Parent Visa UK Guide

The UK Parent Visa provides a route for eligible parents to join or remain with their child in the UK. It exists to ensure that the relationship between a parent and their child can be maintained where the child is a British or Irish citizen, or has settled or (in limited circumstances) pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and where it is in the child’s best interests for the parent to be present. This immigration route sits within the family migration provisions of the Immigration Rules, specifically under Appendix FM, and applies both to applications made from outside the UK and to certain cases where an individual is already in the UK on a different visa type.

What this article is about:
This guide explains the Parent Visa route, the eligibility criteria and evidence, the step-by-step application process, the conditions after grant, and routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship. It also flags common refusal risks and your options if refused.

Section A: Understanding the UK Parent Visa

The UK Parent Visa is designed for parents who have a genuine and subsisting parental relationship with a child living in the UK and who need to be present to take an active role in the child’s upbringing. It is not a visit visa — it is a long‑term route under Appendix FM.

Applicants must demonstrate that their presence in the UK is in the child’s best interests, and that the child is either a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK (for example, with indefinite leave to remain or settled status), or (in limited scenarios) has pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Where a child has lived in the UK for 7 continuous years and it would not be reasonable to expect the child to leave, an exception under Section EX.1 can apply; this usually places the parent on the 10‑year route rather than the standard 5‑year route.

While the visa is commonly used by separated or divorced parents, it can also apply where the child lives with the applicant, provided the requirements are met. Decision‑makers must have regard to the child’s welfare under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.

1. Definition and Purpose

The Parent route is regulated by Appendix FM. Its purpose is to enable a parent to live in the UK to care for or share in the upbringing of their qualifying child, with the child’s best interests a primary consideration in line with Section 55 duties.

2. Routes Available

There are two main application routes:

• Applying from outside the UK – for parents overseas who wish to move to the UK to care for their child.
• Switching from within the UK – certain visa holders in the UK can switch to the Parent route if they meet all requirements. You cannot generally switch from a visit visa or other short‑term routes.

The eligibility tests are broadly similar, but whether you can switch depends on your current status and compliance with conditions of stay.

3. Duration and Conditions

If granted, leave is typically 33 months if applying from overseas or 30 months in‑country. It can be extended until you qualify for ILR (usually after 5 years on the 5‑year route). Conditions normally allow you to work and study but prohibit access to public funds, unless an exemption applies.

From 2024–2025 the Home Office is transitioning from physical BRP cards to digital eVisas, accessed and managed via a UKVI account.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements

Meeting the Appendix FM requirements and evidencing each element is critical. The Home Office assesses the parental relationship, the child’s UK-based status, your active role in the child’s upbringing, and maintenance/accommodation without recourse to public funds. Exceptions can apply where the child’s best interests would otherwise be compromised.

1. Relationship to a Qualifying Child

You must be the parent of a child who is:

• Under 18 on the application date (or was under 18 when you were first granted leave on this route and has not formed an independent life), and
• Living in the UK, and
• Either a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK (e.g., ILR or settled status), or (in limited circumstances) has pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Where the child has lived in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave, the EX.1 exception may apply (often leading to the 10‑year route rather than the standard 5‑year route).

“Parent” includes biological and legally adoptive parents and, in some scenarios, others with parental responsibility recognised in UK law. Typical proof includes the child’s birth or adoption certificate and evidence of the child’s UK status.

2. Parental Responsibility and Access

You must have sole parental responsibility, the child normally lives with you, or—if the child lives with another parent or carer—you have direct in‑person access (by agreement or UK court order) and take an active role in upbringing. The child’s other parent must not be your partner.

Persuasive evidence includes:

• Court orders or formal contact agreements
• School reports/letters and GP or healthcare correspondence confirming involvement
• Contemporaneous records of contact, travel, photos, messages, or diaries evidencing routine care

3. Immigration Status of the Child

The child’s status is central. This route is not available where the child is only temporarily present (e.g., as a visitor). If relying on 7‑year residence and unreasonableness, applications are typically granted on the 10‑year route under EX.1.

4. Accommodation and Financial Requirements

You must have adequate accommodation that is not statutorily overcrowded and is owned or lawfully occupied by you. There is no fixed income threshold; instead, you must show adequate maintenance without recourse to public funds, assessed under Appendix FM and Appendix FM‑SE.

Common evidence:

• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statements; council tax/utility bills
• Payslips, bank statements, self‑employment records, or accountant letters
• Where applicable, third‑party support evidence (consistent with the rules and case law)

Where refusal would breach the UK’s obligations (for example, the child’s best interests), the Home Office may grant on the 10‑year route notwithstanding standard maintenance rules.

5. English Language Requirement

Unless exempt, you must meet English language at:

• A1 CEFR for entry/initial leave on the 5‑year route,
• A2 at extension after 2.5 years on the 5‑year route, and
• B1 plus the Life in the UK Test for ILR.

Exemptions include age (65+), long‑term physical or mental condition, or nationality of a majority English‑speaking country.

Section Summary: Focus on the child’s qualifying status, your direct and active parental role, and robust evidence of care, contact, accommodation, and maintenance. Understand how EX.1 can shift you to the 10‑year route and how the English requirement steps up at later stages.

Section C: Application Process

A well-prepared Parent Visa application can prevent delays, additional costs, or refusals. The process involves strict adherence to Appendix FM requirements, accurate form completion, and targeted evidence submission.

1. Applying from Outside the UK

If you are applying from overseas, you must complete the online family visa application as a parent via the GOV.UK website. You will:

• Pay the relevant application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre
• Upload supporting evidence digitally or provide it in person at your appointment

Certain countries also require tuberculosis (TB) testing before applying. If granted, you will receive a digital eVisa linked to your UKVI account.

2. Switching from Inside the UK

You can apply to switch to the Parent Visa from certain immigration categories, provided you meet all the requirements. You cannot switch from a visit visa, short-term student visa, or other short-term permission, and if you have overstayed, you must rely on EX.1 (where applicable) or apply from overseas.

3. Biometric Information and Supporting Evidence

Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and facial image) is mandatory. Your evidence should align with the rules and include:

• Child’s birth or adoption certificate and proof of UK status
• Evidence of parental responsibility and direct access (if applicable)
• Accommodation documents such as tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
• Proof of adequate maintenance (payslips, bank statements, or self-employment records)
• English language test certificate or proof of exemption

Ensure evidence is clear, relevant, and up to date. Missing or weak evidence is a common reason for refusal.

4. Application Fees and Processing Times (as of 9 April 2025)

• Outside the UK: £1,938 (Route to Settlement – Family)
• Inside the UK: £1,321 (Leave to Remain – Other)
• IHS: £1,035 per year, payable upfront for the full visa length (e.g., 33 months = 3 years’ IHS)

Processing times:

• Outside the UK: Around 12 weeks under the standard service
• Inside the UK: Currently around 12 months under the standard service
• Priority/Super Priority: May be available for an additional fee, depending on location and service capacity

Section Summary: Choose the correct route, pay updated fees, enrol biometrics, and submit comprehensive evidence. Be aware that in-country processing is currently significantly slower than historic averages.

Section D: After the Visa is Granted

Once your Parent Visa is approved, you will be granted permission to live in the UK for 33 months if you applied from overseas or 30 months if you applied in-country. Your status will be confirmed digitally via an eVisa, accessible through your UKVI account.

1. Visa Conditions

You will be allowed to:

• Work in the UK, including self-employment and voluntary work
• Study without restriction (international tuition fees may still apply)
• Access NHS services through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you paid

You cannot claim most public funds unless an exemption applies. Unlawfully accessing public funds can lead to visa curtailment or refusal of future applications.

2. Extension Applications

You must apply to extend your visa before it expires. To qualify for an extension, you must continue to meet all requirements, including maintaining your parental role and meeting accommodation and maintenance rules. Evidence should be as comprehensive as your initial application and updated to reflect current circumstances.

3. ILR and British Citizenship Pathways

If you are on the 5-year route, you can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 60 months of continuous residence on this route. For ILR, you must meet all requirements, pass the Life in the UK Test, and show English at B1 level unless exempt.

After securing ILR, you can generally apply for British citizenship after 12 months, subject to meeting the residency and good character requirements.

4. Refusals and Appeals

If your application for extension or ILR is refused, you may have the right to:

• Request an Administrative Review if there was a caseworking error
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) if your right to family life under Article 8 ECHR has been breached

Professional advice can significantly improve your chances of overturning a refusal.

Section Summary: Comply with all visa conditions, keep evidence of your parental role and living arrangements up to date, and plan for extensions and ILR well in advance. Understand your rights of review or appeal should your application be refused.

FAQs

Can I apply if I share custody with the child’s other parent?

Yes, if you have direct in‑person access (by agreement or UK court order) and play an active role in the child’s upbringing, and the other parent is not your partner.

What if my child lives with another family member?

You may still qualify if you have parental responsibility, are actively involved, and your presence is necessary for the child’s welfare. Provide professional or official evidence of your role and contact.

Do I have to meet the financial requirement if I am exempt?

If refusal would breach the UK’s obligations (for example, the child’s best interests), the Home Office may grant leave on the 10‑year route using EX.1 exceptions. You must still evidence adequate maintenance and accommodation.

Can I bring other family members with me on a Parent Visa?

This visa is individual. Each additional child needs their own application (as a dependant or under a child route, as applicable).

How long until I can get ILR on the Parent route?

Usually after 5 years on the 5‑year route, subject to meeting the rules at ILR, B1 English and the Life in the UK Test. Cases granted under EX.1 typically progress on the 10‑year route.

Conclusion

The UK Parent Visa safeguards a child’s welfare by enabling an eligible parent to live in the UK and take an active role in their upbringing. Success depends on meeting strict eligibility requirements under Appendix FM, particularly proving the child’s qualifying status, your active parental role, and your ability to maintain and accommodate yourself without recourse to public funds.

Applicants should be aware of the two possible settlement pathways — the 5-year route and the 10-year route under EX.1 — and the evidence needed to progress towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, ultimately, British citizenship. Compliance with visa conditions and careful preparation of extension applications are essential to protect your immigration position.

By understanding the rules and preparing a strong application, you can secure your right to remain in the UK with your child and build a stable future together.

Glossary

Useful Links

Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

See Full Bio