US Military posted in UK, want to bring parents to join me

[Mystryda]

I'm a US citizen and an active duty military officer (USAF). It's likely that I'll be posted in the UK at an RAF base next summer ('17) for a three year assignment. As an active duty military member posted in the UK, I would be there under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

My mother (66 y/o, US citizen, retired) has just been diagnosed with ASL (Lou Gehrig's disease), and she will soon require more help than my father (65 y/o, US citizen, soon to be retired) can give her, and we're planning on having them move in with us next month. There's a 50 percent change that she'll be gone (dead) in 3 years, 80 percent that she'll be gone in 5 years.

I would like for my mother and father to come stay with me so that my wife and I can help take care of her. They would only be in the UK while with us (three years), with no intention or interest in remaining afterwards.

I'm having a hard time figuring out where to start, though, when looking at this page:
https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/eligibility
--Looking at the eligibility requirements, as military member in the UK under SOFA, would I be "settled in the UK?"
--Is "adult coming to be care for" the only way that my mother could enter the UK?
--What would my father apply as?

For those familiar with the DoD, I'm aware of the possibility of trying to get my parents classed as "secondary dependents." I'm looking into that, as well, though I'm not sure that they'll meet the requirements, especially while my father is still working.

Thanks.

[CR001]

I'm having a hard time figuring out where to start, though, when looking at this page:
https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/eligibility
--Looking at the eligibility requirements, as military member in the UK under SOFA, would I be "settled in the UK?"
--Is "adult coming to be care for" the only way that my mother could enter the UK?
--What would my father apply as?

This is not relevant to you as you are not 'settled', i.e. holding permanent residence or British.

[noajthan]

Does this help get you started?
http://www.stripes.com/news/british-vis ... s-1.381265

[Mystryda]

I'm having a hard time figuring out where to start, though, when looking at this page:
https://www.gov.uk/join-family-in-uk/eligibility
--Looking at the eligibility requirements, as military member in the UK under SOFA, would I be "settled in the UK?"
--Is "adult coming to be care for" the only way that my mother could enter the UK?
--What would my father apply as?

This is not relevant to you as you are not 'settled', i.e. holding permanent residence or British.

If not "settled," would I fall into a different category?

[Mystryda]

Does this help get you started?
http://www.stripes.com/news/british-vis ... s-1.381265

It would if my parents were my legal dependents according to the DoD, like my wife and daughters are, but otherwise no. (This would apply if I were successful in getting my parents categorized as "secondary dependents.")

[strontiumdog74]

Have you spoken to your chain of command about this? Is there a unit welfare department? Maybe they can advise and help

[secret.simon]

It is unfortunately practically impossible for a person living in the UK to get their parents to reside in the UK, except if the person is an EEA citizen. An EEA citizen's parent can join them by demonstrating financial or emotional dependency on them. That does not apply to British citizens or people settled in the UK, who must meet higher standards.

You would not be classified as a person settled in the UK, which requires the person to hold ILR or PR status in the UK.

I agree with strontiumdog that you may be better off getting the appropriate designation via the US DoD.

[vinny]

It may be possible, if they treat your parents as your dependants, etc.

(iii) a serving armed forces member who is exempt from immigration control under section 8(4)(b) or (c) of the Immigration Act 1971 or a civilian employed to work in the UK by a NATO force or the Australian Department of Defence and the applicant:
(aa) is a dependant other than a partner within the meaning of section 12(4)(b) of the Visiting Forces Act 1952 or Article I(c) of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement; and
(bb) is listed as a dependant of the sponsor on the sponsor’s military movement orders or equivalent civilian posting letter;

Adequate maintenance and accommodation is also required.

Good luck!