UK Family Visa
Live with your loved ones in the United Kingdom
Overview
If you’re planning to live with your family in the UK for more than 6 months, you’ll need a UK Family Visa. This visa allows you to join close family members and build your life together in the UK.
Who Can Apply:
You can apply from outside the UK to live with your:
- Spouse or partner
- Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
- Child
- Parent
- Relative who will provide long-term care for you
Extending Your Family Visa
Already in the UK on a family visa? You can apply to extend your stay before your current visa expires.
- Extensions can be made at any time
- If staying with the same family member, only up to 28 days from your current visa will be added
- After living in the UK for a required period, you may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Visa Fees:
| Category | Apply from Outside UK | Apply in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Joining partner, parent or child | £1,938 | £1,321 |
| Each dependant | £1,938 | £1,321 |
For Adults Needing Long-Term Care:
| Situation | Outside UK | Inside UK |
|---|---|---|
| If your relative has refugee/humanitarian status | £424 | £1,321 |
| If not | £3,413 | £1,321 |
Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Adults (18+):
- £2,587.50 (2 years 6 months)
- £3,105 (2 years 9 months)
- £5,175 (5 years)
Children (under 18):
- £1,940 (2 years 6 months)
- £2,328 (2 years 9 months)
- £3,880 (5 years)
If applying within the UK, you can choose the Super Priority Service:
Pay an extra £1,000
When You Cannot Apply for a Family Visa:
You cannot apply for a family visa if:
- Your family member holds a work visa or student visa — apply as a dependant instead
- You’re in the UK on a visitor visa or any visa under 6 months
Exceptions where you can apply from within the UK:
- You hold a 6-month fiancé(e) visa
- You have permission to stay for the outcome of a family court or divorce case
Eligibility:
To apply, both you and your partner must be 18 or older, and your partner must be one of the following:
- A British or Irish citizen
Settled in the UK, such as with:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Proof of permanent residence
What You’ll Need to Prove:
You must demonstrate one of the following:
- You’re married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK
- You’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years
- You’re a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, and will marry within 6 months of arriving
- You’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years but cannot live together due to valid reasons (e.g., long-distance work/study or cultural restrictions)
You also need to prove that:
- You have a good knowledge of English
- You meet the minimum financial requirements to support yourselves
Applying as a Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner:
You must show that:
- Any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended
- You plan to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK
Note: You cannot work or study during your engagement period in the UK.
How Long Can You Stay?
| Visa Type | Stay Duration |
|---|---|
| Partner or Spouse | 2 years and 9 months |
| Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner | 6 months |
| After Extension or Switch | 2 years and 6 months |
Let PassX Immigration Help:
From document preparation to proof of relationship guidance, PassX Immigration ensures you meet all requirements and avoid delays or rejections.
