Family Visa (Parent)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1005 days
- Processing time
- 12 weeks (outside UK), approximately 12 months (inside UK)
- Fee
- £1,938 (outside UK) or £1,321 (inside UK)
- Validity
- 2 years and 9 months (initial), extendable by 2 years 6 months
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For parents of a child living in the UK who is a British/Irish citizen, has settled status, or has lived in the UK for 7 continuous years. Must have sole or shared parental responsibility. If shared, the other parent must not be the applicant's partner and must have British/Irish citizenship or settled status. Must demonstrate ability to financially support themselves without public funds. Settlement (ILR) possible after 5 continuous years. Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.
Eligibility
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Age
Must be at least 18 years old
Min age: 18
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Nationality
Child must be a British/Irish citizen, have settled status (ILR/settled status/proof of permanent residence), EU pre-settled status (arrived before 1 Jan 2021), or have lived in UK continuously for 7 years
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Financial
Must prove ability to financially support yourself and any dependants without claiming public funds
Minimum funds: Sufficient funds (assessed by caseworker)
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Criminal record
Must meet suitability requirements and not have unspent criminal convictions
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Payslips, bank statements, tax returns, employment evidence; Minimum amount: Sufficient to support yourself and dependants without public funds
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/parent; Location: Visa application centre
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Birth certificate
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £1,938 (outside UK) or £1,321 (inside UK)
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: IELTS Life Skills, Trinity College London, or degree taught in English; Minimum score: A1 CEFR (initial)
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Relationship evidence
Minimum evidence items: 3; Relationship type: Parent-child (biological, adoptive, or step-parent with parental responsibility)
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather evidence of parental responsibility (school letters, doctor/dentist confirmations, court orders), birth certificate, financial documents, English language certificate, passport, and TB test results
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Online application
Complete the family visa (parent) application online
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Attend a visa application centre for biometric collection
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Document submission
Submit supporting documents as instructed
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Processing wait
Wait for a decision on your application