Parent of a British Child: UK Parent Visa

The Parent of a British Child Visa, also known as the UK Parent Visa, allows non-UK nationals to live in the UK to care for and support their child, who is a British citizen or has settled status (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain).

This visa is intended for parents who have parental responsibility for a British or settled child but do not have a spouse or partner visa or other means of residency.

This visa is usually granted for 2.5 years, with the option to extend it, and it can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residency in the UK.

If you are planning to apply for a Parent visa, our immigration solicitors can provide legal advice and assistance with your application.

Please contact our immigration solicitor at 0158 235 9990 or fill in the enquiry form to take the first step towards your successful Parent of a British Child visa application.

Key Eligibility Requirements for the Parent Visa

To be eligible for the Parent of a British Child Visa, you must meet several criteria:

1. Child's Citizenship or Immigration Status

• Your child must be a British citizen or have settled status in the UK (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain).
• If your child is not yet a British citizen but has lived in the UK for at least 7 years, this can also be a qualifying factor.

2. Parental Responsibility

• You must have parental responsibility for the child. This can be shared parental responsibility, but you must play an active role in your child's life.
• You must either be the child's biological parent, have adopted the child, or have legal responsibility for them.

3. Proof of Living Arrangements

You must show that you are either living with the child or spending substantial time with the child if you do not live together. The child must normally live in the UK.

4. Relationship with the Child's Other Parent

• If you are not living with the child's other parent, you must demonstrate that you are involved in your child's life. This may include regular contact, shared custody, or arrangements to visit and care for the child.
• If you are living with the child's other parent, that parent must either be a British citizen, settled in the UK, or have refugee status.

5. Financial Requirement

Unlike other UK visas, the Parent Visa does not have a specific minimum income requirement. However, you must show that you can adequately support yourself and your child without relying on public funds. This could involve demonstrating your earnings or financial resources.

6. Accommodation Requirement

You will need to show that you have suitable accommodation for you and your child, where you can live without causing overcrowding.

7. English Language Requirement

You must prove you can speak English to the required level. This can be done by:

• Passing an approved English language test at A1 level or higher.
• Having a degree or qualification that was taught in English.
• Being from a majority English-speaking country (such as the USA, Canada, or Australia).

How to Apply for the Parent Visa

The application process for the UK Parent Visa involves several steps. It's important to prepare carefully to avoid delays or rejections.

1. Submit an Online Application

You'll need to submit your visa application online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. During the application, you'll be asked to provide personal details, information about your child, and details about your living arrangements and financial situation.

2. Supporting Documents

You will be required to submit evidence to support your application. Key documents typically include:

• Proof of your child's British citizenship or settled status (such as a passport or birth certificate).
• Proof of your relationship with the child, such as birth certificates, adoption papers, or legal guardianship documents.
• Proof of involvement in the child's life, such as letters from the other parent, school reports, or custody agreements.
• Proof of accommodation and living arrangements in the UK.
• Financial documents to show you can support yourself and your child.
• English language test results or proof of language proficiency.

3. Biometric Appointment

After submitting your online application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph. This is a standard part of the visa application process.

4. Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the UK Parent Visa can vary, but it generally takes up to 12 weeks to receive a decision. You may be able to pay for a faster decision if you need to expedite the process.

Length of Stay and Visa Extensions

The Parent Visa is typically granted for an initial period of 2.5 years (30 months). After this, you can apply to extend your visa for another 2.5 years.

Once you have lived in the UK for five years on this visa, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to stay in the UK permanently.

Can You Work on a Parent Visa?

Yes, the Parent Visa allows you to work and study in the UK without restrictions. This is one of the key benefits of the visa, as it enables you to support your family financially while living in the UK.

Path to British Citizenship

Once you have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and have lived in the UK for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship. This will involve meeting the residency requirements and passing the Life in the UK test.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applications for the Parent Visa are refused due to common mistakes. Here are some tips to avoid these pitfalls:

• Lack of Documentation: Ensure you provide ample evidence of your relationship with your child, including school reports, medical records, and statements from the child's other parent.
• Incomplete Financial Proof: Even though there isn't a strict financial requirement, you must prove you can support yourself. Be sure to include bank statements, pay slips, and evidence of accommodation.
• Insufficient English Language Proof: Make sure you meet the English language requirement by taking the approved test or providing relevant academic qualifications.

Tips for a Successful Parent Visa Application

• Gather Documents Early: Start collecting documents as soon as possible, especially those related to your child's life in the UK and your financial situation.
• Proof of Relationship: Continue to collect evidence showing your ongoing involvement in your child's life, such as communication records, travel details, or shared financial responsibilities.
• Seek Professional Guidance: If you're unsure about any part of the application, consider consulting an immigration expert to help with the process.