Tier 4 Dependant

I am planning on applying for the Tier 4 student visa, and I have an 18 month old daughter. I was planning on leaving her with my parents for the first few weeks, and once I get to the UK and get settled in, I would I apply for her and have my parents bring her down. Can I apply for my daughter as a dependant after I've already received my visa? Also, would I still have to show maintenance funds for the both of us, or just her.

Thanks

I believe you can apply after you have received your visa and are in the UK, although UKBA recommends sending in all applications together if possible (i.e. applying at the same time).

For the maintenance funds you need to show you have an extra £400 per month (studying outside London) for your daughter on top of your own maintenance costs for the visa (i.e. essentially she would need to prove £400 per month in maintenance costs independent of your finances for the student visa).

Remember that if the child has another living parent in the US, the application would be refused unless (1) you are the child's sole carer, or (2) "there are serious or compelling family or other considerations which would make it desirable not to refuse the application and suitable arrangements have been made in the UK for the applicant's care."

See immigration rule 319H(f).