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

If you are a parent of a British child and cannot meet the requirements for the 5-year route to a Parent of a British Child visa, you can apply for the 10-year route. This option is available for those who struggle with requirements such as adequate maintenance, immigration status, or English language proficiency. Applications for the 10-year route are submitted online using form FLR (FP). For expedited processing, you can opt for the Super Priority Service, which aims to provide a decision within 24 hours. Upon approval, you will receive leave to remain for 30 months. Once this initial leave is granted, you may switch to the 5-year route if you become eligible.

Alternative Services:

• If you cannot afford the full service, consider our one-off immigration advice and consultation for £100 (including VAT) or our document checking service for £300 (including VAT).

UKVI Fees:

• The UKVI application fee is £1,048.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £2,587.50.
• Total UKVI Fees: £3,635.50.
• Super Priority Service:For an additional £1,000, you can expedite your application for a decision within 24 hours.

Understanding Sole or Shared Parental Responsibility for a British Child

To apply for a Parent of a British Child visa, you must have either sole or shared parental responsibility for your child. If you share parental responsibility, the child's other parent must not be your partner and must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a British or Irish citizen,
• Have settled status in the UK (such as indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence),
• Be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status, having started living in the UK before January 1, 2021.

Applying to Switch to a Parent of a British Child Visa (10-Year Route)

To switch to a Parent of a British Child visa (10-year route), follow these steps:

1. Complete the online FLR (FP) application form on the UKVI website.

2. Submit the application online, paying the Home Office UKVI fees, which include the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), unless you have applied for and received a fee waiver.

3. Book a biometrics appointment with UKVCAS by creating an account on their web portal.

4. Upload all required documents online before your biometrics appointment.

5. Attend the biometrics appointment with your BRP card, passport, and appointment letter.

6. Wait for the decision, which typically takes 3 to 6 months for standard service or 24 hours if using the Super Priority Service.

Switching from a Spouse Visa to a Parent of a British Child Visa (10-Year Route)

If you are in the UK on a spouse visa and your relationship with your British or settled spouse has ended irretrievably, you can apply to switch to a Parent of a British Child visa (10-year route) during the validity of your spouse visa, provided you have parental rights. We can expedite your application through the Super Priority Service for a decision within 24 hours.

Transitioning from a 10-Year to a 5-Year Parent of a British Child Visa If you hold a Parent of a British Child visa (10-year route), you can switch to the 5-year route at any time during the validity of your 10-year visa. It is advisable to switch as soon as you meet the financial and English language requirements. Time spent on the 10-year route cannot be combined with the 5-year route for ILR purposes. We can handle your application through the Super Priority Service for a quick decision within 24 hours.

Reapplying After a Refusal for a Parent of a British Child Visa (10-Year Route)

If your application for a Parent of a British Child visa (10-year route) is refused and you do not wish to appeal, you may reapply. Ensure that the new application meets the criteria set out in paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules. Reapplying through the Super Priority Service is recommended for a decision within 24 hours.

Appealing a Refusal for a Parent of a British Child Visa

If your Parent of a British Child visa application is refused and you have the right to appeal, file your appeal with the First Tier Tribunal within 14 days of the refusal. An appeal can be based on the decision being inconsistent with the rules or infringing on your right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Our family visa solicitors are available to represent you in your appeal and challenge the refusal decision effectively.

Our Additional Services for Parent of a British Child Visa

• Parent of a British Child Visa for the UK
• Entry Clearance for Parent of a British Child Visa for the UK
• Switching to Parent of a British Child Visa (5-Year Route)
• Extension of Parent of a British Child Visa (5-Year Route)
• Extension of Parent of a British Child Visa (10-Year Route)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Parent of a British Child (5-Year Route)
• Immigration Appeals in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Switching to a Parent of a British Child Visa (10-Year Route)

What are the relationship requirements for switching to a Parent of a British Child Visa (10-Year Route)?

• Be under 18 at the time of application or, if they turned 18 since your initial leave as a parent, they must not have become independent or started a separate family.
• Be a British citizen, settled in the UK, or have lived continuously in the UK for at least 7 years prior to the application, with paragraph EX.1 applying.

Do I need to meet the adequate maintenance requirement for the 10-Year Route?

No, the adequate maintenance requirement does not apply to the 10-year route for switching to a Parent of a British Child Visa.

Can I switch to a Parent of a British Child Visa (10-Year Route) if I am an overstayer in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to switch to the 10-year route Parent of a British Child Visa even if you are currently overstaying in the UK.

What are the mandatory grounds for refusal under the 10-Year Route?

• You are subject to a deportation order.
• You have been convicted of an offense leading to a prison sentence of at least 4 years.
• You have been convicted of an offense with a prison sentence of 12 months or more, unless 10 years have passed since completing the sentence.
• Your presence in the UK is deemed not conducive to the public good due to serious harm caused by your offending or persistent law-breaking..
• You are excluded under Article 1F of the Refugee Convention or similar grounds.

What are the discretionary grounds for refusal under the 10-Year Route?

• False information or documents were submitted, or material facts were not disclosed.
• A maintenance and accommodation undertaking was requested but not provided.
• The Secretary of State has notified non-compliance with marriage or civil partnership investigations.
• You have made false representations or failed to disclose material facts in previous applications or claims.
• You have failed to pay litigation costs or outstanding NHS charges.