What is a Parent Visa?
A Parent Visa falls under the Family Visa category and allows a parent from outside the UK to live in the UK to care for or maintain contact with their child. The child must be either a British citizen, have indefinite leave to remain, or hold pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. This is one of the visa routes that is designed to preserve family unity, ensuring that children can benefit from the presence and care of a parent in their everyday life.
At Drummond Miller, our leading immigration team has considerable experience supporting family members through UK Parent Visa applications. We offer clear, compassionate guidance throughout the process to help bring families together in the UK.
Who is Eligible for a Parent Visa?
To qualify for a Parent Visa under Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules, the application must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Parent-Child Relationship: You must be the biological, adoptive, or (in certain cases) step-parent of a child under 18, who is living in the UK. You must demonstrate that you have either sole parental responsibility, or direct access to the child through a Contact Order or other arrangement. There is guidance from the UK Home Office which provides information about the kind of evidence that should be produced.
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Residency of the Child: The child must be a British citizen or hold settled status in the UK (this means that the child must have indefinite leave to remain otherwise known as permanent residence). The child must also hold pre-settled status under Appendix EU.
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Financial Requirements: You must provide Financial Evidence showing that you can support yourself (and any dependants) without recourse to public funds. You should also have suitable accommodation arranged.
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English Language: You must meet the English language requirement, usually by passing a test at CEFR level A1 or higher (as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), unless you are exempt (e.g. from a majority English-speaking country).
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Application Form and Supporting Documents: The application form must be completed accurately and accompanied by comprehensive supporting documents - including proof of relationship, contact, finances and language proficiency. Our team advise on the evidence and prepare the application pack to put the best case forward for you.
- Visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge: The visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge will need to be paid unless a fee waiver has been granted.
These criteria can be complex, but our team will carefully help you with the application procedures as well as review your circumstances and help gather the necessary documentation to establish your eligibility.
How Drummond Miller Can Support Your Application
With decades of experience in immigration law, particularly in family migration, our team at Drummond Miller is dedicated to making the Parent Visa application process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We provide:
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Initial Consultation: A comprehensive assessment to confirm eligibility under Appendix FM and explore the best application strategy for your family's unique situation.
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Guidance on Required Documentation: Step-by-step support in document gathering and preparing all necessary supporting documents.
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Application Preparation and Submission: A full-service approach to drafting and submitting your application to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Home Office, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. The application will be submitted through a visa application centre in your home country.
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Continuous Communication and Updates: Regular updates to keep you informed of your application's progress, and ongoing support to address any questions or concerns you may have. This may include responding to decision letters, or assisting with an immigration appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, and in some cases, to the Upper Tribunal, if needed.
Our priority is to simplify the process and provide compassionate, professional support, ensuring your application reflects your commitment to your child's welfare and well-being.
Why Choose Drummond Miller?
At Drummond Miller, we know that family connections are invaluable. Our dedicated team of immigration solicitors combine in-depth legal expertise with a personal approach, delivering the support, immigration advice, and reassurance you need throughout the Parent Visa process.
Our immigration team is recognised as Band 1 by Chambers & Partners and Top Tier by the Legal 500. David Brown is recognised in the Legal 500, in the Hall of Fame as being at the pinnacle of the profession. Janey Armstrong and Humphrey Ndubuisi are recognised as Leading Partners in the Legal 500 and Band 2 in Chambers & Partners. Sarah Jack is recognised as a Next Generation Partner in Chambers & partners. Anna Rani is recognised as Up and Coming by Chambers & Partners.
As a result, here's what you can expect when you work with us:
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Personalised service: We don't do one-size-fits-all. Your circumstances are unique, and so is your case. Our team takes the time to understand your specific situation, tailoring our legal advice and approach to suit your needs.
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Attention to detail: We know that a small mistake can delay your visa or even lead to a refusal. As a result, our solicitors ensure your application is thorough, clear, and submitted on time.
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Comprehensive support: We guide you through every stage of the process, from gathering the right documents, to submitting your visa application, and beyond.
We're here, to get you there. For us, this means working to bring families together in the UK, guided by a team who genuinely cares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Processing times vary, but most Parent Visas are decided within 12 weeks when applying from outside the UK. If eligible, you may choose a Priority Service for a faster decision.
Yes, you can apply for an extension of stay of your existing permission to stay as a Parent or switching from another visa route. Our team can advise on this as the criteria may differ.
Not for the initial Parent Visa. However, if you later apply for indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship, you will need to pass the Life in the UK Test.
In certain circumstances, a fee waiver may be available. We can assess your eligibility and support the request as part of your application.
Yes. A court order such as a Contact Order can help show active involvement in your child’s life, but it is not essential. Other forms of evidence such as contact through social media messages, school letters, medical reports.
You may have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects your right to family and private life. Should your appeal be dismissed then you may be able to apply for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal.
Yes. After either five or ten years of continuous lawful residence on a Parent of a Child Visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided you meet all the necessary requirements.
Yes, if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you may apply for a Visa Extension before your current Parent Visa expires. Our team can guide you through the process and help prepare the required documentation.
Appendix 5 (VAF4A) is an additional form required for some family visa applications made from outside the UK. Whether you need to complete it depends on your specific visa type and application route. We’ll advise if it applies to your case.
Experienced Immigration Lawyers
Whether you're just beginning your UK Parent Visa journey, or you have hit a bump in the road with your application, our experienced immigration team is here to help. With Drummond Miller by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your parent visa application is in expert hands.
It's your future together - let us help you make it a reality.
- Call us on 0131 226 5151