What is the Parent Visa?
The Parent Visa is a UK family visa designed for parents of British children under 18 who are settled in the UK. This visa allows you to live in the UK, care for your child, and work or study if you wish.
Who can apply for the Parent Visa?
To qualify for a parent visa, you must mee the following criteria:
- You are the biological parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian of a child who is:
- Under 18 years old on the date of your application
- A British citizen or settled in the UK with indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- You have sole parental responsibility for your child, or
- You share parental responsibility with the other parent who is not your partner and is either:
- A British citizen or settled in the UK.
- From the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (and started living in the UK before 1 January 2021).
What are the requirements?
The UK government outlines specific requirements for obtaining a parent visa. These include, but are not limited to:
- Proof of a genuine parent-child relationship
- Meeting the financial requirement to support yourself and your dependents without relying on public funds
- English language proficiency requirements
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your visa application
How to apply for the parent visa?
The application process for a Spouse / Partner Visa can be complex. We are here to guide you through. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Gather the required documents to show that you meet the requirements
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the visa application fee
- Submit your application and supporting documents to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Additional criteria may apply depending on your specific circumstances.
How much does it cost?
The current cost for a Spouse / Partner Visa application fee is £1,523.
Additional fees may apply depending on your circumstances, such as the healthcare surcharge and priority service fees.
Refer to the UK government website for fees
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your visa application
How how long does it take to process?
It typically takes around 6 months to receive a decision from UKVI.
However, processing time can vary depending on individual circumstances.
What happens when the visa is issued?
Once issued, you will be able to travel to the UK and live with your child.
The initial visa is usually valid for up to 2 years and 9 months.
You can then apply to extend your visa and eventually obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live permanently in the UK.
Can the parent visa be extended?
Yes, the Parent Visa can be extended after the initial validity period.
You can typically apply to extend your visa for further periods of 2 years and 6 months until you reach the eligibility criteria to apply for ILR.
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your visa application
