The UK Parent of a Child visa allows a parent to live in the United Kingdom to care for and play an active role in the upbringing of their child. This route is typically used by parents of British citizens, Irish citizens, or children who hold settled or pre-settled status in the UK. Applications are made under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and must meet requirements relating to the child, parental responsibility, finances, accommodation and English language ability.
Below is a clear, updated overview of the main requirements for 2026.
1. Child requirements for a Parent of a Child visa
To qualify, your child must meet specific criteria at the time of application. The child must:
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Be under 18 on the date of application, or have been under 18 when you were first granted permission on this route
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Not be leading an independent life (for example, they must not be married or living independently)
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Be living in the UK
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Normally live with you, unless they are temporarily living away for full-time education (such as boarding school or university)
In addition, the child must be one of the following:
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A British citizen
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An Irish citizen
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Settled in the UK (for example, holding Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status)
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In some in-country applications, a child who has lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave
Many applications arise after a relationship breakdown between parents. In such cases, it is essential to show that you have ongoing parental responsibility and are actively involved in your child’s life.
2. Parental relationship requirements
You must provide evidence confirming your relationship with your child. This usually includes:
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A birth certificate or adoption certificate
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Evidence that you play an active role in the child’s upbringing and intend to continue doing so
There are two main ways to meet this requirement.
Sole parental responsibility
This applies where one parent has primary control over the child’s upbringing. It does not simply mean legal custody; rather, it is a factual assessment showing that one parent has taken responsibility for the child’s day-to-day welfare, decisions and care.
Shared parental responsibility
If responsibility is shared with the child’s other parent, that parent must not be your partner. You will usually need to show that:
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You live with the child in the UK (if applying in-country), or
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You have regular direct access and ongoing involvement in the child’s life
The other parent must also have lawful status, such as being British, Irish, settled in the UK, or holding pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (with residence in the UK before 1 January 2021).
3. Financial requirement (adequate maintenance)
Unlike partner visas, there is no fixed minimum income threshold for this route. Instead, you must show that you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself and your child without relying on public funds.
The Home Office assesses whether your income, after tax, National Insurance and housing costs, is at least equal to what a comparable UK family would receive in Income Support.
This is often expressed through the formula:
A − B ≥ C
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A = net weekly income
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B = weekly housing costs
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C = Income Support level for a family of your size
Savings can also be considered and may be used alongside income. The aim is to show you can support yourself and your child without public assistance.
4. Accommodation requirement
You must demonstrate that suitable accommodation is available in the UK without recourse to public funds. The property must:
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Be owned or legally occupied by you or your household
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Be large enough for all residents
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Not be overcrowded
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Meet basic health and safety standards
Evidence may include tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, property inspection reports, council tax bills, or a letter confirming housing arrangements.
5. English language requirement
Applicants must usually show basic English language ability at CEFR level A1.
This can be met by:
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Passing an approved English language test
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Holding a degree taught in English
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Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Exemptions may apply if you are aged 65 or over, have a qualifying disability, or there are exceptional circumstances.
6. Processing times
Typical decision times are:
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Outside the UK: around 12 weeks
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Inside the UK (extension or switch): up to 12 months
Priority and super-priority services may be available for faster decisions, subject to additional fees and availability.
7. Visa outcome and duration
If granted:
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Initial permission is usually 2 years and 9 months (entry clearance)
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Extensions inside the UK are typically 2 years and 6 months
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You can work and live in the UK but cannot access public funds
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After 5 years on this route, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
If refused:
You will receive a refusal notice explaining the reasons and whether you have the right to appeal or reapply. Appeal rights can be limited, so legal advice is often important.
8. Final thoughts
The Parent of a Child visa route can be complex. Applicants must carefully demonstrate their relationship with the child, show genuine involvement in the child’s life, and meet the financial, accommodation and English language requirements. Preparing strong evidence and understanding Appendix FM guidance is crucial to a successful application.
How LawSentis can help
At LawSentis, we specialise in UK immigration and relocation services and are regulated at the highest level by the IAA (Level 3). Our team supports parents applying for the Parent of a Child visa with clear, strategic guidance at every stage.
We can help with:
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Assessing eligibility and advising on the best route
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Preparing strong evidence of parental responsibility and contact
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Calculating adequate maintenance correctly
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Reviewing accommodation and financial documents
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Preparing and submitting visa applications
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Handling refusals, re-applications and appeals
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Extensions and settlement (ILR) planning
If you would like tailored advice on your situation, our team is here to help.
Contact LawSentis today to discuss your Parent of a Child visa application and get expert support throughout the process.