Family / Spouse Visa

Overview

A Family Visa allows you to live in the UK with a family member who is a British citizen, has settled status (ILR), or has certain types of limited leave to remain. The most common type is the Spouse or Partner visa, which allows you to join your partner in the UK for an initial period of 33 months (if applying from outside the UK) or 30 months (if applying from inside the UK).

Eligibility Criteria

• You and your partner must be 18 or over.
• Your partner must be British, settled in the UK, or have refugee status/humanitarian protection.
• You must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship (married, civil partnership, or living together for 2 years).
• You must meet the financial requirement (minimum income or savings).
• You must meet the English language requirement.
• You must have adequate accommodation for yourselves and any dependents.

Required Documents

• Valid passports for both applicant and partner.
• Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, photos, chat logs).
• Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (e.g. 6 months of payslips and bank statements).
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results if applicable.
• Evidence of adequate accommodation (e.g. tenancy agreement or land registry).

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the relationship, financial, and English requirements.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect extensive proof of your relationship and financial status.
3. Online Application: Complete the application form on the GOV.UK website.
4. Pay Fees: Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
5. Biometrics: Attend an appointment at a visa application centre.
6. Decision: Receive your visa decision (usually within 12-24 weeks for standard service).

Processing Time & Fees

Processing Time: Usually 24 weeks for applications from outside the UK, or 8 weeks for applications from inside the UK. Priority services may be available.

Fees: £1,846 for applications from outside the UK, or £1,048 for applications from inside the UK. IHS fees also apply.