Apply for a UK parent visa for parents or guardians (UK parent visa)

How to apply for a UK parent visa: eligibility and parental responsibility

Applying for a UK parent visa is a way to reunite with a child (under 18) who is a British citizen or resident.

Key requirements:

• the applicant must be over 18 years of age;
• the applicant must have parental rights (sole or joint) or daily contact with the child, as confirmed by documentation;
• the child must reside in the United Kingdom with a residence permit or citizenship.

A Consultant lawyer will help establish and confirm parental rights and prepare the necessary court documents or a written agreement between the parents.

Financial requirements for a UK parent visa: income, savings and maintenance

There is no fixed minimum income requirement for a UK parent visa, but you must prove your ability to support yourself and your child without recourse to public funds.

Documents you will need:

• bank statements, pay slips, proof of employment, sponsorship letters;
• savings and alternative sources of income;
• proof of living expenses.

Consultant lawyers will calculate and prepare the optimal financial package with documents to maximise the chances of a positive decision.

List of documents required to apply for a parent visa to the United Kingdom

The application requires a number of important documents:

1. biometric passport;
2. proof of parental rights or guardianship (birth certificate, court decisions, school/medical letters);
3. proof of residence in the UK (rental agreement, employment certificates);
4. financial documents (bank statements, payment records);
5. English test results (CEFR A1) or confirmation of higher education, education in English;
6. certificate of no tuberculosis (for citizens of high-risk countries).

A Consultant lawyer will draw up a clear checklist and check all documents for compliance with UKVI requirements.

Visa processing time for parents in the UK – inside and outside the UK

The processing time depends on where the application is submitted:

• Outside the UK — usually 8–12 weeks; priority service available for 4–6 weeks;
• In the UK — up to 24 weeks (often 12 months), acceleration possible in some cases.

The Consultant team monitors the status, responds promptly to UKVI requests and helps to arrange priority processing if necessary.

Common problems when applying for a parent visa and how to avoid them

Typical problems:

• insufficient proof of parental responsibility;
• unstable or insufficient financial status;
• inappropriate or overcrowded living space;
• errors in English certificates or lack of a clear purpose of residence.

Consultant performs a qualified review of the document package, works with translations, and prepares a cover letter with justifications to minimise the risk of rejection.

Contact Consultant now — we will prepare you for a successful UK parent visa application!