Planning a CBI application for your family

Define who the application should include

Begin with a private list of the relatives you hope to include, their ages and their relationship to the main applicant. Record relevant circumstances, such as financial support or study, for discussion with your adviser. Your family structure should shape the programme comparison from the start.

Check the definition of a dependant

Antigua and Barbuda publishes eligibility categories covering a spouse and certain children, parents, grandparents and siblings, with conditions attached to different categories. A family relationship alone does not settle every eligibility question. Check the current official definition against each person’s circumstances before assuming that they can be included.

When reviewing another destination, use that programme’s own rules. Ask your representative to explain the evidence needed and identify any family member whose position needs further verification.

Organise records person by person

A family document tracker should have a separate section for each proposed applicant. In addition to identity records, ask about evidence of relationships, dependency, education or guardianship where relevant. Discuss any differences in names across civil documents early.

Dominica’s published checklist illustrates why this matters: it includes specified evidence for some adult dependants and signing requirements for minors. The instructions for your chosen programme should determine how your own family file is prepared.

Build a budget for the whole application

Ask for a written quotation using the exact family composition being considered. Request a breakdown of the qualifying commitment and each additional category of cost. Note any assumptions about ages or eligibility so you can see what might require a revised estimate.

Alongside the budget, make a practical plan for obtaining records from different locations. Agree who will track the outstanding items, communicate with the representative and coordinate appointments.

Discuss future changes and long-term questions

If you are considering later additions to the family, ask how the chosen programme handles them and what separate process or costs may apply. Avoid relying on the assumptions used for the initial application.

Bring your wider objectives into the consultation as questions: where you hope to live, what travel you expect and which professional advice your family may need. A useful planning session ends with a clear record of verified eligibility, outstanding questions and the next actions for each person.