Family Visas for Parents and Children – UK Immigration Overview

Brief Overview of a UK Family Visa – Parent and Child Routes

A UK Family Visa is required if you intend to live in the UK for more than six (6) months with a close relative who is a British citizen or settled person. This could be your spouse or partner, fiancé(e), child, parent, or another relative who will be providing long-term care.

This blog outlines the visa routes for:

• Parents applying to join a child in the UK

• Children applying to join a parent in the UK

For children-related applications, Appendix FM and Appendix Children of the Immigration Rules apply. In some cases, Appendix Private Life or Appendix Child of a Relative with Protection may also be relevant.

Applying as the Parent of a Child Residing in the UK

To be eligible under this route:

• The child must be under 18 at the time of application (or have been under 18 when first granted leave and still be dependent).
• The parent (applicant) must be over 18 and intend to live permanently in the UK.
• The child must be habitually resident in the UK.

The child must either:

• Be a British citizen, or
• Have settled status in the UK (e.g. indefinite leave to remain, EU settled status, or permanent residence), or
• Be living in the UK with limited leave under Appendix EU.

Documents and Evidence Required

You must provide evidence that:

• You have sole parental responsibility, or
• You have direct access to the child in person (as agreed with the parent or guardian the child normally lives with, or as set out in a UK court order).
• You are playing an active role in the child’s upbringing — and intend to continue doing so.

In addition, all applicants must meet the standard requirements around:

• Suitability
• Eligibility
• Adequate accommodation
• Financial independence (i.e. without relying on public funds)

Applying as the Child of a Parent Residing in the UK

This visa route is for children under 18 who wish to join a parent living legally in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

• The child must be under 18, single, and not leading an independent life.
• The parent must either:
  • Have sole parental responsibility, or
  • Have shared responsibility with strong justification (such as serious reasons relating to the child’s welfare).
• The parent must already be legally in the UK with leave to enter/remain.

If the parent is also applying for leave to remain at the same time, financial requirements will apply to both.

Documents and Evidence Required

Applicants must show:

• Sole parental responsibility or direct access (in person), with proof through a UK or overseas court order or a written agreement.
• Evidence that the parent has a continuing and active role in the child’s life.

As with other visa routes, suitability, eligibility, accommodation, and financial independence (without recourse to public funds) must also be demonstrated.

Duration of Stay

Successful applicants are typically granted leave to remain for 2 years and 6 months.

This can be part of a 5-year or 10-year route to settlement, depending on eligibility. Extensions may be granted if applied for before the current leave expires.

How to Apply

Applications are made using the Appendix FM online application system, whether applying from inside or outside the UK.

In some cases, applications based on Private Life grounds may be appropriate.

Those facing financial hardship can request a fee waiver before submitting the main application. This is done via an online form and is subject to Home Office discretion.

Need Advice?

If you or a family member are unsure about your eligibility or require assistance with your Family Visa application, contact our team on 0333 222 5014 to speak with a specialist solicitor.

0333 222 5014 Book a consultation Submit enquiry online