If you need help with any type of UK visa, settlement (ILR), or British citizenship application, give us a call at 0203 959 7755 (Mon - Fri - 09:30 - 17:30) to schedule a consultation today.

Whether you're seeking to join your child in the UK or planning a visit, our immigration solicitors can provide you with the information you need to understand the process, requirements, and steps involved.

The UK parent visa application can be complex and time-consuming. If you need expert guidance and assistance throughout the process, contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors by calling 0203 959 7755 or filling in an online contact form. Our immigration specialists can provide tailored advice, handle the paperwork, and maximise your chances of a successful application.

Table of Contents

  1. What is a "Parent of a British Child" visa category?
  2. UK parent visa 5-year route
  3. UK parent visa requirements
  4. What is sole parental responsibility?
  5. English language requirement for UK parent visa
  6. Documents needed for UK parent visa
  7. How to apply for a UK visa as a parent of a British child?
  8. UK parent visa processing time
  9. Visa application using super priority service
  10. How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
  11. How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
  12. How to contact UK parent visa lawyers?
  13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a "Parent of a British Child" visa category?

The UK parent visa, also known as the "Parent of a British Citizen visa," is a type of family visa that allows parents to join their British child in the UK.

This visa category is designed for parents who wish to live with their British citizen child and be involved in their upbringing, whether on a temporary or permanent basis.

UK parent visa 5-year route

The UK parent visa 5-year route allowed the parent of a British child to enter or remain in the UK for an initial period, typically up to 2 years and 9 months. After this period, you may be eligible to apply for an extension for a further 30 months. After a total of five years in the UK on a parent visa (5-year route), you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain).

UK parent visa requirements

When applying for a parent visa in the UK, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria that you and your child must meet. To be eligible for the parent visa, both parent and British child must fulfil certain requirements set by the UK immigration authorities. 

What are the eligibility criteria for children?

To be eligible for the UK parent visa, your British child must meet the following requirements:

  • Your child must be under 18 at the time of application.
  • Your child must live with you and must not be married or in a civil partnership.
  • Your child must be either a British citizen or has settled status in the UK. For example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence.

What are the 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 of a British citizen or have sole parental responsibility for a British child.
  • You must have the intention to live together in the UK.
  • You must meet the financial requirements, demonstrating that you can financially support yourselves without relying on public funds.
  • You must have suitable accommodation available for you and your child.
  • You must meet the English language proficiency requirement.

You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.

Meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee a successful visa application. Each case is assessed individually, and the decision ultimately lies with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Our team of expert UK immigration solicitors based in Hayes, London can guide you through the UK parent visa application process, ensuring that you have the best chance of success. Call us today at 0203 959 7755 to schedule a consultation.

What is sole parental responsibility?

The sole parental responsibility requirement is a crucial aspect for parents seeking to apply for a visa as a parent of a British child. This requirement ensures that the parent applying for the visa has the legal authority to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing without the involvement of the other parent or legal guardian.

To meet the sole parental responsibility requirement, the applying parent must demonstrate that they have sole custody or legal guardianship of the British child. This means that they have the exclusive right to make important decisions concerning the child's welfare, such as those related to education, healthcare, and general upbringing.

English language requirement for UK parent visa

You'll need to prove your English language proficiency by passing an approved English language test. However, there are exemptions available in certain circumstances, such as if you're from a majority English-speaking country or if you have a degree taught in English.

You must pass at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ( CEFR ) scale for your first UK parent visa application.

Documents needed for UK parent visa

When applying for a UK parent visa, it is important to have all the necessary documents in order. Missing or incomplete paperwork can result in delays or even a rejected application. These documents may include:

  • Provide your valid passport or travel document.
  • Provide evidence to establish your relationship with your British child. This could include birth certificates, adoption papers, or a court order.
  • Provide financial documents to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your child without relying on public funds. This could include bank statements, employment contracts, or evidence of investments or pensions.
  • Show that appropriate accommodation is available for you and your child in the UK. This could include a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
  • English language proficiency test results.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).

Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.

How to apply for a UK visa as a parent of a British child?

A person applying for entry clearance as a parent of a British child must apply online on the gov.uk website.

Step Description
Gather Required Documents  Collect all the required documents, including identification, proof of relationship with the child, financial records, and any other supporting evidence specified in the visa application guidelines.
Complete Online Application Form Fill out the online visa application form accurately and honestly. Provide all requested information and double-check for any errors or omissions before submission.
Pay Visa Application Fee Once you have completed the application form, you will need to pay the application fee.
Book and Attend Appointments After payment, you will be required to schedule a biometric appointment at a designated visa application centre. During this appointment, your fingerprints and photographs will be taken.
Waiting for Decision Wait for a decision on your application. The processing time of a UK visa application can vary depending on the country from which you are applying and the type of service.

Navigating the UK parent visa application process can be complicated. That's where Moeen & Co. Solicitors come in. With our expertise and guidance in immigration law, we can ease your journey toward a successful visa application.

If you require any assistance or have further questions about the application process, feel free to contact us at Moeen & Co. Solicitors. Our team of expert immigration lawyers is here to guide you and provide the support you need.

UK parent visa processing time

On average, the UK parent visa application processing time can range from 3 to 6 months when applying from outside the UK using standard service. However, you may be eligible to use priority service to get a faster decision.

The processing time for a UK visa application can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa application, the country from which you are applying, and the volume of applications being processed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.

Visa application using super priority service

If you require a decision on your visa application urgently, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", which offers faster processing times for an additional fee. These services aim to provide a decision on your visa application within 24 hours or 5 working days, respectively.

To get a faster decision on your UK visa application, you'll need to pay £1,000 for the "Super Priority Service" or £500 for the "Priority Service" fee per applicant in addition to the visa application fee.

How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?

Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.

Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:

  • Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
  • Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
  • Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
  • Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
  • Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
  • Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.

If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!

How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our immigration solicitors in London charge an affordable fixed fee for complete legal services for your UK visa application. The agreed fixed fee will depend on the type of visa application and the complexity of the matter. Learn more about our legal fees.

How to contact UK parent visa lawyers?

If you have questions or need help with your UK parent visa application, you can contact our team of immigration solicitors in London by calling 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Generally, biological or legally recognised parents of a British child are eligible to apply. To qualify for a UK parent visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including demonstrating a genuine parental relationship with the British child, meeting financial requirements, and meeting English language proficiency standards.

Yes, individuals holding a UK parent visa under a 5-year route are generally allowed to work in the UK without any additional permission.

The initial validity period of a UK parent visa is typically up to 33 months. You can apply to extend your stay in the UK for a further 30 months before your visa expires.

If your UK parent visa application is refused, it's advisable to seek advice from an experienced immigration solicitor to understand your options and address any issues with your application.

Hiring an immigration lawyer can significantly increase your chances of a successful application. They have expertise in navigating the complexities of UK immigration law, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all eligibility requirements.

Contact Immigration Solicitors in London

If you need immigration advice or help with any type of UK visa application, British citizenship application or sponsorship licence application, contact our team of immigration solicitors in London on 0203 959 7755 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential advice and help you need.

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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