UK Family Visas

This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration policy. Confirm your visa requirements via Our UK Visa Guidance.

The UK Family Visa allows individuals to reunite with close family members who are already living legally in the United Kingdom. This includes partners, spouses, parents, children, and dependents of UK citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must prove a genuine relationship, meet the financial and English language requirements, and provide biometric data during the application process.

Understanding the correct visa category and preparing complete documentation are key to avoiding delays or refusals. Below are the main types of family visas available under the current UK Immigration Rules (October 2025).

Spouse Visa

The Spouse Visa allows married partners or those in a civil partnership to live together in the UK. To qualify, you must:

• Be legally married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person.
• Plan to live together permanently in the UK.
• Meet the financial requirement of earning at least £29,000 per year (updated threshold as of 2025) or have sufficient savings.
• Meet the English language requirement (usually CEFR level A1 or higher).

Spouse visas are typically granted for an initial 2 years and 9 months and can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years of lawful residence.

Fiancé Visa

The Fiancé Visa allows an engaged partner of a British citizen or settled person to enter the UK for the purpose of marriage. Key conditions include:

• Proof that you and your partner plan to marry within six months of arrival.
• Meeting the same financial and English language standards as the Spouse Visa route.
• Intention to settle in the UK after marriage.

Once married, applicants can switch to a Spouse Visa from within the UK.

Parent Visa

A Parent Visa allows individuals to live in the UK to care for or be near their child who is a British citizen or has settled status. To qualify, you must:

• Be the parent of a child under 18 living in the UK.
• Be solely or jointly responsible for the child’s upbringing.
• Meet the financial requirement and provide evidence of suitable accommodation.
• Demonstrate a genuine parental relationship.

The visa is normally valid for 2 years and 9 months and can be extended, eventually leading to settlement eligibility.

Child Visa

The Child Visa permits dependent children under 18 to join or remain with their parent in the UK. To qualify, the parent must be a British citizen, have indefinite leave to remain, or be applying for a partner visa. Requirements include:

• The child must be under 18 and unmarried.
• Parents must show proof of financial stability (minimum £3,800 per year per child).
• Accommodation must be adequate without reliance on public funds.

Child visas are typically issued for the same duration as the parent’s visa and can lead to indefinite leave to remain.

Application Requirements

For all family visa categories, applicants must submit:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificates).
• Evidence of financial means (bank statements, employment contracts, or savings).
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and a tuberculosis test (if applicable).

Processing Times and Validity

Processing typically takes 8–12 weeks for standard applications made outside the UK. Priority and super-priority services may be available for faster decisions. Family visas are usually valid for 2 years and 9 months and can be renewed toward ILR eligibility.

Related Guidance

• How Much Does a UK Parent Visa Cost?
• How Long Does It Take to Process a UK Family Visa?
• How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor a Family to the UK?
• UK Visa Refusals

About This Page

Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025