UK Family: The Parent Visa UK & Other Routes.

Short Answer: The Parent Visa UK allows an overseas parent to join their British, Irish, or settled child in the UK, provided the parent meets the £29,000 financial threshold (or applicable transitional rules), has adequate accommodation, and can demonstrate sole parental responsibility or clear rights of access if responsibility is shared.

The Strategic Promise: Family Unity Assurance

✅ Route Clarity: Expert guidance on the three main routes: Children accompanying a partner, Children joining via other visas, and the complex Parent Visa UK.

✅ Parental Responsibility Proof: Specialized strategy for documenting sole or shared parental responsibility to meet stringent UKVI requirements.

✅ Financial Flexibility: Navigate the £29,000 income threshold and cash savings rules (£88,500 for new applicants) with full support across all income categories (A-G).

✅ Risk Mitigation: Leveraging Marc Gibson's 20 years of experience to ensure complex applications, particularly those involving children, are meticulously prepared for success.

UK Family Visa Application Eligibility Criteria

My name is Marc Gibson, I'm a registered Immigration Adviser with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) since 2005. With 20 years of experience, I've helped countless individuals and families navigate the complexities of UK visas immigration to bring their loved ones together. Before submitting a dependent visa for UK, I always recommend checking that all parties meet the UK eligibility rules so you don't end up with further complications later on within the application process.

For Children: Your child must be under 18 years old on the date of visa submission UK and not have a formal relationship of their own or be leading an independent life. The visa application needs your child has to satisfy requirements will depend on their personal circumstances. Demonstrating these eligibility requirements can often be difficult and you may want to speak to me, (Marc Gibson) MYG LTD Immigration adviser for specific advice based on your circumstances.

For Sponsors: Your family dependent must have a sponsored partner who has been granted entry clearance from overseas or is already in the UK on a spouse visa united kingdom, a Civil Partnership visa, or a Long-term partner visa to an Irish/British citizen, or a European/Overseas national who has settled status or Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residence).

For Parents: You must be the parent of a child living in the UK, and you intend to live permanently together in the UK. There are also serious compelling reasons that can be considered where the exclusion of the child would be undesirable towards their welfare.

Section Bar:

Section 1: Accompanying Parents Eligibility Criteria

Section 2: Children joining a parent through other routes

Section 3: Parent needing visa to accompany a Child

Section 4: Financial requirements Appendix FM

Route 1:

Route 2:

Route 3:

Route 1: Children Accompanying a Parent on a Partner Visa

This route is for children who are applying to come to the UK at the same time as their parents, who are applying for a dependent visa for UK or who already hold a valid visa that permits them to bring family. This is also a common route for a marriage visa for UK.

Eligibility: The child must be under 18 years old on the date of UK family visa application and financially dependent on the parent.
Spousal Visa United Kingdom: If a parent is applying as a married partner, the child can be included in the family dependent application. The spouse visa requirement UK is a key part of this process.
EU Family Permit: If the sponsor is an EU national, currently themselves on EU Settlement Scheme an EU family permit may be required.

For more information about EU Settlement Scheme check out: EU Settlement Scheme

SELT English Test

If the your dependent is below 18 years of age they will not be required to sit an English language test. If they turn 18 years old, remain in full-time education and continue to be financially reliant on you and English is not their native language. They will need to sit an SELT English language test there are 3 different language levels required for any one over 18 years old.

SELT level A1 Test applies for Entry clearance
SELT level A2 Test applies for Further leave to remain
SELT level B1 Test applies for Indefinite Leave to remain

For an in-depth look at obtaining an appropriate SELT language certificate check out: What SELT English Test do I need to sit

TB (tuberculosis) certificate when outside United Kingdom

Depending on where your dependent lives when applying from outside the UK they may need a TB certificate as part of their dependent visa for UK. For more information on when and from where they will need to obtain a certificate check out our post: Do I need a TB Certificate

Route 2: Children Accompanying or Joining a Parent on Other UK Family routes

This route is for children whose parent is either applying for a UK visa or already holds a valid visa that permits them to bring them. This typically applies to visas in the Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker , Global Talent, or Student categories (with some restrictions). Skilled Workers, Health and Care Workers, Global Talent, and Student categories have separate financial appendix requirements and are not covered within this section.

Marriage Visa for UK: This route is for individuals who wish to enter the UK to marry a British or settled national. Once married, they can apply for further leave to remain.
Family Visitors Visa UK: This is a short-term visa that allows relatives to visit the UK for a limited period. We can help you prepare a strong family visitors visa UK application.
Eligibility: The child must be under 18 on the date of application and financially dependent on the parent.
Application Process: The child can apply at the same time as the parent or at a later date. They must complete a separate application form and pay the required fees.
Key Requirement: The parent's visa route must explicitly allow for dependents. This is a critical point to check, as some recent rule changes in July 2025 have restricted the ability of certain visa holders (such as those in jobs below RQF level 6 and most international students) to bring them.

Proving the Child’s Relationship and Financial Dependence

To apply, you will need to provide evidence of the child's relationship to the main applicant, such as a birth certificate showing the names of both parents. You must also prove that the child is financially dependent on you, even if they are over 16 but under 18.

Proving Sole or Shared Parental Responsibility

This is a critical element of the application. The UKVI requires you to demonstrate that you are a parent with either sole or shared parental responsibility for your child.

Sole Responsibility: This means you have had complete and ongoing control over your child's upbringing for a significant period, with tangible evidence of your active involvement.
Shared Parental Responsibility: If you share parental responsibility, you must show you have regular in-person access to your child, either by agreement or by a court order.

For a successful application, you need to provide confirmation in writing from third-party sources such as your child’s school, their GP, dentist, or health worker.

Serious and Compelling Circumstances

In rare cases where a child needs to join a relative (e.g., an aunt or uncle) who is not their parent, the circumstances must be exceptional. This is only considered when the child's care situation in their home country is impossible due to serious and compelling reasons, such as complex medical needs. The sponsor's personal circumstances (e.g., old age, illness) are not considered relevant.

Route 3: The Parent Visa UK

The parent visa UK route is for a parent who needs a visa to enter the UK to care for a child who is already living here. This visa is also known as a dependent parent visa. The parent visa UK application needs to be very strong.

Who this Route is For

The dependent parent visa route is for those who are a parent visa UK applicant.
The parent visa UK route is for an overseas national and the mother or father of a child who is living in the UK.
The child must be under 18 years old on the date of visa submission UK.
The parent visa uk applicant's child must be a British Citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain, or have settled status in the UK.
If you apply from within the UK, your child must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously and it would be unreasonable for them to be expected to leave with you.

Proving Sole Responsibility

The spouse visa requirement UK is a common route to residency, but for a parent visa UK, the sole responsibility requirement can be paramount when bring children with you who are not related to your sponsoring partner. This means demonstrating you have had complete and ongoing control over your child's upbringing. This is a complex area, and comprehensive supporting documents UK visa are essential.

I have supported hundreds of families to submit successful applications in this category.
Child of a Partner relationship: If the child is from a previous relationship, the parent must show they have sole responsibility.

For more details above Sole Responsibility check out my post: Understanding the Distinction: Sole Responsibility

vs Legal Custody in UK Family Visa Applications

What You Need to Demonstrate

Financials: You must meet the financial threshold under Appendix FM.
Accommodation: You must have adequate accommodation for you and your child without requiring access to public funds.
Language: You must demonstrate knowledge of English by passing an approved test or by proving you are exempt.

The Financial Requirements: Appendix FM

The financial thresholds for a dependent visa for UK can be demonstrated through one of five categories under Appendix FM. The minimum income threshold is currently £29,000 per annum on your 1st application, but there are transitional arrangements in place if you are already within this category, when extending under FLR.

The spouse visa requirement UK is that the sponsor meets this threshold.

Adequate Maintenance: If a sponsor has a long-term illness or disability and receives certain benefits, they may be eligible to apply under "adequate maintenance."
Financial Categories: This includes employment, self-employment, non-employment income, cash savings, and pension income. My expertise is in helping you navigate these complex requirements to ensure your application is successful.

Understanding Key Application Requirements

Previous Financial threshold under Appendix FM

The financial requirements for a UK Spouse visa are determined by the application date. If an individual received their visa on or before April 11, 2024, they remain on the previous minimum income requirement of £18,600 per year. For new applications submitted after this date, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 and does not increase for children.

For those on the previous threshold of £18,600, the requirement increases if a dependent child is also applying:

£18,600 plus £3,800 for the first child.
An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.

This only applies if the child is not a British citizen, an Irish citizen, or a permanent resident in the UK. The total required income is capped at £29,000, which aligns with the current threshold requirements for new applicants.

Category A: Financial Requirements

If a dependent has applied from outside the UK, their sponsor must meet the financial requirements of Appendix FM on their own. However, if the dependent is already in the UK with a valid visa and has permission to work, their application can be considered based on a joint household income. This combines the income of the mother, father, and their sponsor from all approved sources. To meet the minimum income requirement of either £29,000 for 1st time applications or £18,600 per year under the transitional arrangements, the sponsor can combine their employment income with other sources, such as:

Category C: Non-employment income (e.g., rental income).
Category D: Cash savings.
Category E: Pension.

This allows for a flexible approach to demonstrating financial stability.

Category B: Financial Requirements for Dependents

This category is for situations where a parent (with permission to work in the UK) or their sponsor has been with their current employer for less than six months or has a variable income. To be successful, the application must meet the requirements of Appendix FM and be evidenced in two parts. The specific financial threshold will depend on when the first application under the partner route was made: £29,000 for new applicants (on or after April 11, 2024) or £18,600 for those under transitional arrangements.

Part 1: Current Income

The applicant must show that the parent or their partner is in employment and that their gross annual salary at the time of application meets the relevant minimum income threshold.

Part 2: Income from the Last 12 Months

The parent or their sponsoring partner must have received a combined total income in the 12 months before the application that is also above the relevant annual income threshold. This income can be from any source recognized under Appendix FM.

Category C: Non-employment income

Non-employment income, is from property rental or dividends from shares.

Category D: Cash Savings

If the sponsor of the child have cash savings of more than £16,000, these funds can be used on their own or combined with other income sources to meet the financial requirements. The amount of cash savings required depends on the date of the first application under the partner route and the application stage:

New Applicants (on or after April 11, 2024): A total of £88,500 in cash savings is required to meet the income requirement on this basis alone.
Transitional Arrangements (applied before April 11, 2024): A total of £62,500 in cash savings is required.

It's important to note that a higher level of cash savings is required for an initial application than for an settlement application.

Category E: Pension income

If the sponsor of the child are retired, they can use their State (UK or foreign), occupational, or private pension to demonstrate they meet the financial requirements. Pension income can also be combined with income from Categories A-D to meet the relevant financial threshold.

Category F & G: Self-employed

These categories are for when the sponsor of the child is self-employed or a director/employee of a specified limited company in the UK with permission to work.

Category F (Last full financial year): You can use income from the last full financial year's accounts to meet the financial requirements.
Category G (Average of last 2 full financial years): You can use the mean average income received over the last two full financial years.

Income from Category F or G can be combined with income from salaried/non-salaried employment, non-employment income, and pension income. However, cash savings cannot be combined with income under Category F or G.

English Language Test

If the your dependent is under 18 years of age, they will not be required to sit an English language test. However, if they turn 18 and need to extend their dependent visa for UK, they will need to demonstrate English language proficiency at the appropriate level.

SELT level A1 Test applies for Entry clearance
SELT level A2 Test applies for Further leave to remain
SELT level B1 Test applies for Indefinite Leave to Remain

TB (tuberculosis) Certificate

Depending on where your dependent lives when applying for entry clearance, they may need a TB certificate as part of their dependent visa for UK. This is a mandatory requirement from specific countries.

Our Expert Assistance

Navigating the various dependent visa for UK routes can be difficult. I offer comprehensive guidance and support to ensure you are on the right path. I can help you prepare and submit a successful spouse visa application. We can also provide a visa eligibility assessment and ensure you meet all spouse visa requirement UK. My full legal representation service ensures that your application is meticulously prepared and submitted.

I, Marc Gibson is an experienced immigration adviser who specializes in assisting foreign national parents and their British, Irish, or settled partners to bring their families to the UK. I've successfully supported hundreds of couples and their family members in preparing and submitting successful EU applications and UK family visit visa applications. Whether you require a consultation to understand the spousal visa requirement for UK Immigration Rules for your forthcoming dependent visa for UK or want your application professionally checked before submitting, Marc is here to help.

The financial requirements for an dependent visa for UK Applications can be particularly complex, with mandatory documentary evidence needed to demonstrate you can meet them. Our immigration adviser (Marc) specializes in assisting on Married partners, Civil Partners, Unmarried Partners, and other family applications with complex financial circumstances, providing the support needed to complete a successful submission.

Marc prides himself on being friendly, approachable, and professional in meeting his clients’ needs. He is dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice when providing his UK Civil Partner Visa service.

Section 4: Financial requirements

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