Parent of a British Child Visa Extension

A Parent of a British Child visa extension allows you to continue living in the UK legally with your British or settled child after the initial 2.5-year period. You can submit your UK parent visa extension application up to 28 days before your current visa expires, allowing you to continue staying in the UK with your child.

You can apply to extend your parent visa from within the UK if you fulfil all the eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

For legal advice and assistance with your Parent of a British Child visa extension application, call us at 01614644140 or fill in our online enquiry form.

Solicitors For Parent of a British Child Visa Extension

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we specialise in assisting non-British parents who need to extend their leave to remain in the UK as the parent of a British child. If your current visa is due to expire and you wish to continue caring for your British child in the United Kingdom, you must apply for an extension under the appropriate immigration route outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Free Immigration Advice For Extension of Parent of a British Child Visa

Eligibility Criteria for a Parent Visa Extension

To qualify for a visa extension as the parent of a British child, the applicant must meet strict eligibility requirements, which include:

• The child must be under 18 years old, residing in the UK, and either a British citizen or settled in the UK.
• The applicant must be playing an active role in the child’s life, either through sole or shared parental responsibility.
• The parent must not be living with the child’s other parent as a partner, which distinguishes this route from the partner/spouse visa category.
• The applicant must have previously been granted leave under the parent route or meet the criteria for a switch to this category.
• There must be no significant risk of harm to the child from the applicant.

Where the financial or English language requirements are not met, an applicant may still be granted leave if refusal would be unreasonable in light of the child’s best interests, as per Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.

Documents Required for a Parent Visa Extension Application

Providing comprehensive supporting documentation is crucial for a successful visa extension application. Typical evidence includes:

• A valid passport or travel document
• The child’s full UK birth certificate
• Proof that the child is a British citizen or settled in the UK
• Evidence of active parental involvement, such as:
  • School records showing your involvement
  • Letters from teachers, GPs, or social workers
  • Court orders or parental responsibility agreements (if applicable)
• Proof of residence and contact with the child
• Evidence of any financial income or employment
• Documents demonstrating English language ability, such as an approved test or UK qualification

Each application is assessed holistically, so providing detailed and consistent evidence is essential to demonstrate your ongoing relationship with your child and your role in their life.

How to Apply for a Parent Visa Extension

Applications must be submitted online through the UKVI website, before your current visa expires. You’ll be asked to:

• Complete the online FLR(M) form (Further Leave to Remain – Family and Private Life)
• Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Book a biometric appointment at a TLS Contact Centre
• Upload your supporting documents or have them scanned at your appointment

It is strongly advised to submit the application in-time, before your current visa lapses, to preserve your right to remain lawfully under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971.

Parent Visa Extension: 5-Year or 10-Year Route?

The parent of a British child visa can lead to settlement in the UK either via the 5-year route or the 10-year route, depending on whether you meet the full requirements:

• 5-Year Route: This applies where all eligibility, financial, and English language requirements are met. After 5 continuous years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• 10-Year Route: This is for applicants who may not meet all requirements but where refusal would breach the child’s right to a family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. ILR can be applied for after 10 years of lawful residence under this category.

We recommend seeking legal advice to explore whether you can switch from the 10-year to the 5-year route, depending on changes to your financial or language circumstances.

Application Fees and Processing Time

The Home Office application fee for an FLR(M) application is currently:

• £1,321 per applicant
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

For a parent visa extension, the standard processing time is 8 to 12 weeks, though super priority service may be available at an extra cost for a decision within 24 hours.

Super Priority Service For Parent Visa Extension

Yes, you can apply for the extension or renewal of a parent of a child visa under the 5-year route using the Super Priority Service. This service ensures a decision on your application within 24 hours.

Legal Support for Parent Visa Extension Applications

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we provide expert legal representation to ensure your application is comprehensive, compelling, and correctly prepared. Our immigration solicitors will:

• Assess your eligibility and supporting evidence
• Help you prepare a strong covering letter and legal submissions
• Liaise with the Home Office where necessary
• Assist with appeals or reconsideration if your application is refused

We understand how sensitive these matters are, particularly where children are involved. Our goal is to keep families together and ensure your child continues to benefit from your presence in the UK.

Why Clients Choose Deluxe Law Chambers?

With offices in Manchester and London, Deluxe Law Chambers provides expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our experienced immigration lawyers are committed to making the visa process clear, efficient, and stress-free from start to finish.

• Our team has over 11 years of practical experience of working in UK immigration law firms and stays fully up to date with the latest Home Office rules and guidance, ensuring accurate and reliable legal advice.
• Every immigration case is different. Our immigration solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that meet your specific needs.
• Where eligible, we offer Priority and Super Priority UK visa services to help you obtain faster immigration decisions.
• We offer flexible video, telephone, and in-person appointments from our Manchester office, assisting clients across the UK and overseas.
• Our immigration lawyers are available seven days a week, including weekends, for urgent and time-sensitive immigration matters.
• We provide clear fixed-fee pricing, with instalment options available and no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors are committed to delivering professional, honest, and results-driven UK immigration advice you can trust.