The Ultimate Guide to UK Family Visas

Here is everything you need to know about the UK family visa. This type of visa allows eligible foreign nationals to join their family in the UK for an extended period of 6 months or longer. Members of the family that can be brought over under this visa include spouses, partners, children, parents, and relatives who need long-term care. It is important to note that if you wish to come to the UK for a period of up to 6 months, you should consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa.

There are specific requirements that both the UK-based family member (sponsor) and the family member coming to the UK must meet. These vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. It is important to understand these requirements thoroughly before starting the application process. Possible UK family visas include the UK partner and spouse visa, the fiance visa, the child dependant visa, and more.

If you are considering applying for a UK family visa, make sure to consult a family immigration solicitor for a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility and to learn everything you need to know about the application process, such as required documents, processing time, and fees.

UK Family Visa Requirements

There are specific requirements for both the sponsor and the family member applying for a UK family visa. The sponsor must hold a valid UK visa that allows dependants to join, be a UK or Irish national, have settled status in the UK, be a refugee or have humanitarian protection in the UK, among other criteria. Meanwhile, the family member applying must be a spouse or partner, fiancé, child, parent, or relative who requires long-term care, and must be financially self-sufficient, have a good command of English, and have no criminal record.

UK Spouse Visa / Partner Visa

The UK spouse/partner visa allows an eligible individual to join their partner in the UK for an initial period of 2 years and 9 months, which can be extended for a further 2 years and 6 months. Applicants must be in a civil partnership or marriage with their UK-based partner, and have been living together for at least 2 years. They must also meet minimum income requirements and demonstrate English language proficiency.

Fiance Visa

The fiance visa allows a fiance, fiancee, or proposed civil partner of an eligible person based in the UK to come to the UK for up to 6 months to get married or enter into a civil partnership. Once the marriage or civil partnership is formalized, the applicant can apply for a full UK partner and spouse visa.

Parent Visa

Parent visas under the UK family visa scheme enable parents to join and care for their children in the UK. To qualify, a child must be under the age of 18, be a British or Irish national, have settled status in the UK, have pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, or have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously.

Child Visa

Child visas under the family visa scheme allow children to join their parents in the UK. Requirements depend on whether the child was born in the UK or not. Child visas can be extended and can be used to gain settlement.

Adult Dependant Relative Visa

The adult dependant relative visa enables overseas relatives to come to the UK to receive long-term care from a family member permanently living in the UK. There are specific requirements that applicants must meet in order to be eligible for this visa.

PBS Dependant Visa

PBS dependant visas allow the partners and children of individuals with an eligible visa to come to the UK. Eligible dependants can include married partners, children, and more.

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Bringing your family to the UK through family visas involves several specific requirements and criteria for different types of family visas. By thoroughly understanding the essential details and consulting immigration experts, you can successfully bring your family to the UK and enjoy your time together.