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Family Visas

The UK allows family members to join or remain with a relative who is already in the country. These visas are typically granted to partners, children, and sometimes other close family members, allowing them to live in the UK with their family for a specific period.

 

There are several categories of family visas, depending on your relationship to the person who is already in the UK and the circumstances. Here are the main types:

A. Spouse, Partner, or Civil Partner Visa

This visa allows the spouse, partner, or civil partner of a UK citizen or settled person to join them in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Relationship Requirement: You must be married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a long-term relationship (generally at least 2 years) with a British citizen or someone with settled status (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain).
  2. Financial Requirement: Your sponsor (the person you are joining) must meet a minimum income requirement, or have sufficient savings to support you.
  3. Accommodation: You and your sponsor must have adequate accommodation for both of you without relying on public funds.
  4. English Language: You must prove your knowledge of the English language by passing an English language test or showing an English-speaking degree.

Duration:

Initially granted for 2.5 years, after which you can apply for an extension. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

B. Fiancé(e) Visa

This visa allows someone to come to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. You must intend to marry or form a civil partnership within 6 months of arrival in the UK.
  2. You and your sponsor must be able to prove your relationship is genuine.
  3. You must meet the same financial, accommodation, and English language requirements as the spouse visa.

Duration:

The fiancé(e) visa is valid for 6 months. After marriage or civil partnership, you can switch to a Spouse or Partner Visa.

C. Child Visa

A child visa allows the child of a UK citizen or settled person to join them in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. You must be the child (under 18 years old) of a UK citizen or someone with settled status.
  2. The child must be living outside the UK at the time of application.
  3. The child’s parent in the UK must meet the financial and accommodation requirements.
  4. The child must not be married or in a civil partnership.

Duration:

The visa is generally granted for 2.5 years, after which it can be extended. After 5 years of living in the UK, the child may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

D. Adult Dependent Relative Visa

This visa allows adults who are dependent on a family member in the UK to join them. It is typically used for elderly parents or relatives who require care.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. You must be the parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child of a UK citizen or someone with settled status.
  2. You must prove that you are dependent on the relative in the UK for care.
  3. The relative in the UK must meet specific income and accommodation requirements.

Duration:  

The visa is usually granted for 2.5 years. You may be eligible for ILR after 5 years if you continue to meet the requirements.

E. Parent of a Child in the UK Visa

This visa is for parents who want to join their child who is a UK citizen or has settled status.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. You must be the parent of a child who is living in the UK and is either a British citizen or has Indefinite Leave to Remain.
  2. You must show that you are financially dependent on your child and cannot provide for yourself from outside the UK.
  3. You must show that your child is under 18 years old and has lived in the UK for a certain period.

Duration:

The visa is granted for 2.5 years, and after that, you can apply for an extension. After 5 years of residence, you may be eligible to apply for ILR.

F. General Requirements for a Family Visa

Regardless of the specific type of family visa you are applying for, there are some general requirements that will apply to all family visa categories:

  1. Relationship Proof: You must provide evidence of your relationship with your sponsor (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of cohabitation).
  2. Financial Requirements: Your sponsor must meet a minimum income requirement, which varies based on the visa category. For instance, the minimum financial requirement for a spouse or partner visa is £18,600 per year, but this can be higher if you have children.
  3. English Language: Applicants for a family visa must prove their knowledge of the English language through a recognized English test or by demonstrating that they have an English-language qualification.
  4. Accommodation: You must show that you will have adequate accommodation for yourself and your family in the UK without relying on public funds.
  5. Genuine Relationship: You must prove that your relationship with the sponsor is genuine and that you intend to live together in the UK.
  6. Pay the Application Fee: The application fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The Home Office fees for family visas could be accessed here, and additional fees for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) could be found here.

Once you submit your application and documents, you’ll need to wait for a decision. Processing times can vary, but they typically take a few months.

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6 October 2025

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