Parent Route

If you are a biological, adoptive, or step-parent of a child under 18 who lives in the UK, you may be eligible to apply under the Parent Route, which is a family visa designed for those caring for a child in the UK. The child must be a British citizen, settled in the UK, or hold limited leave under Appendix EU. It’s important that the parent or carer holding custody is not your partner, and you must demonstrate sole parental responsibility or direct access rights.

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Parental Responsibility & Child Requirements

Child’s age: Must be under 18 at the time of application. GOV.UK
Residential guardian: The parent you’re replacing (or accessing through) must not be your partner and must be settled or British. GOV.UK
Responsibility: Must prove sole or shared parental responsibility, with evidence of access or custody arrangements. GOV.UK

Eligibility Based on Route

This visa generally follows two timelines:

5-Year Route
You may qualify after 5 years if all requirements—including English and finance are met.
Requires:
1. Proof of adequate maintenance and accommodation
2. Passing English language (A1 or higher, depending on extension)
3. Life in the UK Test for ILR conversion

10-Year Route

If you do not meet the 5-year route requirements (e.g., due to immigration status, finances, or English skills), this route offers a longer timeline without these thresholds initially. You can switch into the 5-year route if you eventually meet the criteria.

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Application Process & Timeline

Applying

Where you apply:
1. Inside the UK: Can apply to extend your stay.
2. Outside the UK: Can apply for entry clearance to come to the UK. GOV.UK

Processing Times

- 1. Outside the UK: Typically, up to 12 weeks. GOV.UK
  2. Inside the UK: No service standard exists, although applications often take around 12 months. GOV.UK
Priority / Super Priority (if available):
1. Priority: Decision within 5 working days.
2. Super Priority: Next working day decision.

These are subject to slot availability and supported in certain visa types.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can switch from the 10-year to the 5-year parent route?

You can switch into the parent route if you have a British or settled child in the UK or your child has lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years. You must demonstrate that you either have sole responsibility or direct access to the child.

How can ICONIQ Solicitors help with switching from the 10-year parent route to the 5-year route?

ICONIQ Solicitors will assess whether you meet the requirements of the 5-year parent route. Once a thorough assessment is conducted, a strong application and representation letter will be prepared to submit the application.

What additional requirements must be met to switch?

The Applicant must show that he can adequately maintain and accommodate himself without recourse to public funds. Further, fluency in English must also be demonstrated through passing the necessary English language test.

How do I evidence parental responsibility and involvement?

A birth certificate is required to be provided to demonstrate that you have parental responsibility. In addition to this, a supporting letter from the other parent confirming that you have access to the child, receipts where items are purchased, call logs and photographs etc.

Will switching reset my ILR qualifying period?

As you will be place on the 5-year route from the 10-year route, this will restart your qualifying period for ILR.

What are my options if the switch is refused?

In such circumstances, the 10-year route will continue. However, where all the requirements were met, but the Home Office refused the application, we can challenge the decision by way of a pre-action protocol letter. In this letter, we will point out the errors made by the Home Office and ask for the decision to be reconsidered.