Frequently asked questions.
Bringing your parents to the UK is a complex process that requires meeting strict eligibility criteria, including proving their dependency on you and your ability to financially support them.
In this blog, we will explain the main visa routes available for bringing your parents to the UK and the key requirements for a successful application.
Can I bring my parents to the UK?
Yes, it is possible to bring your parents to the UK under the Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) visa route. However, UK immigration rules for sponsoring parents are quite strict, and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. You will need to sponsor your parents and demonstrate that they are financially dependent on you or require care that is unavailable in their home country.
To qualify for an ADR visa, an applicant must show that they require long-term personal care due to age, illness or disability. They must prove that the level of care needed is either unavailable or unaffordable in their current country of residence. The process involves a thorough assessment by the Home Office, which will evaluate both the availability and accessibility of care in the applicant’s home country.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Adult Dependant Relative visa?
To qualify for this visa, the following requirements must be met:
- Your parents must show that they are financially dependent on you or require care due to age or medical conditions.
- You must prove that you can support them without relying on public funds.
- You must meet the minimum income threshold to demonstrate that you can provide adequate accommodation and maintenance.
- You must be settled in the UK – for example, by holding British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
Can I bring a parent if I am on a Skilled Worker visa?
Generally, the ADR visa is not available to parents of individuals on a Skilled Worker Visa. While the Skilled Worker route allows you to bring a partner or children to the UK as dependants, it does not provide a pathway for bringing parents.
How long can my parents stay in the UK on this visa?
An ADR visa in the UK is typically granted for an indefinite period, meaning the holder can remain in the UK permanently, provided their sponsor is settled in the UK or is a British citizen. If the sponsor holds protection status or is an EEA national with limited leave to remain, the applicant will be granted entry clearance for the same duration as the sponsor’s limited leave, subject to a condition of no recourse to public funds.
Can my parents apply for this visa from outside the UK?
Yes, the ADR visa must be applied for from outside the UK. Your parents must submit their application from their home country or another country where they legally reside before travelling to the UK.
What documents will my parents need to apply for the visa?
As part of the application process, your parents will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of your financial situation and income.
- Evidence of your relationship with your parent (e.g. birth certificate).
- Evidence of dependency, such as financial support records, medical certificates or a letter from a healthcare provider confirming that your parent requires care.
- Proof of accommodation in the UK where your parent will live.
What are the key considerations for the visa?
In summary, an applicant under the ADR route must be able to demonstrate that they:
- Require long-term personal care due to age, illness or disability – for example, help with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and cooking.
- Be unable to obtain the required level of care in their current country of residence, even with the practical and financial help of the sponsor, because it is either unavailable or unaffordable, or because no one in the country can reasonably provide the required care.
Are there other ways to bring my parents to the UK?
In some cases, parents may be able to visit the UK under a Visitor visa, particularly for short stays. However, a Visitor visa does not allow your parents to remain in the UK permanently or receive long-term care.
Updated: 05 March 2025
How Gherson can assist
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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