Parent Visa UK
If you are considering applying for a UK visa as a parent of a British child, our team of immigration solicitors can guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application. Our attention to detail and expert knowledge will give you the best possible chance of success.
If you need help with a UK visa application or any other type of immigration matter, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- What is a UK Parent visa?
- Eligibility criteria for children
- Eligibility criteria for parents
- English language requirements
- Documents required for Parent visa UK
- How to apply for a Parent visa UK?
- UK Parent visa processing time
- How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
- Contact UK immigration solicitors today
What is a UK Parent visa?
The UK Parent visa is a type of family visa that allows individuals who are parents of British children or settled persons in the UK to live and work in the UK for a specified period. It enables parents to reunite with their children and actively participate in their upbringing.
The Parent visa is typically granted for an initial period of 2 years and 9 months, with the option to extend your visa for an additional 30 months.
After living in the UK for five years under this visa category, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain), granting you permanent residence in the UK.
Eligibility criteria for children
Your child must either be under 18 on the date you apply or have been under 18 when you were first granted leave.
Your child must be living in the UK. One of the following must also be true:
- they're a British or Irish citizen
- they've settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
- they're from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status - they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
- if you're applying in the UK, they must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously and it would not be reasonable for them to leave
Eligibility criteria for parents
To be eligible for the UK parent visa, as a parent of a British child you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You must be living outside the UK at the time of application.
- You must be the biological parent or have sole parental responsibility for a British child.
- You must have the intention to live together in the UK.
- You must meet certain financial requirements.
- You must have suitable accommodation.
- You may need to prove your proficiency in the English language, depending on your nationality.
Depending on the type of your appication and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
English language requirements
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
You can meet the requirements by:
- passing an approved test at or above the required CEFR level, with an approved provider as set out on gov.uk at: Approved Secure English Language Tests and Test Centres
- being a national of a majority English-speaking country
- having an academic qualification which is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree or PhD
Documents required for Parent visa UK
When you apply for your Parent visa you must provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
- evidence of your relationship with your British child
- proof you have enough money to support yourself
- proof of accommodation such as a tenancy agreement
- evidence of English language proficiency
- tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.
How to apply for a Parent visa UK?
Applying for a UK visa involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the visa application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying for a UK visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying for.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents to submit along with your visa application.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the UK government's official visa application website and complete the online application form.
- Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.
- Submit Application and Pay Fees: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing times.
- Wait for a Decision: Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary, so check the UK government website for current processing times.
You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your visa application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.
UK Parent visa processing time
Parent visa applications generally take up to 24 weeks if applying from outside the UK using a standard service.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website.
How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their UK visa applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances, immigration goals, and eligibility for the desired visa category. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the visa application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
- Visa Category Selection: Our immigration solicitors help individuals select the most appropriate visa category based on their specific circumstances, such as work, study, family reunion, investment, or settlement. We explain the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category and assist in determining the best option for the individual's needs.
- Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
- Application Submission: We will compile and organise your visa application package and submit your visa application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
- Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.
Contact UK immigration solicitors today
If you require expert legal advice or assistance with any type of UK visa or immigration application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions (Parent Visa UK)
To be eligible for the Parent of a British Child visa, applicants must be the biological parent or legal guardian of a child who is either a British citizen or settled in the UK. Other eligibility criteria include financial stability, suitable accommodation, good character and health, and intentions to live with the child in the UK.
Yes, holders of the UK Parent visa are generally permitted to work in the UK without restrictions. However, it's essential to check the specific conditions of your visa and any limitations that may apply.
Yes, it may be possible to extend the Parent visa, provided that the eligibility criteria are still met. Extensions are typically granted for additional periods, allowing parents to continue residing in the UK with their child.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.