ILR As A Parent Of British Child Visa (5 Years Route)

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Parent of a British Child under the 5 Years Route allows eligible parents to settle permanently in the United Kingdom after five years of lawful residence on the parent route visa. This route is designed for parents who have sole or shared responsibility for a British or settled child residing in the UK. Applicants must demonstrate ongoing parental responsibility, continuous residence, and compliance with all relevant requirements set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Meeting the English language and Life in the UK test is essential, and applicants must not fall for refusal under general grounds.

Successful ILR under this route enables parents to live, work, and access public services in the UK without immigration restrictions. The requirements are regularly updated in line with UKVI guidance, ensuring that only those who genuinely meet the criteria can secure permanent settlement. For free immigration advice on ILR as parent of British child visa contact us today.

Are you a parent or guardian of a British child and seeking permanent residency in the UK?

At Sunrise Solicitors, we understand the importance of being close to your family. If you have a child who is a British citizen, you might be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Parent of a British Child (5-Year Route) visa category.

What is the Parent of a British Child (5-Year Route) visa?

The Parent of a British Child Visa under the 5-Year Route is designed for non-EEA nationals who are the parent of a child who is either a British citizen or settled in the United Kingdom. This immigration category, as provided in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, enables qualifying parents to reside lawfully in the UK on the basis of their ongoing parental responsibility for their British or settled child.

Applicants must establish that they have sole or shared parental responsibility and are actively involved in the upbringing of the child. The child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application and must be living in the UK. The applicant must demonstrate adequate accommodation, maintenance without recourse to public funds, and meet the required English language standards.

Successful applicants are initially granted leave to remain for 30 months, renewable for a further 30 months, provided they continue to satisfy the eligibility criteria. After completing five years’ continuous lawful residence on this route, the parent may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to satisfying all relevant requirements, including the Life in the UK Test and continued compliance with the Immigration Rules.

This route reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to preserving family life in accordance with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, while ensuring strict adherence to statutory immigration controls and public interest considerations.

Who can apply for this visa?

You can apply for this visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You are the biological parent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, or step-parent of a child who is a British citizen (under 18 years old).
• You have been living in the UK legally under a valid visa for at least 5 continuous years on the Parent of a British Child (5-Year Route) visa.
• You meet the English language requirement (B1 level or equivalent).
• You have sufficient genuine and continuing private or professional life in the UK (meeting the maintenance requirement).
• You have not breached any UK immigration laws.

Updated Requirements as of July 2024 (According to UK Home Office):

• Financial Requirement: You must demonstrate sufficient income to support yourself and your dependents without relying on public funds. The minimum income threshold is currently £18,600 per year (or £22,800 if you have a partner). Evidence can include salaries, savings, or sponsorships.
• Genuine and Continuing Ties: You need to demonstrate strong ties to the UK, such as employment, property ownership, or established family life.
• Good Character: You must have a good immigration history and no criminal convictions.

How Can We Help?

Our expert team of parent visa solicitors specialise in UK parent visa applications. If instructed to represent you regarding your application for renewal of parent visa under 5 years route, we will carry out all the work on your application until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI on your application. The immigration casework to be carried out by our expert team of parent visa solicitors will include the following:

• Assessing your eligibility for renewal of parent visa under 5 years route by considering all your personal circumstances including assessment of meeting the adequate maintenance requirement;
• Advising you on the weaknesses and strengths of your application for parent visa renewal;
• Advising you on the relevant documents to be submitted in support of your parent visa extension application;
• Assessing your documents to ensure that the documentary evidence is as per requirements of the Home Office UKVI immigration Rules;
• Completing and submitting the online application form FLR(FP) to apply for renewal of parent visa by gathering all the relevant information from you;
• Helping you with paying the parent visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the application;
• Booking your appointment with the application centre for verification of documents and enrolment of biometrics;
• Where necessary, preparing detailed witness statement of the applicant explaining the relationship of the applicant with the British child and other relevant factors pertaining to the parent visa renewal application;
• Preparing a detailed cover letter to introduce and support your parent visa renewal application;
• Uploading online all the relevant supporting documents before you attend your appointment for enrolment of your biometrics;
• Liaising with the Home Office UKVI for a timely decision on your parent visa renewal application.

Why Choose Sunrise Solicitors?

Our experienced immigration lawyers will guide you through every step of the ILR application process. We offer:

• Free initial consultations to assess your eligibility.
• Expert advice on gathering the necessary documentation.
• Support with completing the application form accurately.
• Communication with the Home Office on your behalf.
• Representation if your application faces any issues.

Don’t wait to secure your future in the UK!

Contact Sunrise Solicitors today to discuss your ILR eligibility under the Parent of a British Child (5-Year Route) visa.

Additional Resources:

• UK Government – Parent of a British Child Visa: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/parent