UK Parent Visa is a type of UK Family Visa that enables the parent of a child in the UK to enter the country to live with their child.
The initial stay granted to the parent is usually 30 months after completing all the requirements. At the end of that given period, the parent may apply for a further 30 months of stay if they still meet the requirements. After 60 months (5 years), provided that all requirements are still met, the parent may apply for permanent settlement status in the UK.
ELIGIBILITY FOR UK PARENT VISA:
To be eligible for the UK Parent Visa, the child of the parent applying for this visa must be:
- Residing in the UK.
- Less than 18 years old on the date of the application.
- Either a natural born UK citizen or a permanent resident in the UK.
- The parent must have sole responsibility for the child or the child is not living with the other parent.
- If the person caring for the child in the UK is a British citizen, or a permanent resident who is not a partner of the parent, then the parent is not eligible for entry clearance as a partner.
- To demonstrate eligibility as the parent, the applicant must provide clear evidence either for having the sole responsibility to care for the child or for having an active role in raising the child.
REQUIREMENTS FOR UK PARENT VISA:
Applications for the UK Parent Visa can be filed either from inside the UK or overseas. The requirements are as follows:
Applying from Inside the UK:
- The parent should not be holding a UK Visitor Visa and is not in the UK temporarily.
- The parent has not been granted permission to stay in the country for less than 6 months.
- The parent must have submitted a valid application for “Leave to Remain” (LR) in the UK.
- The parent must not have breached any of the UK Immigration rules, although remaining in the UK for a period of less than 28 days after the permitted stay may be allowed.
- The parent must demonstrate sufficient funds and accommodation without the need for public funds.
The parent must be able to meet a basic English language requirement.
Applying from Outside the UK:
- The parent must be at least 18 years of age.
- The parent must have submitted a valid application for Entry Clearance to the UK.
- The parent must demonstrate sufficient funds and accommodation without the need for public funds.
- The parent must be able to meet a basic English language requirement.
Additional Requirements:
- In addition to the qualifications above, if a parent is either inside or outside the country, they must meet the suitability requirement as specified in Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules.
- If a parent does not meet all the requirements for the UK Parent Visa, they may still be given permission to stay on a case-by-case basis. Should this be the case, the parent may only apply for permanent settlement after living in the UK for 10 years.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR UK PARENT VISA:
- Applicants should have completed and signed the UK Parent Visa application form.
- Applicants should bring a passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), appropriately taken colorphotograph of themselves.
- Applicants should bring the supporting documents relevant to the UK Parent Visa application.
Applicants should pay the UK Parent Visa fee. - Applicants should review the information provided by TSL for the local processes in Thailand and be aware of the strict security procedures.
- Not all applicants require an interview and if it is necessary, it is normally because the Visa Officer requires more information. Interviews are usually done by phone with the help of an Embassy interpreter. There is no need for an interview when the application is submitted. If necessary, applicants should be well prepared for the interview.
- Non-settlement category visas such as UK Visitor Visas generally take up to 15 working days to be processed. If the applicant has previously visited the UK, US, New Zealand, Australia or a Schengen country during the previous 5 years, the processing time may be shorter (5 – 7 business days). However, settlement category visas can take from 2 to 3 months.
- The duration of the application process is not always the same. Delays can occur if the British Embassy requests additional support documents or evidence. The progress of your application for a UK Parent Visa may be checked online, but the success or rejection of an application will not be known until collection of the documents.
TSL UK Parent Visa Services:
TSL’s staff will provide you with comprehensive support and guidance to ensure that the UK Parent Visa application process goes smoothly, and may include (but not limited to) the following:
- Consultation with our Immigration Specialist to provide you with clear and logical advice about the application process and confirmation that the applicant is eligible for a UK Parent Visa.
- Full review of the parent’sstatus, and a comprehensive checklist of required documents.
- Assistance with preparation of application forms and supporting documents.
- Filing of the completed application package. Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies. (Note: TSL Visa Service Fee does not include embassy or government fees).
- Careful arrangement of all correspondence with government agencies.
- Expert advice on how to handle the consular interview.
- Unlimited assistance over the phone with our Visa specialists.
- Access to consultation with Lawyers with specific expertise depending on the needs of each case.
- Communication with the processing administrators on behalf of the applicant.
- Proper preparation for the telephone interview if required.
If necessary, assistance with obtaining police clearance report or medical examination.
Recommendations:
- Please keep copies of all application forms and support documents and take clear notes of specific questions that you are asked and the answers that you give. This will give TSL what it needs to assist you in case your application is rejected.
- The advice of an immigration consultant to obtain your entry clearance will save you significant time and cost, compared with the cost of a lawyer to help overturn the refusal of a UK Parent Visa.
- Before you start, we recommend that you should speak with one of TSL’s Visa & Immigration Specialists or request further information aboutUKVisaapplications.