If you want to bring family members to the UK, you must have a UK family visa. Knowing the ins and outs of the application procedure is crucial, regardless of whether you are reuniting with a spouse, partner, or dependant relative.
To be eligible for a UK family visa, applicants must fulfill the eligibility requirements and restrictions specific to each category. Sponsors—those who have settled in the UK or are British citizens—must also fulfill other requirements, like meeting financial thresholds to support their family members in the UK.
This article aims to provide comprehensive information on the different types of UK family visas and their requirements.
Types of UK Family Visas
- Fiancé(e) visa: This visa is for individuals who are engaged to be married or to enter into a civil partnership with a person settled in the UK. It allows fiancé(e)s to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arrival.
- Spouse visa: A spouse visa is for individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. It allows spouses or civil partners to join their partners in the UK for an extended period. This visa is designed to enable families to live together in the country.
- Unmarried Partner visa: Also known as a “de facto partner” visa, this category is for couples who have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. It allows unmarried partners to join their partners in the UK.
- Civil Partner visa: A Civil Partner visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to join their civil partners in the UK. Civil partnership is a legal relationship recognized in the UK that provides similar rights and responsibilities as marriage. It is available to same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples who choose not to marry.
- Child Dependent visa: You can apply for a child visa to join your parent in the UK. You may not need a child visa if at least one of your parents has indefinite leave to remain or proof of permanent residence. To be eligible for a UK child visa, the applicant must be under the age of 18 and must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting parental or legal guardian relationship with the sponsor in the UK.
- Parent of a British child: You may be eligible to apply for a Parent visa if you’re a parent of a child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK and you are living outside the UK. To be eligible to apply for a parent visa, your child must be under 18 on the date you apply or have been under 18 when you were first granted leave.
- Adult Dependent Relative visa: This visa is for adult dependent relatives, such as parents, grandparents, siblings, or children aged 18 or over, who require long-term care due to illness, disability, or age and cannot get the required level of care in their home country. It allows them to join their family member in the UK.
UK Family Visa Requirements Checklist
You will need to provide several documents with your visa application; these may include:
- Completed application form and application fee
- Valid passport
- Previous passports
- Evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship (e.g., shared bills, photographs, correspondence, messages).
- Proof you meet the English language requirements (e.g., CEFR exam certificate).
- Two passport-sized color photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.
- Proof you meet the financial requirements (e.g., bank statements, savings statements, salary slips)
- Details of any previous immigration applications, if any
- Details of any criminal convictions
- Your national insurance number (if you have one)
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
- Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph)
- Tuberculosis test results if from a country where you have to take the test
You must submit all of the supporting material and evidence that UKVI requests to guarantee a favorable outcome for your partner’s and spouse’s visa application.
Your visa may be denied or delayed if you don’t submit all of the required documents in the right format, including accurate translations where necessary.
Application Process for the UK Family Visa
Applying for a UK family visa involves a step-by-step process that requires attention to detail and thorough preparation. To ensure a successful application, you must follow the guidelines below:
- Determine the most appropriate visa category: Before starting your application, identify the specific family visa category that matches your relationship with the UK sponsor. Whether it’s a spouse visa, parental visa, or other relevant category, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for that particular visa.
- Gather the required documentation: Prepare all the necessary documents to support your application. This may include proof of identity, relationship evidence, financial documents, and accommodation proof.
- Complete the application forms: Fill out the application forms accurately and provide all the requested information. Take your time to ensure that you have all the details, as complete or correct forms can lead to delays or even a refusal of your application.
- Book the necessary appointments: Most family visa applications require biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, to be submitted at an approved visa application center. Ensure you book an appointment at the nearest center to provide these biometrics.
- Pay the visa fee: The UK family visa application requires a fee that varies depending on the type of visa and the processing time you choose. Make the payment online using the secure payment portal provided.
- Submit your application: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents, completed the application forms, and paid the visa fee, submit your application online. Ensure that you have included all required supporting documents before finalizing your submission.
- Attend any necessary interviews: Depending on the type of visa and your circumstances, you may be required to attend an interview to assess your eligibility further. If requested, ensure you attend the interview at the designated time and location.
- Await a decision: After submitting your application, it will be processed by UK Visas and Immigration. The processing times may vary, but you can check the current estimated processing times on the UK government’s official website. Be patient and avoid making any travel arrangements until a decision has been made.
Processing Times for the UK Family Visa
The type of UK visa application, the country from where you are applying, and the volume of applications that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) process can all affect the time it takes to process a UK visa application.
Applications for family visas filed from outside the UK through the regular service presently take an average of 24 weeks to process. However, you can use priority service to receive a decision more quickly.
The Home Office typically takes up to eight weeks to decide on a family visa application submitted from within the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
Navigating the UK family visa process and its requirements can be challenging, but with the right support, it is entirely manageable. Whether you are applying for a spouse visa, partner visa, or any other family visa category, ensuring that you follow the right procedure will significantly enhance your chances of success. All the best!