Family and settlement visas allow individuals to reunite with their family members in the UK, whether as a spouse, child, parent, or dependent relative. These visas can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship, offering long-term residence and work rights in the UK.
Types of Family & Settlement Visas
1. Spouse or Partner Visa
This visa allows individuals to join their husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner who is a British citizen or a settled person in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Your partner must be a British citizen, have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), refugee status, or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
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You must prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing, supported by documents like marriage certificates, joint financial records, and evidence of cohabitation.
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The sponsoring partner must meet the financial requirement of £18,600 per year (additional income is required if dependent children are included).
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You must meet the English language proficiency requirement unless exempt.
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You need to provide evidence of suitable accommodation in the UK.
Visa Duration & Settlement Pathway:
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Initially issued for 2 years and 9 months.
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Can be extended for 2 years and 6 months.
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After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), followed by British citizenship after 1 year (if eligible).
2. Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner Visa
This visa is for individuals who intend to marry or enter a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person in the UK.
Key Conditions:
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You must marry within 6 months of arriving in the UK.
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You must meet the same financial and accommodation requirements as a Spouse Visa.
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You cannot work while on a fiancé(e) visa.
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Once married, you must switch to a Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK.
3. Parent Visa
For parents wanting to join their child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria:
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The child must be under 18 years old and living in the UK.
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The parent must have sole or shared parental responsibility and be actively involved in the child’s upbringing.
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Proof of financial ability to support yourself without public funds.
4. Child Dependent Visa
For children of parents who are settled or on a visa in the UK.
Conditions:
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The child must be under 18 years old (some exceptions exist for older dependents).
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One or both parents must be legally residing in the UK.
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The applicant must provide proof that the child is financially dependent on the parents.
5. Adult Dependent Relative Visa
For elderly parents or relatives who need long-term care from a UK-based family member.
Eligibility Conditions:
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The applicant must require long-term personal care due to illness, disability, or age-related issues.
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The UK sponsor must be a British citizen or settled resident.
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The applicant must prove they cannot receive proper care in their home country.
Application Process for a Family Visa
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Apply Online – Submit the application through the UK Government website.
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Pay the Visa Fee – Fees vary depending on visa type (e.g., Spouse Visa: £1,846 if applying from outside the UK, £1,048 if applying inside the UK).
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Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – Provides access to NHS healthcare.
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Submit Biometric Information – Attend a visa application center for fingerprinting and photographs.
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Provide Supporting Documents – Submit proof of relationship, financial stability, accommodation, and English proficiency.
Processing Time & Decision
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Standard processing time is 12 weeks for applications outside the UK.
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Priority services (decision within 6 weeks) are available for an extra fee.
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Complex cases (e.g., missing documents, previous refusals) may take longer.
Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) & British Citizenship
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Spouse, Parent, and Child Visas: Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
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Adult Dependent Visa: Grants ILR immediately upon approval.
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After ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 1 year (if eligible).
Can You Work on a Family Visa?
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Spouse/Partner Visa: Work is allowed in any job sector.
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Parent & Child Visa: Work is permitted without restrictions.
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Fiancé(e) Visa: Work is not allowed.
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Adult Dependent Relative Visa: Work is not applicable due to care dependency.
Reasons for Visa Refusal & How to Avoid It
Visa applications can be refused due to:
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Insufficient proof of relationship.
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Failing to meet financial requirements.
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Not meeting the English language standard.
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Providing incomplete or false documents.
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Lack of evidence for suitable accommodation.
To avoid refusals:
✔ Provide clear, original, and verified documents.
✔ Ensure financial stability through bank statements, employment letters, or tax records.
✔ Demonstrate strong ties to your UK family member through marriage certificates, communication records, or cohabitation proof.
Final Thoughts
The UK Family & Settlement Visas provide a path for families to reunite and establish a life in the UK. However, strict eligibility criteria apply, and applications require strong supporting evidence.