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Parent Route

Parent Route

You can apply to remain in the UK under the parent route if there is an existing parental relationship. You must show that you have sufficient contact with the child to qualify. You can make an application from either outside or from within the UK, conditional upon meeting the immigration requirements as explained below.

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Relationship Requirement Immigration Status Requirement (Applicable if in the UK) Financial Requirements English Language Requirements

Relationship Requirement

  • The child must be under the age of 18 at the date of the application.
  • The child must be a British Citizen, settled in the UK, or in the UK with limited leave under Appendix EU.
  • You must be a biological, adoptive, or step-parent of a child in the UK.
  • The parent or carer who the child lives with must not be your partner.
  • You must provide evidence that you have sole responsibility for the child or you have direct access to the child.

Immigration Status Requirement (Applicable if in the UK)

  • You must not be in the UK as a visitor or with leave granted for a period of 6 months or less.
  • You must not be on immigration bail.
  • You must not be in breach of immigration laws.

Financial Requirements

  • You must provide evidence that you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself and your dependants in the UK without relying on public funds.

English Language Requirements

 

  • You must prove your knowledge of the English language, typically by passing an approved English language test at A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
  • You may not be required to complete the English language test if you hold an English taught degree. If the English-taught degree was awarded inside the UK, the degree certificate can be submitted to satisfy the English language requirement. English-taught undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD degrees awarded outside the UK must be supported with additional documentation from ECCTIS (formerly known as UK NARIC) if used to meet the English language requirement.
  • You may be exempt from meeting the English language test if you are aged 65 or over or you have a medical condition.

FAQ

 

What if I do not meet the requirements under the 5-year parent route?


You may not meet the 5-year parent route due to not holding status in the UK, struggling to pass the English language test or not being in the position to adequately maintain yourself or your dependants. In such cases, you will be placed under the 10-year parent route. However, you can later switch into the 5-year parent route once you meet all the requirements.
Can I use my A1 English test when applying for further extensions?
No, you cannot use your A1 English test. You must have passed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A2 to apply for further extension.

What if I do not meet the requirements under the 5-year parent route?
You may not meet the 5-year parent route due to not holding status in the UK, struggling to pass the English language test or not being in the position to adequately maintain yourself or your dependants. In such cases, you will be placed under the 10-year parent route. However, you can later switch into the 5-year parent route once you meet all the requirements.
Can I use my A1 English test when applying for further extensions?
No, you cannot use your A1 English test. You must have passed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A2 to apply for further extension.