Parent of British Child Visa Application: A Guide to Successfully Navigating the Process

For parents seeking to join their child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK, the Parent of a Child Visa provides a pathway to family reunification. The child visa application allows eligible parents to apply for leave to remain in the UK for up to 2.5 years, with the option to extend their stay. This article will provide an overview of the Parent of a Child Visa applicationprocess, including eligibility requirements, supporting documents, and common pitfalls to avoid. There are two routes either under the 5 year or 10 year route to qualify for leave to remain in the U.K.

What is a Parent of a British Child Visa?

A Parent of a British Child Visa is a type of visa that allows non-British parents to come and live in the UK with their British child. The child visa application is valid for 30 months and can extend for another 30 months. After five years of continuous residency in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and then apply for British citizenship after one year.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet several requirements to be eligible for a Parent of a British Child Visa. First and foremost, you must be the biological or adoptive parent of a British citizen or settled child under the age of 18 who is living in the UK. Additionally, you must meet the financial and English language requirements (under the 5 year route) and demonstrate a genuine and subsisting parental relationship with your child.

Financial Requirements

As part of the application process, you must demonstrate that you can support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds. The minimum income requirement is £18,600 per year, although this amount may vary depending on the number of dependents you have. If you cannot meet the financial requirement, you may be able to rely on other sources of income or savings, or your child can provide a written undertaking to support you.

English Language Requirements

To qualify for the Parent of a Child Visa, you must also demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. You can do this by passing an approved English language test or by providing evidence that you meet one of the exemptions, such as being a national of a majority English-speaking country or holding a degree taught in English.

Genuine and Subsisting Parental Relationship

One of the most critical eligibility requirements for the Parent of a Child Visa is demonstrating a genuine and subsisting parental relationship with your child. This means providing evidence of regular contact with your child, financial support, and involvement in their life. You’ll also need to show that your relationship with your child is not solely to obtain a visa.

Supporting Documents

To support your application for a Parent of a Child Visa, you’ll need to provide a range of documents, including:

• Proof of your child’s British citizenship or settled status
• Your birth certificate or adoption certificate
• Evidence of your relationship with your child, such as school records, medical records, or photographs
• Proof of your financial status, including bank statements or salary slips.
• Evidence of your English language proficiency
• Any other documents supporting your application, such as a letter from your child explaining your relationship and why they want you to join them in the UK.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When applying for a Parent of a Child Visa, there are several common pitfalls to avoid. These include:

• Failing to provide sufficient evidence of your parental relationship with your child
• Failing to meet the financial or English language requirements
• Including inaccurate or deceptive details in your application
• Failing to disclose any previous immigration history or criminal convictions.

It’s essential to take the time to carefully review the application requirements and provide accurate and complete information. Failing to do so can result in delays, refusals, or even a ban on entering the UK.

How My Legal Services Help You?

Conclusion

Applying for a Parent of a Child Visa can be a complex and overwhelming process, but it can be made much easier with the right guidance and support. At My Legal Services, we are here to help you every step of the way, from gathering the necessary documents to appealing a decision.

If you are aparent of a British child and wish to join them in the UK, contact us today to discuss your options and how we can help you.