UK Parent Visa

Overview of Parent Visa

The Parent Visa is a category of visa available for individuals who are either British or Irish citizens and wish to bring their non-European Economic Area (EEA) parent to live with them in the United Kingdom. This visa enables parents to play an active role in their child’s upbringing and share parental responsibility. The Parent Visa is designed to support family life by allowing parents to be with their child in the UK. It recognizes the importance of maintaining close family ties and the positive impact a parent can have on a child’s welfare.

To qualify for the Parent Visa, the applicant must meet certain financial requirements and demonstrate that they can adequately maintain and financially support themselves and their parent without claiming public funds.

It is important to note that the Parent Visa route is separate from the UK spouse visa, and the requirements and application process differ. Seeking professional advice from immigration lawyers or consulting the official immigration rules and guidance is highly recommended.

Parent Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a Parent Visa for the UK, the applicant must be a British or Irish citizen and have parental responsibility for a child who is living in the UK. The visa is designed to facilitate the parent’s active role in their child’s upbringing and share parental responsibility.

Applicants for the Parent Visa must have either indefinite leave to remain or settled status in the UK. Alternatively, they can apply for a Parent Visa along with an adult dependent relative visa.

The Parent Visa application process takes into account the need to adequately maintain and financially support the parent and child without relying on public funds. Financial requirements must be met to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to support themselves and their parent.

The applicant may need to meet English language requirements, unless they are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country. They may also need to provide supporting documents such as the child’s birth certificate, evidence of the child’s school attendance in the UK, and proof of the parent’s financial support and accommodation arrangements. Other documents, such as social media messages or a parental agreement, may be required to establish a genuine and subsisting relationship with the child.

It’s important to note that the Parent Visa route is separate from the UK spouse visa and has its own requirements and application process. Seeking advice from immigration lawyers or consulting the official immigration rules and guidance is highly recommended.

Once granted a Parent Visa, the parent can live in the UK and actively participate in their child’s day-to-day life. They can enjoy an independent life while adhering to public health regulations. The visa allows the parent to provide direct access and take on day-to-day responsibilities, including participating in parent evenings and ensuring the child’s welfare.

The Parent Visa does not grant the parent access to public funds. The parent is responsible for adequately maintaining themselves and their parent while living in the UK. This visa category acknowledges the importance of family life and recognizes the role of a parent in a child’s upbringing.

Overall, the Parent Visa enables British or Irish citizens to bring their non-EEA parent to the UK to be actively involved in their child’s life. It ensures that families can live together and provides a supportive environment for the child’s well-being.

Parent Visa Requirements for a Child

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

1. Child’s Age and Residence: Your child must be under the age of 18 and living in the UK at the time of application. The visa is not applicable if your child is residing outside the UK.
2. Child’s Citizenship or Settlement: Your child must be a British or Irish citizen, or have settled status in the UK. Settled status can include indefinite leave to remain, settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or proof of permanent residence. Alternatively, if your child is from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, they should have pre-settled status under Appendix EU.
3. Physical Presence Requirement: At the time of application, your child must be physically present in the UK. The intention should be for both you and your child to make the UK your home.
4. Dependency of the Child: If your child turns 18 after you submit the Parent of a Child Visa application, it doesn’t automatically result in the refusal of your application. However, you need to demonstrate that your child has not formed an independent life. This means your child should still be dependent on you or another parent/carer for financial and emotional support. They should not have a partner and must continue to live with a parent/carer, unless they are attending school, college, or university on a full-time basis.

It’s important to carefully review and meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned in the official immigration rules and guidelines for the Parent of a Child Visa. This will ensure that you have the necessary evidence and documentation to support your application.

Financial Requirements

Financial requirements for the UK Parent Visa are an essential aspect of the application process. The following key factors are considered when assessing the financial eligibility of the applicant:

1. Adequate Maintenance: As an applicant for the Parent Visa, you must demonstrate your ability to adequately maintain and financially support yourself and your child without relying on public funds. This requirement ensures that you can meet the financial responsibilities associated with your child’s upbringing and welfare.
2. Financial Support: You need to provide evidence of your financial capacity to support both yourself and your child. This includes showing a stable income, savings, or other reliable sources of funds. It is important to showcase your ability to cover living expenses, accommodation costs, education fees, and any other necessary expenses related to your child’s well-being.
3. Contravention of Public Funds: The financial requirements of the Parent Visa aim to ensure that you are not dependent on public funds, such as welfare benefits or social assistance programs. You must demonstrate that you can financially support your child and yourself independently.
4. Immigration Health Surcharge: When applying for the Parent Visa, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This payment contributes to access to the National Health Service (NHS) and covers healthcare costs during your stay in the UK.
5. Supporting Documents: It is crucial to provide supporting documents to substantiate your financial circumstances. These may include bank statements, employment contracts, tax documents, proof of savings or investments, and any other relevant financial records that demonstrate your ability to meet the financial requirements.

It’s advisable to review the specific financial requirements outlined in the official immigration rules and guidelines for the Parent Visa. Additionally, consulting with immigration lawyers or seeking professional advice can help ensure that you meet the necessary financial criteria and submit a strong application.

English Language Requirement

To satisfy the English language requirement for the Parent Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Approved English Language Test: You must pass an English language test that is approved by the Home Office. The test should be conducted by a verified and approved test provider.
2. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): You need to achieve a minimum level of A1 on the CEFR scale. This level assesses basic English language skills, including the ability to understand and use everyday expressions and phrases.
3. Visa Extension and Indefinite Leave to Remain: It’s important to note that when you apply to extend your visa or for permanent settlement through indefinite leave to remain, you may be required to obtain a pass at a higher CEFR level. The specific level required will depend on the immigration rules in effect at the time of your application.

Meeting the English language requirement is crucial for a successful Parent Visa application. It is essential to choose an approved test provider and ensure you achieve at least the minimum A1 level on the CEFR scale. Keep in mind the potential requirement to meet a higher language proficiency level when applying for visa extensions or indefinite leave to remain.

For detailed and up-to-date information on the English language requirement, it is advisable to consult the official immigration rules and guidelines. Additionally, seeking guidance from immigration lawyers or professionals familiar with the UK immigration system can provide valuable support in meeting the English language criteria for the Parent Visa.

What Documents do i Need to Provide

When providing information about yourself for your visa application, you will typically be required to include the following details:

1. Personal Information: Your full name and any previous names, your date of birth, and your current residential address.
2. Passport and Travel Documents: You will need to provide details of your current passport or valid travel ID, including copies of the photo page and any previous passports showing visa or entry stamps. If applicable, include a copy of your biometric residence permit.
3. Immigration History: Provide information about any previous immigration applications you have made, including the type of visa applied for, dates, and outcomes.
4. Criminal Record: Disclose any details of criminal convictions or cautions, if applicable.
5. Travel History: Provide details of countries outside the UK where you have lived or visited, including dates and purpose of travel.
6. National Insurance Number: If you have a National Insurance number (issued in the UK), provide this information.
7. Parents’ Details: If you are applying from outside the UK, you may be asked to provide your parents’ date of birth and nationality.
8. English Language Proficiency: Include proof that you meet the minimum English language requirements, such as passing an approved English language test.
9. Financial Requirements: Provide evidence that you meet the minimum financial requirements for the visa category, including supporting documents showing your financial capacity to support yourself and your child in the UK.
10. Tuberculosis Test Results: If you are from a country where a tuberculosis test is required, include the results of the test.
11. Certified Translations: If any of your supporting documents are not in English or Welsh, you will need to provide certified translations.

It is essential to carefully review the specific requirements outlined in the visa application guidelines and consult the official UK government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If needed, consider seeking advice from immigration lawyers or professionals to ensure you provide all the necessary and correct information about yourself for your visa application.

When providing information about your child for the visa application, you will typically be required to include the following details:

1. Child’s Personal Information: Include your child’s full name, nationality, and date of birth.
2. Passport Details: Provide the passport details of your child, including the passport number and expiry date.
3. Child’s Living Arrangements: Indicate who the child normally lives with, such as yourself as the parent, or any other relevant guardians or carers.
4. Parental Responsibility: Specify any other individuals who have parental responsibility for your child, such as the other parent, step-parents, or legal guardians. Include relevant details of their relationship to the child.
5. Your Involvement in the Child’s Life: Describe your involvement in your child’s day-to-day life, including your responsibilities and role in their upbringing.
6. Access Arrangements: If there are any court orders or legal arrangements granting you access to see your child, provide details of these arrangements.
7. Extended Family Details: Provide information about the child’s extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings.
8. Travel History: Include details of any countries your child has visited or lived in, along with relevant dates and purpose of travel.

It is important to carefully review the specific requirements outlined in the visa application guidelines and consult the official UK government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Make sure to provide all the necessary and correct information about your child as requested in the application.

How Do I Apply?

You have the option to apply for a Parent visa whether you are outside of the UK or already in the UK on a different type of visa.

For both scenarios, the application process is conducted online through the Gov.uk website.

If you are applying from outside the UK, you will need to complete Appendix 5 in addition to the standard form VAF4A.

During the application process, you will be required to provide various information through the online form. This includes your personal details, information about your family, travel history, and financial circumstances.

Additionally, you may need to schedule an appointment at a local visa application center to provide your biometric information. The Home Office will provide you with instructions on how to complete this step.

It is important to carefully follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the UK government on the official Gov.uk website to ensure a smooth and accurate application process.

Processing Time and Fee for Parent Visa

The fees for a Parent visa

1. Applying from outside the UK:
   • Parent visa application fee: £1,538
   • Additional fee per child as dependents: £1,538 per child
   • Immigration healthcare surcharge: £624 per year for adult applicants, £470 per year for applicants under the age of 18.
2. Applying from inside the UK:
   • Parent visa application fee: £1,048
   • Additional fee per child as dependents: £1,048 per child
   • Immigration healthcare surcharge: £624 per year for adult applicants, £470 per year for applicants under the age of 18.

Please note that these fees are current at the time of writing, but they may be subject to change. It is advisable to refer to the official UK government website or consult with the UK Visas and Immigration department for the most up-to-date fee information.

The processing times for a Parent visa

1. Applying from outside the UK:
   • Standard processing time: Approximately 24 weeks.
   • Priority or super priority visa processing services: These options may be available for faster processing, but additional charges will apply.
2. Applying from inside the UK:
   • Standard processing time: Approximately 8 weeks.
   • Priority or super priority visa processing services: These options may be available for expedited processing, but additional fees will be applicable.

Please note that the processing times mentioned are approximate and can vary depending on various factors. Complex cases, such as those requiring additional information, interviews, or consideration of criminal convictions, may take longer to process.

It is advisable to refer to the official UK government website or consult with the UK Visas and Immigration department for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding processing times for a Parent visa.

How Long can i stay on UK Parent Visa

On a Parent Visa, you can initially stay in the UK for a period of 2.5 years. This initial period is also known as the “leave to remain” granted under the visa. After this initial period, you can apply to extend your stay for an additional 2.5 years, and subsequently, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK.

It’s important to note that the Parent Visa has specific requirements and conditions that must be met to qualify for an extension. These requirements may include demonstrating your ongoing parental relationship and financial capability to support yourself and your child. Additionally, you must continue to meet the eligibility criteria, such as the English language requirement and financial requirements.

Once you have been granted indefinite leave to remain (settled status), you will have the right to stay in the UK without any time restrictions. This status allows you to live and work in the UK indefinitely and provides a pathway to British citizenship, should you choose to pursue it.

It is advisable to carefully review the specific immigration rules and guidelines for the Parent Visa to understand the conditions and requirements for maintaining your stay in the UK. Seeking professional advice from immigration lawyers or experts can also provide further clarity and guidance on your specific situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Parent visa provides an opportunity for British or Irish citizens and settled individuals in the UK to be reunited with their children and take on the responsibility of their upbringing. This visa recognizes the importance of maintaining family life and ensuring the welfare of the child residing in the UK.

Applying for a Parent visa involves meeting specific requirements, such as demonstrating financial capability and having a genuine and subsisting relationship with the child. The visa application process can be completed both from outside and inside the UK, with different processing times and associated fees.

It is essential for applicants to fulfill the necessary financial obligations and language proficiency requirements. The parent’s active role in the child’s life, including day-to-day responsibility and involvement in their education and well-being, is also crucial for a successful application.

While applying for a Parent visa, it is important to ensure compliance with immigration rules and regulations, including not contravening public health regulations. Supporting documents, such as birth certificates, health visitor confirmations, and statements outlining parental responsibility, play a vital role in establishing eligibility.

Seeking guidance from immigration lawyers or advisors can provide valuable assistance throughout the visa application process, ensuring all requirements are met and necessary paperwork is submitted accurately.

Overall, the Parent visa serves as a means to promote family unity, enabling parents to adequately maintain and financially support their children while establishing a stable and independent life together in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

[faq-schema id=”179421″]