Parent of a British Child Visa Extension

You can apply to extend your parent visa from within the UK if you fulfil all the eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

A Parent of a British Child visa extension allows you to continue living in the UK legally with your British or settled child after the initial 2.5-year period.

You can submit your UK parent visa extension application up to 28 days before your current visa expires, allowing you to continue staying in the UK with your child.

For legal advice and assistance with your Parent of a British Child visa extension application, call us at 0203 959 7755 or fill in our online enquiry form.

Table of Contents

What is the Parent of a British Child Visa?

The Parent of a British Child Visa is for foreign nationals whose child is British or has settled status. It lets parents live in the UK to care for their children.

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.

To be eligible for a UK Parent visa, your child must be living in the UK and 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

Why Would You Need an Extension?

Parents on a Parent visa usually get permission to stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months when applying outside the UK.

Before your current Parent visa expires, you must apply to extend your visa to continue staying in the UK with your child. This is important for those who have built a life and responsibilities around their child.

If your UK Parent visa extension application is approved, you will get permission to stay in the UK for an additional 2 years and 6 months.

After completing five continuous years on a UK Parent visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to settle in the UK permanently.

Eligibility for Parent of a British Child Visa Extension

To extend the Parent of a British Child Visa, you must meet certain criteria. These rules help ensure the child's welfare is the top priority. You need to show that the child will benefit from your presence and that it won't harm their well-being.

Key factors that affect your eligibility include:

• Proving parental responsibility, which means being actively involved in the child's life.
• Showing how the child has adapted and integrated into British society.
• The impact of your presence on the child's emotional and social growth.
• Any criminal record or conduct that could risk the child's safety.

These factors highlight the complexity of the visa requirements. The Home Office looks at all these aspects carefully. By grasping these details, you can better prepare for the extension process.

Knowing these criteria helps you build a strong visa extension application. With thorough preparation and clear documents, you can show your dedication to your child's well-being.

For more help, call Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755. We're here to help you every step of the way.

What are the Requirements for a Parent Visa Extension?

To be eligible, both the child and the parent must fulfil specific eligibility criteria:

• Your child must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Your child must be British or settled in the UK.
• You must hold a valid UK Partner visa.
• You should not have overstayed your visa.
• You must have sole parental responsibility for your child.
• You must live with your child or be involved in their care.
• You must show you can support yourself and your child without public funds.
• You must meet the English language test unless exempt.
• You must not have any criminal convictions.
• You should not have breached UK immigration laws.

Financial Requirements

To qualify, you need to meet specific financial requirements. You must show a stable income that supports you and your child without public funds. The financial criteria include:

• Proof of income from employment or self-employment.
• Bank statements showing consistent savings.
• Evidence of other financial resources, if needed.
• Employment letters with salary details.

You need to provide payslips and tax returns to show your income is stable. This strengthens our application.

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.

Documents Needed for Parent of a British Child Visa Extension

Applying for a Parent of a British Child Visa extension requires the right documents. These documents are key to a successful application.

Here is the list of documents you need to provide:

• Current passport and any previous ones.
• Evidence of parental responsibility, like birth certificates.
• Provide evidence to establish your relationship with your British child.
• Proof of your child's schooling, such as enrolment letters or report cards.
• Financial documents, including payslips and bank statements.
• Proof of appropriate accommodation is available for you and your child in the UK.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Any additional documents that illustrate your consistent caregiving role.

Proving Parental Responsibility

Showing you are a parent is vital for your visa application. You need to prove your relationship with your child.

Here are the documents you should have:

• Birth certificate of the child, highlighting your name as a parent.
• Custody agreements or court orders, if applicable.
• Proof of involvement in the child's life, such as school records or medical appointments.
• Any correspondence that fosters the parent-child relationship.

UK Parent Visa Extension Application Process

To apply for a Parent of a British Child Visa extension, follow these steps:

1. Apply Online: Fill out the application form online on the UK Home Office website. Make sure to include all necessary details and documents.
2. Provide Documentation: You'll need to provide proof of your relationship with your child, evidence of your living arrangements, and financial records. These show you meet the financial requirements.
3. Pay the Fee: You'll need to pay the visa extension application fee. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS healthcare access.
4. Biometric Information: You'll need to give biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) as part of your application.
5. Decision: After applying, the UK Home Office will review it. You'll get a decision. The process can take months, so apply early to avoid issues.

Parent of a British Child Visa Processing Time

If you apply to extend your parent visa from within the UK, a decision is typically made within 8 weeks of your application date using the standard service. However, you may have the option to use the 'priority service' for a faster decision.

What Happens After the Extension?

Once granted, the visa extension usually allows the parent to stay in the UK for another 2.5 years. You will continue to have the right to work and live in the UK during this period.

After five years of continuous residence in the UK under the Parent of a British Child visa category, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which provides a pathway to permanent residency.

Common Challenges in the Extension Process

Many people face challenges when trying to extend their visas. These problems often come from specific issues with parent visas. If not solved quickly, they can cause delays or even lead to rejection.

One big challenge is not having enough documents. Many think they have enough, but it's not enough. Without the right documents, officials might say no to the extension. This puts families in a tough spot.

Not understanding immigration rules is another big problem. Immigration laws change often. If you don't keep up, your application might not meet the new rules. This makes the extension process harder.

Even small mistakes can cause big problems. A tiny error in a form or missing evidence can slow things down or even get your application denied. This shows how important it is to be careful and thorough.

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we know how tough these challenges can be. If you're having trouble with your parent visa, call us at 0203 959 7755. We'll help you with advice that fits your needs.

Tips for a Successful Parent Visa Extension Application

Start Early: Begin the extension process at least 28 days before your current visa expires to avoid any complications.

• Gather All Evidence: Ensure that you provide all necessary documents, including proof of your child's British citizenship or settled status, proof of living arrangements, and financial evidence.
• Consult a Legal Professional: Immigration rules can be complex and subject to change. Consulting an immigration solicitor can significantly improve your chances of success by ensuring that you meet all the requirements.

How Moeen & Co. Solicitors Can Assist You

Contact Us for Further Assistance

Need help with your Parent of a British Child Visa extension? We're here to assist. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we know the immigration process can be tough. Our team is ready to offer you the help you need, making your application smoother.

Call us at 0203 959 7755 or fill in our online contact form, and we'll guide you through the visa extension process.

Your family's future is important, and getting the right help is key. Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors for professional advice that fits your situation. We're committed to helping you achieve the best outcome for your visa application.