Family Visa UK: Parent of a Child in UK

Family Visa for Parents of a Child in the UK

Parenting from a distance is never easy — especially when immigration rules make it harder to stay close to your child. At The McKenzie Friend, we provide compassionate and professional guidance for parents who need to live with or maintain a meaningful relationship with their child in the UK.

Who Is This Visa For?

The Parent of a Child in the UK Visa is for individuals who have a British or settled child living in the United Kingdom and want to stay to care for or maintain direct contact with them. You may apply if:

• Your child is under 18 years old, lives in the UK, and is either a British citizen or has Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• You have shared or sole parental responsibility.
• You are actively involved in your child’s upbringing — financially, emotionally, or through regular contact.
• Your relationship with your child was established while living together or during regular contact visits.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Parent Route, you must show that:

• You are the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the child.
• The child lives permanently in the UK and is not independent (under 18).
• You have direct responsibility for the child’s upbringing — through daily care, contact, or decision-making.
• You meet the English language requirement and can maintain yourself financially without public funds.
• There are no immigration violations or criminal convictions preventing your stay.

Evidence You’ll Need

• Birth or adoption certificate proving parental link
• Evidence of parental responsibility (court orders, custody agreements, school letters)
• Proof of ongoing involvement — communication, financial support, visit records
• Proof of accommodation and income stability
• English language test results (A1 CEFR or above)

Application Process

We guide you through every stage — ensuring your case is presented clearly and empathetically to demonstrate your essential role in your child’s life:

1. Assessment: We review your situation to confirm eligibility and identify the best visa route (inside or outside the UK).
2. Evidence Gathering: We help compile documents that highlight your relationship, contact, and care role.
3. Application Support: Step-by-step help completing the online form and preparing supporting statements.
4. Submission & Biometric Appointment: Guidance through uploading documents and attending your visa centre.
5. After Decision: If granted, you’ll receive a visa valid for up to 30 months — renewable for another 30 months before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

How We Support Parents

Many parents fear that separation or complex custody arrangements might weaken their application — but with the right evidence and legal guidance, your parental relationship can be strongly demonstrated. We help you:

• Show consistent contact and commitment to your child’s welfare
• Explain your parental role clearly to the Home Office
• Ensure sensitive situations (like divorce or limited contact) are handled with care
• Submit professional supporting letters and statements

Common Challenges

• Difficulty proving regular contact when not living with the child
• Missing evidence of financial or emotional contribution
• Misunderstanding of “parental responsibility” definitions
• Incomplete documentation leading to refusal

Why Choose The McKenzie Friend?

We specialise in family immigration matters that require both expertise and empathy. Every case is treated with the personal attention it deserves — because staying close to your child should never depend on confusing forms or technical mistakes.

• Clear guidance tailored to parents and guardians
• Affordable fixed-fee support
• Compassionate help through emotional cases
• Step-by-step assistance from start to approval

The McKenzie Friend provides professional immigration guidance and collaborates with OISC-regulated advisers for complex or appeal-level cases.