A family visa is a category of visas, which allow an overseas individual to live in the UK with a family member for more than 6 months. In order to qualify for the scheme, the overseas individual must have a family member who is a UK resident.
There are different types of visas for family members available.
There are different ways in which the overseas individual can get a family visa:
- As a spouse or partner of a UK resident- this is the Spouse Visa
- As a parent of a UK resident, e.g. to care for your child- this is the UK Parent Visa.
- As a child of a UK resident- this is the Child Dependant Visa
- As a grandchild of a British citizen that was born in the UK, or if you are a Commonwealth citizen- this is the UK Ancestry Visa.
- If an adult family member from overseas has long-term health needs, so they need care from a UK resident– this is the Adult Dependant Relative Visa
- Applying on the basis of your private life, if the overseas individual is already living in the UK.
- As a separated spouse or partner.
- To settle in the UK if a British spouse has died.
- If you had permission to stay in the UK as a partner and you were the victim of domestic abuse.
Where can I get more information about the types of Family Visas available?
Here at Synergy Immigration Solutions, we regularly update our website with up-to-date information about immigration and visas in the UK. Keep checking our website to see more support and advice about immigrating to the UK.
Click here to learn more about:
- Our visa services for individuals looking to come to the UK for a short stay, or with a view to remaining permanently.
- The benefits of spouse visas.
- How to extend a spouse visa.
- Gaining British citizenship.
- Enquire about a Family Visa here.
- Enquire about a Parent of a Child Student Visa.
How do you apply for a Family Visa?
All applications for Family Visas are made online on the Gov.UK website.
The Home Office processes all visa applications.
What are the requirements for Family Visas?
The requirements for each visa in the Family Visa category will vary slightly.
Generally, family visa applications usually ask for:
- A valid passport and photographic ID for both the UK resident and the overseas individual, as well as for any dependants.
- Biometric information (fingerprints and digital photos).
- Proof of relationship with the UK resident (e.g. a marriage certificate as proof of partnership, or a birth certificate as proof of the relationship to a child dependant.)
- Evidence of genuine and subsisting relationship between the overseas individual and the UK resident (e.g. photographs, shared correspondence, shared bills).
- Proof of accommodation in the UK.
- Proof of English language skills.
- Proof of a certain income or, proof that you meet certain financial requirements (to prove that the UK resident can support a partner and/or dependants).
- Pass the Life in the UK Test.
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
- Details of any criminal convictions.
- Details of any previous immigration applications made.
- Certified translation of any supporting documents that are not in English or Welsh. This should include confirmation from that translator that it is an accurate translation, the full name, contact details and signature of the translator, as well as the date of translation.
- Copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in previous passports.
- Any other supporting documents that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) asks for.
Below, we have highlighted where you can find the full requirements for all the visas that belong in the Family Visa category.
Click here to view the requirements for:
Are there financial requirements to apply for a Family Visa?
Yes, there are visas in the Family Visa category which require applicants to prove that they have enough money to support themselves when they come to the UK.
For a Spouse Visa and UK Parent Visa, the overseas individual and their partner must have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year. They must also have extra money if they have children: £3,800 a year for the first child, and £2,400 a year for each child after that.
On the UK Ancestry Visa, there is no specific financial requirements, but you cannot claim public funds (benefits) when you come to the UK. You can work or study in the UK and you can apply to bring your partner or child with you.
If you come to the UK on the Adult Dependent Relative Visa because you need your UK-based relative to look after you, then your UK-based relative must have enough money to support you without relying on public funds for at least 5 years from the date you entered the UK. You must complete a sponsor form to confirm this.
How much does a Family Visa cost?
The fees for visas in the Family Visa category are as follows: (correct as of December 2022)
There may also be a healthcare surcharge, as part of the visa application.
For each adult (18 or older), it costs:
- £1,560 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £1,872 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £3,120 if you’re staying for 5 years
For each child (under 18), it costs:
- £1,175 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £1,410 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £2,350 if you’re staying for 5 years
Who is NOT eligible for a Family Visa?
An overseas individual may not be eligible for a family visa if:
- Your family member has come to the UK on a work visa or a student visa- you will have to apply as their dependant instead.
- You are visiting the UK on a visitor visa for 6 months, or less.
Where can I get help with my Family Visa applications?
The immigration professionals at Synergy Immigration Solutions understand the complexity of the UK’s immigration laws and the issues that can arise during the application process.
That is why we house all the support services you need for immigration applications, under one roof. This means one cost only, for complete support on your visa application.
We enjoy working with individuals who need assistance with their visa applications.
- We will liaise with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on your behalf- saving you time, effort, workload, and stress.
- We will answer your questions and address any concerns. We are proud to offer a bespoke personalised service, tailoring our advice to suit your needs and ensure that your application has the best chance of success.
- We process all applications in an efficient and timely manner and keep our clients well-informed throughout the process.
It is vital that the correct supporting documents are in place, to ensure the application is approved.
We would always recommend that you appoint a specialist such as Synergy Immigration Solutions to manage this process for you.
Click here to contact Synergy Immigration Solutions and submit your query.
Alternatively, email laura@synergy-immigration.com or call 020 315 05359. We will get back to you within 24 hours and we are more than happy to help.
Can my Family Visa be denied?
It is possible for your visa application to be rejected. Your rejection letter will outline the reason(s) for rejection and tell you your next steps.
Your application for a family visa may be rejected if:
- Your application is inaccurate, misleading, or fraudulent.
- Your supporting documents are insufficient, inconsistent, in the wrong format, or fraudulent.
- You have failed to provide sufficient evidence of your relationship to the UK resident.
- You have failed to meet the financial requirements of the visa.
- The overseas individual has failed their English language requirement test.
- You have failed to disclose any previous criminal convictions.
- You have applied for the wrong type of visa.
- You have followed improper advice.
If your visa application is refused, you may be able to make a new application or appeal the decision.
You will have 28 days to appeal after you receive your decision.
Can you extend a Family Visa?
There are different requirements for each type of visa, if the overseas individual wants to extend their stay in the UK. They may be able to extend the visa, or switch to a different visa.
Click here to view the UK Government guidance on extending a family visa.
Can a Family Visa lead to British Citizenship?
There is a common misconception that individuals who come to the UK on a family visa are automatically granted British citizenship.
However, a family visa does not automatically grant an individual, or their children, the right to British citizenship.
Babies born on UK soil do not automatically become British citizens.
To become a British citizen, an individual must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years and they must fulfil certain requirements.
To learn more about gaining British citizenship, click here to read our blog article on ‘Can you gain British Citizenship?’
About Synergy Immigration Solutions
We are a UK immigration agency, regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). We are proud members of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association.
To find out more about Synergy Immigration Solutions and our visa services, visit our website here.
To contact us, call us on 020 315 05359, email laura@synergy-immigration.com or fill in our online contact form here.
Read articles on our blog here, to find the answers to your questions about topics such as student visas, skilled worker visas, right-to-work checks, and more.