I created this thread to assist applicants for “leave to remain” on the PARENT ROUTE. I have towed this route in the past and have a wealth of experience to share, if you have any enquiries or advice please feel free to share here.

You can apply to live in the UK to care for your child.

Eligibility

If you’re eligible to apply as a partner, you must do that instead of applying as a parent.
Your child must either:

* be under 18 on the date you apply
* have been under 18 when you were first granted leave and not live an independent life
* Your child is living an independent life if, for example, they’ve left home, got married and had children.

Your child must be living in the UK. One of the following must also be true:

*they’re a British citizen
*they’ve settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
*if you’re applying in the UK, they’ve lived in the UK for 7 years continuously and it would not be reasonable for them to leave

Parental responsibility
You need to have sole or shared parental responsibility for your child.

If you share parental responsibility, the child’s other parent must:

*not be your partner
*be either a British citizen or settled in the UK
If the child lives with their other parent or carer, you must have access to the child in person, as agreed with the other parent or carer or by a court order.

What you’ll need to prove
*You must be able to prove that you’re taking an active role in your child’s upbringing and you plan to continue after you apply. For example you could provide letters from your child’s:

*school confirming you take them to school or go to parent evenings
*dentist confirming you take them to appointments
other parent confirming how much contact you have with your child (you’ll need to include proof of their identity, such as their passport)

You must also prove you:
*have a good knowledge of English
*can financially support yourself without claiming public funds
*If your child or any other dependants live with you, you must also prove you can financially support them without claiming public funds.

If you do not meet these requirements you can still extend your permission to stay if:
*your child in the UK is a British citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years
*it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK