Clarimove

Family Visa - Complete Immigration Plan

Category: family

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Not Legal Advice— This is informational guidance only

Overview

The UK Family visa is the main immigration route for joining or remaining with close family members who are British citizens, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), have settled or pre-settled status, or are refugees/humanitarian protection holders in the UK. This relationship-based route covers partners, spouses, fiancé(e)s, children, parents, and adult dependent relatives. Family routes are among the most permanent-intention pathways in the UK immigration system, with most leading directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years and, subsequently, British citizenship.

Typical Profile: Partners or spouses of British citizens or settled persons seeking to build a life together in the UK. Also suitable for unmarried couples in long-term relationships, fiancé(e)s planning to marry in the UK, children joining parents, and parents with care responsibilities for children resident in the UK. Common applicants include those in international relationships, families separated by previous work or study migration, and individuals switching from other visa categories after forming relationships in the UK.

Detailed Eligibility Requirements

Hard Requirements (Mandatory)

Nationality:

Non-UK nationals who wish to join a family member in the UK. Irish citizens do not need a visa. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals without pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may need this visa to join family.

Age Limits:

Minimum: 18 years

Income Threshold:

€29,000 GBP_per_year

The UK-based sponsor must typically earn at least £29,000 per year (as of April 2024). Higher thresholds apply when including children: additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child. Alternatively, cash savings held for at least 6 months can be used (savings above £16,000, with complex calculation for partial income/savings combinations). Acceptable income sources include employment, self-employment, non-employment income (pensions, investments, property rental), and certain other sources. Self-employment requires stricter evidence over 2 tax years.

Work Allowed:

Yes

No employment requirements for the applicant. Family visa holders have full work rights in the UK with no restrictions on employment type, hours, or self-employment.

Accommodation:

Required

Must demonstrate adequate accommodation that the family can live in without becoming overcrowded. Property must be owned or legally occupied by the sponsor. Evidence typically includes tenancy agreement or mortgage documents, property inspection report may strengthen application.

Health Insurance:

Not required

No private insurance required. Applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as UK residents.

Sponsor Required

family_member

Additional Considerations (Discretionary)

Common Exceptions:

English language exemptions apply to: nationals of majority English-speaking countries, applicants over 65 years old, those with physical or mental conditions preventing them from meeting the requirement. Financial requirement may be met through combination of income and savings. Sponsors receiving certain disability benefits may be exempt from financial requirement.

Discretionary Factors:

Genuineness of relationship is assessed holistically. Evidence of having met in person. Plans for future together in the UK. How the relationship developed over time. Sponsor's immigration and compliance history. Previous marriage/relationship history of both parties.

Alternative Proofs:

English language can be proven through: approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), UK degree, degree taught in English from majority English-speaking country, or nationality exemption. Financial requirement can be met through: employment income, self-employment income, cash savings, non-employment income, or combinations thereof. Overseas income may count if sponsor is returning to UK.

Common Edge Cases:

Couples who have not met in person (may face additional scrutiny). Proxy marriages (recognised if valid in country of celebration and both parties consented). Polygamous marriages (only legally monogamous relationships recognised). Relationships formed while applicant was in UK on another visa. Sponsors with previous failed sponsorship attempts. Applicants with previous immigration violations.

Complete Document Checklist

Mandatory Documents (7)

  • Valid Passport or Travel Document

    Current passport with at least one blank page for the visa vignette. Must be valid for the duration of intended stay.

    If passport expires during planned stay, visa may be issued until passport expiry date. Include previous passports showing travel history and previous UK visas if available.

    Official source →

  • Proof of Relationship

    Evidence demonstrating your genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK-based sponsor.

    For married couples: marriage certificate. For civil partners: civil partnership certificate. For unmarried partners: evidence of 2+ years cohabitation (utility bills, rental agreements, bank statements at same address). For fiancé(e)s: evidence of engagement and intent to marry. For all: photographs, correspondence, evidence of visits, joint finances, testimonies from friends/family.

    Official source →

  • Sponsor's Immigration Status Evidence

    Proof that your sponsor is a British citizen, has Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or is a recognised refugee/humanitarian protection holder.

    British passport, naturalisation certificate, BRP showing ILR, or Home Office letter confirming refugee status. EU Settlement Scheme status can be proven via share code from online service.

  • Financial Evidence

    Evidence that the sponsor meets the minimum income requirement (£29,000/year) or has sufficient savings.

    Employment income: 6 months payslips and bank statements, employer letter confirming salary. Self-employment: 2 years tax returns (SA302), accountant letter. Savings: bank statements showing funds held for 6+ months. Cash savings above £16,000 threshold can supplement income. Complex calculations apply for combined income and savings.

    Official source →

  • English Language Evidence

    Proof of English ability at A1 CEFR level (speaking and listening) for initial application.

    Accepted evidence: approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS Life Skills A1, Trinity GESE Grade 2, LanguageCert International ESOL A1. UK degree or degree taught in English from approved country also accepted. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries exempt. Over-65s and those with physical/mental conditions may be exempt.

    Official source →

  • Accommodation Evidence

    Evidence that adequate accommodation is available for the family without overcrowding.

    Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or property ownership documents. Letter from landlord confirming permission for family to reside (if renting). Property inspection report recommended but not mandatory. Must show property details including number of rooms.

  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate

    Certificate from approved clinic showing you are free from infectious TB.

    Required only if applying from or resident in a listed country. Valid for 6 months from issue date. List of countries requiring TB test available on gov.uk.

    Official source →

Conditional Documents (8)

  • Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate

    Required if: Required for spouse or civil partner applications

    Original certificate or certified copy. If not in English, must be accompanied by certified translation. If married abroad, certificate must be from country where marriage took place.

  • Evidence of 2+ Years Cohabitation

    Required if: Required for unmarried partner applications

    Evidence such as: utility bills, council tax statements, rental agreements, bank statements, official correspondence - all showing both names at the same address over minimum 2-year period. Evidence should cover the full 2-year period without significant gaps.

  • Evidence of Previous Relationship Dissolution

    Required if: Required if either party was previously married or in a civil partnership

    Divorce decree absolute, annulment certificate, or death certificate of former spouse. Must prove previous relationship has legally ended.

  • Child's Birth Certificate

    Required if: Required for child applicants

    Proves relationship to parent in UK. If not in English, requires certified translation.

  • Consent from Other Parent

    Required if: Required for child applicants where only one parent is applying/sponsoring

    Written consent from the other parent for the child to live in the UK. Court order granting sole custody may be required if consent cannot be obtained.

  • Evidence of Sole Responsibility for Child

    Required if: Required for parent living abroad applying for child to join them in UK

    Evidence that UK-based parent has had sole responsibility for child's upbringing, OR that there are serious/compelling family considerations making exclusion undesirable.

  • Medical Evidence for Adult Dependent Relative

    Required if: Required for adult dependent relative applications

    Detailed medical evidence showing the relative requires long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability, and that this care is not available or affordable in their home country.

  • Higher English Language Evidence

    Required if: Required for extension (A2) and settlement (B1) applications

    A2 level test required for first extension. B1 level test required for ILR application. Same exemptions apply as for initial application.

Optional Documents (7)

These documents may strengthen your application

  • Photographs Together

    Photos of you and your partner together over time, ideally dated and showing different occasions. Helps demonstrate genuineness of relationship.

  • Communication History

    Records of phone calls, messages, emails, video calls between you and your partner. Call logs, screenshots of messages, chat histories.

  • Evidence of Visits

    Flight tickets, hotel bookings, passport stamps showing visits to each other's countries.

  • Joint Financial Evidence

    Joint bank accounts, shared financial responsibilities, money transfers between accounts, shared subscriptions or bills.

  • Witness Statements

    Signed statements from friends or family members attesting to the genuineness of your relationship. Include their contact details and relationship to you.

  • Wedding Documentation

    Wedding invitations, ceremony programme, guest list, photos from wedding day. Useful for recently married couples.

  • Evidence of Future Plans

    Evidence of plans for life together in the UK: property purchases, job offers, school applications for children.

Step-by-Step Process

Before Arrival in the UK (9 steps)

  1. 1

    Assess Eligibility and Gather Evidence

    Review all eligibility requirements together with your sponsor. Begin collecting relationship evidence early. Ensure sponsor's financial situation meets the minimum income requirement. Identify any potential issues that need addressing.

    1 monthHome country / UK
    Official source →
  2. 2

    Sponsor Prepares Financial Evidence

    UK-based sponsor gathers evidence of income meeting £29,000 threshold: 6 months of payslips and corresponding bank statements, employer letter, or self-employment evidence (2 years tax returns). If using savings, ensure funds have been held for 6+ months.

    2 weeksUK (sponsor action)
    Official source →
  3. 3

    Take English Language Test (if required)

    Book and pass an approved A1 level English test (speaking and listening) unless exempt. Tests include IELTS Life Skills A1, Trinity GESE Grade 2, or LanguageCert. Results typically available quickly.

    2 weeks£150.00Appointment requiredApproved test centre
    Official source →
  4. 4

    Obtain TB Test Certificate (if required)

    If applying from a listed country, attend an approved clinic for a TB test. Obtain certificate confirming you are free from infectious TB.

    1 weekAppointment requiredApproved clinic
    Official source →
  5. 5

    Gather All Required Documents

    Collect all mandatory documents: valid passport, relationship evidence, sponsor status proof, financial evidence, English language certificate, accommodation evidence, and any conditional documents that apply to your situation.

    2 weeksHome country
  6. 6

    Complete Online Application

    Submit your visa application online through the UK government website. Complete all sections carefully and accurately. Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online. Upload supporting documents where required.

    1 dayOnline
    Official source →
  7. 7

    Attend Biometrics Appointment

    Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). Bring your passport and supporting documents. Priority service may be available at additional cost.

    3 weeksAppointment requiredVisa Application Centre (VAC)
  8. 8

    Wait for Decision

    Standard processing time is approximately 12 weeks (60 working days) from biometrics appointment when applying from outside the UK. Priority service (30 working days) may be available. You may be contacted for additional documents or an interview.

    3 monthsHome country
    Official source →
  9. 9

    Receive Decision and Collect Passport

    If approved, you receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 90 days to enter the UK. Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will be collected after arrival in the UK.

    5 daysVisa Application Centre

After Arrival in the UK (5 steps)

  1. 1

    Enter the UK

    Travel to the UK within the 90-day validity period of your entry vignette. You can begin living with your sponsor immediately upon arrival.

    UK
  2. 2

    Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

    Collect your BRP from the Post Office or location specified in your decision letter within 10 days of arrival. The BRP shows your immigration status and right to work in the UK.

    1 weekPost Office or designated location (UK)
    Official source →
  3. 3

    Register for National Insurance Number

    Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number if you plan to work in the UK. This is required for employment and paying taxes.

    4 weeksUK (online/phone)
    Official source →
  4. 4

    Register with GP (General Practitioner)

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

    2 weeksUK
  5. 5

    Open UK Bank Account

    Open a UK bank account for day-to-day banking. Your BRP and proof of address will help with the application process.

    2 weeksUK

Timeline & Validity

Typical Processing Time:

84 days

Standard processing is approximately 12 weeks (60 working days) from biometrics appointment when applying from outside the UK. Applications from within the UK typically take 8 weeks. Priority service (30 working days, approximately 6 weeks) may be available at additional cost in some locations. Complex cases or those requiring additional verification may take longer. Super priority (5 working days) is available for in-UK applications at premium cost.

Recommended Lead Time:

120 days

Start your application this early before planned travel

Permit Validity:

33 months

Duration of your initial permit

Renewal Possible:

Yes

Initial visa is granted for 2 years 9 months (33 months) when applying from outside UK, or 2 years 6 months (30 months) from within UK. First extension grants another 2 years 6 months. Must still meet all requirements at extension: relationship continuing, financial requirement met, English language (A2 for extension), adequate accommodation. After 5 years total, can apply for settlement (ILR).

Regional Variations:

Processing times vary by Visa Application Centre location. Some high-volume VACs may have longer appointment wait times. UK-based switching applications are processed differently and may be faster.

Common Bottlenecks:

Financial evidence verification (especially for self-employed sponsors). Relationship genuineness assessment (may require interview). VAC appointment availability. TB test appointments in some countries. Document verification for certificates from certain countries.

Fees & Costs Breakdown

Estimated Total Cost

£9,087

Government fees and mandatory costs only

Government Fees

  • Visa Application Fee (outside UK)

    Application fee when applying from outside the UK for 33-month visa.

    £1,846.00
  • Visa Application Fee (inside UK - switch/extend)

    Fee for switching to Family visa or extending from within the UK.

    £1,048.00
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

    Per year of visa duration. Paid upfront for entire visa period. Grants access to NHS healthcare. For 33-month visa: approximately £2,847. For 30-month extension: approximately £2,588. Refundable if visa refused.

    £1,035.00
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Application Fee

    Fee for settlement application after 5 years on family route.

    £2,885.00
  • Life in the UK Test Fee

    Required for ILR application. Must be passed before applying for settlement.

    £50.00

Service Fees (Optional)

  • Priority Processing (outside UK)

    Optional faster processing (approximately 30 working days). Availability varies by location.

    £573.00
  • Super Priority Processing (inside UK)

    Optional fastest processing (5 working days) for in-UK applications. Limited availability.

    £1,000.00
  • Priority Processing (inside UK)

    Optional faster processing for in-UK applications.

    £500.00
  • VAC Premium Lounge Services

    Optional premium services at VACs (dedicated counters, assistance). Prices vary by location.

    £0.00
  • English Language Test (IELTS Life Skills)

    Approximate cost for A1/A2/B1 level speaking and listening test. Required if not exempt.

    £150.00
  • TB Test

    Cost varies by country and clinic (typically £50-150 equivalent). Required for applicants from listed countries.

    Varies
  • Document Translation and Certification

    Any documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations. Costs vary by document length and provider.

    Varies

Other Mandatory Costs:

Document translation and certification costs (if applicable). Courier/postage for passport return. Travel costs to Visa Application Centre. Potential legal/immigration advice fees. Costs of obtaining certificates (marriage, birth, police certificates if required).

Common Risks & Pitfalls

Common Rejections:

Financial requirement not met (income below threshold, savings not held long enough, incorrect calculation). Insufficient evidence of genuine relationship. English language requirement not met (wrong test, failed test, no exemption proven). Accommodation not adequate. Previous immigration violations or overstays by applicant. Suitability concerns (criminal convictions, deception in previous applications).

Frequent Errors:

Incorrect financial calculation (counting income that doesn't qualify, such as overtime or benefits). Failing to evidence 2+ years cohabitation for unmarried partners. English test at wrong level or from unapproved provider. Insufficient relationship evidence (relying on photos alone without supporting documents). Not declaring previous visa refusals. Savings not held for full 6-month period. Self-employment evidence not covering required period.

Documents Often Requested Later:

Additional relationship evidence. Clarification of financial situation (more payslips, bank statements). Evidence of how couple met. Explanation of gaps in cohabitation evidence. Proof of sponsor's employment (employer letter, contract). Evidence of communication during periods of separation. More detailed accommodation information.

Red Flags:

Short relationship before marriage (may question genuineness). Large age gap between partners. Previous visa refusals or immigration violations. Sponsor has previously sponsored others who overstayed. No evidence of having met in person. Relationship formed during previous visa visit. Inconsistencies between application and evidence. Sudden increase in sponsor's income before application. Proxy marriage without evidence of relationship.

Consulate-Specific Notes:

Applications from certain countries may face additional scrutiny. TB test required for residents of listed countries. Interview may be requested to assess relationship genuineness. Evidence requirements may be interpreted more strictly for applicants from countries with high refusal rates. UK-based switching applications have different process.

Official Sources & References

Government Links

Law References

Official Documents

Important Notice

This plan is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and requirements can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources and consult with a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation.

Generated on February 15, 2026