Eligibility quiz
Are you the biological, adoptive or step-parent of a child who is a British citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in the UK
You can live in the UK for the time shown in your digital immigration status or decision letter.
A partner’s first grant from outside the UK is normally up to 2 years 9 months; later grants are normally up to 30 months.
A parent’s grant is also temporary, and its length is shown in the grant.
Study in the UK
You can generally study in the UK, subject to any conditions on your permission and the education provider’s rules.
Work in the UK
You can normally work in the UK, including working for yourself or volunteering, unless your grant says otherwise.
Travel and return
You can leave and return while your permission is valid, subject to the usual passport and border requirements.
Use public healthcare
If you join family for more than six months, you normally pay a healthcare surcharge, unless exempt.
Payment gives you access to NHS healthcare broadly on the same basis as UK nationals, though NHS charging rules differ across the UK.
How to apply
From outside the United KingdomFrom outside the United Kingdom
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your parent visa application.
See required documentsFill in your application
Complete the online family visa application as a parent from outside the UK.
Start your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I start a UK family visa application as a parent from outside the UK?”
Get Appendix 5
Get Appendix 5, the form for a parent applying from outside the UK.
Find Appendix 5Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get Appendix 5 for a UK family visa application as a parent?”
Complete Appendix 5
Fill in Appendix 5 as the online application instructs you to do.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete Appendix 5 for a UK family visa application as a parent?”
Submit your application
Submit your application online and pay the visa fee and any required immigration health surcharge as part of the application.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for a UK family visa application as a parent from outside the UK?”
Book your appointment
After applying, choose a visa application centre and book an appointment when directed. If there is no centre in the country where you live, use one listed by the official centre finder.
Book your appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a visa application centre appointment for a UK family visa as a parent?”
Upload your documents
Upload your supporting documents online, or use the centre's document-scanning service if it is offered.
Upload your documentsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I upload documents for a UK family visa application as a parent from outside the UK?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your passport or travel document, appointment confirmation and any documents you have not uploaded to the visa application centre. Give your fingerprints and have your photo taken there.
Prepare for appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “What do I bring to a visa application centre appointment for a UK family visa as a parent?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision on your application and respond if you are asked for more information.
See decision timesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a UK family visa application as a parent from outside the UK take?”
Access your eVisa
If your application is approved, follow the decision message to create or use a UK Visas and Immigration account and access your eVisa. Travel only when your permission allows you to enter the UK.
Access your eVisaSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I access my eVisa after a UK family visa application as a parent is approved?”
Once in the United KingdomOnce in the United Kingdom
Use your eVisa
After you arrive in the UK, use your eVisa and follow the conditions of your permission to stay.
Use your eVisaSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I use my eVisa after arriving in the UK with a family visa as a parent?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Parental responsibility records
Provide evidence showing whether you have sole or shared parental responsibility for your child. If you use court paperwork, get the court’s permission to use it.
Child's relationship records
Provide your child’s birth certificate or adoption record to show your relationship. Use the record that applies to your family.
Child's citizenship records
Provide proof that your child is a British citizen, such as their British passport or citizenship certificate. Include a copy with your application.
Child access records *
Provide the agreement with the other parent or carer, or a court order, showing that you can see your child in person. Get the court’s permission before using court paperwork.
* Only if your child lives with their other parent or another carer.
May need translationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Public funds restriction
You normally cannot claim most listed benefits, social housing or homelessness help.
You can ask for the restriction to be lifted if you cannot afford essentials, are at imminent risk of this, a relevant child’s welfare outweighs it, or exceptional financial circumstances apply.
Permission can end
Your permission expires at the end of its grant, so you must apply to extend it or leave before then unless you have another permission or permanent residence.
It can also be taken away, for example after a relationship ends, a breach of conditions, deception, criminality or grounds for deportation.
Other legal grounds for cancellation can also apply.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EEA Visa Family Member In UK
English Facebook group for people living in the United Kingdom interested in British visas
Join on FacebookUK Visas and Immigration 🇬🇧
English Facebook group for people living in the United Kingdom interested in British visas
Join on Facebookr/ukvisa
English Reddit group for people living in the United Kingdom interested in British visas
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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