If you’re looking to apply for a family visa UK, you’re likely aiming to reunite with a loved one and build a stable life together in the United Kingdom. The UK family visa route allows foreign nationals to join family members who are British citizens or settled in the UK. However, immigration rules can be complex, with strict requirements, documentation, and financial thresholds.
At Legal Assist, we specialise in UK immigration law and offer expert advice on how to apply for a family visa UK successfully. Whether you’re joining a spouse, partner, child, or parent, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step by step.
What is a Family Visa UK?
A family visa UK allows you to live with a family member in the UK for more than six months. It is part of the UK’s immigration rules under Appendix FM, which covers spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children, parents, and adult dependent relatives.
The main types of UK family visas include:
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Spouse or partner visa
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Fiancé(e) visa
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Parent visa
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Child visa
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Adult dependent relative visa
Depending on your situation, your visa type will determine the length of your stay, the documents you must provide, and whether you can work or study in the UK.
Who Can Apply for a UK Family Visa?
To apply for a family visa UK, you must be the family member of a person who is:
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A British citizen;
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Settled in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status;
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A refugee or granted humanitarian protection;
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Under the EU Settlement Scheme (pre-settled or settled status).
Eligible family members typically include:
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Husbands, wives, or civil partners
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Unmarried partners (must prove at least 2 years of living together)
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Fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners
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Children under 18
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Parents of British children or settled children
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Adult dependent relatives (requiring care)
Applying for a Spouse or Partner Visa UK
The spouse visa is one of the most common family visa routes. To qualify, you must:
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Be legally married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person;
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Have met in person;
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Intend to live together permanently in the UK;
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Prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting;
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Meet the financial requirement;
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Demonstrate adequate English language skills.
Financial Requirement
The sponsoring partner must show an income of at least £18,600 per year. This increases if children are involved:
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+£3,800 for the first child
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+£2,400 for each additional child
Alternatively, cash savings of £62,500 or more can be used if income is insufficient.
English Language Requirement
You’ll need to pass an approved English language test at A1 level or hold a recognised academic qualification taught in English. Nationals from majority English-speaking countries are exempt.
Fiancé(e) Visa UK
The fiancé(e) visa allows a foreign national to enter the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with their British or settled partner. This visa is valid for 6 months and cannot be extended. Once married, you must switch to a spouse visa.
Key Points:
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You must marry within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
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The financial and English language requirements are the same as the spouse visa.
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You cannot work on a fiancé(e) visa.
Parent Visa UK
A parent visa allows you to live in the UK to care for your child if they are:
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A British citizen or settled in the UK;
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Under 18 years old;
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Living permanently in the UK.
You must have sole or shared responsibility and prove active involvement in the child’s upbringing. This visa does not require you to be in a relationship with the child’s other parent.
Child Visa UK
A child visa allows minors to join a parent or parents who are living in the UK. The child must:
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Be under 18 at the time of application;
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Not be married or in a civil partnership;
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Intend to live with the parent(s) in the UK;
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Have no independent life (not living apart or working).
The parent must be a British citizen or have settled status. In most cases, both parents must be living in the UK or applying together.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
This route is one of the most difficult family visas to obtain due to strict rules. It is for non-EEA relatives who need long-term personal care and cannot access suitable care in their home country.
Eligible applicants include:
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Parents
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Grandparents
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Siblings
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Adult children
The UK sponsor must show they can support the relative without relying on public funds. Most applications for this visa are refused without expert legal support, making Legal Assist’s services especially valuable here.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Family Visa UK
The documents you need will vary depending on your relationship type. However, you will typically need:
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A valid passport or travel ID
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Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, photos)
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Evidence of meeting the financial requirement
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Proof of English language ability
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Accommodation details
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Tuberculosis (TB) test results (for certain countries)
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Criminal record certificate (if applying from outside the UK)
All documents must be in English or Welsh or accompanied by a certified translation.
How to Apply for a Family Visa UK
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before you apply, ensure you meet all the visa requirements. Legal Assist can review your situation and help assess your eligibility.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare and organise your documentation in advance. Missing or incorrect documents are the leading cause of visa refusal.
Step 3: Apply Online
Applications are made via the UK government’s visa and immigration website. You will need to:
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Fill in the online form;
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Upload documents or attend a visa application centre;
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Pay the application fee;
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Book an appointment for biometrics.
Step 4: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
This charge gives you access to the NHS. As of 2025, the IHS fee is:
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£1,035 per adult per year
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£776 per child per year
This is payable upfront for the entire visa duration.
Step 5: Attend Biometrics Appointment
You’ll need to provide fingerprints and a digital photo at a visa application centre.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary:
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Standard applications: 8–12 weeks
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Priority service (if available): 5 working days
Switching to a Family Visa from Within the UK
If you’re already in the UK on a different visa (e.g. student visa), you may be able to switch to a family visa. You must still meet all the requirements and apply before your current visa expires.
You cannot switch from a visitor visa to a family visa. In that case, you must leave the UK and apply from abroad.
Extension and Settlement
Family visas are usually granted for 2 years and 9 months. Before it expires, you can apply to extend it for another 2 years and 6 months. After five years of continuous residence on a family visa, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
In some exceptional cases, such as on the 10-year route or if you’re a parent with access to a British child, you might need to spend 10 years in the UK before qualifying for settlement.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Many family visa applications are refused due to:
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Inadequate evidence of relationship
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Failure to meet financial requirement
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Missing documentation
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Inaccurate application details
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English language test issues
Appealing a refusal can be time-consuming and costly. Legal representation from Legal Assist can significantly improve your success rate by ensuring your application is professionally handled from the start.
Legal Assist – Helping You Apply for Family Visa UK
At Legal Assist, we specialise in UK family immigration. Our expert solicitors help you navigate the visa process with ease and confidence. Here’s what we offer:
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Initial eligibility assessment
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Document review and guidance
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Full application preparation and submission
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Appeals and refusals support
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Ongoing legal advice
We also offer No Win No Fee options in certain immigration-related claims, giving you peace of mind with minimal financial risk.
FAQs – Apply for Family Visa UK
Q: Can I work on a family visa?
A: Yes, family visa holders (except fiancé(e)s) are allowed to work and study in the UK.
Q: How long does it take to get a family visa?
A: Processing times vary but generally range from 8 to 12 weeks. Priority services may reduce this to 5 days.
Q: Can I apply for a visa if I’m on benefits?
A: Some benefits may be allowed in exceptional cases under the “adequate maintenance” test, but legal advice is strongly recommended.
Q: Can same-sex couples apply?
A: Yes, same-sex partners and spouses are treated equally under UK immigration law.
Q: What if my visa is refused?
A: You can appeal, reapply, or seek a judicial review, depending on the refusal reason. Legal Assist can guide you through your options.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a family visa UK is a life-changing process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal support, you can avoid common pitfalls, ensure your documentation is accurate, and improve your chances of approval.
At Legal Assist, we are committed to helping families reunite and build a future in the UK. Whether you’re applying from abroad or switching within the country, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.