Parent Visa UK

A UK Parent Visa allows a parent to live in the United Kingdom in order to care for, or maintain a genuine and ongoing relationship with, their child who lives permanently in the UK. This route is part of the UK family visa framework and is intended to protect a child’s right to family life.

Parent visa applications are carefully assessed and often involve complex family circumstances. At Mowbray Advisory, we provide clear, OISC-regulated immigration advice to help you understand whether this route applies to your situation and how to prepare a strong application.

Who Can Apply for a Parent Visa?

You may be eligible for a UK parent visa if:

  • Your child is under 18 years of age
  • Your child lives permanently in the UK
  • Your child is:
    • A British citizen, or
    • Settled in the UK (with indefinite leave to remain), or
    • Has lived in the UK continuously for at least seven years

You must also demonstrate that you play an active role in your child’s upbringing.

Key Requirements for a Parent Visa

To make a successful application, you’ll usually need to demonstrate the following:

Parental Relationship

Evidence showing you are the child’s parent, such as a birth certificate or legal documentation.

Parental Responsibility or Access

Proof that you have sole or shared parental responsibility, or that you have direct access to your child and play an ongoing role in their life.

Child’s Residence

Evidence that the child lives permanently in the UK and is not leading an independent life.

Financial and Accommodation Requirements

Proof that you can maintain and accommodate yourself in the UK without recourse to public funds.

Best Interests of the Child

The Home Office must consider whether granting the visa is in the child’s best interests, particularly where family arrangements are complex.

Each application is assessed on its own facts, and careful preparation is essential.

The 7-Year Child Rule

In some cases, a parent may be eligible to apply if their child has lived continuously in the UK for at least seven years and it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK.

This is a highly fact-specific assessment. We can advise on whether this rule applies to your circumstances and how best to evidence it.

Common Challenges with Parent Visa Applications

Parent visa applications may be refused due to:

  • Insufficient evidence of parental involvement
  • Disputes or uncertainty around custody arrangements
  • Lack of proof that the child lives permanently in the UK
  • Failure to address the child’s best interests

We help identify and address these issues before submission.

How We Can Help

We provide end-to-end support with parent visa applications, including:

  • Assessing eligibility and the correct visa route
  • Advising on parental responsibility and access evidence
  • Reviewing financial and accommodation documentation
  • Preparing and submitting the application
  • Advising on extensions and long-term options

You’ll work directly with an adviser who understands the sensitivities involved in family-based immigration cases.

Speak to an Immigration Adviser

If you’re planning to apply for a Parent Visa UK and want to avoid unnecessary delays or common pitfalls, we can help.
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