Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Application as a partner or spouse
- Financial criteria for partner or spouse applications
- Application as a parent
- Application as a child
- Application as an adult dependent relative
- Application based on private life
- Required information and supporting evidence
- English language requirements
- Steps following your application
Reuniting with your family in the UK is a life-changing journey, but the visa process can be complex and daunting. A UK Family Visa is the official pathway for you to join a qualifying family member and live in the UK for more than six months. Whether you are starting your journey from overseas, extending your current stay, or switching from another visa, our team of expert immigration advisors is here to guide you every step of the way.
We provide a professional, compassionate service to simplify the process, maximise your chances of success, and bring your family together sooner.
Your Pathway to the UK: Types of Family Visa Applications
We can manage your application no matter what your situation is.
- Applying from Outside the UK: If you are planning to move to the UK to live with a family member.
- Extending Your Family Visa: If you are already in the UK on a family visa and need to apply for further permission to stay before you can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- Switching to a Family Visa: If you are in the UK on a different type of long-term visa (e.g., a work visa) and your circumstances have changed, allowing you to switch to a family route.
Who Can You Join in the UK?
The Family Visa route covers several key relationships. You can apply to join your:
- Spouse or Partner (including civil partner or unmarried partner)
- Fiancé, Fiancée, or Proposed Civil Partner (to get married in the UK)
- Child
- Parent (if you are a child under 18)
- Relative who will provide long-term care for you (Adult Dependant Relative)
Understanding the Costs: Visa Fees & Healthcare Surcharge
Understanding the financial commitment is a crucial first step. The fees vary depending on your application type.
Home Office Application Fees
| Application Type | Applying from Outside UK | Applying from Inside UK |
| Joining a Partner, Parent, or Child | £1,938 per person | £1,321 per person |
| Adult Dependant Relative | £3,413 per person | £1,321 per person |
Note: These are significant payments. We advise informing your bank before making the transaction to avoid it being automatically blocked.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa fee, you must pay the IHS, which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). For a typical partner visa, this can be over £2,500 per adult for a 2.5-year visa.
Our advisors provide a clear, upfront breakdown of all costs associated with your specific application so there are no surprises.
Important Exclusions: When You Cannot Apply for a Family Visa
To save you time and potential disappointment, it’s vital to know when a Family Visa is not the correct route.
- Your Family Member is on a Work or Student Visa: You cannot apply for a Family Visa in this case. Instead, you must apply as their Dependant. We can assist with these applications.
- You are in the UK on a Visitor Visa: You cannot switch from a visitor visa to a family visa from inside the UK. You must return to your home country to apply. The only major exception is if you are in the UK on a 6-month visa as a fiancé(e), and you have gotten married.
Special Circumstances: Compassionate Routes to Settlement
We offer sensitive and expert advice if your circumstances have tragically changed. You may be able to apply to settle in the UK if you were here as a partner and:
- You were a victim of domestic abuse.
- Your partner passed away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – UK Family Visas
Q: How long does the Family Visa last?
A: When applying from outside the UK to join a partner, the initial visa is typically granted for 2 years and 9 months. You will then need to extend it to complete the 5-year route to settlement.
Q: Can I get a faster decision?
A: Yes, if you are applying from within the UK, you can often pay an extra £1,000 for the ‘super priority service’ to receive a decision in 1-2 working days.
Q: What if I cannot afford the visa fee?
A: In very limited and specific circumstances (for example, if you are destitute), you may be eligible for a fee waiver. We can assess your eligibility for this.
Why Choose Us? Your Partner in Family Immigration
- Expert Guidance: We navigate the complex rules for you.
- Maximise Success: We meticulously prepare your application to meet all requirements, reducing the risk of refusal.
- Reduce Stress: We handle the paperwork and communicate with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Clear Cost Breakdown: We provide a transparent overview of all fees from the start.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.