ILR as a Parent of a British Child

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What is ILR as a Parent of a British Child? 

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a parent of a British child allows eligible parents to settle in the UK permanently after meeting certain residency and family-based requirements. This route acknowledges the family life between the parent and the British child and ensures that the parent can remain in the UK to support their child’s development and wellbeing.

This route typically applies to parents who have completed the 5-year parent route, but in some cases, applicants on the 10-year route may also be eligible.

Who is Parent of a British Child Visa to ILR for? 

You may be eligible for ILR as a parent of a British child if:

You are the biological or legal parent of a British citizen child or a child who holds settled status

You are the biological or legal parent of a British citizen child or a child who holds settled status

You are the biological or legal parent of a British citizen child or a child who holds settled status

You are the biological or legal parent of a British citizen child or a child who holds settled status

The child is under 18 years old

The child is under 18 years old

The child is under 18 years old

The child is under 18 years old

The child lives in the UK

The child lives in the UK

The child lives in the UK

The child lives in the UK

Still require protection and have not returned to your home country

Still require protection and have not returned to your home country

Still require protection and have not returned to your home country

Still require protection and have not returned to your home country

You have sole or shared parental responsibility

You have sole or shared parental responsibility

You have sole or shared parental responsibility

You have sole or shared parental responsibility

You can prove a genuine and ongoing relationship with the child

You can prove a genuine and ongoing relationship with the child

You can prove a genuine and ongoing relationship with the child

You can prove a genuine and ongoing relationship with the child

You meet the English language requirement and Life in the UK test

You meet the English language requirement and Life in the UK test

You meet the English language requirement and Life in the UK test

You meet the English language requirement and Life in the UK test

This route is also open to parents who may not be in a relationship with the child’s other parent, as long as the applicant has access and active involvement in the child’s life.

What is the Application Process for ILR as a Parent Like? 

If you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain based on the parent route, you must follow the UKVI's structured process.

Step-by-Step ILR Application Process

  1. Confirm Eligibility

    • Verify that you have completed 5 years in the UK under the parent of a British child visa

    • Check that the child is still under 18 and lives in the UK

  2. Prepare Documents

    • Proof of your relationship with the child

    • Proof that the child is a British citizen

    • Evidence of your residence in the UK

    • English language qualification and Life in the UK test certificate

  3. Submit Application

    • Complete the SET(F) form online

    • Pay the application fee and biometric fee

  4. Biometrics Appointment

    • Attend your biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre

  5. Await Decision

    • ILR decisions typically take up to 6 months

    • Super priority service may be available for faster outcomes

What Are the Requirements for ILR for Parent of a British Child? 

To qualify for ILR as a parent, you must meet several criteria:

1. Relationship with the British Child

You must be the parent of a British citizen or settled child

You must be the parent of a British citizen or settled child

You must be the parent of a British citizen or settled child

You must be the parent of a British citizen or settled child

You must live with the child or have regular and active involvement in their upbringing

You must live with the child or have regular and active involvement in their upbringing

You must live with the child or have regular and active involvement in their upbringing

You must live with the child or have regular and active involvement in their upbringing

The child must normally reside in the UK

The child must normally reside in the UK

The child must normally reside in the UK

The child must normally reside in the UK

2. Five Years of Lawful Residence

You must have spent at least 5 continuous years on a parent route visa

You must have spent at least 5 continuous years on a parent route visa

You must have spent at least 5 continuous years on a parent route visa

You must have spent at least 5 continuous years on a parent route visa

You must not have breached UK immigration rules during this period

You must not have breached UK immigration rules during this period

You must not have breached UK immigration rules during this period

You must not have breached UK immigration rules during this period

Your residence in the UK must have been lawful

Your residence in the UK must have been lawful

Your residence in the UK must have been lawful

Your residence in the UK must have been lawful

3. English Language Requirement

Meet the English language requirement (B1 CEFR)

Meet the English language requirement (B1 CEFR)

Meet the English language requirement (B1 CEFR)

Meet the English language requirement (B1 CEFR)

Provide a recognised qualification or proof of exemption

Provide a recognised qualification or proof of exemption

Provide a recognised qualification or proof of exemption

Provide a recognised qualification or proof of exemption

4. Life in the UK Test

You must pass the Life in the UK test as part of your ILR application

You must pass the Life in the UK test as part of your ILR application

You must pass the Life in the UK test as part of your ILR application

You must pass the Life in the UK test as part of your ILR application

5. Good Character and Immigration Record

No serious criminal record

No serious criminal record

No serious criminal record

No serious criminal record

No deception in immigration matters

No deception in immigration matters

No deception in immigration matters

No deception in immigration matters

You must be free from immigration control issues

You must be free from immigration control issues

You must be free from immigration control issues

You must be free from immigration control issues

Key Benefits of ILR as a Parent

Obtaining indefinite leave to remain as a parent offers many advantages:

Permanently settle in the UK with your British child

Permanently settle in the UK with your British child

Permanently settle in the UK with your British child

Permanently settle in the UK with your British child

No longer need to apply for visa extensions

No longer need to apply for visa extensions

No longer need to apply for visa extensions

No longer need to apply for visa extensions

Right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions

Right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions

Right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions

Right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions

Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months

Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months

Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months

Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months

Access to public funds and NHS healthcare

Access to public funds and NHS healthcare

Access to public funds and NHS healthcare

Access to public funds and NHS healthcare

Greater stability for your family life

Greater stability for your family life

Greater stability for your family life

Greater stability for your family life

Once granted, you can also sponsor other family members under UK immigration routes.

Why Choose Bekenbey?

At Bekenbey Immigration, we understand the emotional and legal complexity of family-based ILR applications. Our team of immigration solicitors provides:

  • Clear guidance on the eligibility requirements

  • Document checklists tailored to parent visa ILR cases

  • Full support in completing the SET(F) form

  • Legal representation in case of complications or refusals

  • Assistance with super priority ILR processing

Our aim is to help you settle in the UK with your British child and secure your family's future.

Apply for ILR as a Parent of a British Child with Bekenbey

If you have spent 5 years in the UK on a parent visa, and your child is a British citizen, now is the time to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Start Today:

  • Confirm your eligibility under the parent route

  • Pass your Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement

  • Gather your supporting documents

  • Submit your ILR application with our expert help

We’ll guide you every step of the way—from application to approval.

Documents Needed

We’ve listed all the key documents required for your application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:

1

Valid passport and biometric residence permit

1

Valid passport and biometric residence permit

1

Valid passport and biometric residence permit

1

Valid passport and biometric residence permit

2

Full birth certificate of the British child

2

Full birth certificate of the British child

2

Full birth certificate of the British child

2

Full birth certificate of the British child

3

Evidence of the child’s British citizenship or settled status

3

Evidence of the child’s British citizenship or settled status

3

Evidence of the child’s British citizenship or settled status

3

Evidence of the child’s British citizenship or settled status

4

Documents proving parental responsibility

4

Documents proving parental responsibility

4

Documents proving parental responsibility

4

Documents proving parental responsibility

5

Evidence of ongoing relationship and child’s residence in the UK

5

Evidence of ongoing relationship and child’s residence in the UK

5

Evidence of ongoing relationship and child’s residence in the UK

5

Evidence of ongoing relationship and child’s residence in the UK

6

Proof of residence in the UK for 5 years

6

Proof of residence in the UK for 5 years

6

Proof of residence in the UK for 5 years

6

Proof of residence in the UK for 5 years

7

English language certificate (B1 CEFR)

7

English language certificate (B1 CEFR)

7

English language certificate (B1 CEFR)

7

English language certificate (B1 CEFR)

8

Life in the UK test certificate

8

Life in the UK test certificate

8

Life in the UK test certificate

8

Life in the UK test certificate

9

Evidence that the child lives with you or you have access arrangements

9

Evidence that the child lives with you or you have access arrangements

9

Evidence that the child lives with you or you have access arrangements

9

Evidence that the child lives with you or you have access arrangements

10

If you’re not living with the child, court orders or contact schedules may be required

10

If you’re not living with the child, court orders or contact schedules may be required

10

If you’re not living with the child, court orders or contact schedules may be required

10

If you’re not living with the child, court orders or contact schedules may be required

We will help you organise, review, and present your documentation to support your application effectively.

Your Immigration
Questions, Answered

Have questions about UK immigration? We’ve got you covered. If you have more questions, you can contact us.f

Can I apply before completing 5 years?

No. You must complete 5 continuous years on the parent route before applying for ILR. However, you may apply 28 days before the completion date.

Can I apply before completing 5 years?

No. You must complete 5 continuous years on the parent route before applying for ILR. However, you may apply 28 days before the completion date.

Can I apply before completing 5 years?

No. You must complete 5 continuous years on the parent route before applying for ILR. However, you may apply 28 days before the completion date.

Can I apply before completing 5 years?

No. You must complete 5 continuous years on the parent route before applying for ILR. However, you may apply 28 days before the completion date.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK test?

Yes, unless you are exempt due to age or medical condition. Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK test?

Yes, unless you are exempt due to age or medical condition. Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK test?

Yes, unless you are exempt due to age or medical condition. Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK test?

Yes, unless you are exempt due to age or medical condition. Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement.

Can I include my other children in the application?

Only if they are also British or have leave under the family route. Otherwise, they may need a separate application. We can advise you on the correct route for each family member.

Can I include my other children in the application?

Only if they are also British or have leave under the family route. Otherwise, they may need a separate application. We can advise you on the correct route for each family member.

Can I include my other children in the application?

Only if they are also British or have leave under the family route. Otherwise, they may need a separate application. We can advise you on the correct route for each family member.

Can I include my other children in the application?

Only if they are also British or have leave under the family route. Otherwise, they may need a separate application. We can advise you on the correct route for each family member.