United Kingdom
UK family visas
The UK family category covers the routes for joining a close family member who lives in the UK — for example a partner or spouse, a parent, a child, or another qualifying relative. What you must show depends on your relationship and on your UK-based family member’s status. This section groups the UK’s family routes and links to the official gov.uk guidance so you can confirm what applies to you.
- FAMILYPARTNER OR PARENTJOINING RELATIVEUK family visa (partner, parent & other routes)PopularAn overview of the UK family route for joining a close family member who lives in the UK, whether that relative is a partner, parent, child or another qualifying family member.View visa details
- FAMILYPARTNERSETTLED SPONSORSpouse or Partner visaFor people joining their spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner who is settled in the UK, this route lets couples live together while building towards longer-term settlement.View visa details
- FAMILYMARRIAGE PLANNEDTHEN SETTLEFiancé(e) visaFor people coming to the UK to marry their partner and then apply to stay, this route is for couples who intend to wed shortly after arriving and then settle together.View visa details
- FAMILYPARENTSJOINING CHILDParent visaFor a parent joining their child in the UK who is settled, a British citizen or has refugee status, this route helps families stay together where the child already lives here.View visa details
- FAMILYCHILDRENJOINING PARENTChild visaFor children joining a parent who is applying for or already has a UK visa, this route lets dependent children come with, or follow, their parent to live in the UK.View visa details
- FAMILYDEPENDENT RELATIVESLONG-TERM CAREAdult Dependent Relative visaFor older or dependent relatives who need long-term care from a relative in the UK, this route is for those who cannot get the everyday help they need in their own country.View visa details
UK Family Visa
The UK Family Visa is provided for the purpose of visiting family members in the United Kingdom. This visa category is for individuals who have family members who work and live in the United Kingdom and wish to join them for a period of more than six months as dependents. Dependents may include a husband or wife (spouse), a partner, a fiancé, a fiancée, or a prospective civil partner, children, parents, or other family members.
UK Family Visa Criteria
As part of the criteria for these types of visas, you must often demonstrate that your familial ties are real. You must provide marriage/birth certificates, photographic proof, and further paperwork to do this. This may include evidence of your communication, cohabitation, or time spent together.
You may need a sponsorship letter if your entrance clearance needs a UK-based family member to serve as the visa sponsor. This section should describe how you are connected to or know the applicant, how long you have known them, and how often you see each other. It must also include proof that you are either a British citizen, a settled person, or a person with valid entrance clearance.
A family visa is required for more than six months with a family member in the United Kingdom.
Types of UK Family Visas
It is crucial to remember that there is no standard "Family Visa"; if you want to join or accompany your spouse or relative in the United Kingdom, you must pick the category that best fits your situation. These classes consist of:
Some forms of visas based on familial relationships are temporary, while others are permanent.
In addition, each kind comes under a separate visa category, which implies that each has distinct qualifying conditions.
- Spouse, unmarried partner, and civil partner
- Ancestry Visa
- Dependant adults
- Family Visit Visas
- EEA Family Permit
Additional Family Visa Information
If you are applying from the United Kingdom, you may be able to pay an additional £1,000 for the super-priority service in exchange for a quicker judgment.
You cannot utilize the super priority service if you apply as an adult relative-care recipient.
After receiving your decision letter, your biometric residency permit will come within ten business days.
How long does it take
If you apply outside the United Kingdom, you will typically get a response within 24 weeks.
Typically, if you utilize the super priority service, the following will apply:
- If your appointment is on a weekday, by the end of the next business day after submitting your biometric data.
- Two business days after submitting your biometric data, unless your appointment is on the weekend.
- Monday through Friday is business days, except for national holidays.
- do not satisfy the minimum income criteria
- cannot demonstrate your English proficiency
- fail to attend the interview
- have not given the Home Office the necessary evidence
- possess a criminal conviction or another personal condition requiring evaluation
Other methods to remain in the UK
Irish people are exempt from visa and EU settlement scheme applications.
Under some conditions, it is impossible to apply for or switch to a family visa, such as:
You can apply to stay with them as a dependant instead.
You have a visitor visa or a visa for six months or less.
You’ll usually need to leave the UK to apply for a family visa if either:
However, you might be able to switch to a family visa in the UK if you have either:
- You were the victim of domestic violence, or your spouse passed away.
- You may be eligible to apply to settle in the United Kingdom if you have permission to remain in the country as a partner under one of the following conditions:
- Your family member has refugee status or is protected under humanitarian law.
- You may be eligible to apply for a "family reunion" to join a spouse or parent who has either:
- Status as a refugee in the UK
- Humanitarian protection in the United Kingdom
- Your family member has a work visa or student visa
- You cannot apply for a family visa if your family member is in the UK temporarily on a work visaor student visa.
- you have permission to be in the UK as a visitor
- your visa is for six months or less
- a 6-month family visa as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner
- permission to stay in the UK for the outcome of a family court case or divorce
Select a visa.
To study, work, visit, or reunite with relatives in the UK, you could require a visa.
Various visas are available depending on:
- What country you are from and why you wish to visit the UK
- How long you intend to stay given your situation and abilities
- You must determine whether you require a visa and what kind before submitting an application. You might not need a visa to enter or transit through the UK depending on your nationality.
- If you are an Irish citizen, there is no need for you to apply for a Visa.
What is a family visa UK?
UK family visas are a type of entry and residence authorizations that are given to those who desire to start a permanent family with their family members who already reside in the UK. There are just a few options to obtain a family visa for the UK: as the partner or spouse of a citizen of the UK. as a parent of a citizen of the UK.
What are the costs involved in applying for a UK family visa?
The costs involved in applying for a UK family visa vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, you can expect to pay an application fee, a visa processing fee, and a health surcharge.
What are the benefits of having a UK family visa?
There are several benefits to having a UK family visa. Once you have a UK family visa, you will be able to live, work, and study in the UK with your family. You will also be able to access the UK's healthcare system and other public services.
How long does it take to process a UK family visa application?
The processing time for a UK family visa application varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the current visa application backlog. However, it typically takes between 8 and 12 weeks for a visa application to be fully processed.