Introduction
Are you a parent of a child living in the UK and wondering how to secure your stay? This guide will help you understand the process of applying for a parent visa, including eligibility requirements and application tips. With the support of Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts, you can navigate your legal challenges with ease. Discover your rights as a parent and get the assistance you need to resolve your legal issues efficiently—because at Contend, we provide the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you are a parent of a child under 18 who lives in the UK, you may be eligible for a parent visa. This visa can allow you to stay in the country and, if necessary, apply for child visas for your other children as well.
What is a Parent Visa?
A parent visa is a type of family visa that allows you to live in the UK if your child has the right to reside here. The cost for these visas typically ranges from £3,000 to £5,000 per person, depending on individual circumstances.
Applying for Parent and Child Visas
You can apply for both parent and child visas at the same time or apply for child visas later if you already have a parent visa.
Partner Sponsorship
If your child’s other parent is your partner and they can sponsor you for a partner visa, you should apply for that instead of a parent visa.
Duration of the Visa
A parent visa usually lasts for 2 years and 6 months, or 2 years and 9 months if you apply from outside the UK. Child visas will be valid until your parent visa ends. After living in the UK for 5 years on a parent visa, you can apply for permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a parent visa, you need to check a few important criteria:
- Child’s Right to Live in the UK: Your child should have British or Irish citizenship, indefinite leave, or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. If your child has pre-settled status, you may still apply if they came to the UK by December 31, 2020.
- Your Relationship with the Child: You must either have sole responsibility for your child, live with them, or have access rights. Sole responsibility means you are the only one making decisions about their upbringing.
- Financial Requirements: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support yourself and your child without relying on public funds. This is often referred to as the “adequate maintenance” test.
- Living Conditions: You must show that your living situation is safe and suitable for you and your child. This includes having enough space and not being overcrowded.
- English Language Test: Usually, you will need to take an English language test unless you meet certain exceptions, such as being from a country where English is an official language.
Applying for Child Visas
When applying for a parent visa, you can also apply for child visas for your other children under 18. However, children who already have the right to live in the UK do not need to apply.
You can apply for a child visa if you have sole responsibility for them or if there are strong reasons for them to live in the UK.
What If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?
If you don’t meet the standard requirements for a parent visa, you may still be able to apply based on exceptional circumstances. This could be if not getting a visa would cause significant hardship for you or your child.
Rights After Getting a Visa
Once you and your children have family visas, you will have the right to work, study, and access the NHS. However, you may not be eligible for most benefits unless you have a visa based on exceptional circumstances.
Conclusion
If you believe you qualify for a parent visa or need help navigating the application process, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Their highly trained AI legal experts can provide tailored advice based on your situation and help you understand your options.
For more information on applying for a parent visa, visit GOV.UK.
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