UK Family Visas
Comprehensive Legal Support for Family Immigration
Our expert immigration solicitors provide full-service UK family visa solutions for reuniting loved ones. From spouse visas to dependent applications, we navigate complex family immigration rules to secure your family’s right to live together in the UK. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation
What Is A UK Family Visa?
UK family visas enable eligible family members to join their relatives who are British citizens or settled in the UK. These visas cover spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children, parents, and in certain circumstances, extended family members. Our experienced immigration team ensures successful applications by addressing financial, relationship, and accommodation requirements comprehensively.
When Do You Need A Family Visa?
You require a family visa when:
- Bringing your spouse or partner to live in the UK
- Reuniting with your children from overseas
- Supporting elderly parents who need care
- Joining family members already settled in the UK
- Planning marriage to a UK resident
- Seeking to extend family visa status
Family Visa Categories
Spouse and Partner Visas
For couples seeking to live together in the UK:
- Spouse Visa: For married partners of British citizens/settled persons
- Civil Partnership Visa: For those in registered civil partnerships
- Unmarried Partner Visa: For couples cohabiting for 2+ years
- Fiancé(e) Visa: 6-month visa to marry in the UK
Financial Requirements: £29,000 minimum annual income (as of April 11, 2024)
Key Requirements:
- Proof of genuine relationship
- English language proficiency (A1 level initially, A2 for extension)
- Adequate accommodation
- Meeting financial threshold (income or £88,500 in savings)
Child and Dependent Visas
For bringing children to the UK:
- Children under 18 of British citizens
- Dependent children of settled persons
- Adopted children with legal documentation
- Children requiring parental care
Requirements:
- Evidence of parental relationship
- Proof of sole responsibility or custody
- Financial support capability
- Accommodation arrangements
Parent Visas
For parents joining adult children in the UK:
- Adult Dependent Relative Visa: For elderly parents requiring care
- Parent of a British Child: For parents with British citizen children
Note: Adult dependent relative visas have exceptionally high refusal rates and require evidence of inadequate care options abroad.
Family Members of UK Residents
If your family member holds a UK visa (not settlement), they may sponsor dependents:
Eligible Sponsors:
- Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 5 visa holders (except Youth Mobility)
- Tier 4 (General) student visa holders
- UK Ancestry visa holders
- Turkish Worker/Businessperson visa holders
Dependent Requirements:
- Relationship evidence
- Financial support proof
- Healthcare surcharge payment
- Visa duration matching sponsor’s stay
Financial Requirements
Income Threshold
Meeting minimum income requirements:
- £29,000 minimum annual income (increased from £18,600 as of April 11, 2024)
- No additional income requirement for children
- Combined income of sponsor and applicant can be used
Important Update: The previously planned increase to £38,700 has been cancelled. The requirement remains at £29,000 while under government review, with results expected in June 2025.
Acceptable Income Sources
- Employment income (6 months’ evidence)
- Self-employment earnings
- Property rental income
- Pension income
- Savings (£88,500 minimum held for 6 months)
Financial Evidence Required
- Bank statements (6 months)
- P60s and payslips
- Employment contracts
- Property ownership documents
- Self-employment accounts
Exemptions from Financial Requirements
You do not need to meet the minimum income requirement if your partner receives:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Disablement Pension
Note: Those who applied before April 11, 2024, continue to be assessed under the old £18,600 requirement when extending or applying for settlement.
English Language Requirements
All adult applicants must demonstrate English proficiency:
- Approved English test (A1 level minimum)
- Degree taught in English
- Nationality from majority English-speaking country
Exemptions:
- Applicants over 65
- Physical or mental conditions preventing testing
- Exceptional circumstances
Accommodation Requirements
Adequate housing must be demonstrated:
- Not overcrowded per UK standards
- Exclusive bedroom for couple
- Property inspection reports
- Tenancy agreements or ownership proof
- Landlord permission for tenants
Application Process
Initial Application
- Determine eligibility and visa category
- Gather required documentation
- Complete online application
- Pay visa fees and healthcare surcharge
- Book biometric appointment
- Submit tuberculosis test results (if required)
- Attend visa interview (if required)
Additional Requirements
- Biometric information (fingerprints and photograph)
- Tuberculosis test from approved clinic (required for certain countries)
- Police clearance certificates (if applicable)
- Translation of documents not in English
Processing Times
- Standard service: 12 weeks
- Priority service: 6 weeks (additional £573)
- Super Priority: 24 hours (additional £1,000+)
Current Fees
- Visa application (from outside UK): £1,846 (increasing to £1,938 from April 9, 2025)
- Visa application (from inside UK): £1,258 (increasing to £1,321 from April 9, 2025)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year (£2,587.50 for 2.5 years)
- Priority services: £573-£1,000+
Settlement Path
Family visa holders can progress to settlement:
- Initial visa: 2.5 years (spouse/partner)
- Extension: Further 2.5 years
- Settlement (ILR): After 5 years continuous residence
- British citizenship: After 12 months of ILR
Common Refusal Reasons
Applications frequently fail due to:
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Relationship genuineness concerns
- Missing documentation
- English language test failures
- Criminal history issues
- Accommodation inadequacy
Our Family Visa Services
Pre-Application Support
- Eligibility assessment
- Document checklist preparation
- Financial requirement calculations
- English test guidance
- Relationship evidence compilation
Application Management
- Online form completion
- Document verification
- Submission handling
- Biometric appointment booking
- Home Office liaison
Post-Decision Services
- Extension applications
- Settlement preparations
- Appeal representation
- Administrative reviews
- Fresh applications
Why Choose Connaught Law
- OISC regulated advisors
- 95% success rate for family visas
- Multilingual support team
- Fixed fee options available
- Same-day emergency consultations
- Comprehensive aftercare support
Our Family Visa Expertise
- 20+ years combined experience
- Complex case specialists
- Home Office liaison
- Appeals and judicial review
- Urgent application handling
Client Support Services
- Document preparation assistance
- Translation services
- Premium service applications
- Post-decision support
- Settlement planning
Next Steps
Reunite with your loved ones through expert family visa assistance. Our immigration specialists ensure compliant, successful applications for all family visa categories. Book your consultation today to discuss your specific circumstances and begin your family’s UK journey. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for comprehensive family immigration advice.