The UK Family visa is one of the most significant immigration routes for those building their lives with loved ones in the United Kingdom. Whether you're joining a British citizen spouse, reuniting with your settled partner, or bringing your children to the UK, this relationship-based visa offers a clear pathway from temporary residence to permanent settlement and British citizenship.

Unlike work-based visas such as the Skilled Worker route, the Family visa prioritizes personal relationships over professional qualifications. However, it comes with its own set of rigorous requirements—particularly around income, relationship genuineness, and English language ability.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the UK Family visa application in 2026, from understanding eligibility to navigating the settlement pathway.

For a complete overview of all UK immigration routes, see our Complete Guide to Moving to the UK.

Who Needs a UK Family Visa?

The UK Family visa is for non-UK nationals who want to join or remain with close family members who are:

British citizens
Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Have settled or pre-settled status (EU Settlement Scheme)
Are refugees or humanitarian protection holders

Common applicant profiles:

Partners or spouses of British citizens
Fiancé(e)s planning to marry in the UK
Unmarried partners who've lived together for 2+ years
Children joining parents in the UK
Parents with care responsibilities for UK-resident children

You don't need this visa if:

You're an Irish citizen (Common Travel Area rights)
You already have Indefinite Leave to Remain
You have EU settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme

Family Visa Categories: Which Route is Yours?

The Family visa encompasses several subcategories, each with specific requirements:

1. Partner/Spouse Route (Most Common)

For those in genuine relationships with British citizens or settled persons.

Who qualifies:

Married couples or civil partners
Unmarried partners who've lived together for 2+ years
Fiancé(e)s intending to marry within 6 months

Initial visa length: 2 years 9 months (from outside UK) or 2 years 6 months (inside UK)

Settlement timeline: 5 years to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

2. Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner

For those planning to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK.

Initial visa length: 6 months (no work rights)

Important: After marriage, you must apply to switch to the spouse/partner visa (additional fees apply). Time on a fiancé(e) visa does NOT count toward settlement.

3. Child Route

For children joining parents who are British, settled, or on a route to settlement.

Requirements:

Child must be under 18
Not married or in independent relationship
Parent must be settled or on route to settlement

Settlement timeline: In line with parent's visa

4. Parent Route

For parents who have access rights to, or are responsible for, a British child or child with ILR.

Requirements:

Child must be British or have ILR
Must have access rights or shared responsibility
Financial requirement usually applies

Settlement timeline: 5 years (or 10 years for certain parent routes)

5. Adult Dependent Relative

For elderly or disabled relatives requiring long-term personal care.

Warning: This is one of the hardest UK visas to obtain, with very high refusal rates. You must prove care needs cannot be met in home country even if care would need to be paid for.

Settlement: Immediately settled upon entry (Indefinite Leave to Enter)

Key Requirements at a Glance

Before you begin, ensure you meet these core requirements:

Genuine relationship with a British citizen or settled person
Financial requirement: £29,000 annual income (or equivalent savings)
English language: A1 CEFR level for initial visa
Adequate accommodation without overcrowding
Relationship evidence: Proving your relationship is genuine and subsisting

Let's examine each requirement in detail.

1. The Relationship Requirement: Proving Genuineness

The Home Office scrutinizes relationships carefully to prevent marriage fraud.

For Married Couples or Civil Partners

Evidence required:

Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
Photographs together over time
Communication history (calls, messages, emails)
Evidence of visits to each other's countries
Joint financial responsibilities
Statements from friends/family

Red flags to avoid:

Short relationship before marriage
No evidence of having met in person
Large age gaps (may face additional scrutiny)
Proxy marriages without relationship evidence

For Unmarried Partners

Must prove:

Lived together for at least 2 consecutive years
Relationship is genuine and continuing

Evidence required:

Utility bills in both names at same address
Rental agreements or mortgage documents
Bank statements showing cohabitation
Council tax statements
Official correspondence covering the full 2-year period

Important: Evidence must cover the full 2 years without significant gaps.

For Fiancé(e)s

Must prove:

Intent to marry or form civil partnership within 6 months
Genuine relationship

Evidence required:

Evidence of engagement
Plans for wedding in UK
Communication and relationship history
Evidence of having met in person

2. The Financial Requirement: Meeting the Income Threshold

One of the most challenging aspects of the Family visa is the financial requirement.

The Basic Threshold

Your UK-based sponsor must typically earn:

£29,000 per year (as of April 2024)
Additional £3,800 for the first child
Additional £2,400 for each subsequent child

Examples:

Couple only: £29,000
Couple + 1 child: £32,800
Couple + 2 children: £35,200
Couple + 3 children: £37,600

What Counts as Income?

Acceptable sources:

Employment income (salary, wages)
Self-employment income
Non-employment income (pensions, investments, property rental)
Combinations of the above

Evidence periods:

Employment: 6 months of payslips and bank statements
Self-employment: 2 full tax years (SA302 forms + accountant letter)
Non-employment income: Evidence of regular receipt

Not included:

Discretionary bonuses or overtime
Most benefits (with some exceptions for disability benefits)
Income from the applicant (unless already in UK with work rights for 12+ months)

Using Cash Savings

If income doesn't meet the threshold, you can use cash savings:

Formula: Savings above £16,000 can supplement or replace income.

For full income replacement:

£62,500 required (for couple only)
Additional amounts for children

For partial income replacement:

Complex calculation: (Required income - actual income) × 2.5 + £16,000

Example:

Required: £29,000
Actual income: £20,000
Shortfall: £9,000
Savings needed: (£9,000 × 2.5) + £16,000 = £38,500

Savings requirements:

Must be held in cash for at least 6 months
In accounts you or sponsor control
Bank statements showing funds for full period

Financial Requirement Exemptions

You may be exempt if your sponsor receives:

Disability Living Allowance
Personal Independence Payment
Severe Disablement Allowance
Carer's Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment

3. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate English ability at the required level.

Initial Visa: A1 Level

The first visa requires A1 CEFR level (basic English).

How to prove:

Option 1: Approved Test

IELTS Life Skills A1
Trinity GESE Grade 2
LanguageCert International ESOL A1

Option 2: Degree in English

UK degree
Degree taught in English from approved country
Requires ENIC-NARIC confirmation for foreign degrees

Option 3: Nationality Exemption

Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are exempt:

Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA

Option 4: Age or Disability Exemption

Over 65 years old
Physical or mental condition preventing you from meeting requirement

Extension and Settlement Requirements

For first extension (after 2.5-3 years): A2 level required

For settlement (after 5 years): B1 level required

You'll need to take a higher-level test at each stage unless you already have a qualifying degree.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Taking a standard English test instead of an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).

Avoid: Only specific tests are accepted. IELTS Academic does NOT count—you need IELTS Life Skills or other approved SELT.

4. Accommodation Requirement

You must have adequate accommodation available for your family.

What's Required

Accommodation that the family can live in without overcrowding
Property must be owned or legally occupied by sponsor
Sufficient space for household size

Evidence

Acceptable evidence:

Tenancy agreement showing sponsor as tenant
Mortgage statement or property deed
Letter from landlord confirming permission for family to reside
Property details including number of rooms

Optional but helpful:

Property inspection report
Floor plans
Photographs of property

Overcrowding Standards

The assessment follows UK housing standards:

Rooms counted: Living rooms, bedrooms (not kitchens, bathrooms)

Age-based requirements:

Children under 10: Can share bedroom regardless of gender
Children over 10: Should not share bedroom with opposite gender sibling

Pro tip: Include detailed property information showing room sizes and layout to strengthen your application.

Complete Document Checklist

Mandatory Documents

[ ] Valid passport (at least one blank page for visa vignette)
[ ] Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, cohabitation evidence, etc.)
[ ] Sponsor's immigration status evidence (British passport, BRP showing ILR, etc.)
[ ] Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
[ ] English language certificate (or exemption evidence)
[ ] Accommodation evidence (tenancy agreement, mortgage documents)
[ ] TB test certificate (if from a listed country)

For Married Couples/Civil Partners

[ ] Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
[ ] Certified translation if not in English
[ ] Previous relationship dissolution evidence (if previously married)

For Unmarried Partners

[ ] Evidence of 2+ years cohabitation covering full period
[ ] Utility bills in both names
[ ] Rental agreements showing both names
[ ] Bank statements at same address
[ ] Council tax statements

For Fiancé(e)s

[ ] Evidence of engagement
[ ] Intent to marry within 6 months
[ ] Venue booking or wedding plans (if available)

For Child Applicants

[ ] Child's birth certificate
[ ] Consent from other parent (if applicable)
[ ] Evidence of sole responsibility (if applicable)
[ ] Parental custody orders (if applicable)

Supporting Evidence (Strengthens Application)

[ ] Photographs together over time (dated if possible)
[ ] Flight tickets and hotel bookings from visits
[ ] Communication history (call logs, messages, emails)
[ ] Joint financial evidence (joint bank accounts, money transfers)
[ ] Witness statements from friends/family
[ ] Wedding photos and documentation
[ ] Evidence of future plans together in UK

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Assess Eligibility and Gather Evidence (1-2 months)

Review all eligibility requirements with your sponsor. Begin collecting relationship evidence early—the more history you can show, the stronger your application.

Step 2: Sponsor Prepares Financial Evidence (2-4 weeks)

For employed sponsors:

Gather 6 months of payslips
6 months of corresponding bank statements
Letter from employer confirming salary and employment

For self-employed sponsors:

2 years of tax returns (SA302 forms)
Accountant's letter
Business accounts or records

For savings:

Ensure funds held for minimum 6 months
Obtain bank statements covering full period

Step 3: Take English Language Test (2-4 weeks)

Book and pass an approved A1 level test unless exempt.

Test costs: Approximately £150

Timing: Results typically available within a few days to 2 weeks.

Step 4: TB Test (if required) (1 week)

If applying from a listed country, attend an approved clinic for tuberculosis test.

Cost: Varies by country (typically £50-150)

Validity: 6 months from issue date

Step 5: Gather All Documents (2 weeks)

Collect all mandatory and conditional documents. Ensure:

Documents are originals or certified copies
Non-English documents have certified translations
All information is consistent across documents

Step 6: Complete Online Application (1 day)

Apply online at gov.uk/uk-family-visa/apply:

Create an account
Complete all sections carefully and accurately
Upload supporting documents
Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

Application fee: £1,846 (applying from outside UK)

IHS: £1,035 per year (for 33-month visa: approximately £2,847)

Step 7: Attend Biometrics Appointment (3-4 weeks wait)

Book and attend appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC):

Submit your passport
Provide fingerprints and photograph
Submit any physical documents

Priority services:

Standard: ~12 weeks (60 working days)
Priority: ~6 weeks (30 working days) - additional £573

Peak times: VAC appointment availability can be limited. Book early.

Step 8: Wait for Decision (12 weeks standard)

Standard processing time is approximately 12 weeks (60 working days) from biometrics appointment when applying from outside the UK.

UK-based applications: Typically 8 weeks

You may be contacted for:

Additional documents
Interview to assess relationship genuineness
Clarification of information

Step 9: Receive Decision and Collect Passport (1 week)

If approved, you'll receive:

Your passport with a 90-day entry vignette
Information about collecting your BRP in the UK

If refused: Decision letter explains reasons. You may be able to:

Apply for an Administrative Review (if eligible)
Reapply addressing the refusal reasons
Appeal (limited circumstances)

Step 10: Travel to UK and Collect BRP (within 90 days)

Enter the UK within the 90-day validity period of your vignette.

Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival from the location specified in your decision letter (usually a Post Office).

Post-Arrival: Settling in the UK

Collect Your BRP (10 days)

Your BRP is your proof of immigration status and shows:

Your right to work in the UK
Your right to access services
Your visa expiry date

Register for National Insurance Number (4 weeks)

Apply online or by phone for a National Insurance (NI) number if you plan to work.

Required for:

Employment
Paying taxes
Claiming benefits (if eligible)

Register with a GP (2 weeks)

Register with a local GP surgery to access NHS healthcare. Your Immigration Health Surcharge payment entitles you to NHS services on the same basis as UK residents.

Open a UK Bank Account (2-3 weeks)

Documents typically needed:

BRP (proof of address and identity)
Proof of UK address (utility bill, rental agreement)
Sponsor may need to be present initially

Work Rights

Partner/spouse visa holders have full work rights in the UK:

No restrictions on employment type
Can work any number of hours
Can be self-employed
No employer sponsorship required

Fiancé(e) visa holders: Cannot work until switched to spouse visa after marriage.

Costs Breakdown: Full Picture

Government Fees (Couple, No Children)

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Visa application (outside UK) | £1,846 | | Visa application (inside UK - switch/extend) | £1,048 | | Immigration Health Surcharge (33 months) | £2,847 | | Total (outside UK) | £4,693 |

Additional Costs

| Item | Typical Cost | |------|-------------| | English language test (A1) | £150 | | TB test (if required) | £50-150 | | Document translations | £20-50 per document | | Document certification | £10-30 per document | | Priority processing (outside UK) | £573 | | Super priority (inside UK) | £1,000 | | Immigration lawyer fees | £1,500-£3,500 |

Extension Costs (After 2.5-3 Years)

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Extension application | £1,048 | | IHS (30 months) | £2,588 | | English language test (A2) | £150 | | Total | £3,786 |

Settlement Costs (After 5 Years)

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | ILR application | £2,885 | | Life in the UK test | £50 | | English language test (B1, if needed) | £150 | | Total | £3,085 |

Total Journey Costs (Partner Visa to ILR)

Approximate total over 5 years: £11,500 - £14,000 per person

(Additional costs for children, priority services, or legal fees not included)

Path to Settlement: Indefinite Leave to Remain

The Family visa offers a clear route to permanent residence.

Timeline to ILR

Standard partner/spouse route:

Initial visa: 2 years 9 months (or 2 years 6 months from inside UK)
First extension: 2 years 6 months
Total: 5 years to ILR eligibility

Requirements for ILR

After 5 continuous years on the family route, you can apply for ILR if you meet:

Continuous residence: 5 years on family visa route
Relationship continuing: Still in genuine relationship with sponsor
Financial requirement: Meeting current threshold (£29,000 or equivalent)
English language: B1 CEFR level (speaking and listening)
Life in the UK test: Passed (£50, 75% pass mark)
Absence limits: No more than 180 days outside UK in any 12-month period
Good character: No serious criminal convictions

Life in the UK Test

Required for settlement (but not for initial visa or extensions).

Format:

24 multiple-choice questions
45 minutes
75% pass mark (18 correct answers)
Topics: British values, traditions, history, culture

Preparation: Study the official handbook "Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents"

Absences from the UK

Track your absences carefully:

Maximum 180 days in any 12-month period
No single absence over 6 months
Excessive absences may require explanation or could affect settlement

Pro tip: Keep records of all travel including boarding passes and stamps.

British Citizenship: The Final Step

After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation.

Requirements

Held ILR for at least 12 months
Lived in UK for at least 5 years before application
English language at B1 level
Passed Life in the UK test
Good character requirement
Intent to continue living in UK

Spouses of British Citizens: Faster Route

If married to a British citizen, you may qualify for naturalisation after only 3 years of residence (instead of 5), though you still need to hold ILR for 12 months.

Citizenship Benefits

Full UK passport
Right to vote
No immigration restrictions
Can pass citizenship to children
Protection from deportation

Application fee: Approximately £1,580 (plus ceremony fee)

Dependants: Including Children

Financial Requirement Adjustment

When including children:

First child: Add £3,800 to income requirement
Each additional child: Add £2,400

Example (couple + 2 children):

Base requirement: £29,000
First child: +£3,800
Second child: +£2,400
Total required: £35,200

Child Application Process

Children can apply:

With you (same application)
Later (after you're in UK)

Fees per child:

Visa fee: £1,846 (outside UK) or £1,048 (inside UK)
IHS: £1,035 per year

Child Requirements

Under 18 at time of application
Not married or in civil partnership
Not independent with their own children
Parental consent from all those with parental responsibility

If other parent not joining: May need evidence of consent or sole custody.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Relationship Evidence

Mistake: Relying only on marriage certificate without showing relationship history.

Avoid: Provide comprehensive evidence spanning the relationship: photographs over time, communication history, visits, joint finances, witness statements.

2. Financial Calculation Errors

Mistake:

Counting overtime or bonuses that aren't guaranteed
Using income from wrong period
Incorrect savings calculation

Avoid:

Only count guaranteed basic salary
Follow exact evidence periods (6 months for employment, 2 years for self-employment)
Use official Home Office calculator for savings combinations

3. Insufficient English Evidence

Mistake: Taking wrong test or from unapproved provider.

Avoid: Only Secure English Language Tests (SELT) from approved providers count. Standard language tests don't qualify.

4. Inadequate Cohabitation Evidence for Unmarried Partners

Mistake: Having gaps in the 2-year cohabitation period, or using documents in only one person's name.

Avoid: Ensure continuous evidence covering full 2 years with both names at same address. No significant gaps allowed.

5. Poor Quality Accommodation Evidence

Mistake: Vague or insufficient information about property.

Avoid: Provide clear evidence of property ownership/tenancy, number of rooms, household composition, and landlord permission if renting.

6. Not Declaring Previous Relationships

Mistake: Failing to provide divorce certificates or evidence of previous relationship dissolution.

Avoid: Always declare previous marriages. If previously married, you MUST prove the relationship has legally ended with divorce decree absolute or death certificate.

7. Applying Too Early

Mistake: Applying before holding savings for 6 months, or before 2 years of cohabitation are complete.

Avoid: Wait until you meet all requirements. Premature applications waste money and may harm future applications.

Switching and Extensions

Can You Switch to Family Visa From Within the UK?

Yes, you can switch from:

Student visa
Graduate visa
Skilled Worker visa
Youth Mobility Scheme
Most other visa categories

Usually cannot switch from:

Visitor visa (must leave UK and apply from abroad)
Short-term student visa
Seasonal Worker visa
Those with immigration bail conditions

Extending Your Family Visa

First extension: Apply before your initial visa expires (typically after 2 years 9 months or 2 years 6 months).

Requirements remain the same:

Relationship still genuine and subsisting
Meet financial requirement (at current rate)
English language at A2 level
Adequate accommodation

In-country extensions: You can remain in the UK while your extension is decided if you applied before your visa expired.

If Your Relationship Breaks Down

General rule: Your visa is tied to your relationship. If the relationship ends, you may need to leave the UK or qualify for another route.

Exceptions:

Domestic violence victims: May apply for ILR immediately if relationship ended due to domestic abuse (special provisions apply)
Death of sponsor: May apply for ILR immediately if you've been in UK for at least 2 years
Parent of British child: May qualify for parent route

Family Visa vs. Other UK Routes

vs. Skilled Worker Visa

| Feature | Family Visa | Skilled Worker | |---------|-------------|----------------| | Relationship required | Yes | No | | Job offer required | No | Yes | | Salary requirement | £29,000 (sponsor) | £38,700 (you) | | Work rights | Full | Specific employer | | Settlement | 5 years | 5 years |

Learn more about Skilled Worker visa

vs. Student Visa

| Feature | Family Visa | Student Visa | |---------|-------------|--------------| | Purpose | Join family | Study | | Work rights | Full | Restricted (20 hrs/week) | | Settlement route | Yes (5 years) | No (indirect via other routes) | | Dependants | Can include children | Very restricted |

Learn more about UK Student visa

Real Success Stories: What Works

Case 1: US-UK Couple (Spouse Visa)

Profile: American citizen married to British citizen, both working professionals

Evidence strategy:

3 years of relationship history (photos, trips, communication)
UK spouse employed earning £45,000/year
6 months payslips and bank statements
Rented accommodation with both names on tenancy
Wedding certificate and photos
Witness statements from family members

Result: Approved on first application, 8-week processing time

Case 2: Unmarried Partners (Cohabitation Route)

Profile: Brazilian and British citizens, lived together in Brazil for 2.5 years

Evidence strategy:

Rental agreement in Brazil showing both names (2+ years)
Utility bills in both names throughout period
Joint bank account statements
Evidence of UK partner's return to UK and new job
UK partner's employment earning £32,000
Photos and travel history

Result: Approved after providing additional evidence of cohabitation continuity

Case 3: Self-Employed Sponsor

Profile: UK citizen self-employed graphic designer (£38,000/year), partner from India

Evidence strategy:

2 years of SA302 tax returns showing income above threshold
Accountant's letter and business accounts
Marriage certificate from India with certified translation
Evidence of relationship development (met at conference, visited multiple times)
Property ownership documents
Communication history (emails, WhatsApp, video calls)

Result: Approved after 10 weeks, no interview required

Case 4: Using Savings to Meet Financial Requirement

Profile: Recently retired UK sponsor, partner from Philippines

Evidence strategy:

Pension income: £15,000/year
Cash savings: £55,000 (held for 8 months)
Calculation: (£29,000 - £15,000) × 2.5 + £16,000 = £51,000 required
Bank statements showing funds consistently above threshold
Property ownership (mortgage-free)
5 years of relationship history

Result: Approved with request for additional savings documentation

Next Steps

Ready to pursue a UK Family visa?

Assess your eligibility: Do you meet the relationship, financial, and English requirements?
Calculate financial requirement: Determine exact income/savings needed for your family size
Start gathering evidence: Begin collecting relationship evidence now—the more history, the better
Review full route details: View complete UK Family visa requirements
Check official guidance: UK Government Family visa page
Explore all UK routes: UK Immigration Guide
Consider professional help: For complex situations, consult a qualified immigration solicitor specializing in family visas

Helpful official resources:

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information based on publicly available sources as of February 2026. It is not legal advice. UK immigration requirements—particularly financial thresholds and evidence requirements for family visas—change frequently. The financial requirement increased from £18,600 to £29,000 in April 2024, and further changes may occur. Always verify current requirements with the UK government website and the specific Immigration Rules (Appendix FM). For complex situations, previous refusals, or unclear eligibility, consult qualified immigration solicitors who specialise in UK family immigration law.

Sources:

Last updated: February 1, 2026