Parent of a British Child Visa Extension Under 10-Year Route

You can extend your Parent of a British Child Visa on the 10-year route if you don't meet Appendix FM requirements, or switch to the 5-year route if eligible.

You must apply to renew or extend your Parent of a British Child Visa under the 10-year route before it expires to continue living 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.

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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

What is the Parent of a British Child Visa 10-Year Route?

UK Parent of a British Child visa under the 10-year route offers a viable option for parents who do not meet all the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules.

Parent of a British Child visa (10-year route) for those who don't meet the financial, language, or other conditions. It lets applicants stay in the UK for 10 years before applying for ILR.

Extension of Parent of a British Child Visa Under the 10-Year Route

You must apply to extend your Parent of a British Child visa every 2.5 years until they reach the 10-year mark to continue living in the UK with your child.

You must apply for a Parent of a British Child visa extension before your current visa expires. This means no breaks in your residency for the full 10 years. Any gaps could cause problems with your application.

Unlike the 5-year Parent of a British Child visa route, you won't be required to meet the financial or English language requirements for a UK Parent visa extension application.

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

When Should I Apply for a Parent of a British Child Visa Extension?

You should apply for your UK Partner visa extension before your current visa expires, ideally at least 28 days before the expiration date. Applying too late may affect your immigration status in the UK.

How Many Times Can You Extend Your UK Parent Visa Under the 10-Year Route?

You can extend your Parent of a British Child visa as many times as needed until you reach 10 years of continuous residence. After that, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

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.

Parent of a British Child Visa Extension Requirements 2024

The Parent of a British Child visa extension under the 10-year route has slightly different requirements compared to the 5-year route.

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 under the 10-year route.
• 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 not have any criminal convictions.
• You should not have breached UK immigration laws.

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.
• Proof of appropriate accommodation is available for you and your child in the UK.
• 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

The standard processing time for a Parent of a British Child visa extension is around 8 to 12 weeks. If you pay for priority service, you'll receive a decision within 5 working days, and super priority service offers a decision within 24 hours.

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 ten 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.

What Happens After 10 Years on the Parent Visa Route?

After completing 10 years on the Parent of a British Child visa route, you can apply to settle in the UK (ILR). This lets you stay in the UK without needing further visas and eventually apply for British citizenship. To get ILR, you need to:

• Show continuous residency in the UK for the full 10-year period.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test.
• Continue to meet the relationship and character requirements.

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.