Best visa for family support?

[A3guy]

Hi All,

I am a bit lost so looking for pointers in the right direction.

We have an autistic son 7yo and really could do with support from our family. Unfortunately my son is only attached to me and the wife, but he is also attached to my sister in law who we can trust with him. She is in Pakistan and we are exploring options where she can visit my son as school dates prevent us from visiting her.

What options do we have (in terms of best visa options)? My wife is already on medication due to the stress. At this rate we would even consider a visit visa for her.

Thank you in advance!

[Casa]

I sympathise with your situation. A visitor visa may be your only option. However, you will need to consider that visitors are unable to provide even unpaid childcare, as this is considered to be working and isn't permitted.
There will also be an issue with the length of time your sister in law could spend in the UK, as frequent and successive visits will be considered as an attempt to reside here. Visitors aren't able to spend more time in the UK in a 12 month rolling period, than they are spending in their home country.

Alternatively, have you sought additional needs help for your son from the local authorities, including schools designated for Special Education Needs (SEN support) ?

[A3guy]

Thank you Casa, yes I understand the rule around providing any unpaid work and hence was wary of the visitor visa.

I think we are not concerned with the rolling 12 month residing issues as it would genuinely be a visit (they have children of their own).

I have heard of visa for healthcare if the person is the only one that can support the person in need. This being my wife or my son, im just not sure how viable or what process this requires. This would be a more honest approach if possible.

ETA: we have him enrolled in a SEN school but other than that we have had little support. We have been let down quite a bit already but are continuing to engage with the services.

[CR001]

A person needs a sponsoring employer to get a health care visa and have to work for the employer. It is not a visa you can do on your own for someone to support your family.

There is no visa available for what you wish to do.