial stamp
Frequently asked questions
?Can I file one Schengen visa application for my whole family?
?How does Canada handle family visa applications?
?Do children need their own passports for a visa?
?Is a notarised consent letter required when one parent is travelling with a child?
?Do children get cheaper visa fees?
Visank handles family visa applications including children's documentation and consent letters. Flat ₹5,500 per adult.
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