Family visa (parent of a child in the UK)
For a parent coming to or staying in the UK to care for their child who is British or settled.
The Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) is a UK family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) is for
For a parent coming to or staying in the UK to care for their child who is British or settled.
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the parent route.
Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) - eligibility criteria
- Child is under 18, lives in the UK and is British or settled
- Applicant is not the partner of the child's other parent
- Has sole responsibility or direct access to the child
- Takes an active role in the child's upbringing
- Knowledge of English at level A1 (rising at extension)
Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) (United Kingdom) is ~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the UK |
| Length of stay | 33 months (outside) or 30 months (inside), renewable |
| Work rights | Work permitted with no restrictions |
| Study rights | Study permitted |
| Government fee | ~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK) |
| Route to PR | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the parent route. |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the parent route.
Many applicants also compare Family Partner · Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM), ILR · Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) pitfalls we fix
Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) cost?
The Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) government fee is ~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family visa (parent of a child in the UK) lead to permanent residence?
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the parent route.
Can I work on the Family visa (parent of a child in the UK)?
Work rights: Work permitted with no restrictions.
Who can apply for the Family visa (parent of a child in the UK)?
For a parent coming to or staying in the UK to care for their child who is British or settled.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority