Further Leave to Remain as a Parent

Further Leave to Remain as a Parent (UK)

Further Leave to Remain as a Parent allows eligible parents of British or settled children to extend their stay in the UK under the family visa route.

Eligibility Criteria

• Parent-Child Relationship: You must be the parent of a child who is British, settled in the UK, or otherwise meets the relevant requirements.
• Active Role: You must have, or be taking an active role in, the child’s upbringing.
• Partner Exclusion: You generally cannot apply under the Parent route if you are in a relationship with the child’s other parent and that parent is British or settled in the UK. In this situation, you would normally need to apply under the Partner route.
• Relationship Evidence: You must provide evidence of your relationship with the child and your parental role.
• English Language: You must normally meet the English-language requirement unless exempt.

Financial Requirement

The Parent route is not subject to the £29,000 minimum income requirement that applies to the Partner route.

Instead, applicants who are required to meet the financial requirement generally need to satisfy the Adequate Maintenance test. This considers income after housing costs and whether it is sufficient to support the family without relying on public funds.

English Language Requirement

For applicants extending under the 5-year Parent route, the English-language requirement generally progresses to CEFR Level A2.

Application Process

• Online Application: Complete the appropriate parent-route application online before your current permission expires.
• Documents: Provide evidence of your relationship with the child, parental role, finances and accommodation.
• Biometrics: Provide your fingerprints and photograph as part of the application.
• Decision: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will assess the application and issue a decision.

Fees

The current application fee for an in-country family visa application is £1,407.

For an adult receiving 30 months of permission, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £2,587.50.

The standard upfront cost is therefore £3,994.50, excluding optional priority services or legal fees.

Duration and Settlement

• Duration: Further leave as a parent is normally granted for 30 months.
• Further Extension: You can apply for another extension if you continue to meet the requirements.
• ILR: Applicants following the 5-year Parent route may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing the required qualifying period.
• Some applicants may instead qualify under the 10-year family route, depending on their circumstances.

Important Considerations

• Make sure you continue to play an active role in your child’s upbringing.
• Keep evidence of your relationship and involvement in your child’s life.
• Check that the Parent route is appropriate for your circumstances, particularly if you are in a relationship with the child’s other parent.
• Make sure you meet the Adequate Maintenance and English-language requirements where applicable.
• Apply before your current immigration permission expires.
• Do not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while an in-country application is pending, as your application may be treated as withdrawn.

Immigration rules and fees can change, so applicants should check the latest UK Government guidance before applying.

Written on: 29 August 2026