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UK Family Visas (Apply, Extend or Switch)
Are you planning to bring your family to the UK? If so, it’s important to understand the requirements for a UK family visa. This article will guide you through the process step by step, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make a successful application.
Family Visas | Join Your Family in the UK
You will need to apply for a family visa if you want to stay in the UK for more than 6 months. To apply for a successful family visa, you must meet all the UK family visa requirements. Our UK family visa lawyers can provide legal services to apply a family visa outside the UK, extend a family visa or switch into a family visa within the UK.
If you require Immigration Advice Services or help with an immigration problem, please contact +441614644140 or email us at info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk for honest and detailed immigration advice from our highly experienced UK immigration lawyers.
This page will explain everything you need to know including types of family visa, family visas: apply, extend or switch.
UK Family Visas: An Overview
Before we delve into the specific requirements, let’s first understand what a UK family visa entails. A UK family visa allows non-EEA nationals to join their family members who are either British citizens or settled in the UK. This visa category caters to spouses, partners, children, parents, and other dependent family members.
Types of UK Family Visas
There are several types of UK family visas, each with its own set of requirements. Some common types include:
Spouse Visa
The spouse visa allows individuals to join their partners who are British citizens or settled in the UK. To qualify, you must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship, meet the financial requirement, and have suitable accommodation in the UK.
Child Visa
The child visa is applicable for individuals under the age of 18 who wish to join their parents in the UK. The child must not be leading an independent life and should have suitable care arrangements in place.
Parent Visa
The parent visa allows individuals to join their British citizen or settled children in the UK. To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you require long-term care due to age, illness, or disability and that adequate care is not available in your home country.
Dependent Relative Visa
The dependent relative visa is designed for individuals who are dependent on a relative in the UK for their long-term care. You must prove that you cannot obtain the required level of care in your home country and that your relative is financially able to support you.
UK Family Visa Requirements
Now that we have an overview of the different types of UK family visas, let’s explore the key requirements for a successful application:
Relationship Requirements
To apply for a UK family visa, you must provide evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship with your sponsor. This can include marriage certificates, joint bank accounts, photographs, and correspondence. It is crucial to demonstrate that your relationship is not solely for immigration purposes.
Financial Requirements
One of the most important aspects of a UK family visa application is meeting the financial requirement. You must demonstrate that you and your sponsor have a combined income above the minimum threshold, which varies depending on the visa type and the number of dependents. Additionally, you may need to provide evidence of your sponsor’s employment or self-employment, such as payslips or tax returns.
Accommodation Requirements
You must have suitable accommodation available for your family in the UK. This includes ensuring that the property is not overcrowded and meets the necessary housing standards. Providing a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement can help satisfy this requirement.
English Language Requirements
In most cases, you and your family members will need to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. This can be achieved by passing an approved English language test or by showing that you have obtained an academic qualification taught in English.
How to bring your family to the UK?
Our family visa lawyers have years of experience in dealing with all types of family visas including spouse visas, parent visas, fiancée visas and child visas. Our immigration lawyers and solicitors offer free general immigration advice for all family visa applications in the UK. At Deluxe Law Chambers, we understand the emotions and family ties involved in trying to bring family members to the UK.
Our expert UK family visa immigration lawyers can guide you through every stage of the family visa application process, helping you settle in the UK permanently.
Applying Family visa from outside the UK
At Deluxe Law Chambers, our family visa lawyers can help you to come and live with your family members in the UK permanently. 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
Extending your family visa
You can apply to extend your stay with your family member if you’re already in the UK on a family visa. You can extend at any time before your current permission to stay in the UK expires. You must meet all the UK family visa requirements to extend your UK family visa. You need to meet the UK family visa requirements to extend your family visa.
If you’re extending to stay with the same family member, you’ll only get up to 28 days left on your current stay added to your new visa.
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. You must meet all the UK family visa requirements for a successful application.
Types of UK family visas
Our UK family visa lawyers can deal with the following family visa applications:
- Fiancé Visa UK
- Proposed Civil Partner Visa UK
- Spouse Visa UK
- Unmarried Partner Visa
- Civil Partner Visa UK
- Same-Sex Partner Visa UK
- ILR As A Partner Under the Appendix Settlement Family Life
- ILR As A Victim Of Domestic Violence – SET (DV) Application
- Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) as a Victim of Domestic Violence
- ILR As A Bereaved Partner
- Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) as a Bereaved Partner
- Parent Of A Child Visa UK
- Children Of British Citizens / Settled Persons
- Adopted Children Of British Citizens / Settled Persons
- Applications By Surrogate Children
- Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa UK
Family visa UK Cost
How much it costs depends on how you apply.
| Application Type | Apply outside the UK | Apply in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Cost if joining your partner, parent or child | £1,938 | £1,321 |
| Cost for each dependant added to your application | £1,938 each person | £1,321 each person |
| Cost for an adult who needs to be looked after by a relative | £3,413 | £1,321 |
Immigration health surcharge for family visas
You might also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
For each adult (18 or older) it costs:
- £2,587.50 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £3,105 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £5,175 if you’re staying for 5 years
For each child (under 18), it costs:
- £1,522 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £2,328 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £3,880 if you’re staying for 5 years
Super Priority service for family visas
If you’re applying from the UK, you may be able to pay an extra £1000 for the super priority service to get a faster decision. You cannot use the super priority service if you’re applying as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative. You may not receive the outcome sooner if you don’t meet the UK family visa requirements.
Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.
UK family visa processing time
If you apply outside the UK a decision will usually be made within 24 weeks. If you apply in the UK a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.
Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?
Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.
✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.
✅ Personalised Legal Support: Every visa case is different. We take the time to understand your situation and offer solutions that work for you.
✅ Fast Visa Services: Need a quick decision? We offer Priority and Super Priority visa services for faster results.
✅ Online & In-Person Services: We can handle your case online or in person at our Manchester office—saving you time and travel costs.
✅ Open 7 Days a Week: We’re available every day, including weekends, to offer expert immigration advice when you need it most.
✅ Free Initial Advice: Call us for a free 5-minute advice to get started.
✅ Fixed Fees with Instalments: Clear, affordable pricing with the option to pay in two instalments—no hidden costs.
At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.
- 📞 Call us now: 0161 464 4140
- 🌍 Book An Appointment: Click here to book an appointment
UK Family visas FAQs
How long can you be out of the UK on a family visa?
Many UK visas require the holder to spend no more than 180 days outside of the UK in any one-year period. However, in the case of a UK spouse visa, no restrictions on leaving the country exist. This means that it is in theory possible to spend more than 180 days outside of the UK.
What is the minimum income for a family visa in the UK?
If you apply for a family visa as a partner, you and your partner usually need to prove that your combined income is at least £29,000 a year. This is called a ‘minimum income requirement’. The financial requirements are different if either: your partner is getting certain disability or carer’s benefits.
Can I bring my family to UK if I have indefinite leave to remain?
You can sponsor your adult family member to apply as an adult dependant if you have one of the following: British citizenship. Irish citizenship – you must be living or have lived in the UK. indefinite leave to remain or right of abode.
What is a UK Family Visa?
A UK Family Visa allows individuals to live in the UK with a family member who is a British citizen, has settled status, or has refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Who can apply for a Family Visa?
You can apply as a:
- Adult dependent relative (needing long-term care)
- Spouse or civil partner
- Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
- Unmarried partner (with evidence of at least 2 years of cohabitation)
- Child (dependent on a parent in the UK)
- Parent (if the child is under 18 and a British citizen or settled)
Can I work in the UK on a Family Visa?
Yes, if you are on a spouse, partner, or parent visa, you are allowed to work and study in the UK. Fiancé(e)s cannot work until their visa is converted to a spouse visa after marriage.
Can I switch to a Family Visa from within the UK?
Yes, if you are not on a visitor visa or a visa with conditions prohibiting switching. Many people switch from student or skilled worker routes to family visas.
What happens if my family visa application is refused?
You may be able to appeal the decision or submit a new application with stronger evidence. It’s often advisable to seek legal advice before doing so.
Do I need a solicitor to apply for a UK Family Visa?
It’s not mandatory, but working with an immigration solicitor can help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and backed by the correct documentation—especially in complex or high-stakes cases.
