How to Bring Your Parents to the UK: UK Visa Guide
Bringing your parents to live with you in the UK can be a complex but manageable process if you meet certain conditions. The UK government allows adult children to bring their parents to the country under a Dependent Relative Visa, but only if the parents require significant daily care that cannot be provided in their home country. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from meeting eligibility requirements to submitting a successful visa application.
Understanding the Requirements for Dependent Relative Visas
To qualify for a Dependent Relative Visa, you must meet strict criteria. These rules are designed to ensure that only those who genuinely need to be in the UK for care are allowed to immigrate.
1. Your Immigration Status: Permanent Resident or Citizen
First and foremost, you must be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK. This includes those who have:
- UK Citizenship: Naturalized citizens who have sworn allegiance to the UK.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Those who have been granted the right to live in the UK without any time restrictions.
- Permanent Residency: Usually applicable to EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals who have settled status.
- Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection: Individuals granted asylum or protection in the UK.
Essentially, if you are legally residing in the UK on a long-term or permanent basis, you are eligible to sponsor your parents for a visa.
2. Demonstrating Your Parents' Need for Long-Term Care
The primary criterion for a Dependent Relative Visa is that your parents must require daily care due to age, illness, or disability. This care may involve assistance with:
- Household chores: Like cooking, cleaning, or shopping.
- Personal care: Such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet.
- Medical needs: Including managing medications or attending medical appointments.
Your parents must also be unable to receive this care in their home country, either because suitable care is unavailable, unaffordable, or because there are no other relatives who can provide this support.
Additionally, if both of your parents are still alive and married, they must apply together. The UK government will not approve a visa for one parent if the other could potentially provide care.
3. Financial Requirements: Supporting Your Parents Without Public Funds
Another significant requirement is the ability to financially support your parents without relying on public funds. You need to demonstrate that you have enough income or savings to support your parents for at least five years.
The minimum income threshold is £18,600 per year, which is the level at which you are not considered dependent on state benefits. It’s advisable to have more than this minimum amount to strengthen your application. Creating a budget and saving money ahead of time will help meet this financial requirement.
Steps to Apply for a Dependent Relative Visa
Once you’ve determined that you meet the basic requirements, you can begin the visa application process. This involves gathering necessary documents, completing online forms, and paying the application fees. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
1. Gathering Essential Documents for Your Parents
Your parents will need several documents to support their visa application. These include:
- Current and Previous Passports: Both the current passport and any expired ones.
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos for each parent.
- Biometric Residence Permits: If applicable, include these as well.
Having these documents ready and up-to-date will streamline the application process.
2. Proving Your Relationship: Birth Certificates and Adoption Papers
To prove that the applicants are indeed your parents, you’ll need to provide a copy of your birth certificate. This document should clearly show your parents' names.
- Adoption Papers: If you were adopted, you’ll need to provide adoption papers instead.
If you don’t have a copy of your birth certificate, you can request one from the country where you were born by contacting the appropriate government office.
3. Obtaining a Health Certification
Your parents will need a certification from a doctor or another health professional in their home country, confirming that they are unable to live independently due to health issues. This certification is crucial as it proves the necessity of the visa.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If your parents are from a country where TB is prevalent, they must include TB test results. Check the UK government’s list to see if this applies.
4. Completing the Online Application
The visa application is done online, where your parents will need to fill out their personal information, such as:
- Name, Address, and Date of Birth: Basic identifying details.
- Passport Information: Including numbers from both current and previous passports.
- Your Details: Information about you, including your residency status, birth date, nationality, and address.
It’s essential to fill out this form carefully, as any mistakes can lead to delays or rejection.
5. Providing Detailed Information in the Appendix Form
The Appendix form is a critical part of the application, where more detailed information about your parents' care needs, current care arrangements, and your financial status is required. This form will ask:
- Specifics of Daily Care Needs: Detailing exactly what type of care your parents require.
- Current Care Situation: Explaining why the care they receive now is insufficient.
- Your Financial Situation: Providing evidence of how you will support your parents financially in the UK.
- Living Arrangements: Outlining where your parents will live once they arrive.
This form allows you to make a strong case for why your parents need to join you in the UK.
Completing the Application Process
After gathering documents and filling out the necessary forms, you’ll need to complete a few final steps to submit the visa application.
1. Mailing the Required Documents
Once the application is complete, all supporting documents must be sent by mail to the appropriate address listed on the application form. Make sure to send original documents or certified copies, as the UK government will need these for verification.
2. Paying the Visa Application Fee
The cost of applying for a Dependent Relative Visa can be high. As of 2018, the fee for an overseas application is typically over £3,000 per applicant. This is a significant expense, so you may need to budget and save in advance.
Remember, the fee can vary depending on the country from which your parents are applying, so make sure to check the exact amount before submitting the application.
3. Appealing a Visa Refusal
If your parents' visa application is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves:
- Filing the IAFT-6 Appeal Form: This must be done within 28 days of receiving the refusal letter. The form can be submitted online or downloaded as a paper version.
- Appeal Fees: The cost for an appeal is £80 for a paper hearing or £140 for an oral hearing. Fees may be waived if you qualify for Legal Aid.
In an oral hearing, you or your parents can present your case in person, while a paper hearing is decided based on the submitted documents.
4. Consulting an Immigration Lawyer
Navigating the UK’s immigration system can be challenging, especially for more complex cases. Hiring an immigration lawyer can provide valuable assistance and improve your chances of success.
- Finding a Lawyer: Look for an immigration adviser in the UK. Advisers are categorized into three levels based on the complexity of cases. Some may offer free services or you might qualify for legal aid to cover legal fees.
- Costs of Legal Assistance: Depending on the level of help needed, fees can range from £250 to over £3,000.
It’s advisable to ask friends or family for recommendations if they know a reputable immigration lawyer.
Conclusion
Bringing your parents to the UK requires careful preparation and an understanding of the specific requirements set by the UK government. By ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documentation, and following the application process meticulously, you can increase the chances of a successful visa application. Remember to consider all aspects, from financial requirements to potential appeals, and seek legal advice if needed. With the right approach and persistence, you can reunite with your parents and provide them with the care they need in the UK.
Reference:
1. https://www.gulbenkian.co.uk/how-to-bring-parents-to-the-uk/
2. https://roadtouk.com/uk-living/uk-visitor-visa-for-parents-and-family/
