Extension of Parent of a British Child Visa (10-Year Route)

Apply to extend your Parent of a British Child visa for another 2.5 years under the 10-year route if you still do not meet all the Appendix FM requirements.

Call us on 0203 417 3700 or email us at info@wembleysolicitors.com for legal assistance with your Parent of a British Child visa extension application.

Table of Contents

What is the Parent of a British Child visa?

The Parent of a British Child visa is a UK parent visa that allows a non-British parent to live in the UK to care for their British child (under 18).

This visa is available to parents of a British citizen or a child who has lived in the UK for at least seven years, provided it serves the child's best interests.

The Home Office will consider the best interest of the child when evaluating your application.

What is the Parent of a British Child visa 10-year route?

The 10-year route allows a parent of a British child to obtain indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 10 years. It is designed for those who don't meet the strict requirements of the 5-year route but maintain a strong relationship with their child.

These requirements include financial thresholds, language skills, and other criteria.

Why choose the 10-year route of a Parent of a British Child visa?

The 5-year route is often chosen for its shorter path to ILR. But the 10-year route is better in some situations, like:

• Financial Requirements: If you don't meet the financial threshold of the 5-year route (£29,000 gross per year).
• English Language Requirement: If you can't meet the English language requirements, the 10-year route might be an option.
• Exceptional Circumstances: If you have compassionate or exceptional reasons that stop you from meeting the 5-year route criteria, the 10-year route could be available.
• Health Issues: If health problems affect your ability to meet financial or other criteria, you might be placed on the 10-year route.

When should you apply for a Parent of a British Child visa extension?

Usually, an initial Parent of a British Child visa under the 10-year route grants permission to live in the UK for 2.5 years (30 months), after which you will be able to extend it for another 2.5 years.

Before your Parent of a British Child visa expires, you must apply for an extension under the 10-year route to extend your stay in the UK for another 2.5 years.

You should apply for a Parent of a British Child visa extension within 28 days of your current visa expiring. It’s advisable to start gathering documents and completing the application well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Not applying on time can cause problems with your immigration status. It might even lead to being removed from the UK.

Requirements for extension of a Parent of a British Child visa under 10-years route

To extend your Parent of a British Child visa under the 10-year route, you must meet certain criteria:

• You must hold a valid Parent of a British Child visa under the 10-year route.
• The child must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.
• The child must either be a British citizen, settled in the UK, or have lived in the UK for at least seven continuous years.
• You must prove that you have an ongoing and active role in your child's life.
• You must have sole parental responsibility for your child.
• You should have adequate accommodation for you and your child in the UK.
• You may be required to demonstrate why you cannot meet the financial, language, or other requirements under the 5-year route.

You must meet all other requirements for a Parent of a British Child visa extension application depending on your circumstances.

Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding your visa extension application under the 10-year route.

Accommodation requirements for the Parent of a British Child visa extension

You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation for yourself and your child.

You need to show that:

• Your home is big enough for both you and your child
• You legally have access to the property by owning it or renting it

Having good housing is crucial for a stable life in the UK.

For more info on immigration, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

What documents do you need to extend the Parent of a British Child visa under the 10-year route?

When applying for a Parent of a British Child visa extension under the 10-year route, you'll need to provide the following documents:

• Valid passport or other travel documents.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you already have one.
• Child's birth certificate showing both your name and the child's.
• Child's British passport or proof of indefinite leave to remain (if applicable).
• Proof that the child lives in the UK, such as school enrolment records or medical records.
• Proof of your parental responsibility, such as a court order, or evidence of your involvement in the child's life.
• Evidence of suitable living arrangements, such as a tenancy agreement.
• Although financial requirements are less strict on the 10-year route, providing evidence of your income can help support your case.

You may need to provide additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

How can you extend a Parent of a British Child visa (10-year route)?

To extend your Parent of a British Child visa, you need to follow two steps. First, gather all the documents needed. These documents prove your relationship's truth and your financial well-being. After gathering everything, you can then apply online.

1. Gather all the supporting documents
2. Apply online and follow the instructions

How to apply for a Parent of a British Child visa extension under the 10-year route?

Once you have all your documents ready, you can apply online. Go to the UK Government website for the application portal. You must:

• Fill out the online FLR (FP) application form on the UK Government website.
• Upload your supporting documents in an acceptable format.
• Pay the required fee using a debit or credit card.
• Schedule a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.
• Attend the appointment and complete identity verification.
• Wait for the processing of your application to begin after your biometrics are submitted.

Make sure all your information is correct, and your documents are in the right format. Wrong information or documents can lead to your application being refused. If you're unsure about anything, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 for help.

Parent of a British Child visa extension processing time (10-year route)

The standard processing time for a Parent of a British Child visa extension application under the 10-year route is typically 8 weeks after biometrics.

Super Priority Service

You may be eligible to apply for the extension of your Parent of a British Child visa using the 'Super Priority Service' to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You'll need to pay the 'Super Priority Service' fee in addition to the visa application fee.

Priority Service

You can apply to renew or extend your Parent of a British Child visa under the 10-year route by using the 'priority service' to get a faster decision within 5 working days.

How long is the Parent of a British Child visa extension granted?

Typically, a Parent of a British Child visa extension under the 10-year route is granted for a period of 2.5 years (30 months).

After each extension, you will need to renew your Parent of a British Child visa under the 10-year route until you have completed 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK.

Under the Parent of a British Child visa 10-year route, once you have completed 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for ILR.

Switching from a Parent of a British Child visa 10-year route to a 5-year route

You can switch to a Parent of a British Child visa 5-year route anytime if have leave to remain as a Parent of a British Child under the 10-year route and you meet all the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules.

If you do switch to the Parent of a British Child visa 5-year route from the 10-year route, then any time spent on the 10-year route will not count towards your qualifying period for ILR.

How can Wembley Solicitors help with your visa extension application?

No matter where you live, our immigration solicitors provide legal advice and assistance with UK visa applications inside the UK and around the world.

Contact Wembley Solicitors for assistance

If you need help with your Parent of a British Child visa extension under the 10-year route, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

Every case at Wembley Solicitors is different. We provide advice and support tailored to your needs. Our experts keep up with the latest rules.

We make sure you meet all the necessary requirements to maximise your chances of a successful Parent of a British Child visa extension application.