UK Family Visas Guidebook

A U.K. Family Visa is a type of visa that allows family members of someone already living in the United Kingdom to come and join them.

It's a document that gives permission for your family member to enter and stay in the country temporarily or permanently, depending on the specific visa type.

Nevertheless, it's really important to understand the different types of Family Visas because each one has its own set of rules and requirements.

Applying for the wrong type of visa or not following the rules could lead to your family member's application being denied or even getting in trouble with immigration authorities.

In this article, I'll go over four main types of Family Visas: the Spouse Visa, the Unmarried Partner Visa, the Family Visa (for dependants), and the Adult Dependent Relative Visa.

I'll be more than glad to cover what each one is for, how to apply, what activities are allowed, and any special rules or requirements.

UK Family Visas

1. Spouse Visa

Starting off, the spouse visa.

The Spouse Visa is for people who are married to a British citizen, someone with indefinite leave to remain in the U.K., or someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the U.K.

For you to be eligible, you need to prove that your marriage is genuine and that you and your spouse meet certain financial and English language requirements.

To apply for a Spouse Visa, you'll need to provide documents like your passport, marriage certificate, proof of your relationship (photos, messages, etc.), proof of meeting the financial requirement (through income, cash savings, or a combination), proof of your English language ability, and any other relevant documents.

The fee for a Spouse Visa varies depending on your country of residence but is generally around £1,500 (about $1,900).

You'll also need to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process.

For the duration allowed, a Spouse Visa is initially valid for 2 and half years (if you're applying from outside the U.K.) or 2 and half years renewable for another 2 and half years (if you're applying from inside the U.K.).

With your Spouse Visa, you're generally allowed to live, work, study, and access public funds and benefits in the U.K. However, you're not allowed to have any other primary purpose for being in the country aside from living with your spouse.

Which means, make your major aim be your spouse although you can work and do other things but don't put other things on your head.

If you want to stay in the U.K. longer after your initial visa expires, you can apply to extend your Spouse Visa.

After 5 years of living in the U.K. on a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which would allow you to settle in the country permanently.

2. Unmarried Partner Visa

The Unmarried Partner Visa is for people in a long-term, committed relationship with a British citizen, someone with indefinite leave to remain in the U.K., or someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the U.K.

To be eligible, you'll need to prove that you've been living together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years, and you'll need to meet certain financial and English language requirements.

For an Unmarried Partner Visa, you'll need to provide documents like your passport, proof of your relationship lasting at least 2 years (photos, messages, joint bills/finances, etc.), proof of meeting the financial requirement, proof of your English language ability, and any other relevant documents.

The fee for an Unmarried Partner Visa is the same as the Spouse Visa fee, generally around £1,500 (you can check for the latest.)

You'll need to provide biometrics as part of the application.

Like the Spouse Visa, an Unmarried Partner Visa is initially valid for 2.5 years from outside the U.K. or 2.5 years renewable once from inside the U.K.

The activities permitted and prohibited are essentially the same as the Spouse Visa - you can live, work, study etc. in the U.K. but your main purpose must be living with your partner.

You also can apply to extend your Unmarried Partner Visa, and after 5 years on this visa you may be able to apply for ILR, just like the Spouse Visa route.

3. Family Visa (for dependants)

The Family Visa (for dependants) is for children under 18 and adult children who need long-term care because of a disability.

The visa allows them to move to the U.K. as dependants of a parent who is either a British citizen, has indefinite leave to remain, or has refugee/humanitarian protection status in the U.K.

For a dependant Family Visa, you'll need to provide the child's documents like their passport, birth certificate to prove relationship to their parent, proof that the parent meets financial requirements for supporting them, and any other relevant documents.

Fees vary but are generally around £500-800 depending on if applying from inside or outside the UK.

The child will also need to provide their biometrics.

If approved, the Family Visa allows the child to stay in the UK for the same period as their parent's visa.

Dependant children on this visa can live, study, and potentially work in the UK once they turn 16 (if allowed by their parent's visa type).

They can also access public funds only if required.

If their parent extends their visa or gets ILR, the child's Family Visa can also be extended on that basis.

4. Adult Dependent Relative Visa

Another family visa type is the adult dependant relative visa.

It is for adult relatives (parents, grandparents, etc.) who need long-term care because of a disability and want to come to the UK to be cared for by a relative who is either a British citizen or permanently settled in the UK.

Let me mention this, it comes with very strict eligibility criteria to apply.

You'll need the adult relative's passport, medical evidence proving their need for long-term care, proof that the UK sponsor can support and accommodate them without public funds, and other evidence.

The fees are generally around £3,500-4,000 for this visa type.

The adult relative will also need to provide biometrics.

For the duration, this visa is granted for a period of between 1-5 years depending on individual circumstances.

Furthermore, the adult relative on this visa is permitted only to remain in the UK being cared for by their sponsor relative. They cannot work or access public funds.

This visa can potentially be extended if the relative still meets requirements. However, it does not directly lead to ILR.

Comparing all these Family Visas

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the key differences:

Visa	Purpose	Eligibility	Duration	Activities	Extension/Settlement
Spouse	Join British spouse/partner	Genuine marriage, meet financial & English req.	2.5 years renewable	Can work, study, access benefits	Yes, ILR after 5 years
Unmarried Partner	Join long-term unmarried partner	2+ year relationship, meet financial & English req.	2.5 years renewable	Can work, study, access benefits	Yes, ILR after 5 years
Family (dependants)	Bring children under 18	Financial req. met by UK sponsor parent	Same as parent's visa	Can study, potentially work at 16	Yes, if parent extends/gets ILR
Adult Dependent	Relative needing long-term care	Proven care need, strict criteria	1-5 years	Remain being cared for only	Yes, but no direct ILR path

Tips for a Successful Application

Like always, gather all the required documents well in advance, and ensure everything is complete, accurate, and translated if needed.

Documents around relationships, finances, and proof of meeting requirements are especially important for family visas.

In addition to the mandatory documents, it's very helpful to provide extra evidence demonstrating your genuine family relationship and ties. This could include:

• More photos/communication records showing your relationship over time
• Details about your living arrangements and how you'll support the family member
• Letters or statements from friends/family regarding your relationship
• Any other evidence that helps paint a complete picture

Many family visa applications require an interview with immigration officials. If this applies to your case, practice answering questions about:

• How you met your spouse/partner and details of your relationship
• Your future plans for living together in the UK
• How you'll accommodate and financially support your family member
• Reasons why your family member needs to come to the UK specifically

Dress well and be prepared to provide clear, consistent answers.

Also, apply for your family visa well in advance, at least 3 months before your intended date of travel. Processing times can vary widely, so giving yourself plenty of buffer is crucial.

The visa process often takes longer for family visas compared to other visa types.

Wrapping things up, it's absolutely vital that you understand and follow all the specific eligibility and evidence requirements for whichever family visa is appropriate for your situation. Even small inconsistencies can raise red flags.

Family visa applications tend to be complex and highly scrutinized.

If you have any uncertainties, it's a good idea to seek advice from an experienced immigration lawyer or advisor. They can ensure your application is completed properly.

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