Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to review the criteria for expediting parent family visa applications to take account of applicants facing loss of (a) employment and (b) income as a result of the time taken to process applications.

The Home Office keeps all aspects of the immigration system under regular review, including service standards for processing in-country parent family visa applications.

Applicants are provided with information on current processing times for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) FP applications via GOV.UK. The published guidance advises that the current average processing time for applications made on the basis of private life is approximately 12 months. (Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Apply on the basis of your private life - GOV.UK)

These complex applications require a detailed consideration of an applicant’s family circumstances. Decision makers may need to assess compelling compassionate circumstances outside of the Immigration Rules. The Home Office exercises its duty under s.55 Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 when considering applications and expedite requests to ensure that any child’s best interest is considered.

There are no immediate plans to review the criteria for expediting applications.