There are a number of different family visa routes available for people living outside the UK who wish to join family members already settled in the UK.
Family members wishing to come to the UK for more than six months can apply for a family visa as one of the following:
A standard Visitor Visa or a Marriage Visitor Visa may be suitable if the family member applicant is coming to the UK for less than six months.
Each of the routes as mentioned above has specific criteria that applicants must meet in order to apply for the visa.
In most circumstances, applicants will need to prove their knowledge of the English language and may be required to take an approved English language test or provide proof of an English language qualification.
Applicants may also need to prove they have the necessary family income and/or savings. There is a minimum combined income requirement for applicants wishing to come to the UK to join their spouse and an extra income requirement for each child who is coming to the UK.
Spouses and partners will need to meet the minimum income requirement if they wish to settle in the UK after five years. If the minimum requirement is not reached at the time of application there is a 10-year time limit set to meet the income requirement
Those who meet certain other criteria, i.e. they are a parent or receive state benefits, may be able to settle in five years without meeting the minimum income requirement.
There are other, less typical, visa routes including:
Under the points-based-visa system for skilled workers, dependants can apply for a visa from outside of the UK as long they are eligible to join the work visa holder in the UK. If successful in their application their visa will end on the same date as the skilled worker visa.
A dependent partner or child is:
Skilled worker dependents will need to have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while in the UK.
It may be possible for non-UK citizens who came to the UK on a different visa, such as a student visa, to switch to a family visa in order to stay with a parent, child, spouse or partner.
This can be done at any time during the life of the initial visa and does not have to be timed to coincide with the expiry date.
Settling in the UK (indefinite leave to remain)
Eligible non-UK citizens on a family visa can apply to ‘settle’ in the UK after a required amount of time. Obtaining indefinite leave to remain provides the right to live, work and study in the UK without time limits and to apply for benefits.
Settled migrants can also apply for British citizenship (naturalisation).
During normal times of operation (non-pandemic and non-humanitarian crisis) the Home Office aims to give a decision on family visas within 12 weeks of the applicant’s appointment at the visa application centre. However, this can vary depending on where the applicant is coming from.
EEA and EUSS citizens applying for a family permit will get a decision as soon as possible once they have proved their identity and provided the required documentation.
We aim to set a new standard and change perceptions of what it means to be a responsible law firm and become leaders in client-focused, full-service legal guidance for you and your family
Direct access to expertise
It can be daunting needing to ask for legal advice. Our approachable experts are here to make the legal process simple for you.
Trusted relationships
We guide you in navigating the challenges you face today and will help you think about the future and how today’s decisions will make your future better through developing lasting legacies.
Lasting Impact
We are committed to conducting business which is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.
Oliver O’Sullivan
SolicitorCould not recommend this Law firm enough. They dealt with a very complex case for us and went above and beyond to provide advice, support, and time to getting it through. Thank you!
The team are absolute professionals. Their expertise, accessibility, and dedication made the process smooth and successful.
The service we received was outstanding. All our queries were dealt with promptly and efficiently. We were advised and updated throughout the process and the communication was fantastic. I can thoroughly recommend the service they provide.
Excellent and supportive service at a reasonable price. I trust them to deliver a timely and good outcome. Even though I have moved from the area I would still remain a client and recommend.
London
020 7481 2422
Bromley
020 8464 4242
Surrey
01483 284567
Sevenoaks
01732 457 575
We are here for your legal needs in life and in business. Please get in touch with one of our experienced solicitors, who are here to help you.
Make an enquiry