Family Visa to the United Kingdom – Spouse or Partner Route
For individuals wishing to reside long-term in the United Kingdom with a family member, the Family Visa is the most appropriate application route. This visa applies to those intending to live with a spouse or partner, child, parent, or a relative in need of long-term care.
Spouse or Partner Application
Those applying for a family visa as a spouse or partner must meet certain core requirements. Both the applicant and their partner must be at least 18 years of age. The partner must fall into one of the following categories:
- A British or Irish citizen,
- A person with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK,
- A holder of a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa,
- A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
During the application process, the applicant must provide evidence that they are either in a legally recognised marriage or civil partnership with their partner, or that they have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
Required Documents
Applicants for a spouse or partner visa must submit the following documentation:
- A marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable),
- Proof of cohabitation for the past two years (e.g., tenancy agreements, joint bank account statements, utility bills),
- In the case of fiancés or proposed civil partners, documentation outlining plans to marry or enter into a civil partnership,
- Proof of English language ability at A1 level (test results must be from a Home Office-approved test provider),
- Evidence of financial means: payslips, bank statements, tax returns, or documentation for other income sources (you must demonstrate a minimum annual income of £29,000).
Financial Requirements
To apply for a spouse or partner visa, applicants must submit documentation proving a minimum annual income of £29,000. However, this threshold may differ if the sponsoring partner receives disability or carer benefits, or if the initial application was submitted before 11 April 2024 and is now being extended. Savings may also be used to meet the financial requirement.
Even if the financial requirement is not fully met, it may still be possible to apply. In such cases, the applicant’s individual circumstances will be taken into account. For example, if the applicant has a child who is a British or Irish citizen, or who has lived in the UK for over seven years, this may positively influence the outcome of the application.
English Language Requirements
English language proficiency is also a crucial component of the application process. Applicants must prove they have at least A1-level English by passing an approved language test. For visa extension applications, an A2-level test result is required. If an applicant achieves B1 level or higher, the result may also be used later for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application.
The Home Office may request documentation confirming that the applicant and their partner intend to live together. The accuracy and validity of all submitted documents are of critical importance during this process.
Parent Visa Application
Parents who wish to live in the UK with their child may apply for a parent visa. The child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application or have been under 18 when they were first granted leave to remain. The child must not be married or in a civil partnership. For the application to be valid, the child must reside in the UK and be either a British or Irish citizen or hold indefinite leave to remain.
Child Visa Application
Children born in the UK may acquire the same rights as their parent(s) with leave to remain and may be included in a parent’s future immigration applications. Generally, the child is expected to reside with the parent(s), though exceptions may apply—for instance, if the child is enrolled in full-time education. The child must not be married or in a civil partnership at the time of application.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
It is possible to apply for a visa to receive long-term personal care from a relative residing permanently in the UK. Applications must be made from outside the UK. The sponsoring relative must be a British or Irish citizen, hold indefinite leave to remain, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection.
Family Visa Fees
The amount you need to pay when applying for a family visa depends on whom you are joining in the UK and whether you are applying from within or outside the UK.
Application Fees:
- £1,846 – If you are applying from outside the UK to join your partner, parent, or child.
- £1,258 – If you are applying from within the UK to remain with your partner, parent, or child.
- Additional applicants (dependants):
– £1,846 per person if applying from outside the UK.
– £1,258 per person if applying from within the UK. - If your relative holds temporary protection status:
- £404 (outside the UK), £1,258 (inside the UK)
- If your relative holds any other form of permission:
– £3,250 (outside the UK), £1,258 (inside the UK)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
As part of your visa application, you may be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge:
- For each adult applicant (aged 18 and over):
- £2,587.50 for 2 years and 6 months
- £3,105 for 2 years and 9 months
- £5,175 for 5 years
- For each child applicant (under 18):
- £1,940 for 2 years and 6 months
- £2,328 for 2 years and 9 months
- £3,880 for 5 years
In certain circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a fee waiver if you are unable to afford the surcharge—particularly where you are unable to meet your essential living needs
Note: These figures are accurate as of January 2025 and may be subject to change.
For tailored guidance and support regarding the Family Settlement Visa processes, please contact us directly.