UK Family Visa Advice: Partners, Children & Parents
Family Visa · IAA-regulated advice in Birmingham and London
UK family visas: routes, requirements and costs
Partner, fiancé(e), child, parent and adult dependent relative visas. We check which route fits your family, what evidence you need, and prepare the application with you.
Overview
What is a UK Family Visa?
A UK Family Visa is an immigration pathway that allows individuals to live with a family member in the United Kingdom for more than six months. This visa is essential for families who wish to live together legally and is governed by specific UK immigration rules. It serves as the main route for partners, children, and other dependent relatives to build a life in the UK with their settled family members.
To successfully apply for a Family Visa, you must provide strong evidence of a genuine relationship, meet the necessary financial requirements, and, in many cases, pass an English language test. The visa is typically granted for an initial period of up to 33 months (30 months if you apply in the UK) and can be extended. After completing a continuous period of 5 years in the UK on a qualifying Family Visa route, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live and work in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions.
Visa Categories
Types of Family Visas
Spouse Visa
For people married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British or Irish citizen, a settled person or another eligible partner.
Read moreFiancé Visa
For those who intend to marry or enter a civil partnership with a UK-based partner within six months of arriving in the UK.
Read moreUnmarried Partner Visa
For partners who have lived together in a relationship for at least two years, or have been in a relationship for at least two years but cannot live together.
Read moreParent Visa
For parents who have a child under 18 living in the UK who is a British citizen or has settled status.
Read moreChild Dependant Visa
For children under 18 who need to join their parent(s) living in the UK.
Read moreAdult Dependant Relative Visa
For adult relatives who require long-term personal care from a UK-based family member due to illness, disability, or age.
Read moreSide by side
Compare UK family visa routes
A summary to help you see which route might fit. Which route applies to you depends on your circumstances, so check with us before you apply.
Spouse or civil partner Who it’s forYou are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British or Irish citizen or settled person, a refugee or person with humanitarian protection, or certain others (e.g. EU pre-settled status from before 2021). First visaUp to 33 months*Up to 30 months* Path to settlementCan apply after 5 years (60 months) on this route if requirements still met Key requirements
- £29,000 income or savings; at entry, your own overseas earnings do not count
- English: A1 first, A2 to extend, B1 to settle (B2 from 26 Mar 2027)
- Suitable accommodation
Unmarried partner Who it’s forYou have been in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years (living together not required) with a British, Irish or settled person, refugee or humanitarian protection holder, or certain others. First visaUp to 33 months*Up to 30 months* Path to settlementCan apply after 5 years (60 months) on this route if requirements still met Key requirements
- £29,000 income or savings; at entry, your own overseas earnings do not count
- English: A1 first, A2 to extend, B1 to settle (B2 from 26 Mar 2027)
- Suitable accommodation
Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner Who it’s forYou plan to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving, with a British, Irish or settled person, refugee, or other eligible partner (see spouse row). First visa6 monthsNot available in the UK; 6-month extension possible if wedding delayed Path to settlementMarry within 6 months, then apply as a spouse; 5 years count from then Key requirements
- You cannot work on this visa
- Same income and English rules as the spouse route
- Evidence of wedding plans
Parent of a child in the UK Who it’s forYour child is under 18, lives here and is British, Irish, settled or EU pre-settled (or has lived here 7 years, in-UK applications only). You have sole responsibility, or access plus an active role. First visaUp to 33 monthsUp to 30 months Path to settlementCan apply after 5 years (60 months) on this route if requirements still met Key requirements
- No fixed minimum income, but you must support yourself without public funds
- English: A1 first, A2 to extend, B1 to settle (B2 from 26 Mar 2027)
- Suitable accommodation
Child Who it’s forYou are under 18 and joining or staying with a parent who is British or settled, has (or is applying for) family permission as a partner or parent, or has protection status. First visaUsually ends with your parent’s permission; indefinite leave if your parent(s) are settled and the rules are metUsually ends with your parent’s permission; 30 months if a parent is settled Path to settlementUsually alongside your parent; immediately if both parents, or a sole-responsibility parent, are settled Key requirements
- Proof of the parent–child relationship
- Parent on partner route: family must meet £29,000 requirement; otherwise adequate support and housing
- Not married or living independently
Adult dependent relative Who it’s forYou are the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter (18+) of someone British, Irish, settled, with protection status or EU pre-settled status, and need long-term personal care because of age, illness or disability. First visaIndefinite leave if relative is British or settled; otherwise ends with relative’s permissionNot available, except extensions for those already on this route Path to settlementImmediate if relative British or settled; otherwise apply when your relative settles Key requirements
- Required care unavailable or unaffordable where you live, even with your relative’s money
- Relative supports you without public funds; signed undertaking required (5 years if settling)
- Apply from outside the UK
* Shorter if your partner has 30 months’ permission as a refugee or with humanitarian protection: your permission ends when theirs does.
Summary of the Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance as at 9 October 2026. Rules change often; this is general information, not advice on your case.
Costs
UK family visa costs
The Home Office fee for each person, by route.
| Route | Outside UK | In the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse or civil partner | £2,064 | £1,407 |
| Unmarried partner | £2,064 | £1,407 |
| Partner extension | n/a | £1,407 |
| Fiancé(e)* | £2,064 | n/a |
| Child | £2,064 | £1,407 |
| Parent | £2,064 | £1,407 |
| Adult dependent relative† | £3,635 | £1,407 |
* Apply from outside the UK; no health surcharge for the 6-month visa. † £452 from outside the UK if your relative has refugee or humanitarian protection status.
Plus the health surcharge: £1,035 a year per adult and £776 a year per child, paid up front for the whole visa.
Example: a spouse applying from abroad pays £2,064 + £3,105 = £5,169.
Fees from GOV.UK, checked 24 October 2026. Super priority in the UK costs £1,000 more (not for adult dependent relatives). A fee waiver may be possible if you can’t afford the fee. Our consultation fees →
Eligibility
UK Family Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a UK Family Visa, you must meet specific criteria set by the Home Office. Requirements differ slightly depending on the visa category, but the main conditions typically include the following:
Relationship Requirement
You must demonstrate that your relationship with your UK-based family member is genuine and ongoing.
Acceptable evidence includes:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates
- Evidence of your relationship of at least 2 years, such as a joint tenancy or mortgage if you live together
- Joint bank statements or utility bills
- Birth certificates for children
- Photographs together, travel records, or correspondence over time
- Official letters from medical professionals, government bodies, or schools
If you cannot live together due to work, study, or cultural reasons, you should provide evidence of ongoing commitment, such as regular communication, financial support, or joint responsibility for children.
Financial Requirement
Your sponsor (or you, if permitted to work in the UK) must meet minimum income or savings thresholds to prove you can support yourselves without public funds.
- Standard requirement: At least £29,000 per year for a partner/spouse visa.
- Children: no additional amount for new applicants. The £3,800 (first child) and £2,400 (each further child) additions apply only to people assessed under the pre-11 April 2024 rules.
- Acceptable evidence:
- Payslips and bank statements (covering the last 6 months)
- Employment contracts and employer letters
- Tax returns or dividend vouchers (for self-employed)
- Proof of cash savings held for at least 6 months (if meeting requirement via savings)
Exemptions: You may be exempt from the financial threshold if your UK sponsor receives certain benefits (such as Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment), but you must provide evidence of adequate maintenance.
Accommodation Requirement
You must prove you have suitable accommodation for yourself and any dependents this means the property will not be overcrowded as defined by UK standards, and does not violate public health regulations.
Examples of evidence include:
- Rental agreements or mortgage statements
- Council tax bills or utility bills in your name
- Property inspection reports
If staying with family or friends, provide a letter from the property owner confirming permission to live there, plus evidence of their right to occupy.
English Language Requirement
Most applicants aged 18 to 64 from non-majority English-speaking countries must show adequate knowledge of English.
How to meet this requirement:
- Pass an approved English language test at A1 level (for first applications) or A2 level (for extensions)
- Hold a degree taught in English, confirmed by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC)
- Be a national of a majority English-speaking country
Exemptions: Applicants under 18 or aged 65 or over, or those with a long-term physical or mental condition, may be exempt (medical or age proof required).
Each requirement must be met, and shown with the evidence the Immigration Rules ask for.
How we help
Our Family Visa Services
We advise on each family route below: eligibility, the evidence your case needs, and the application itself. If your case needs an appeal, we refer you to a solicitor or higher-level adviser.
Good to know
Family Visa Questions, Answered
Who is eligible to apply for a Family Visa?
Close relatives of a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK can apply. This includes spouses, civil partners, fiancés, unmarried partners, children under 18, parents, and in some exceptional cases, other adult dependent relatives.
How long does the Family Visa process usually take?
Processing times can vary depending on where you apply from and the complexity of your case. Applications made from outside the UK usually get a decision within 12 weeks. Applications made from within the UK typically take around 8 weeks, although some (such as parent applications) currently take about 12 months.
What are the financial requirements for a UK Family Visa?
For new applicants, you and your partner usually need to show a combined income of at least £29,000 a year. Which income counts depends on your circumstances. There is no additional amount for children. If you first applied before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner, the older £18,600 threshold plus child additions may still apply. The requirement can also be met through cash savings of a specified amount.
How long is a Family Visa valid, and can it be extended?
An initial Family Visa is typically granted for 33 months if applying from outside the UK, or 30 months if applying from within. You can apply to extend your visa before it expires. After completing 5 years on this route, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
What can I do if my Family Visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. Depending on your circumstances, you may have the right to an administrative review or an appeal against the decision. Alternatively, it might be more strategic to submit a fresh application that addresses the reasons for the refusal.
No questions match. Ask us instead.
Related insights
Talk to us about your family visa
Book a consultation and we’ll tell you which route fits, what evidence you need, and what happens next. We’re regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (F202638454).