How to Bring My Mother or Father to the UK in 2025?
Bringing your parents to the UK is more than a legal process, it is a deeply personal decision that can improve their well-being and allow your family to stay close. Whether they need daily care, support in later life, or simply wish to reunite with their loved ones, there are a few immigration routes available, but they come with strict conditions.
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At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we understand how complex and emotionally charged this journey can be. In this guide, we explain the two main routes for bringing your parents to the UK in 2025, the requirements involved, and what to do if your circumstances fall outside standard criteria.
If your situation doesn’t meet the criteria for the Adult Dependent Relative visa or other family routes, do not worry, our legal team are here to assess your options and offer tailored advice.
Key Takeaways
The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa is the main route to bring parents to the UK but has very strict eligibility criteria.
You must prove that your parent needs long-term personal care that is unavailable or unaffordable in their home country.
Sponsors must be financially independent, able to provide care and accommodation without relying on public funds for at least 5 years.
The visa fee is £3,250 for overseas applications, with an additional £1,035 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge—totalling £5,175 over five years.
Most ADR applications are refused because the Home Office believes care is accessible in the parent’s home country. Strong evidence is essential.
Alternative options include the Multi-Entry Family Visitor Visa, Family Visa (as a parent), EU Settlement Scheme, or the BNO visa (where applicable).
Legal advice is strongly recommended to avoid common pitfalls, boost your chances of success, and explore other immigration routes where the ADR visa is not suitable
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What are the Requirements for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa in 2025?
Getting a UK Visa for Parents of British Citizens or eligible individuals in 2025 falls under the Adult Dependent Relative Visa. Applying under this route requires your parents to prove that you, as their sponsor, are financially stable enough to support and accommodate them in the UK.
In order to acquire an Adult Dependent Relative visa for an elderly loved one, there are a number of criteria that must be satisfied, and they are as follows:
- A sponsor must be a British or Irish citizen or have lived in the UK for at least five years.
- The elderly parent who has moved to the UK must be able to show that they require long-term care for basic activities and that it is not feasible or affordable in their native country.
- There is adequate housing and financial backing to accommodate the individual coming to the United Kingdom without public assistance.
Dr. Bernard Andonian explains, “The Adult Dependent Relative visa route is particularly stringent, reflecting the UK’s cautious approach to immigration in this category. The requirements ensure that only those who genuinely need care and support, which cannot be provided in their home country, are granted entry.”
What Documents Do You Need to Bring Parents to the UK?
If you’re applying for an Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa to bring your parent(s) to the UK, you’ll need to provide strong evidence to show they genuinely need long-term care and that you can support them. Below is a breakdown of the key documents required.
A valid passport or travel ID
Proof of your parent’s nationality and date of birth
Evidence of your relationship (e.g. birth certificate)
Proof that you (the sponsor) have:
British or Irish citizenship
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
EU pre-settled or settled status
Refugee status or humanitarian protection
Medical Evidence
To support an Adult Dependent Relative visa application, you must provide clear and detailed medical evidence. This should include a letter from a qualified doctor or care provider confirming that your parent requires long-term personal care with daily tasks such as dressing, cooking, or washing. You will also need to demonstrate that appropriate care is either unavailable or unaffordable in your parent’s home country. If your parent has a mental health condition that significantly limits their independence—such as Alzheimer’s or schizophrenia—relevant medical documentation should also be submitted to support this.
Financial and Accommodation Proof
You must also prove that you can support your parent fully without relying on public funds. This includes providing at least six months’ worth of bank statements and recent payslips or self-employment records like SA302 forms. Additionally, you will need to show that you have suitable housing ready for your parent by including a rental agreement or proof of property ownership. A written explanation should also be included, outlining how you plan to care for your parent once they arrive in the UK, covering both living arrangements and how their ongoing care needs will be met.
Showing Your Parents Require Long-Term Care
To qualify for an Adult Dependent Relative visa, your parent must demonstrate that they are unable to carry out daily activities on their own due to illness, disability, or age-related conditions. The Home Office requires solid medical evidence confirming that your parent needs help with essential tasks such as eating, dressing, or moving around. It must also be shown that this level of support is not available or affordable in their home country and that no one else—such as relatives or local carers—can reasonably provide this care. The evidence should make it clear that without your direct support in the UK, your parent would experience significant hardship.
Showing How You Can Support and House Them for at Least 5 Years
In addition to proving your parent’s need for care, you must also show that you are able to support them fully in the UK for at least five years without needing public funds. This means providing evidence that you have sufficient income or savings, along with suitable accommodation that is ready for your parent to move into. You should also explain how you plan to meet their ongoing health and care needs once they arrive. This ensures that your parent will not become a financial burden on the UK system or on you as their sponsor.
Proving Care Is Unavailable or Unaffordable in Their Home Country
One of the most challenging aspects of this application is showing that appropriate care is either unavailable or unaffordable in your parent’s home country. Many applications are refused because the Home Office believes that care can be accessed locally. To overcome this, you must provide strong evidence that there are no suitable care providers nearby, that the cost of care is beyond your family’s means, or that the quality of care is not safe or adequate. This part of the application often requires careful documentation and legal support to build a convincing case.
If care is accessible or affordable where your parent lives, the Home Office is likely to reject the visa. That’s why it’s crucial to get legal advice before applying.
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What are the Financial Requirements for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa for 2025?
The UK government is keen to ensure that people do not struggle to survive once they relocate. This is because such a thing is likely to overburden their relatives as well as the UK government. As a result, most applications are denied on the grounds of a lack of sufficient financial backing. Therefore, the government has set a minimum amount of money that one should have to bring their parent to live in the UK. As the amount changes often, please call our immigration team for the most up-to-date number.
Hence, when an application is made to bring your parents to the country, your financial stability must be proved. You must have sufficient money to fund your lifestyle with your parents added burden.
Financial Evidence Examples
The UK sponsor must demonstrate they can support their parent(s) without relying on public funds. Acceptable financial evidence includes:
- Bank Statements: At least six months of bank statements showing a stable financial position.
- Payslips: Proof of employment with a stable income.
- Tax Returns (Self-Assessment SA302): Required for self-employed sponsors to show annual earnings.
- Property Ownership or Rental Agreement: Proof of adequate accommodation for the parent.
- Savings and Investments: Large cash savings or investments can strengthen the application.
The Home Office will scrutinise financial documents, so it is essential to provide clear and consistent evidence. If the applicant cannot prove they can support their parent for at least five years, the visa is likely to be refused.
How Much Does an Adult Dependant Relative Visa Cost?
The cost to apply for an Adult Dependant Relative visa varies depending on where the application is made and the status of the sponsor:
Standard Application (Outside the UK): The fee for applicants applying from outside the UK is £3,250. This fee must be paid at the time of application and covers the processing of the visa application by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Reduced Fee for Protected Status Sponsors: If the sponsor has protected status in the UK (such as refugee status or humanitarian protection), the fee is significantly reduced to £404 for applications made outside the UK. This lower fee is designed to make it easier for those with protected status to bring their dependent relatives to the UK.
For applicants applying from within the UK, the standard fee is £1,258. This payment must be made at the time of application and covers the processing of your visa application by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Applying from within the UK may offer certain procedural advantages, such as shorter processing times and access to services for premium or priority processing, depending on eligibility and specific application requirements. However, it’s important to ensure that all supporting documents and information are complete to avoid delays in your application processing.
How Much Is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a mandatory fee for most visa applicants looking to stay in the UK for longer than six months. It ensures that visa holders can access the National Health Service (NHS) similarly to UK residents. Here are the specifics for this visa category:
Annual Cost: The IHS is priced at £1,035 per year for each year the visa is valid. This surcharge allows the visa holder to use the NHS for medical treatment without significant additional costs for most services.
Total Cost for the Visa Duration: For an Adult Dependant Relative visa, which is typically granted for five years, the total IHS would be £1,035 x 5 = £5,175. This amount must be paid upfront along with the visa application fee.
Are there Any Additional Costs to Bring Your Parents to the UK?
Legal Advice and Representation: Many applicants choose to hire expert immigration lawyers like ours to navigate the complex requirements and to increase the likelihood of a successful application.
Do My Parents Need to Meet the English Language Requirement?
If you are applying for an Adult Dependent Relative visa, there’s no need to submit proof that you can speak English at the initial stages. However, this will be needed when applying for settlement under these routes unless exempt.
One of the prerequisite conditions for settling in the UK is that the applicant must have English language proficiency. This condition is for all applicants who are above 18 years old. Nonetheless, some exceptions could spare your parents from this primary requirement. For example, your parents can be exempted if:
1. The applicant/s is 65 years old and above
2. They have a health condition that deters their ability to learn English. Such a claim must have confirmation from a certified medical practitioner.
3. They come from exempt countries such as Guyana, The Bahamas, Antiqua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, New Zealand and other English-speaking countries.
4. Also, if your parents are refugees, they may be exempted from this requirement.
What Happens if an Adult Dependent Relative Visa Application is Refused?
Given the strict criteria for eligibility under the Adult Dependent Relative visa, the Home Office will refuse you unless you can show how each requirement has been satisfied.
An applicant for an Adult Dependent Relative visa will be informed if their application is denied, and the refusal letter will state if they have a right of appeal. If not, they may still apply for an immigration administrative review (AR), which means that there will be an assessment by the courts to see if an error was made by the Home Office during processing.
If you are refused an Adult Dependent Relative visa, it may be possible to appeal if the application was initially based on your right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Read: How to Appeal an Adult Dependent Relative Visa Refusal
There are a variety of reasons why an Adult Dependent Relative visa might be refused, including:
- The Home Office feels that the applicant can receive the care they require in their own country.
- There is no evidence that the candidate has long-term care requirements.
- If the person who would give care in the United Kingdom does not have enough housing or funds.
What Is the Duration of an Adult Dependant Relative visa?
The Adult Dependant Visa generally permits you to stay in the UK indefinitely if your family member is a UK citizen or holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. However, if your family member does not have a permanent settlement, your stay will be limited to the duration of their settlement status.
Case Study: Helping Mr Patel Bring His Elderly Mother to the UK
Background:
Mr Patel, a British citizen living in London, wanted to bring his 81-year-old mother from India to live with him permanently.
She had developed mobility issues following a stroke and could no longer carry out daily tasks such as cooking, washing, or moving around independently. Although she had access to healthcare in India, the quality and consistency of care were poor, and her condition was worsening.
Challenge:
Mr Patel’s initial application for the Adult Dependent Relative visa was refused. The Home Office claimed that his mother could access care in India and that he hadn’t provided enough evidence to prove it was unaffordable or inadequate. He approached Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors for support with a second application.
Our Approach:
We carried out a full review of the refusal and helped Mr Patel gather stronger supporting documents, including:
A detailed medical report from her neurologist outlining her care needs
Cost breakdowns of in-home care in her region of India
Letters from multiple care providers stating long waiting lists and poor availability
A financial statement showing Mr Patel’s ability to support her privately in the UK
Evidence of appropriate housing in London and community support services
We also drafted a detailed legal representation letter explaining how the original decision failed to properly apply the guidance relating to family life under Article 8 of the ECHR.
Outcome:
The second application was approved within 14 weeks. Mr Patel’s mother was granted entry clearance under the Adult Dependent Relative route. She now lives in the UK, has access to high-quality care, and is reunited with her family after years of separation.
Other Ways to Bring Elderly Parents to the UK
- The UK long-term visit visa
- Applying for a Multi-entry family visitor visa
- Applying for a Family visa – (as a parent)
- If you have settled status, you can apply as a family member under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- British Nationals (Overseas) visa – The BNO route
- Or as an applicant under Refugee/asylum law
Applying for the Multi-Entry Family Visitor Visa
The alternative to an Adult Dependent Relative visa is a Long-Term Visit Visa, also called the Multi-Entry Visitor Visa can ensure UK immigration family reunion. Under this visa route, your parents can stay in the UK for up to 6 months on each visit, but you must prove that they need multiple visits over long periods (2–10 years).
If your elderly parents are well enough not to spend more than six months out of every twelve in the United Kingdom due to health concerns or other reasons, this type may be best suited for them and yourself as their caregiver/sponsor.
However, this might not always work if they are too ill because it limits how often they can return home without running into issues with immigration officials demanding documentation proving their ties at home when wishing entry back into England. For further clarity, do not hesitate to contact us to speak with our immigration lawyers in London.
More Alternative Visa Routes to Bring Your Parents to the UK
The UK visa for elderly parents isa is one of the most complex visas to acquire. This is because one must sufficiently prove that they can support their parents. Also, even if one can support them, the Home Office can deny you the chance to bring your parents to the country. They can argue that you can still care for them in another country.
As you have realized, you must be careful about how you present your case. With this particular visa route, there is a huge chance of being denied the opportunity to bring your parents to the country. This is where the expertise of a top UK immigration law firm can be of great help, and we will help you find an alternative solution depending on your family’s case and situation.
We will be able to discuss your case with you in detail and find the best way to present it to the Home Office, and also discuss a wide selection of alternative options that you can consider so you are successful in bringing your parents to the UK.
Need Help Bringing Your Parents to the UK?
Are you looking to bring your parents over to the UK so you can look after because they are either old, sick or need help and assistance in their lives?
Well, the great thing is that even though this is hard it is possible, and we can help you achieve it. At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we can help make the process as smooth as possible for you and your loved ones. Our team of solicitors offers bringing parents to Uk legal advice and formulate a plan that accommodates your particular situation.
For more info on the process, read this article. Or, to speak with a UK Immigration expert, contact us.
FAQs
Yes, you can bring your parents to the UK permanently if they meet certain criteria. They must apply for “Adult Dependent Relative (ADR)”. To make an application for this visa route, you must prove they are your parents, show that they require long-term care due to age, illness, or disability and also show that such care is not available or affordable in their home country. You will also need to act as their sponsor and show that you can support and accommodate them without recourse to public funds. It’s a challenging process, and success is not guaranteed. Consulting with a legal professional is advised.
The ‘Adult Dependent Relative’ visa category is to allow relatives, such as parents or grandparents, of British citizens or settled persons in the UK to join them to live in the UK. This visa category is designed for those individuals who need long-term care due to age, illness, or disability and can not provide this care for themselves in their home country. The ADR route is the primary route to use when thinking about bringing a family member, such as a parent, to the UK in order for them to be able to receive the necessary care and support they need.
- Be a parent or grandparent of a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK (of 18 years or over)
- Demonstrate that they require long-term care for daily living, such as washing, cooking, or dressing, due to age, illness, or disability
- Show with as much evidence as possible that the care they require is unavailable in their home country or that they can not afford to look after themselves there.
- Show that their British citizen or settled family member can provide adequate care and financial support without accessing public funds
The process for applying for an ‘Adult Dependent Relative visa is as follows:
- Your relative and yourself must gather all necessary documentation to demonstrate eligibility, including proof of the relationship to the British citizen or settled person, medical documentation outlining the need for long-term care, and evidence of financial support.
- Complete the online application form on the UK government website.
- Pay the fee for the visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if it is required
- Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
- Apply for the visa along with as much evidence in the form of supporting documents as possible to the relevant British embassy or high commission in the home country of the applicant
- Await a decision from the UK Home Office, which can take several months.
While adult-dependent relatives are allowed to live in the UK, they are not permitted to work or study. The primary purpose of this visa category is to enable the applicant to receive long-term care from their British citizen or settled family member. Therefore, the visa holder is not allowed to engage in employment or enrol in academic courses during their stay in the UK.
Yes, adult-dependent relatives can apply for an extension or ILR in the UK. To extend their visa, they must continue meeting the eligibility criteria and submit a new application before their visa expires. For ILR, the applicant must have lived in the UK continuously for a period of five years under the ‘Adult Dependent Relative’ visa category, continue to meet the eligibility criteria, and pass the Life in the UK test as well as meet the English language requirements.
If your ADR application has been refused, you will receive a letter that will tell you exactly why and what your options are to challenge the decision. It is essential to carefully review these reasons to understand the grounds on which your application was rejected.
If you believe the refusal is based on incorrect information or a misunderstanding, normally, you can apply for an appeal or review of the decision. This must be requested within 28 days of receiving the refusal decision, and you will need to provide any relevant supporting documentation to address the issues raised in the refusal letter.
Most of the time, one may need to submit a fresh application, addressing the concerns raised in the refusal letter and providing any additional evidence required to strengthen your application. Keep in mind that a new application will require payment of the visa application fee again.
Please note that the ‘Adult Dependent Relative’ visa category can be tough to challenge the decision through an appeal. Submitting a new application is, in most cases, the primary option available to applicants who have been refused.
At Gulbenkian Andonian, we pride ourselves on “Excellence, Experience and Efficiency”. With over 35 years of experience on your side, our team of London based lawyers and solicitors have a wealth of experience advising individuals, families and businesses of all sizes to find clarity on UK law. Call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below. We usually reply within a few hours. Neither Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors ltd, nor their employees, agents, consultants or assignees, accept any liability based on the contents of written articles which are meant for guidance only and not as legal advice. We advise all readers to take professional advice before acting. If you would like to consult with a professional lawyer or solicitor to discuss your case, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. This site is protected by Wordfence and operates under a robust SSL to ensure your security, safety and privacy. Our site uses reCAPTCHA and is protected by the Google privacy policy and terms of service. Ask our Expert Legal Team
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Dr Bernard Andonian is the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors and a leading authority in UK immigration, human rights, family and civil litigation law. With over 40 years of experience, he brings a wealth of legal knowledge and courtroom expertise. A former Judge and a recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London, Dr Andonian has served on the Law Society’s Immigration Law Panel, where he played a key role in shaping national legal standards. His name is featured in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, recognising his consistent excellence and influence in the field. Known for his practical approach and deep understanding of immigration law, he is frequently consulted for commentary on policy changes and legal reform.