UK visa for access to a minor child

Q: I am an unmarried mother, my daughter, 6 years old, is a British citizen as her father is British. My daughter was born in Australia and would like to take up a prep school in the UK next summer. What are the visa options for me to be in the UK with her?

A: There are not many visa options available which will allow you to reside with your child in the UK.

It is possible to look into the ‘Right of Access’ to a Minor Child Visa; however this application is based on the fact that the child will be residing with the father in the UK and you will have regular visitations.

This option will not allow you to undertake employment in the UK as it is similar to a visitor visa, but as an alternative, other options could be considered like finding an employer in the UK and apply for a UK Tier 2 General Permit, or a student visa which is an ideal visa for a person who wants to further his/her academic studies, whilst at the same time being able to travel and take up part-time work in the United Kingdom.