Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the UK may be able to invite their parents to visit them, but they will likely need to apply for a visa. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose and duration of the visit. For example, if the parent is joining their child for a graduation, they may need to apply for a visitor visa. On the other hand, if the parent is accompanying their child who is studying in the UK, they may be eligible for a Parent of a Child Student visa. This visa allows parents to stay in the UK until their child's visa expires or they turn 12. It's important to note that visa requirements can vary based on the nationality of the parent and that certain documents may need to be provided as evidence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa? | The parent of a child student who is aged between 4 and 11 and is attending an independent school in the UK. |
| Who can accompany the child? | Only one parent is allowed to accompany the child. The child's other parent must live abroad and cannot join them in the UK. |
| Can the parent bring other children? | Yes, if they also have or are applying for a Child Student visa. |
| Can the parent bring other family members? | No. |
| How long can the parent stay in the UK? | Until the child's visa expires or they turn 12, whichever is earlier. |
| Can the parent extend their visa? | Yes, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. |
| Can international students invite their parents to the UK for graduation? | Yes, but their parents will likely need to apply for a visa. |
| What documents do the parents need to carry? | Passport, evidence of the relationship between the student and the visitor (e.g. birth certificate), proof of enrolment letter for the student's study, evidence of the reason for their visit (e.g. a letter of invitation to attend graduation), and evidence of their intention to return to their home country. |
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What You'll Learn
Parents of a child student visa
International students in the UK can invite their parents to visit them. However, their parents will likely need to apply for a visa. Certain nationalities are not required to formally apply for a visitor visa before travelling. If the nationality is not listed in Appendix 2 of the visa national list, they are a "non-visa national" and can obtain permission at the border. It is recommended that those intending on following this route still carry the same documentation ready to show at the border as evidence of their intention to visit.
If the parents are "visa-nationals", they must formally apply for a visa prior to travelling. They can apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa if their child has or is applying for a Child Student visa. The child must be between the ages of 4 and 11 and must be attending an independent school in the UK. The parent must be the only parent accompanying their child in the UK. The child's other parent must live abroad and cannot apply to join them in the UK.
The parent can bring their other children if they also have or are applying for a Child Student visa. They cannot bring other family members with them on this visa. They may be able to apply to come to the UK on a short-term visit visa. The parent can stay in the UK until their child's visa expires or they turn 12, whichever comes first. They can extend their visa while in the UK as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
To apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa, the parent may have to prove their immigration status when they travel to the UK. They should keep the documents that prove why they are visiting the UK in their hand luggage so they can show them if asked. They can get access to their eVisa by setting up a UKVI account and linking their travel document to it. They may also need to provide evidence of their relationship with their child, such as a birth certificate or court order. They may also need to prove that they are taking an active role in their child's upbringing and plan to continue doing so after they apply.
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Visa requirements for graduation attendance
If you are an international student in the UK and want to invite your parents to attend your graduation, they will likely need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. This applies to all visitors who are visa nationals, i.e., those who must formally apply for a visa before travelling to the UK.
However, if your parents are non-visa nationals, they can obtain permission to enter the UK at the border. Non-visa nationals are those whose nationalities are not listed in Appendix 2 of the visa national list. Even if your parents are non-visa nationals, it is still recommended that they carry the same documentation as visa nationals to show at the border as evidence of their intention to visit. This includes an invitation letter, bank statements, and evidence of a return flight. Nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States of America can use the eGates for fast automated arrival.
To apply for a Standard Visitor visa, your parents will need to provide the following documents:
- A personal letter of invitation explaining your relationship with your visitor and the purpose of their visit.
- A confirmation of attendance letter confirming your registration/attendance, which can be obtained by submitting an online enquiry form from the Student Services Centre.
- A copy of your passport pages containing your personal details, your visa (if applicable), and the most recent UK entry stamp.
- If you are paying for your parents' accommodation and other living expenses, you should send the latest six months' bank statements from your UK account to show that you have sufficient funds available, along with a signed letter confirming that you are paying for their trip.
- Photocopies of your passport and immigration documents.
- Evidence that you have been invited to attend graduation, such as your invitation letter.
- Evidence of your graduation, such as a recent student status letter or a copy of your official results.
- Evidence of a flight ticket out of the UK.
The application fee for the Standard Visitor visa is £115 in local currency, increasing to £127 from 9 April. The visa is valid for six months. If your parents plan to visit the UK more regularly, they can apply for a 2-, 5-, or 10-year visitor visa.
If you have completed your studies and your student visa has expired, you cannot extend it for the purpose of attending your graduation ceremony. In this case, you will need to leave the UK and make a new application to come back with a visitor visa. You can support your visa application with your official results letter and your invitation to the awards ceremony.
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Non-visa nationals
If you are a non-visa national, you can obtain permission to enter the UK at the border. You do not need to formally apply for a visitor visa before travelling. However, it is recommended that you carry the same documentation as those who require a visa, to show at the border as evidence of your intention to visit. This includes a scanned image of the host's passport (photograph page) and their current Student Visa/Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You should also be able to provide evidence that you have reasons to leave the UK at the end of your visit, such as a letter from your employer. If you have plans for your visit, you can also write them down and provide details of any hotel or tour bookings.
Additionally, if you are a non-visa national, you may be permitted to use the "E-Gates" for quicker entry into the UK. This allows you to avoid waiting in line to see a Border Officer. However, it is not mandatory to use the E-Gates, and you can still choose to see a Border Officer if you prefer.
It is important to note that the term "non-visa national" refers to nationalities that are not listed in Appendix 2 of the visa national list. If you are unsure about your status, it is recommended to check with the university or an external immigration advisor before travelling.
Furthermore, if you are an international student at the University of Southampton and your parents are visiting you for less than 6 months, they may need to provide evidence to support their Visitor Visa application. This can include images of your passport and UK visa or immigration permission, a proof of enrolment letter for your study at Southampton, and evidence of your relationship with your parents, such as a birth certificate.
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Extending a visa
International students in the UK can invite their parents to visit them. The visa requirements for parents will depend on their nationality, the purpose of their visit, and the duration of their stay.
If your parents are visiting the UK on a standard visitor visa, they may be able to extend their stay as long as the total time they spend in the UK is no more than 6 months. They must apply while they are still in the UK and before their current visa or permission expires. They will need to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their fingerprints and a photo (biometric information). There is a £1,100 fee for this extension.
If your parents are academics, they may need to prove that they are visiting for research, a formal exchange, or to teach. They should check if they need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before extending their stay. If they are senior doctors or dentists, they may also need to prove that they are visiting for clinical practice or an unpaid clinical attachment/dental observer post.
If your parents are visiting you on a family visa, they can extend their stay at any time before their current permission to stay in the UK expires. They will need to apply online and provide information and evidence to support their application. If they are extending to stay with the same family member, they will only get up to 28 days left on their current stay added to their new visa.
It is important to note that visa rules and requirements can change, and it is recommended to check the UK government website or seek advice from an international student support service for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Evidence for visitor visa applications
If your parents are visiting the UK as international visitors, they will most likely need to apply for a visa. However, certain nationalities are not required to formally apply for a visitor visa before travelling. If their nationality is not listed as a "visa national" in Appendix 2 of the visa national list, they can obtain permission at the border. It is still recommended that they carry the same documentation as visa nationals to show at the border as evidence of their intention to visit.
If your parents are "visa nationals", they must formally apply for a visa before travelling. The earliest they can apply is 3 months before travelling. They must meet the eligibility requirements and only undertake permitted activities. They will need to provide a valid passport or other travel document with all applications and when travelling to the UK. Their passport must have at least one blank page if they use it to apply for a visa. Some passport holders may need to provide alternative evidence of their identity and nationality. They will need to show that they are genuine visitors who will undertake permitted activities, that they will leave at the end of their visit, and that they have sufficient funds for themselves and any dependents to cover all reasonable costs.
If someone else (the sponsor) is providing their travel, maintenance, or accommodation, they should provide evidence showing: what support is being provided and whether it extends to any dependent family; the relationship between them and the sponsor, for example, if they are family members; and that the person supporting them is legally in the UK, for example, if they have a British passport or residence document. They should show a legal document showing the relationship between them and their parents, for example, a birth certificate or adoption papers. They should show a copy of the photo page of their parents' passports, including signatures and passport numbers, if the parents are not also applying for a visa. If your parents have a different family name than you, they may be asked to provide evidence of your relationship.
If you are currently in the UK, you should send a scanned image of your passport (the photograph page) and your current Student Visa/Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Do not send originals. Evidence that your parents have every reason to leave the UK at the end of their visit, for example, a letter from their employer and evidence of commitments. If you have plans (an itinerary) for their visit, write them down and give them a copy. You can include details of hotel or tour bookings if you have any.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can invite their parents to the UK, but their parents will likely need to apply for a visa.
Your parents will need to apply for a Visitor Visa. They may be able to obtain permission at the border if they are a "non-visa national".
They will need to provide evidence of their relationship with you, such as a birth certificate, and evidence of their intention to visit, such as a letter of invitation. They should also be able to prove that they have reasons to leave the UK at the end of their visit, such as a letter from their employer.
Your parents can stay in the UK until their visa expires. They must not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits and must be able to pay for their return journey.
No, your parents cannot work in the UK with a Visitor Visa. They are also not allowed to make the UK their main home.
