Parent & Family Visa


What is the Parent & Family Visa

The UK Parent & Family Visa allows eligible family members of British citizens or persons settled in the UK to live in the UK on the basis of their family relationship.

This category most commonly applies to parents of a child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK, as well as certain other family members in specific circumstances.

Family visa applications are assessed under strict Immigration Rules and focus on the nature of the family relationship, the applicant’s immigration history, and the best interests of any child involved.


Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility depends on the specific family route relied upon. The most common categories include the following.


Parent of a Child in the UK

An applicant may be eligible for a Parent visa where they:

  • Are the parent of a child who is:
  • a British citizen, or
  • settled in the UK;
  • Have sole parental responsibility for the child, or share responsibility but the child normally lives with them;
  • Are playing an active role in the child’s upbringing;
  • Can demonstrate that it would not be reasonable to expect the child to leave the UK.

The child must be under the age of 18 at the date of application and not leading an independent life.


Other Family Routes

In limited circumstances, family visas may also be available to:

  • Certain dependent family members under specific provisions of the Immigration Rules;  
  • Family members relying on exceptional or compassionate circumstances, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility is assessed strictly by reference to the relevant Immigration Rules, and requirements vary depending on the route relied upon.


Financial and Accommodation Requirements

Applicants must normally demonstrate adequate maintenance, meaning that they have sufficient income or resources to support themselves without recourse to public funds, assessed by reference to Income Support thresholds and the adequate maintenance test, rather than a fixed minimum income level.

Applicants must also show that adequate accommodation will be available in the UK, without the need for public housing and without causing overcrowding under UK housing standards.

Where the financial requirement cannot be met, applications may still be considered under exceptional circumstances, particularly where refusal would result in unjustifiably harsh consequences for a child or breach family life rights under human rights principles.


English Language Requirement

Applicants are generally required to meet the English language requirement, which for most Parent and Family visa applications means demonstrating English language ability at CEFR A1 level or above at the initial application stage, unless exempt.

Exemptions may apply based on age or long-term physical or mental health conditions and must be supported by appropriate medical evidence.


Application Process

Step 1: Eligibility assessment and route confirmation

Before applying, it is essential to confirm the correct family route and assess whether all requirements under the Immigration Rules are met. Supporting documents must be prepared to evidence the family relationship, parental responsibility, financial circumstances, and accommodation.


Typical supporting documents may include:

  • Passports and identity documents
  • The child’s birth certificate
  • Evidence of parental responsibility and involvement
  • Proof of UK immigration status of the child or sponsor
  • Financial and accommodation evidence

All documents must be genuine and, where not in English or Welsh, accompanied by a certified translation.


Step 2: Online application and payment of fees

Applications must be submitted online to the Home Office. The relevant application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must be paid at the time of submission.

Step 3: Biometric appointment

Applicants are required to attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a facial photograph.

Step 4: Decision and grant of leave

If approved, leave to remain will be granted for a specified period, with the possibility of extension and settlement subject to meeting the ongoing requirements.


Processing Time

Processing times for Parent & Family Visa applications depend on where the application is made.

  • Applications made outside the UK are typically decided within around 12 weeks.
  • Applications made inside the UK are usually decided within around 8 weeks.

Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the evidence provided, and Home Office workload. These timeframes reflect Home Office service standards and are not guaranteed.


Application Fees

Application fees depend on the specific family route and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK.

For most Parent and Family visa applications under Appendix FM, the current Home Office application fees are:

  • £1,938 for applications made outside the UK
  • £1,321 for applications made inside the UK

Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), currently £1,035 per year, payable upfront.

Additional costs may apply for biometric enrolment, English language tests, or document translation services.

All fees are subject to change in accordance with Home Office regulations.


Speak to LNvisa

Parent and family visa applications can be legally complex, particularly where parental responsibility, financial requirements, or exceptional circumstances are involved.

LNvisa provides tailored immigration advice to families, ensuring that applications are prepared in line with current Immigration Rules and relevant Home Office guidance.

If you would like professional guidance on a UK Parent or Family Visa application, or wish to assess your eligibility before applying, our team would be pleased to assist.