Non-EU Father of British Child -

I have been approached by Jo, a Gambian national for advice on how he can remain in the UK and be involved in the upbringing of his son.

Whilst on a Student VISA Jo fathered a son to a UK mother. Given the circumstances, he applied for a Fiancee Visa. However, he is experiencing relationship problems and is having second thoughts.

As above he would like to stay in this country to be involved with the upbringing of his son and further, to make a financial contribution by gaining employment over and above any entitlement to work on a student visa. Is it possible for him to do this and what sort of visa application can/should he make.

Note, he is named on the birth certificate and therefore has parental responsibility - unless there is some rule regarding non-UK citizens that I am not aware of.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... schapter7/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/polic ... les/part7/

Above are links to the relevent rules and ceseworker's instructions relating to applications from parents applying for leave to exercise rights of access to a child resident in the United Kingdom.