Parent of a British Child Visa UK 2026: Requirements, Fees & Application Guide
This comprehensive Parent of a British Child Visa guide covers everything you need to know about applying to live in the UK with your British or settled child in 2026. Whether you have sole parental responsibility or share access rights, this UK parent visa route allows you to remain in the UK, work, and build a life alongside your child. The visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years and eventually British citizenship.
UK Visa for Parents of British Citizens: Complete 2026 Guide
The Parent of a British Child Visa (also known as the UK parent visa or British child parent visa) is a family immigration route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. It allows non-British, non-settled parents to live in the UK with their child who holds British citizenship, Irish citizenship, or settled status. This parent visa UK route is distinct from the partner visa route and is specifically designed for parents who are not in a relationship with the child's other parent or who have sole parental responsibility.
What Are the Parent of a British Child Visa Requirements?
To qualify for a Parent of a British Child Visa, you must be the parent of a child under 18 who is British, Irish, or settled in the UK. You need either sole parental responsibility or direct access rights agreed with the other parent. You must demonstrate adequate maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public funds, meet English language requirements at A1 level, and prove you are taking an active role in your child's upbringing.
The eligibility criteria for the Parent of a British Child Visa are set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. You must satisfy all requirements to be granted entry clearance (from outside the UK) or leave to remain (from within the UK).
Child's Status Requirements
Your child must meet one of the following criteria:
- British or Irish citizenship: Your child is a British or Irish citizen by birth or naturalisation
- Settled status: Your child has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Pre-settled status: Your child holds pre-settled status under Appendix EU
- 7-year residence (in-country only): Your child has lived continuously in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave
Parental Responsibility Requirements
You must demonstrate one of the following:
Financial and Accommodation Requirements
Unlike the spouse visa financial requirements which specify a minimum income threshold, the Parent of a British Child Visa requires you to demonstrate "adequate maintenance" without a set minimum figure. You must prove you can support yourself and your child without recourse to public funds.
- Income evidence: Payslips, employment letter, bank statements (6 months), or self-employment documents
- Savings: Evidence of savings that can support you during the initial period
- Accommodation: Proof of suitable accommodation that is not overcrowded and meets housing standards
- Third-party support: If being supported by someone else, their financial documents and a support letter
English Language Requirements
You must demonstrate English language proficiency at A1 level (speaking and listening) for the initial application. Higher levels are required for extensions and settlement:
How to Apply as a Parent of a British Child
Apply online through the gov.uk website using the appropriate form (VAF4A for entry clearance from outside UK, or FLR(FP) for leave to remain from inside UK). Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, then book a biometrics appointment. Submit supporting documents proving your relationship with your child, parental responsibility, finances, and accommodation.
The application process differs depending on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK. Applications are submitted through the official gov.uk family visa portal.
- Valid passport or travel document
- Child's birth certificate proving you are their parent
- Proof of child's British/Irish citizenship or settled status
- Evidence of parental responsibility or access rights (court orders, agreements)
- Proof of ongoing relationship with child (photos, communication records, school involvement)
- Bank statements (6 months) and employment evidence
- Accommodation evidence (tenancy agreement, property ownership, or host letter)
- English language test certificate (SELT at A1 level)
- TB test certificate (if applying from a listed country)
Proving the Parent-Child Relationship
Demonstrating a genuine and ongoing parent-child relationship is crucial for a successful application. The Home Office will assess whether you are taking, and intend to continue taking, an active role in your child's upbringing.
- Legal documentation: Birth certificate, adoption papers, or court orders establishing parentage
- Contact evidence: Phone records, video call logs, messages, and photographs together
- Financial support: Bank transfers, receipts showing maintenance payments for the child
- Involvement in education: School reports addressed to you, correspondence with teachers
- Medical involvement: GP letters, medical appointment records showing your involvement
- Third-party statements: Letters from teachers, family members, or social workers confirming your parental role
Parent of a British Child Visa Fees and Processing Time 2026
The Parent of a British Child Visa costs £1,938 from outside the UK or £1,321 from inside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year. Processing takes approximately 12 weeks for applications outside the UK, or around 12 months for in-country applications (as of January 2026).
Application Fees (From April 2025)
For a complete breakdown of all UK visa fees and Home Office fees for ILR and citizenship, see our dedicated guides.
What is the Parent of a British Child Visa Processing Time?
Applications made outside the UK typically receive a decision within 12 weeks. Applications made inside the UK currently take around 12 months due to Home Office backlogs. Priority services may be available to speed up processing, but availability varies by location and application type.
Processing times vary significantly depending on where you apply from and the complexity of your case. For detailed information about UK visa processing time after biometrics, including what to do if there are UK visa delays, see our comprehensive guides.
Parent of a British Child Visa Refused: Common Reasons and Solutions
Common refusal reasons include insufficient evidence of parental responsibility, failure to prove adequate maintenance and accommodation, weak evidence of ongoing relationship with the child, and suitability issues such as criminal convictions or immigration history. If refused, you can appeal or reapply with stronger evidence addressing the refusal reasons.
Understanding why Parent of a British Child Visa applications are refused can help you avoid common pitfalls. The most common refusal reasons under this route include:
Options After Refusal
If your Parent of a British Child Visa is refused, you have several options:
- Appeal: If you have a right of appeal under Article 8 (family life), you can appeal the decision to the First-tier Tribunal
- Administrative review: Request a review if you believe a caseworking error was made
- Reapply: Submit a fresh application addressing all the issues raised in the refusal notice
- Seek professional advice: Consult an immigration solicitor if your case is complex
For more information about your chances of getting a visa after refusal, see our detailed guide.
Parent Visa Extension and Route to ILR
The Parent of a British Child Visa is a 5-year route to settlement. After your initial 30-month grant, you will need to extend your leave before you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Extension Requirements
To extend your Parent of a British Child Visa using FLR forms, you must continue to meet the eligibility requirements:
- Ongoing relationship: Continue to maintain an active parental role in your child's life
- Financial requirements: Demonstrate continued ability to maintain yourself without public funds
- English language: Meet the A2 level requirement (or prove exemption)
- Accommodation: Continue to have adequate accommodation
ILR Requirements for Parents
After 5 years of continuous residence on this route, you can apply for settlement using the ILR application forms. Requirements include:
- 5 years continuous residence: No absences exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period
- English language at B1: Higher level than initial application
- Life in the UK Test: Pass this test demonstrating knowledge of British customs and history
- Ongoing parental relationship: Continue to take an active role in your child's life
- No serious criminality: Meet suitability requirements
For information about ILR processing times, see our dedicated guide.
- Visa costs £1,938 (outside UK) or £1,321 (inside UK) plus IHS at £1,035/year
- Your child must be British, Irish, or settled (or 7 years UK residence for in-country applications)
- You need sole parental responsibility or direct access rights
- Processing takes ~12 weeks (outside UK) or ~12 months (inside UK)
- After 5 years, you can apply for ILR (settlement)
For complete official guidance, visit the gov.uk family visa parent page and refer to the Immigration Rules Appendix FM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main requirements for a Parent of a British Child Visa?
The main requirements are: your child must be under 18 and British, Irish, or settled in the UK; you must have sole parental responsibility or direct access rights; you must demonstrate adequate maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public funds; you must meet the English language requirement at A1 level; and you must be taking an active role in your child's upbringing. You must also meet suitability requirements with no grounds for refusal.
How much does a Parent of a British Child Visa cost in 2026?
The visa costs £1,938 if applying from outside the UK or £1,321 if applying from inside the UK. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year (approximately £2,587.50 for the 30-month visa). Priority services cost an extra £500 (outside UK) or up to £1,000 for Super Priority (inside UK where available).
What is the processing time for a Parent of a British Child Visa?
Applications made from outside the UK typically receive a decision within 12 weeks. Applications made from inside the UK currently take around 12 months due to Home Office backlogs. Priority processing services may be available to speed up the decision, but availability varies. Complex cases requiring additional verification may take longer.
Why do Parent of a British Child Visa applications get refused?
Common refusal reasons include: insufficient evidence of a genuine ongoing parental relationship; failure to prove sole responsibility or access rights; inadequate financial evidence showing you can maintain yourself without public funds; unsuitable accommodation; suitability issues such as criminal convictions or previous immigration breaches; and from November 2025, safeguarding concerns about risk to the child.
Can I work on a Parent of a British Child Visa?
Yes, the Parent of a British Child Visa allows you to work without restrictions in the UK. You can take up employment, self-employment, or start a business. You can also study. However, you cannot access public funds (benefits and housing assistance) while on this visa route.
What happens if my child turns 18 while I am on this visa?
You can continue on the Parent route even after your child turns 18, as long as your child was under 18 at the time of your initial application or most recent extension. You can still apply for extensions and eventually ILR based on your established family life. The key date is when you first applied under this route, not your child's current age.
How do I prove sole parental responsibility?
Sole parental responsibility means the other parent has abandoned their role and you have exclusive control over all decisions about your child's upbringing. Evidence includes court orders granting you sole custody, evidence that the other parent is absent or deceased, school and medical records naming only you, financial records showing you solely support the child, and statements from teachers or social workers confirming your sole parental role.
Can I apply for ILR after 5 years on the Parent route?
Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence on the Parent of a British Child Visa route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must meet the requirements including passing the Life in the UK Test, demonstrating English language at B1 level, meeting continuous residence rules (no more than 180 days absence in any 12-month period), and continuing to have an active parental relationship. The ILR fee is currently £3,029.