A Complete Guide to UK Family Visa

Written by

Shrishti Bajpai

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Oct 08,2024

Guide to UK Family Visa

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Family visa UKs are meant for those who want to live with family members already residing in the UK. This guide answers all your questions including how to apply UK visa for a family. If your stay is longer than 6 months, you must obtain this visa. It ensures you can establish a permanent home with your UK-based relatives, making it easier for families to stay together.

UK Family Visa Benefits

Family visa UK-TerraTern

Getting a Family visa UK is a big deal for families wanting to be together in the UK. The UK family visa benefits offer many advantages that help families stay close and support. Let's explore these UK family visa benefits.

Family Reunification

Imagine the joy of reuniting with your loved ones in the vibrant streets of the UK! The Family Visa UK makes it possible for families to come together, whether it's spouses, kids, parents, or other cherished members. Every year, numerous families embrace this chance to build memories under the Family Visa UK.

Access to Public Services

Holders of the Family Visa UK aren't just visitors; they become part of the fabric of British life. Access to top-notch healthcare, education, and other public services ensures that families thrive, grow, and stay healthy while exploring all that the UK has to offer. From doctor's visits to school plays, the possibilities are endless!

Employment Opportunities

Who said Adventure can't pay the bills? With the Family Visa UK, spouses and partners can dive into the UK job market, adding their unique skills and talents to the mix. Whether it's serving up piping hot dishes in a cozy café or crunching numbers in a bustling office, visa holders contribute to the UK's dynamic workforce, all while supporting their loved ones.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and Citizenship

As the years roll by, families with a Family visa in the UK can lay down roots and call the UK home. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) opens doors to a future without visa worries, while the prospect of British citizenship offers a sense of belonging and pride. From exploring ancient castles to celebrating local traditions, the UK has become not just a destination but a cherished homeland.

Who Can Apply for a UK Family Visa?

The first step to understanding how to apply UK visa for a family is to know who can apply for a Family visa UK.

Individuals can apply for a family visa from outside the UK to live with their:

   - Spouse or partner

   - Fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner

   - Child

   - Parent

   - A relative who will provide long-term care for them

Visa Type

Eligibility Criteria

Spouse Visa

Joining a British citizen, settled person, refugee, or someone under humanitarian protection. The relationship must be a marriage, a durable relationship, or a civil partnership.       

Parent Visa

Parents of British citizens, settled persons, or individuals with at least 7 continuous years in the UK. The child must be younger than 18 or must have been when the initial family visa was applied for.

Child Visa

Dependent children of settled persons in the UK. Must be living in the UK with a parent making a joint application for a Family visa UK or extension.

Family Visa for Adult Needing Long-Term Care

For adults needing long-term care from a relative who is a British citizen, settled person, refugee, or under humanitarian protection.

Family Visa based on Private Life        

Granted to individuals wanting to remain permanently in the UK due to unfavourable personal circumstances or long-term residence.

Settle in the UK if Your Partner Dies

Dependents of a deceased partner visa for those who want to permanently remain in the UK after the death of a British citizen or settled person

Separated or Divorced Dependent Partner Visa

For individuals who have separated or divorced due to domestic violence from their partner. The last visa must have been as a spouse or partner. 

 

How to Apply for UK Family Visa 

This guide answers your burning question about how to apply for a UK family visitor visa from India

Also, the documents Required to Apply for a Family visa UK. 

1. Valid passport or an alternative travel ID with a minimum of one blank page.

2. Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the sponsoring family member.

3. Previous passports, if applicable.

4. Give proof of your income

5. Documentation demonstrating financial capability.

6. Confirmation of English language proficiency.

7. Tuberculosis test results, if mandated for individuals arriving from specific countries.

8. Additional documents may be requested based on individual circumstances.

UK Family Visa Fees

The UK Family Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances. As of 2022, fees typically range from £400 for a standard spouse/partner visa to £3,250 for a settlement (indefinite leave to remain) visa. Additional costs may apply for dependents and optional premium services. Tentative prices are given as follows: 

Costs

Apply outside the UK

Apply in the UK

Cost for joining

£1,846 

£1,048

Cost for each dependant

£1,846 for each person

£1,048 for each person

Cost for adults needing care by a relative

N.A

£1,048

If a relative has temporary 'protection status'

£404

£1,048

If a relative doesn't have temporary 'protection status'

£3,250

£1,048

 

Please note that these UK Family visa fees are indicative and may be subject to change. It's always recommended to check the official UK government website or consult with immigration authorities for the most up-to-date UK Family visa fees.

UK Family Visa Processing Time

  • Standard family visa application UK Family visa processing time: Approximately 12 weeks.

  • Extension applications UK Family visa processing time: Minimum of 8 weeks.

  • Same-day approval option for premium extension applications.

  • Complex extension cases may result in additional UK Family visa processing time, such as document requests, interviews, and notifications for the applicant.

Key Takeaways

UK Family Visa is a way for families to live together in the UK, offering benefits like access to healthcare and employment. TerraTern provides support throughout the application process, making it easier for families to navigate requirements and gather necessary documents.TerraTern can help families apply for the visa by guiding them through the process and helping with paperwork.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a family visa UK?

Family members of UK citizens or settled persons are typically eligible for a Family visa UK. This includes spouses, partners, children, and other dependents.

How long is a family visa to the UK?

The duration of a family visa can vary based on the specific type of Family visa UK. Generally, it may range from six months to several years, depending on the circumstances and Family visa UK category.

How can I bring my family to the UK?

To bring your family to the UK, you usually need to apply for the relevant Family visa UK. The application process involves meeting specific requirements, including financial criteria and providing supporting documentation.

What is the minimum income for a Family visa UK?

The minimum income requirement for a Family visa UK depends on various factors, such as the number of dependents and the type of visa. It's essential to check the latest income thresholds set by the UK government at the time of application.

What is family visa in UK?

To answer, what is family visa in UK, a family visa allows family members of British citizens or settled persons to join them or stay with them. These visas are typically categorized into different types based on the relationship between the applicant and the British citizen or settled person.