Parent of a British or Settled Child

Your child will normally need to be under 18 and living in the UK. Depending on the circumstances, the route can apply where the child is British or Irish, settled in the UK, has certain status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or—in an application made from within the UK—has lived continuously in the UK for at least 7 years and it would not be reasonable to expect them to leave the UK.

You will generally need to demonstrate that you have sole or shared parental responsibility, or appropriate direct access to your child, and that you are taking—and intend to continue taking—an active role in your child’s upbringing. The precise requirements depend on your family circumstances, including where the child lives and the status of the other parent or carer.

If you are eligible to apply under the partner route, you would generally be expected to use that route rather than applying as a parent.

We can assist with:

• Assessing your eligibility under the parent route

• First applications from inside or outside the UK

• Extension applications

• Reviewing evidence of parental responsibility and your involvement in your child’s life

• Applications involving a British child or a child with long residence in the UK

• Advising where the standard requirements cannot be met and family-life considerations may be relevant

• Preparing and reviewing supporting evidence

• Advising on your potential route towards Indefinite Leave to Remain

For those qualifying on the standard 5-year parent route, settlement may be available after five continuous years in the UK with permission on the parent family route. Different rules can apply to people on a 10-year family route, so the individual immigration history needs to be checked carefully.

Every family is different. We will review your individual circumstances, explain the requirements that apply to you and provide clear guidance on the evidence needed before your application is prepared.