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.