A UK family visa allows individuals to join their family members who are already settled in the UK. This visa category is designed to keep families together and enable them to reside in the UK while their family member works, studies, or resides permanently in the country.

 

There are several types of family visas, including:

1. Spouse or Partner Visa: Allows spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and same-sex partners of UK residents or British citizens to live and work in the UK.

2. Child Visa: Allows dependent children under the age of 18 to join their parent(s) who are living in the UK.

3. Parent Visa: Allows parents to join their child who is living in the UK, provided the child is a British citizen or settled in the UK.

4. Family Reunion Visa: Allows family members of refugees or individuals with humanitarian protection in the UK to join them.

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To apply for a family visa, applicants typically need to provide evidence of their relationship with the sponsoring family member, proof of financial support, and meet English language requirements where applicable.

 

The application process involves several steps and once granted, family visas allow individuals to live, work, and study in the UK for the duration specified on their visa, with the possibility of extending their stay or applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the future.

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You need a family visa to live with a family member in the UK for more than 6 months.

 

Applying from outside the UK

You can apply for a family visa to live with your:

• spouse or partner

• fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner

• child

• parent

• relative who’ll provide long-term care for you

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Switching to a family visa

If you came to the UK on a different visa, you might be able to switch to a family visa to stay with your:

• spouse or partner

• child

• parent

 

You can switch at any time before your current permission to stay in the UK expires.

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