How to Apply for a UK Family Visa?

You can apply for a UK family visa as a spouse, parent, child, or dependent relative to join your family member who is a British citizen or has settled status.

You must submit an online application for a UK family visa as a spouse, parent, child, or dependent relative if you meet the requirements of Appendix FM.

Appendix FM of the immigration rules outlines the eligibility criteria for family members wishing to join a UK-based sponsor who is either a British citizen or holds settled status.

If you require assistance with your UK family visa application, our solicitors are ready to help. Call us at 0203 417 3700 or fill out our enquiry form today.

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What is a UK Family visa?

A UK family visa allows you to join family members in the UK as a spouse, parent, child, or dependent relative who is a British citizen or holds settled status.

There are several types of UK family visas available, and you can choose the most suitable family visa category based on your relationship with your UK sponsor.

A UK family visa is typically a long-term visa that permits you to live, work, and study in the UK for more than 6 months.

Different types of UK family visas

There are different types of UK family visas available; you can select the right category based on your relationship with your UK-based sponsor.

Here are the most common types of UK family visas:

What are the requirements for a UK family visa?

The requirements for a UK family visa vary according to the visa type and your specific circumstances.

Applicants are usually required to meet these UK family visa criteria:

• Proof of relationship with the UK sponsor.
• UK sponsor must be a British citizen or has ILR, refugee status, or settled status.
• Meet minimum income requirement.
• Meet English language requirements.
• Must have adequate accommodation in the UK.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test (if required).
• No breach of UK immigration laws.
• Additional requirements depending on the type of family visa.

What documents are required for a UK family visa?

The documents required for a UK family visa can vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for and your circumstances.

Documents typically required for a UK family visa:

• Your valid passport
• Proof of relationship with UK-based sponsor
• Financial evidence (e.g., payslips, bank statements)
• Accommodation details (e.g., tenancy agreement)
• English Language Proof (e.g., test results, degree certificate)
• TB Test Results (if applicable)
• Immigration History (e.g., previous visa details)
• Sponsor’s documents (e.g., passport, immigration status proof)
• Translations (for non-English documents)
• Additional documents depending on the type of family visa and your circumstances.

When applying for a UK family visa, you are required to submit a range of supporting documents, like your passport, income proof, and relationship evidence. Missing or incorrectly formatted documents can result in delays or refusal.

If you're unsure about any documents or need help with a UK family visa application, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form.

How to apply for a UK family visa?

To join your family members already settled in the UK, you must usually apply online for a UK family visa as a spouse, parent, child, or dependent relative.

Depending on your relationship with a settled UK family member, you must choose the right application form when applying for, extending, or switching a UK family visa.

Applying for a UK family visa involves several steps, from checking eligibility to submitting documents and attending a biometric appointment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Get expert advice from a UK immigration lawyer to check if you are eligible for a UK family visa. They will assess your eligibility depending on your relationship with a UK resident (spouse, partner, parent, child, or dependent relative).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Your UK family visa application’s success depends largely on the documents you submit.

Depending on the type of UK family visa and your circumstances, you must submit all necessary documents, including your passport, proof of relationship, financial evidence, accommodation details, and an English test (if applicable).

Failure to provide all documents and evidence in the correct format may lead to refusal or delay of your visa.

Step 3: Apply Online

Whether you are applying for a UK family visa from inside or outside the UK, you must submit your application online and complete the form on the official UK government website.

Along with your application, you are required to pay the applicable UK family visa application fee and the NHS surcharge.

Step 4: Book a Biometric Appointment

You need to book and attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and supporting documents at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Once your biometric details are submitted, the processing of your family visa application may take 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the country from which you are applying.

How long does a UK family visa take?

UK family visa applications typically take up to 12 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if applying from within the UK. However, priority service may be available for a faster decision, potentially within 24 hours.

How much is a UK family visa?

The UK family visa application fee is £1,846 if you are applying from outside the UK, or £1,258 if you are applying from within the UK.

In addition to the visa application fee, you must pay the NHS (National Health Service) surcharge of £1,035 per year.

What happens if my UK family visa is refused?

When your UK family visa is refused, options include an administrative review, submitting a new application, or appealing, if permitted in the refusal letter.

You can request an administrative review if there was a mistake in processing. If the circumstances have changed, you can submit a fresh application with stronger supporting documents.

If your UK family visa was refused, call our immigration solicitors at 0203 417 3700 to discuss the reasons, appeal options, timeline, and costs involved.

8 Common mistakes to avoid in UK family visa applications

Here are 8 common mistakes to avoid:

1. Failing to Prove Your Relationship with UK Sponsor
2. Not Meeting the Financial Requirement
3. Incorrectly Completing the Application Form
4. Submitting Incorrect or Missing Documents
5. Failing to Meet the English Language Requirement
6. Inadequate Accommodation
7. Not Disclosing Past Criminal Convictions
8. Not Seeking Legal Advice from an Expert Immigration Lawyer

Can I work in the UK on a family visa?

Yes, spouses and partners on a family visa can work in the UK without restrictions. But fiancé(e) visa holders can't work until they get a spouse visa after marriage.

Can I apply for ILR on a family visa?

Yes. After 5 years on a UK family visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must meet the requirements, like continuous residence and passing the Life in the UK test.

Can I switch to a UK family visa from another visa type?

Yes, if you're already in the UK on a different visa (like a student or work visa), you can switch to a family visa. You must meet the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules.

How can Wembley Solicitors assist with your UK family visa application?

Our expert team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers will be able to assist you with any type of UK Family visa or immigration application.

Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:

• Provide detailed immigration advice.
• Assess your circumstances and eligibility for a UK Family visa.
• Assess the eligibility of your sponsor.
• Explain the entire UK Family visa application process.
• Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
• Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
• Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letters for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
• Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
• Upload all the supporting documents.
• Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
• Keep you updated with every stage of your application.

Contact our UK Family visa solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for legal assistance with your UK Family visa application.

How much do solicitors charge for a UK family visa application?

Our immigration solicitors in London charge a fixed fee between £800 and £1,000 (plus VAT) for complete legal assistance with your UK Family visa applications.

At Wembley Solicitors, our UK visa application services come with an affordable fixed fee, ensuring transparency and no hidden costs.

Contact UK family visa solicitors

If you are applying for, extending, or switching a UK Family visa, contact our immigration solicitors at 0203 417 3700 for legal assistance.