If you are considering moving to the UK, it is crucial to understand the requirements for a family visa to ensure a smooth and successful transition. In this article, we will explore the essential requirements for obtaining a family visa and provide you with valuable insights to help you navigate the process with confidence.
UK family visas are a category of UK entry and residence authorizations that are issued to those who want to establish a permanent family life with their UK resident family members.
There are few ways through which you can get a UK family visa:
You cannot get a UK family visa if your circumstances are as follows:
What are the UK Family Visa Types?
There’s a range of UK family visa categories you may get depending which is your personal circumstances and your relationship with the sponsoring UK resident.
Spouse Visa
The UK Spouse Visa is issued to those who want to join their spouse in the UK or other partner who is either a British citizen, a settled person, a refugee or someone under the humanitarian protection. Your relationship with your partner must be either a marriage, a durable relationship or civil partnership.
Parent Visa
The UK Parent Visa is issued to parents of British citizens or settled persons or persons that have spent at least 7 continuous years in the UK. To qualify for this visa the child must be younger than 18, or must have been that age when you’ve first applied for the UK family visa.
Child Visa
The UK Child Visa is issued to children of a settled person in the UK.
You have to be the dependent child living in the UK with your parent, who is making a joint application with you for a UK visa or an extension of stay in the UK.
Family visa for an adult who needs a long-run care by a relative
The Visa for adults in need of care by a relative is issued for the purpose of taking long-term care from a relative who is a British citizen, settled person, refugee or under humanitarian protection in the UK. The person that needs this type of care has to be an adult of age 18 or older suffering from a disability or a medical condition, or who has reached the old age.
Family visa on the basis of your private life
The Family visa on the basis of your private life is given to remain permanently in the UK, after having lived there for quite some time, due to your unfavorable personal circumstances for leaving the UK, or overlong residence in the UK.
Settle in the UK if Your Partner Dies
Dependents of a deceased partner visa is issued to those who want to permanently remain in the UK, as a former spouse/civil partner/partner in a durable relationship, of a deceased British citizen or a settled person in the UK. You must have a valid family visa appropriate to the aforesaid relationship with the deceased sponsor, i.e. Spouse visa
Visa as a separated or divorced dependent partner
Separated or divorced dependent partner visa is issued for the purpose of remaining permanently if your relationship has broken down due of domestic violence from your partner. You must have had your last visa was as a spouse or partner of the aforesaid sponsor and public funds until application for settlement is processed.
Requirements for a Family Visa
Relationship Eligibility:
To apply for a family visa, you must establish a genuine and recognized relationship with your family member in the UK. This typically includes being a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, child, or dependent relative. It is important to provide substantial evidence of your relationship, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or legal documentation to support your application.
Financial Requirements:
As part of the family visa application, you will need to demonstrate that you can adequately support yourselves and any dependents without relying on public funds. The UK government sets specific financial thresholds that you must meet, including a minimum income requirement or savings threshold. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of employment or self-employment, bank statements, and tax documents to establish your financial stability.
Accommodation:
Applicants for a family visa must have suitable accommodation available in the UK. This can be either rented or owned, and it should meet the necessary standards to accommodate you and your family members. Evidence of your accommodation can include a tenancy agreement, property ownership documents, or a letter from your sponsor stating their willingness to accommodate you.
English Language Proficiency:
In most cases, applicants for a family visa will need to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. The specific language requirements vary depending on the type of visa and your circumstances. You may be required to pass an approved English language test or provide evidence of your previous education in English.
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing:
Individuals from certain countries are required to undergo a tuberculosis test as part of their visa application. The test must be conducted at an approved clinic, and you must provide the necessary documentation to demonstrate that you are free from TB.
Immigration Health Surcharge:
As part of the family visa application process, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK. The amount you need to pay depends on the length of your visa and the number of dependents included in your application.
Relocating to the UK with your family is an exciting journey, but it's essential to understand and fulfill the requirements for a family visa. By establishing a genuine relationship, meeting the financial thresholds, providing suitable accommodation, demonstrating English language proficiency, undergoing TB testing if necessary, and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, you can increase your chances of a successful visa application.
Navigating the complex process of obtaining a family visa can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, you can simplify the process. Emigral is here to assist you in understanding the requirements, providing personalized advice, and helping you navigate every step of the way. Take the first step towards your family's UK relocation by using Emigral's innovative platform and expert assistance.
Remember, thorough preparation and adherence to the requirements will ensure a smoother transition for you and your loved ones as you embark on your new life in the UK.
UK family visas are a category of UK entry and residence authorizations that are issued to those who want to establish a permanent family life with their UK resident family members.
There are few ways through which you can get a UK family visa:
- As a spouse or partner of a UK resident.
- As a parent of a UK resident.
- As a child of a UK resident.
- As a sickened, disabled or aged relative in need for long-term care from a UK resident.
- On the basis of a private life.
- As a widowed partner of a former UK resident.
- As a separated spouse or partner.
You cannot get a UK family visa if your circumstances are as follows:
- You’re already in the UK with a UK work visa, or a UK temporary student visa.
- You’re living in the UK with a UK visitor visa with validity period of 6 months or less. The rule doesn’t apply for UK visitor marriage visa, or if you’re awaiting for a final court decision on a family or divorce matter.
What are the UK Family Visa Types?
There’s a range of UK family visa categories you may get depending which is your personal circumstances and your relationship with the sponsoring UK resident.
Spouse Visa
The UK Spouse Visa is issued to those who want to join their spouse in the UK or other partner who is either a British citizen, a settled person, a refugee or someone under the humanitarian protection. Your relationship with your partner must be either a marriage, a durable relationship or civil partnership.
Parent Visa
The UK Parent Visa is issued to parents of British citizens or settled persons or persons that have spent at least 7 continuous years in the UK. To qualify for this visa the child must be younger than 18, or must have been that age when you’ve first applied for the UK family visa.
Child Visa
The UK Child Visa is issued to children of a settled person in the UK.
You have to be the dependent child living in the UK with your parent, who is making a joint application with you for a UK visa or an extension of stay in the UK.
Family visa for an adult who needs a long-run care by a relative
The Visa for adults in need of care by a relative is issued for the purpose of taking long-term care from a relative who is a British citizen, settled person, refugee or under humanitarian protection in the UK. The person that needs this type of care has to be an adult of age 18 or older suffering from a disability or a medical condition, or who has reached the old age.
Family visa on the basis of your private life
The Family visa on the basis of your private life is given to remain permanently in the UK, after having lived there for quite some time, due to your unfavorable personal circumstances for leaving the UK, or overlong residence in the UK.
Settle in the UK if Your Partner Dies
Dependents of a deceased partner visa is issued to those who want to permanently remain in the UK, as a former spouse/civil partner/partner in a durable relationship, of a deceased British citizen or a settled person in the UK. You must have a valid family visa appropriate to the aforesaid relationship with the deceased sponsor, i.e. Spouse visa
Visa as a separated or divorced dependent partner
Separated or divorced dependent partner visa is issued for the purpose of remaining permanently if your relationship has broken down due of domestic violence from your partner. You must have had your last visa was as a spouse or partner of the aforesaid sponsor and public funds until application for settlement is processed.
Requirements for a Family Visa
Relationship Eligibility:
To apply for a family visa, you must establish a genuine and recognized relationship with your family member in the UK. This typically includes being a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, child, or dependent relative. It is important to provide substantial evidence of your relationship, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or legal documentation to support your application.
Financial Requirements:
As part of the family visa application, you will need to demonstrate that you can adequately support yourselves and any dependents without relying on public funds. The UK government sets specific financial thresholds that you must meet, including a minimum income requirement or savings threshold. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of employment or self-employment, bank statements, and tax documents to establish your financial stability.
Accommodation:
Applicants for a family visa must have suitable accommodation available in the UK. This can be either rented or owned, and it should meet the necessary standards to accommodate you and your family members. Evidence of your accommodation can include a tenancy agreement, property ownership documents, or a letter from your sponsor stating their willingness to accommodate you.
English Language Proficiency:
In most cases, applicants for a family visa will need to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. The specific language requirements vary depending on the type of visa and your circumstances. You may be required to pass an approved English language test or provide evidence of your previous education in English.
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing:
Individuals from certain countries are required to undergo a tuberculosis test as part of their visa application. The test must be conducted at an approved clinic, and you must provide the necessary documentation to demonstrate that you are free from TB.
Immigration Health Surcharge:
As part of the family visa application process, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK. The amount you need to pay depends on the length of your visa and the number of dependents included in your application.
Relocating to the UK with your family is an exciting journey, but it's essential to understand and fulfill the requirements for a family visa. By establishing a genuine relationship, meeting the financial thresholds, providing suitable accommodation, demonstrating English language proficiency, undergoing TB testing if necessary, and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, you can increase your chances of a successful visa application.
Navigating the complex process of obtaining a family visa can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, you can simplify the process. Emigral is here to assist you in understanding the requirements, providing personalized advice, and helping you navigate every step of the way. Take the first step towards your family's UK relocation by using Emigral's innovative platform and expert assistance.
Remember, thorough preparation and adherence to the requirements will ensure a smoother transition for you and your loved ones as you embark on your new life in the UK.