Family visas in the United Kingdom allow family members of UK citizens or permanent residents to come and live in the UK. There are different types of family visas available, depending on the circumstances of the family member and the UK citizen or permanent resident.
Spouse Visa: The Spouse Visa allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a UK citizen or permanent resident to live and work in the UK. To qualify, the couple must be in a genuine relationship and have met the financial requirements.
Fiancé(e) Visa: The Fiancé(e) Visa allows the fiancé(e) of a UK citizen or permanent resident to enter the UK for up to six months to get married or enter into a civil partnership. After the marriage or civil partnership, the spouse can apply for a Spouse Visa.
Unmarried Partner Visa: The Unmarried Partner Visa allows the unmarried partner of a UK citizen or permanent resident to live and work in the UK. To qualify, the couple must have lived together for at least two years and provide evidence of their relationship.
Parent Visa: The Parent Visa allows parents of UK citizens or permanent residents to come and live in the UK. To qualify, the parent must be financially dependent on the child and not have any other close family members in their home country who can provide financial support.
Child Visa: The Child Visa allows the child of a UK citizen or permanent resident to come and live in the UK. To qualify, the child must be under the age of 18 and financially dependent on the UK citizen or permanent resident.
Dependent Relative Visa: The Dependent Relative Visa allows dependent relatives of UK citizens or permanent residents to come and live in the UK. To qualify, the relative must be financially dependent on the UK citizen or permanent resident and not have any other close family members in their home country who can provide financial support.
In all cases, the applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements, including passing an English language test, meeting financial requirements, and providing the necessary documentation. The application process can take several months and may require an interview at a UK embassy or consulate. It is advisable to seek the help of an immigration lawyer or advisor to ensure that the application is completed correctly and all necessary documentation is provided.
Who Can Move to The UK to Join Family? Who Does Not Need a Family Visa to Move to The UK?
Individuals who are related to a British citizen or settled person in the UK can apply for a family visa to join them. This includes spouses or partners, children, parents, and other dependent relatives.
However, certain family members may not need a family visa to move to the UK. For example, EU citizens and their family members can currently move to the UK without a visa under the EU Settlement Scheme. Additionally, some Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, as well as those with British nationality, may be eligible to move to the UK without a visa. It is important to check the specific requirements for each situation.
Who Needs a Family Visa to Join Family in The UK?
Generally, individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the UK will need a family visa to join family members who are living in the UK. Specifically, the following individuals may be eligible for a family visa:
- Spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners of British citizens or settled persons in the UK
- Children under the age of 18 of British citizens or settled persons in the UK
- Adult dependent relatives of British citizens or settled persons in the UK, including parents, grandparents, and siblings
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements and application process for family visas can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual and their family member in the UK.
Spouse or Partner Family Visa in The UK
Who Can Apply?
A spouse or partner family visa in the UK is for individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a UK resident or British citizen. To be eligible for this visa, you must be able to prove that:
- You are in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner, which means you are not in a relationship solely for the purpose of obtaining a visa.
- You intend to live with your partner in the UK.
- You and your partner must be 18 years or older.
- You meet the financial requirement, which means your partner must earn at least £18,600 per year or have enough savings to support both of you.
- You meet the English language requirement, which means you must be able to speak, read, and write in English to a certain level.
It’s important to note that the financial and English language requirements may differ depending on your individual circumstances, such as if you have children or if you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
Visa Length
The length of a spouse or partner family visa in the UK depends on the applicant’s situation. Initially, a spouse or partner visa is granted for a period of 33 months, after which the applicant can apply to extend the visa for a further 30 months. After five years in the UK on a spouse or partner visa, the applicant may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which would allow them to stay in the UK without any time restrictions.
Visa Entitlements
The spouse or partner family visa in the UK allows the holder to stay in the UK for an initial period of 30 months (2.5 years) and can be extended for another 30 months if the relationship with the sponsor continues. After five years in the UK, the spouse or partner family visa holder may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK.
During the period of stay, the holder is entitled to work and study in the UK without any restrictions. They are also entitled to use the National Health Service (NHS) for free, although they may need to pay for certain treatments. The holder is also entitled to apply for public funds such as housing benefit, child tax credit, and income support, subject to certain conditions.
How to Apply
To apply for a Spouse or Partner Family Visa in the UK, the applicant must follow these steps:
- Check eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the visa category. You can find the full list of requirements on the UK government website.
- Gather documents: Gather all the necessary documents to support your application. This may include proof of relationship, financial support, accommodation, and English language proficiency.
- Complete application form: Complete the online application form on the UK government website. You will need to create an account and provide biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph.
- Pay fees: Pay the application fee and any additional fees for services such as priority processing or courier delivery.
- Book appointment: Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to submit your biometric information and supporting documents. You may also need to attend an interview at the discretion of the UK embassy.
- Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, wait for a decision on your visa. The processing time may vary depending on the country you are applying from.
If your visa is approved, you will receive a vignette in your passport allowing you to enter the UK for a specified period. You must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Visa Costs
The cost of a Spouse or Partner Family Visa in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as the applicant’s country of residence and the length of the visa. As of April 2021, the standard visa application fee for a Spouse or Partner Family Visa is £1,523 for applications made outside the UK and £1,033 for applications made within the UK.
In addition to the application fee, applicants may also need to pay for other services, such as priority processing or biometric appointments. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and applicants should always check the UK government website for the most up-to-date information on visa costs.
Child Family Visa in The UK
Who Can Apply?
A Child Family Visa is for those who are under 18 years old and want to come to the UK to live with a parent or legal guardian who is either a British citizen, settled in the UK, or is granted asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK. Children who have already lived in the UK for 7 years or more may also be eligible to apply for this visa. Additionally, children who are born in the UK while their parents are on certain types of visas may also be eligible to apply.
Visa Length
The length of a Child Family Visa in the UK depends on the duration of the intended stay. If the child is under 18 years old and is coming to the UK to live with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), they can apply for a visa that lasts up to six months, two years, five years, or ten years. The length of the visa granted will depend on the circumstances of the applicant and the purpose of their stay.
Visa Entitlements
The Child Family Visa in the UK allows children under the age of 18 to join their parent(s) in the UK. The visa entitles the child to live, study and work in the UK for up to 2.5 years. After this time, the visa can be extended for another 2.5 years if the child still meets the eligibility requirements.
During the visa’s validity period, the child can access public funds, receive free healthcare under the National Health Service (NHS), and attend school. They are also allowed to travel in and out of the UK as many times as they wish. However, they cannot apply for British citizenship until they have lived in the UK for at least five years.
It is important to note that the child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is either already living in the UK or is applying for a visa to join them. The child’s parent or guardian must also meet the eligibility requirements and be able to financially support themselves and the child without relying on public funds.
How to Apply
To apply for a Child Family Visa in the UK, you will need to complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents. You can apply up to three months before your intended travel date, and it is recommended that you apply at least three weeks before your intended travel date.
The following steps outline the process for applying for a Child Family Visa:
- Complete the online application form: You will need to complete the online application form on the UK government website. This will require you to provide personal details, passport information, and details about your intended travel dates.
- Pay the application fee: The application fee for a Child Family Visa is currently £1,523. You will need to pay this fee as part of your application.
- Provide supporting documents: You will need to provide supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility for the visa. This may include your child’s birth certificate, evidence of your relationship with your child, and evidence of your ability to support your child during their stay in the UK.
- Attend a biometric appointment: As part of the application process, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
- Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application and supporting documents, you will need to wait for a decision on your visa. The processing time for a Child Family Visa is currently around 12 weeks, although this can vary depending on the individual circumstances of your application.
- Travel to the UK: If your visa application is successful, you will be granted entry to the UK for the duration of your visa. You must travel to the UK within the validity period of your visa, and you must comply with the conditions of your visa while you are in the UK.
Visa Costs
The visa costs for a Child Family Visa in the UK (as of April 2023) are as follows:
- The application fee for a visa from outside the UK is £1,523.
- The application fee for a visa extension from inside the UK is £993.
- The healthcare surcharge for each year of the visa is £624.
It’s important to note that visa costs can change at any time, so it’s always best to check the most up-to-date information on the UK government’s website. Additionally, there may be other fees and costs associated with the application process, such as fees for biometric enrolment, translations, and courier services.
Parent Family Visa in The UK
Who Can Apply?
Parent Family Visa in the UK is for non-EEA nationals who want to join their adult child who is either a British Citizen or has settled status in the UK. In order to apply for this visa, the applicant must be over the age of 18 and be the biological or adoptive parent of the child. The child must also meet the eligibility criteria set out by the UK government, including being able to demonstrate that they can provide adequate accommodation and financial support for their parent while they are in the UK.
It is important to note that this visa does not apply to parents of children who have a temporary visa or a student visa in the UK. In such cases, the parent may need to apply for a standard visitor visa to visit their child in the UK.
Visa Length
Parent Family Visa in the UK is for non-EEA nationals who want to join their adult child who is either a British Citizen or has settled status in the UK. In order to apply for this visa, the applicant must be over the age of 18 and be the biological or adoptive parent of the child. The child must also meet the eligibility criteria set out by the UK government, including being able to demonstrate that they can provide adequate accommodation and financial support for their parent while they are in the UK.
It is important to note that this visa does not apply to parents of children who have a temporary visa or a student visa in the UK. In such cases, the parent may need to apply for a standard visitor visa to visit their child in the UK.
Visa Entitlements
A parent family visa allows the holder to enter and remain in the UK for an initial period of up to 30 months, after which it can be extended for an additional 30 months. After a total of five years, the holder may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK, which is also known as settlement. As with other family visas, the holder is permitted to work, study and access public funds during their stay in the UK.
How to Apply
To apply for a Parent Family Visa in the UK, you must first complete an online application form on the UK government’s website. After completing the form, you will need to pay the application fee and book an appointment at a UK visa application centre to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). You will also need to provide the required supporting documents, which may include:
- Proof of your relationship with your child in the UK
- Proof that your child in the UK can support you financially without relying on public funds
- Proof that you have adequate accommodation in the UK
- Evidence that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit
It is recommended to start the application process at least three months before you plan to travel to the UK. The visa processing time can vary depending on the country you are applying from, but it usually takes around 3 weeks.
Visa Costs
The visa costs for a Parent Family Visa in the UK are as follows:
- £1,523 for applications made outside the UK
- £1,033 for applications made within the UK
There may be additional fees for healthcare surcharge, priority service, and biometric enrolment, depending on the circumstances of the application. It is recommended to check the official UK government website for up-to-date information on visa fees.
UK Family Visa For Dependent Relative Needing Long-Term Care
Who Can Apply?
The UK Family Visa for Dependent Relative needing long-term care is designed for those who have a dependent relative living in the UK and in need of long-term care. This category of visa is intended for individuals who wish to live with their dependent relatives and take care of their needs, including providing medical care and support.
To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must demonstrate that their dependent relative is a British citizen, settled person in the UK, or a person who has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. Additionally, the applicant must prove that their dependent relative is unable to perform daily tasks independently due to illness, disability or age, and that the necessary care cannot be provided in their home country.
It’s worth noting that the requirements for this visa are very strict, and the application process can be complex. Therefore, it’s important to seek professional advice to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary documentation before making an application.
Visa Length
A UK Family Visa for dependent relatives needing long-term care is initially granted for 30 months. After this period, it can be extended for another 30 months, and after a total of five years in the UK, the dependent relative may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
Visa Entitlements
If the application for a UK Family Visa for Dependent Relative Needing Long-Term Care is successful, the visa holder is allowed to stay in the UK for an initial period of up to six months. After this period, the visa holder may apply for an extension of stay.
Some of the entitlements that come with a UK Family Visa for Dependent Relative Needing Long-Term Care include:
- The right to live in the UK with the relative who is providing long-term care
- The ability to work in the UK, as long as the work is not considered as “prohibited employment”
- Access to healthcare under the National Health Service (NHS), just like any other UK resident
- The ability to apply for a permanent residency or settlement status after having lived in the UK for a certain period of time.
It is important to note that a UK Family Visa for Dependent Relative Needing Long-Term Care does not provide an automatic right to British citizenship.
How to Apply
To apply for a UK Family Visa for a dependent relative needing long-term care, the applicant will need to complete the online application form on the UK government’s official website. The application will require the applicant to provide personal information, details of the dependent relative, the relationship to the relative, and the reasons for needing to move to the UK. The applicant will also need to submit supporting documents to prove that the relative requires long-term care and that the applicant can support the relative without relying on public funds.
Once the application has been completed and the supporting documents have been gathered, the applicant will need to book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in their home country to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). The application will then be processed by the UK Visas and Immigration department.
It is important to note that the process for obtaining a UK Family Visa for a dependent relative needing long-term care can be complex and time-consuming. It is recommended that applicants seek the assistance of a qualified immigration lawyer or adviser to ensure that their application is complete and accurate.
Visa Costs
According to the UK government website, the cost of a UK Family Visa for a dependent relative needing long-term care is £3,250 for applications made outside the UK. Additionally, there is a healthcare surcharge of £624 per year. Applicants are also required to pay for any additional services they require, such as priority processing or courier services. It is important to note that visa fees are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the UK government website for the most up-to-date information.
Short-term Visits to Family Members in The UK
Short-term visits to family members in the UK typically fall under the Standard Visitor Visa category. This type of visa is for those who want to come to the UK for a short stay and can include visiting family and friends.
The Standard Visitor Visa can be granted for up to 6 months and can be used for multiple entries into the UK during that time. However, the length of stay on each visit cannot exceed 6 months.
To apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, you will need to provide various documents, including proof of your intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit, proof of your ability to support yourself during your stay, and any additional documentation related to the purpose of your visit (such as a letter of invitation from a family member).
The cost of a Standard Visitor Visa varies depending on the length of stay, with fees ranging from £95 to £822.
Joining Family Members Who Only Have a Temporary visa in the country
If you wish to join a family member who only has a temporary visa in the UK, you will need to apply for a family visa. The eligibility requirements and application process will depend on the type of temporary visa your family member has.
For example, if your family member is in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) visa, you may be eligible to apply for a dependant visa. If they are in the UK on a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you may be able to apply for a student dependant visa.
In general, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship with the family member, proof of financial support, and evidence of accommodation. You may also need to demonstrate your English language proficiency and meet certain health requirements.
It is recommended that you consult with a UK immigration lawyer or the official UK government website for specific information on the requirements and application process for joining family members who only have a temporary visa in the UK.
EU Family Permit to Join Relatives Who Have Applied to The EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, and their eligible family members, to apply for settled or pre-settled status in the UK. If you are a non-EEA family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who has applied for settled or pre-settled status, you may be able to apply for an EU Family Permit to join them in the UK.
To be eligible for an EU Family Permit, you must be a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who has applied for settled or pre-settled status in the UK. This includes spouses or civil partners, unmarried partners, children, grandchildren, and dependent parents or grandparents.
You must also be able to prove your relationship with the EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, and show that you are dependent on them or will be joining them in the UK.
The EU Family Permit is free to apply for and is usually valid for up to six months. It allows you to enter and leave the UK multiple times during that period. Once in the UK, you can apply for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Family Visas to Join Refugees or Asylum Seekers in The UK
There are specific family visas available for those who want to join their refugee or asylum seeker family members in the UK. These visas are:
- Family reunion visa for refugees: This visa allows spouses and children under the age of 18 to join their refugee family members who are already in the UK. The sponsor in the UK must have refugee status or humanitarian protection, and the family members must provide evidence of their relationship.
- Family reunion visa for asylum seekers: This visa is for the spouse or partner and children under 18 of asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. The family members must apply for the visa from outside the UK and must provide evidence of their relationship.
- Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children: Children who are under 18 and have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection can apply for their parents or grandparents to join them in the UK.
It is important to note that the application process for these visas can be complex, and there may be specific requirements and deadlines to meet. It is recommended to seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or advisor before making an application.
When Family Members Arrive in The UK
When family members arrive in the UK, they may need to show their passport, visa, and other related documents to the border control officer. They will also need to answer questions about their visit and may have their fingerprints and photograph taken. It is important to have all necessary documents and information ready for inspection to avoid any delays or issues.
Once in the UK, family members can start to settle in and make arrangements for their stay, such as finding accommodation and registering with a doctor. It is also important to keep track of any visa expiry dates and apply for extensions or changes in a timely manner if necessary.
If the family member has come to the UK on a spouse, partner or family visa, they may have certain conditions to meet to maintain their visa status, such as living with their partner or spouse, working within certain restrictions, and not claiming public funds. It is important to be aware of these conditions and comply with them to avoid any issues with visa renewals or future applications.
In The Event of Divorce or Death of a Family Member in The UK
In the event of a divorce or death of a family member in the UK, the immigration status of the non-British family member may be affected.
If a spouse or partner with a Family Visa for the UK gets a divorce, they may no longer be eligible to remain in the country on that basis. They may have to leave the UK, or apply for a different visa category if they are eligible.
If a family member who is the sponsor for a Family Visa for the UK dies, the non-British family member may be able to switch to a different visa category if they are eligible. Alternatively, they may be allowed to remain in the UK for a limited period of time, depending on their circumstances. It is important to seek advice from an immigration lawyer or the UK government’s immigration agency in these situations.
Family Visa Complaints and Appeals in The UK
If an applicant is refused a family visa, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process can be initiated by filing an appeal within 28 days of receiving the refusal notice. The appeal process can take several months, and it is advisable to seek legal representation to assist with the appeal.
In addition to the appeal process, an applicant can also make a complaint about the handling of their application or the conduct of the staff. Complaints can be made through the UK Visas and Immigration complaints procedure, which can be found on the government’s website.
It is important to note that complaints and appeals have specific procedures and deadlines, and it is advisable to seek legal advice if you are unsure about how to proceed.