Family Visas UK
If you are considering applying for a family visa in the UK, you've come to the right place. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our team of expert UK immigration solicitors is here to provide you with comprehensive assistance throughout the entire application process, ensuring you navigate the UK family visa requirements with confidence.
Applying for a UK family visa can be a complex and overwhelming process, but with our team of experienced immigration solicitors by your side, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands.
At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we understand the significance of family and the importance of being together. That's why we are committed to making your family visa application process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Whether you want to apply, switch, or extend your UK family visa, call our immigration solicitors today at 0203 959 7755 or fill in our online contact form. we will guide you step-by-step through the process. We ensure that you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application.
Table of Contents
- What is a family visa in the UK?
- What are the types of family visas available in the UK?
- Who is eligible for a family visa in the UK?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a UK family visa?
- What documents are required for a family visa application?
- What is the application process for a UK family visa?
- UK family visa processing time
- Visa application using super priority service
- How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
- How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact immigration solicitors in London
What is a family visa in the UK?
A family visa in the UK is a type of visa that allows individuals to join their family members who are either settled in the UK or are British citizens. These visas enable family reunification and allow individuals to live, work, study, or settle in the UK with their family members.
What are the types of family visas available in the UK?
In the UK, several types of family visas are available, each catering to different familial relationships and circumstances. The common types of family visas include:
- Fiancé(e) Visa
- Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)
- UK Spouse Visa (10-Year Route)
- Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years
- Spouse Visa Extension After 5 Years
- Spouse Visa Extension Under 10-Year Route
- Spouse Visa (Switch From 5-Year to 10-Year Route)
- Spouse Visa (Switch from Fiancé(e) Visa)
- Spouse Visa (Switch from Skilled Worker Visa)
- Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
- Unmarried Partner Visa (10-Year Route)
- Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (After 2.5 Years)
- Unmarried Partner Visa Extension (10-Year Route)
- Civil Partnership Visa
- Civil Partner Visa Extension After 2.5 Years
- Adult Dependent Relative Visa
- Parent of a British Child (5-Year Route)
- Parent of British Child Visa (10-Year Route)
- Parent of a British Child Visa Extension (5-Year Route)
- Parent of a British Child Visa Extension (10-Year Route)
- Skilled Worker Dependent Visa UK
Fiancé(e) visa
This visa is for individuals who are engaged to be married or to enter into a civil partnership with a person settled in the UK. It allows fiancé(e)s to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arrival.
Spouse visa
A spouse visa is for individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. It allows spouses or civil partners to join their partners in the UK for an extended period. This visa is designed to enable families to live together in the UK.
Unmarried Partner visa
Also known as a "de facto partner" visa, this category is for couples who have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. It allows unmarried partners to join their partners in the UK.
Civil Partner visa
A Civil Partner visa in the UK is a type of visa that allows individuals to join their civil partners in the UK. Civil partnership is a legal relationship recognized in the UK that provides similar rights and responsibilities as marriage. It is available to same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples who choose not to marry.
Child Dependent visa
You can apply for a child visa to join your parent in the UK. You may not need a child visa if at least one of your parents has indefinite leave to remain or proof of permanent residence.
To be eligible for a UK child visa, the applicant must be under the age of 18 and must be able to demonstrate a genuine and subsisting parental or legal guardian relationship with the sponsor in the UK.
Parent of a British child
You may be eligible to apply for a Parent visa if you're a parent of a child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK and you are living outside the UK. To be eligible to apply for a parent visa, your child must be under 18 on the date you apply or have been under 18 when you were first granted leave.
Adult Dependent Relative visa
This visa is for adult dependent relatives, such as parents, grandparents, siblings, or children aged 18 or over, who require long-term care due to illness, disability, or age and cannot get the required level of care in their home country. It allows them to join their family member in the UK.
Who is eligible for a family visa in the UK?
The relationship between the applicant and their UK sponsor is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for a family visa. The following relationships are typically recognised:
- Spouses and Civil Partners
- Unmarried Partners
- Fiancé(e)s or Proposed Civil Partners
- Children
- Parents
- Adult Dependent Relatives
Each category of family visa has specific requirements and eligibility criteria, and applicants must meet these criteria to qualify for a visa. Additionally, sponsors (the person settled in the UK or British citizen) must also meet certain requirements, such as financial thresholds, to support their family members in the UK.
What are the eligibility requirements for a UK family visa?
The eligibility requirements for a UK family visa differ depending on the specific visa category. Generally, you must demonstrate a genuine relationship with your UK sponsor, meet financial requirements, have suitable accommodation, and fulfil other criteria outlined by the UK immigration authorities.
What documents are required for a family visa application?
When applying for a family visa in the UK, you will need to submit several documents, including:
- valid passport or other travel documents to prove your identity.
- evidence of your relationship with the UK sponsor such as a marriage certificate, or birth certificate.
- evidence that you meet the financial requirements such as bank statements.
- proof of accommodation such as tenancy agreement or property ownership documents.
- evidence of your knowledge of the English language such as English language test result.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.
What is the application process for a UK family visa?
Applying for a UK family visa involves a step-by-step process that requires attention to detail and thorough preparation. To ensure a successful application, follow the guidelines below:
- Determine the most appropriate visa category
- Gather the required documentation
- Complete the application forms
- Book the necessary appointments
- Pay the visa fee
- Submit your application
- Attend any necessary interviews
- Await a decision
Determine the most appropriate visa category
Before starting your application, identify the specific family visa category that matches your relationship with the UK sponsor. Whether it's a spouse visa, parental visa, or other relevant category, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for that particular visa.
Gather the required documentation
Prepare all the necessary documents to support your application. This may include proof of identity, relationship evidence, financial documents, and accommodation proof.
Complete the application forms
Fill out the application forms accurately and provide all the requested information. Take your time to ensure that you haven't missed any details, as incomplete or incorrect forms can lead to delays or even a refusal of your application.
Book the necessary appointments
Most family visa applications require biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, to be submitted at an approved visa application centre. Make sure to book an appointment at the nearest centre to provide these biometrics.
Pay the visa fee
The UK family visa application requires a fee that varies depending on the type of visa and the processing time you choose. Make the payment online using the secure payment portal provided.
Submit your application
Once you have compiled all the necessary documents, completed the application forms, and paid the visa fee, submit your application online. Ensure that you have included all required supporting documents before finalising your submission.
Attend any necessary interviews
Depending on the type of visa and your circumstances, you may be required to attend an interview to further assess your eligibility. If requested, make sure to attend the interview at the designated time and location.
Await a decision
After submitting your application, it will be processed by UK Visas and Immigration. The processing times may vary, but you can check the current estimated processing times on the UK government's official website. Be patient and avoid making any travel arrangements until a decision has been made.
By following the above steps and seeking professional advice, you can navigate the UK family visa application process with confidence.
If you encounter any difficulties or have concerns during the application process, do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of immigration solicitors by calling 0203 959 7755 or filling in our online contact form. We are here to provide expert guidance and support, ensuring your family visa application is submitted accurately and on time.
UK family visa processing time
Family visa applications submitted from outside the UK using standard service are currently taking an average of 24 weeks to process. However, you may be eligible to use priority service to get a faster decision.
If the family visa application is made from inside the UK, the Home Office generally takes up to 8 weeks to make the decision.
The processing time for a UK visa application can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa application, the country from which you are applying, and the volume of applications being processed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.
Visa application using super priority service
If you require a decision on your visa application urgently, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", which offers faster processing times for an additional fee. These services aim to provide a decision on your visa application within 24 hours or 5 working days, respectively.
To get a faster decision on your UK visa application, you'll need to pay £1,000 for the "Super Priority Service" or £500 for the "Priority Service" fee per applicant in addition to the visa application fee.
How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.
Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:
- Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
- Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
- Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
- Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
- Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
- Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.
If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!
How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our immigration solicitors in London charge an affordable fixed fee for complete legal services for your UK visa application. The agreed fixed fee will depend on the type of visa application and the complexity of the matter. Learn more about our legal fees.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, unmarried partners can apply for a partner visa if they can prove they have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
Yes, sponsors must usually meet minimum income requirements to demonstrate they can financially support their family members without recourse to public funds.
Yes, many family visa holders are permitted to work in the UK, depending on the specific conditions of their visa.
Yes, after living in the UK for a specified period under the permitted visa category, family visa holders may be eligible to apply for settlement, granting them indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Contact Immigration Solicitors in London
If you need immigration advice or help with any type of UK visa application, British citizenship application or sponsorship licence application, contact our team of immigration solicitors in London on 0203 959 7755 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential advice and help you need.
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.
