Parent of a British/Settled Child Visa

Stay close. Raise your child in the UK.

This route lets you remain in the UK to care for your British or settled child and be a consistent presence in their life.

What is the Parent of a British Child Visa?

For parents of a British citizen or a child with settled status (or 7+ years residence), this visa lets you stay in the UK to play an active role in your child’s life. Initial grant is typically 2.5 years, extendable, with a pathway to ILR.

Key idea: The child’s best interests come first. You must be actively involved in upbringing, with regular and direct access.

Eligibility requirements

You must meet relationship, care, English, and accommodation standards.

Child criteria

Child under 18 in the UK and either British, settled, or resident 7+ years.

Active parenting

Regular, direct access and an active role in day-to-day upbringing.

Financial

No set threshold, but you must support yourselves without public funds.

English & housing

Meet English requirement and have adequate accommodation in the UK.

Key benefits

Rights that help you stay closely involved in your child’s life.

Live together

Remain in the UK and be a consistent presence in your child’s upbringing.

Work & study

Freedom to work or study in the UK without restrictions.

Pathway to settlement

After 5 years, you may qualify for ILR and later British citizenship.

Application process

From first assessment to decision.

1

Initial consultation

Eligibility review and tailored checklist.

2

Document collection

Relationship, parenting evidence, finances, housing.

3

Online application

Form completion and fee payment.

4

Biometrics

Fingerprints, photo, and document checks.

5

Decision

Outcome issued by the Home Office.

Documents required

  • Passports: Yours and your child’s.
  • Relationship proof: Birth certificate, custody/parental responsibility documents.
  • Active involvement: Evidence of contact & care (photos, messages, school reports, visits).
  • Financial support: Evidence you can maintain yourselves without public funds.
  • English language: Approved test or exemption proof.
  • Accommodation: Evidence of adequate housing.

How much does it cost?

Government fees & typical add-ons (guide only).

Visa fee (in UK)

£1,048

If applying from inside the UK.

Visa fee (outside UK)

£1,538

If applying from overseas.

Immigration Health Surcharge

£624 / year

Per applicant. Plus any priority, tests, translations.

How we help

We handle the paperwork and strategy so your case is clearly presented and focused on your child’s best interests.

  • Case strategy & eligibility assessment
  • Document building & evidence mapping
  • Application drafting & submission
  • Representation and updates with the Home Office

Why choose us

Experienced, empathetic, and focused on what matters most: your child.

Family visa specialists

Deep experience with Parent of a British Child cases.

High success rate

Strong outcomes, even where facts are complex.

Clear, transparent fees

No surprises — you’ll know the full cost up front.

Ready to stay with your child in the UK?

We’ll guide you through every step — from evidence building to a strong, child-focused application.