What Is a UK Family Visa?
A UK Family Visa allows you to live with your family member in the UK for more than 6 months. Whether you’re joining a partner, parent, child, or being cared for by a relative, this visa category helps bring families together.
There are several visa types under the Family route, including:
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Spouse or Civil Partner Visa
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Unmarried Partner Visa
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Fiancé(e) Visa
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Parent of a Child in the UK
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Child Joining a Parent
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Adult Dependent Relative (e.g. parents/grandparents)
Each route has specific requirements depending on your relationship and personal circumstances.
Who is suitable for a UK Spouse Visa?
You can apply for a family visa if your family member in the UK is a:
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British citizen
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Person settled in the UK (e.g. ILR, Settled Status)
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Person with refugee status or humanitarian protection
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EU citizen with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Your relationship must be genuine and meet specific eligibility rules, such as financial requirements, English language ability, or proof of relationship.
Key Requirements (Varies by Route)
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Proof of Relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate)
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Genuine and Subsisting Relationship Evidence (e.g. messages, photos, joint travel)
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Minimum Income Requirement:
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- First application made before 11th April 2024 – minimum income threshold of £18,600. Alternatively, the sponsor can have savings of no less than £62,500 to satisfy the financial requirements. Additional financial requirements apply for any dependent children that are not British citizens
- First application made on/after 11th April 2024 -minimum income threshold of £29,000. Alternatively, the sponsor can have savings of no less than £88,500 to satisfy the financial requirements.
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English Language Requirement:
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A1 level (initial visa), A2 for extensions and B1 for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
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Adequate Accommodation
- Tuberculosis test result (if required)
Common questions asked about the Family Visas
Q: How long can I stay in the UK?
A: If you’re applying from within the UK you can remain in the country for 30 months. Applications from overseas are valid for a 33 month period.
Q: Can I extend my Family Visa?
A: Yes. You can extend a Family Visa by 30 months.
Q: When can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
A: You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after you have been in the UK, on a Family Visa, for 5 years.
Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes. You can make an application for your child or children [under the age of 18] at the same time as you make your application.
Q: Can I work?
A: Yes — most family visa holders can work and study without restriction.
Q: What happens if my marriage or civil partnership breaks down?
A: UK Visa and Immigration Services must be informed and a decision will be made regarding your permission to remain in the UK. They will consider your circumstances at the time to decide if you can apply for further leave to remain in the UK.
Q: What fees do we have to pay to the Home Office?
A: You have to pay a fee to the Home Office and the Immigration Health Surcharge for using the NHS. Fees usually increase in April every year.
Q: How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
A: The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for a UK spouse visa is £1,035 per year for adults. For dependent children under 18, the IHS is £776 per year.
Q: Can I apply for a Family Visa if I was a tourist in the UK?
A: If you are a visitor, you cannot apply for a Family Visa within the UK. You are allowed to switch to a Family visa if you have leave to remain in the UK that was initially granted for more than 6 months.
Q: Can I switch to a family visa from another UK visa?
A: In many cases, yes — such as switching from a student or work visa to a Family visa from within the UK.
Start Your Journey
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Our Services
We help you understand and assist with your legal rights:
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Status check: Are you eligible for a different type of permission to stay, indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship?
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Application preparation & document review
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Switch to a different type of visa
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Dependant and family applications
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Setting up a UKVI account and eVisa