1. What are the eligibility criteria for a UK family visa?

In order to be eligible for a UK family visa, the following criteria must be met:

1. The applicant must have a close family member who is either a British citizen or settled in the UK (i.e. has indefinite leave to remain).
2. The relationship between the applicant and the sponsor must be one of the following: spouse/civil partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, child or adopted child, parent or grandparent.
3. Both the applicant and sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
4. The couple must intend to live together in the UK permanently after marriage (for spouse/partner visas), or have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years (for unmarried partner visas).
5. If applying based on a child, the child must not be leading an independent life and must not have formed their own family unit.
6. The applicant must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved English language test or by having an academic qualification that was taught in English.
7. The sponsor must meet specific financial requirements, such as having a certain level of income or savings.

Please note that additional eligibility criteria may apply depending on the type of family visa being applied for. It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer for specific guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.

2. How do I apply for a UK parent visa?

To apply for a UK parent visa, follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of parent visa you need: There are two types of visas available – a Parent of a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa and a Parent of an Adult Settled Child Visa.

2. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must meet the eligibility criteria for either visa type, including financial requirements and proof of relationship to the child.

3. Gather necessary documents: You will need to provide documentation such as your passport, biometric residence permit (if applicable), proof of relationship to your child, proof of financial support, and any other supporting documents required for your specific visa category.

4. Submit an online application: You will need to submit your application on the UK government website. Create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the application fee.

5. Book and attend a biometrics appointment: Once you have submitted your online application, you will receive instructions to book a biometrics appointment at a designated center near you.

6. Wait for a decision: After submitting your application and attending your biometrics appointment, wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

7. Travel to the UK: If your application is approved, you will receive your visa in your passport. You can then travel to the UK within the validity period specified on your visa.

Note: It is recommended to apply for the parent visa at least 3 months before you intend to travel to the UK. The exact process may vary depending on your specific circumstances, so it is important to refer to official guidance from UKVI when applying for a parent visa.

3. Can I sponsor my parents to come and live with me in the UK?

Yes, it is possible for you to sponsor your parents to come and live with you in the UK. However, there are strict eligibility requirements that must be met before a visa can be granted. These include showing that you can financially support and accommodate your parents, proving a close relationship with them, and demonstrating that they have no other family members who can care for them in their home country. The application process may also involve providing a DNA test to confirm your relationship as well as meeting various financial and health requirements. It is recommended to seek professional advice from an immigration lawyer before starting the sponsorship process.

4. Is there an age limit for sponsors of UK parent visas?

Yes, the sponsor of a UK parent visa must be at least 18 years old.

5. What documents do I need to provide as evidence of my relationship with my parents?

The documents that may be needed as evidence of your relationship with your parents may include:

1. Birth certificates: These are official documents that list the names of both parents and their relationship to the child.

2. Marriage certificate: If your parents are married, this document can serve as proof of their legal relationship.

3. Adoption papers: If you were adopted by your parents, adoption papers can be used to establish your legal relationship.

4. Joint bank account statements: These can show a financial connection between you and your parents.

5. Joint property ownership documents: If you own property together with your parents, such as a house or car, it can serve as evidence of a familial relationship.

6. Family photographs: Photos of you with your parents at various family events can help demonstrate a close and long-standing relationship.

7. Letters or cards addressed to you from your parents: These can serve as evidence of ongoing communication and support from your parents.

8. Affidavits from family members or friends: These sworn written statements from people who know you and your parents well can serve as testimony to the legitimacy of your relationship.

9. Insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries: If you or your parents have listed each other as beneficiaries on insurance policies, it can demonstrate a close familial bond.

10. Any other relevant documents that establish a parent-child relationship, such as school records listing both of your names or medical records showing them listed as emergency contacts.

6. How long does it take to process a UK parent visa application?

The processing time for a UK parent visa application can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and their sponsor (usually the child in the UK). The average processing time is around 2-3 months, but it can take longer if the application requires additional documents or if there are delays in completing the necessary checks. It is recommended to submit the application at least 3 months before your intended travel date to allow for potential delays.

7. Can I work or study on a UK parent visa?

Yes, you are allowed to work and study in the UK on a parent visa. However, there may be certain restrictions on the type of work or study you can pursue, depending on the specific conditions of your visa. You should check with the UK government’s immigration website for more information.

8. What is the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a parent visa in the UK?

The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a parent visa in the UK is £18,600 per year. This requirement may be higher if the sponsor also has dependents they are financially responsible for. The exact amount will depend on their individual circumstances. Additionally, sponsors must demonstrate that they can continue to meet this threshold for at least 5 years.

9. Can I switch from a visitor visa to a parent visa while in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to switch from a visitor visa to a parent visa while in the UK. However, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria for the parent visa and apply for it before your current visitor visa expires. You will also need to pay the appropriate application fees and provide all necessary supporting documents. It is recommended that you seek advice from an immigration lawyer or consult the UK government’s official website for more information on the specific requirements and process.

10. Do I need to have private health insurance for my parents on a UK parent visa?

It is not a requirement for a UK parent visa to have private health insurance for your parents. However, it is highly recommended that they have adequate health insurance coverage to cover any medical expenses they may incur while in the UK. This could include emergency medical treatment, routine check-ups, and prescription medications. Having private health insurance for your parents can provide peace of mind and ensure that they receive prompt and quality healthcare.

11. Is there an English language requirement for UK parent visas?

Yes, there is an English language requirement for UK parent visas. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language by passing an approved English language test at a minimum level A1 or by having an academic qualification taught in English from a recognized institution. Alternatively, applicants may be exempt from the requirement if they are over the age of 65 or have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement.

12. Does my non-EEA spouse or partner also need to apply for a separate visa?

Yes, your non-EEA spouse or partner will also need to apply for a visa in order to join you in the EEA country. Depending on their citizenship, they may need to apply for a short-term tourist visa or a long-term residence permit. It is important to check the specific requirements for their situation in the country where you will be living.

13. Can my parents visit me in the UK while their parent visa application is being processed?

Yes, your parents can visit you in the UK while their parent visa application is being processed. However, they will need to apply for a standard visitor visa to enter the UK. This visa will allow them to stay in the UK for up to 6 months and they must leave before this time period expires. They will also need to meet the requirements for a standard visitor visa, such as proving they have ties and obligations in their home country and sufficient funds for their trip. It is important that they do not mention their intention to move permanently to the UK during this visit, as it could jeopardize their parent visa application. Once their parent visa is approved, they can then travel to the UK to join you permanently.

14. Is there an age limit for dependent children on a family visa in the UK?

Yes, there is an age limit for dependent children on a family visa in the UK. Children must be under the age of 18 to qualify as dependents. However, there are exceptions for children who are over 18 but still financially dependent on their parents due to physical or mental disability. In such cases, they may be able to apply for a family visa as a dependent.

15. Can I extend my stay on a UK family Visa once it expires?

Yes, you may be able to extend your stay on a UK family visa once it expires. You will need to apply for an extension before your current visa expires and meet the eligibility requirements. The application process and requirements may vary depending on the type of family visa you have and your individual circumstances. It is important to carefully review the guidelines and seek advice from an immigration lawyer if necessary.

16.Can I travel outside of the UK while on a family visitor’s visa?

Yes, you are allowed to travel outside of the UK while on a family visitor’s visa. However, you must inform the Home Office of your plans beforehand and make sure that your visa is still valid for re-entry into the UK. You may also be required to show evidence of your intended return journey and reason for travel when re-entering the country.

17.Will I need to attend an interview as part of the application process?

It depends on the specific company and role you are applying for. Some companies may require an interview as part of their application process, while others may make a hiring decision based solely on your application and resume. It is best to check with the company or job posting for more information about their application process. If an interview is required, they will typically inform you of the details and provide any necessary instructions.

18.Is it possible to settle permanently in the UK with my parents under this category?

No, it is not possible to settle permanently in the UK with parents under this category. This category is for individuals who are over 18 and need to be cared for by their parents in the UK due to their circumstances, but it does not provide a route to permanent settlement for either the individual or their parents. Permanent settlement in the UK would require meeting specific criteria and applying through a different immigration route.

19.What happens if my circumstances change after obtaining a family visa, such as divorce or death?

If your circumstances change after obtaining a family visa, it is important to inform the relevant authorities as soon as possible. Depending on the specifics of your situation, this may require you to apply for a new visa or extension, or to update your visa status.

If you have divorced your sponsoring family member or if they have passed away, you may need to find a new sponsor and apply for a new visa. Some countries also have provisions for transferring sponsorship in case of divorce or death.

If you are granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) through your family visa, then any changes in your circumstances will not affect your immigration status. However, if you are on a limited leave to remain, such as a spouse visa, then changes in your circumstances could impact your ability to stay in the country.

It is important to seek advice from an immigration lawyer or the appropriate immigration authority to understand how changes in your circumstances may affect your family visa. Failure to report these changes could result in serious consequences such as revocation of your visa and removal from the country.

20.How can I prove that I will be able to support myself and my dependents during our stay in the UK?

To prove that you will be able to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in the UK, you can provide several types of evidence such as:
1. Bank statements or a letter from your bank stating your current account balance and recent transactions.
2. Payslips or a letter from your employer stating your salary and employment status.
3. Proof of assets, such as property ownership or investments.
4. Any other sources of income, such as rental income or dividends.
5. A sponsorship letter from a family member or friend who will be supporting you financially during your stay.
6. Travel insurance that includes coverage for medical expenses and repatriation.
7. Evidence of accommodation arrangements, such as a hotel booking confirmation or rental agreement.
8. A detailed breakdown of your expected expenses during your stay in the UK, including transportation, accommodation, food, and any other necessary costs.
9. Income tax returns for the past year showing a steady source of income.
10. Proof of employment opportunities upon return to your home country.
It is important to provide clear and concrete evidence that demonstrates your financial stability and ability to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in the UK.