Can I Bring My Parents to UK Permanently?

If you are an adult or senior citizen living outside the UK, you might need care from a relative living in the UK. The Adult Dependent Relative Visa is a route you can take to live in the UK with your relative so that they can provide you with the support you require.

Your relative must have permanent residency in the UK. They may be a sister, brother, child, parent, or grandchild.

When applying for a Adult Dependent Relative Visa you must complete Appendix 1 for form VAF4A. This form is a companion to any visa application for adult dependent relatives, parents, and children of permanent residents in the UK.

You can apply for the UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa using the online application process. Before you begin your online application, you must prepare the necessary documents and evidence to support your case.

If you are unsure how to strengthen your application portfolio or if you find the application process challenging, you can access support from our professional immigration lawyers at IAS.

Unlike most UK visas, the UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa has no definite expiry date. Since there is no way to determine how long you must provide long-term care to this relative, the UK government cannot dictate visa expiry.

If your parent’s health changes, or they no longer require care from you, they may be required to return to their home country. If you want them to remain with you in the UK after this period, you can then apply for a Family Member Visa to gain your parent’s permanent residency.

When preparing to begin your application, you should gather all of the documents and evidence necessary for the UK Elderly Dependent visa. Here is a list of all the supporting documents and information you and your relative need to provide:

• Your name, date of birth and birth certificate.
• Your valid passport or travel ID (with certified copies of the photo pages, visas and entry stamps).
• A copy of your biometric residence permit (if you have one).
• Details of previous visa applications you have made.
• A criminal record check.
• Your national insurance number.
• Your parents’ date of birth and nationality.
• Your tuberculosis test results if you come from a country where they are needed.
• Proof of your finances and your ability to care for your relative (this should include bank statements and house floorplans).
• Your partner’s details.
• Your children’s details.

Please note that any copies of your documents should be officially certified copies. You should also ensure that your documents are notarised and translated into English or Welsh.

Two of the most common reasons for refusal of the UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa include:

• The UK Home Office believes that your relative can access the care they need in their country of origin.
• You have not provided sufficient evidence of your adult dependent’s long-term care needs.
• The UK Home Office does not believe that you have sufficient income to care for your relative, or you cannot provide them with the care they need.

When you receive a visa refusal letter, it will include information regarding your right to appeal. If you cannot appeal, you can still submit a request for administrative review. To appeal the visa refusal, your appeal must be based on your relative’s right to private and family life, as per Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

If you are unsure whether your elderly parents will qualify for the UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa, you should investigate the following alternative routes:

• Long-Term Visit Visa
• Family Visit Visa
• Parent Visa
• EU Settlement Scheme (as a family member)
• British Nationals Overseas Visa
• Refugee Status

Speaking to someone with experience and expertise in immigration law will help you to choose the most suitable route for you or your parents. At IAS, our immigration lawyers will review your case and personal circumstances to recommend the best route for your visa application.

You do not need to provide evidence of your English knowledge as an adult-dependent relative. The British government recognises that your humanitarian protection rights take priority over your English speaking skills.

The visa fee for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa differs based on the route you take for your application:

• If you are applying from outside the UK to join your child –  £1,464.
• If you apply in the UK by post or using the online portal –  £993.
• If you apply in the UK using the premium in-person service – £1,583.

You must pay this fee for each dependent relative you wish to bring to the UK.

Once you have made your visa application, you can expect to wait up to 8 weeks to hear a decision. You will receive either a visa approval or refusal letter, allowing you to take action to appeal the decision or begin the moving process for your relative.