Family Visa
UK Family Visa Overview
The UK family visa is designed to help individuals join family members living in the UK who are British citizens, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or specific eligible visas. It enables families to reunite and reside together while adhering to the UK’s immigration rules.
Types of Family Visa Routes
Spouse or Partner Visa
For individuals married to or in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or a settled person.Requirements include proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship, cohabitation, and intent to live together permanently
Fiance or Proposed Civil Partner Visa
For those intending to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within six months.Applicants cannot work during this period but must provide evidence of plans to marry within the allowed timeframe.
Child Visa
For dependent children of UK residents or settled individuals.The child must be under 18 at the time of application (unless they are already in the UK and applying for an extension), unmarried, and financially supported by the sponsor.
Parent Visa
For parents of children who are British citizens, settled in the UK, or hold refugee or humanitarian protection status. The child must be under 18, and the parent must demonstrate sole or primary responsibility for the child’s upbringing.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
For elderly or severely disabled relatives who require long-term care that cannot be provided in their home country. The UK sponsor must show the ability to provide adequate financial and medical support without recourse to public funds.
Eligibility Requirements
Relationship Requirements
Applicants must prove their relationship is genuine through marriage certificates, evidence of cohabitation, photographs, or communication records. For fiance and partner routes, cohabitation proof spanning at least two years is typically required.
Financial Requirements
Sponsors must meet a minimum income threshold:
£18,600 annually for a single applicant. Additional £3,800 for the first dependent child and £2,400 for each subsequent child. Income from employment, savings, or other eligible sources can be used to meet these requirements.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants (aged 18 or older) must demonstrate knowledge of English through an approved test or academic qualification taught in English.Exemptions may apply for nationals of English-speaking countries or individuals over 65.
Immigration Status
The family member in the UK must be a British citizen, have settled status, or hold refugee/humanitarian
Application Process
Online Application Submission
Applicants must complete the form relevant to their visa type and upload required documents, including identification, financial proofs, and relationship evidence.
Biometric Appointment
Attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and photographs.
Supporting Documents
Provide extensive documentation, such as proof of relationship, financial documents, and English language test results.
Interviews
Some applicants may be required to attend interviews to confirm details of their relationship and circumstances.
Processing Times
Standard processing time: 8-12 weeks for overseas applications. Priority and super-priority services may expedite the process.
Key Points to Note
Duration of Visa: Most family visas are granted for an initial 2.5 years, with options to extend for another 2.5 years.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After five years on a family visa, applicants may apply for ILR if all conditions are met.
Citizenship: ILR holders may become eligible for British citizenship after one year.
Costs and Additional Fees
Visa Fees
Vary based on visa type and application location (within or outside the UK).
Example: £1,538 for a spouse visa applied from outside the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
£624 annually per applicant (reduced for children and certain applicants).
Additional Costs
English language tests, translation of documents, and expedited services.
Challenges and Conditions
Applications may be refused for insufficient evidence, financial shortfalls, or misrepresentation.
Failure to meet visa conditions could lead to deportation or bans from re-entry.
It is essential to apply well before current visas expire to maintain lawful residency.
