How To Apply For Family Visa To UK In 2023

Are you intending to join your family or spouse in the UK, using a family visa? Family visas are for individuals looking to join their family residing in another country. Most countries offer family visas, like Australia, The United States, Canada, etc.

This article will discuss how to apply for a family visa UK. Before that, let us get the necessary information to get a family visa.

Individuals That Can Apply for Family Visa to the UK

You can apply for a family visa to the UK if

• your spouse or partner a UK resident
• your fiance or fiancee is a UK resident
• you have a child who is a UK resident
• your parents are UK residents
• you are a sick, disabled, or aged family member that needs care for a long while from your UK family member
• you are a widowed partner of a UK resident (before death)

Individuals That Cannot Apply for Family Visa to the UK

You can not apply for a family visa to the UK if

• your family member only has a work visa or student visa (apply to stay with them as a dependant)
• you already have a visitor visa for 6 months or less( you can switch from a 6-month family visa)

Types of Family Visa to the UK

There are different types of family visas to the Uk, based on the virtue of the reason for application.

UK Spouse Visa

This UK family visa is basically for people who have their partner residing permanently, have pre-settled status, have refugee status or have humanitarian protection in the UK.

You must know that the conditions include that you and your partner must be 18 years old, and you must both intend to live in the UK once you apply.

your marriage must be recognizable (by a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate), especially in the UK, or you must be able to prove that the individual is your fiance/fiancee and that you intend to get married within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

It is expected that you have a good knowledge of the English language and can support yourself financially.

This visa allows you to stay for 2 years and 9 months, while if you applied as a fiance or fiancee, you can only stay for 6 months. There is an opportunity to extend your visa.

UK Parent Visa

You can apply for the UK family visa as a parent if your child needs care, is under 18 years, is a citizen of the UK or Ireland, has permanent residence, or has pre-settled status.

It is advised that if you can apply as a partner, instead of a parent, do so.

Child Visa

You can apply for a child visa if you are a child of a UK resident or someone settled in the UK. If your parent has indefinite leave to stay in the UK or has proof of permanent residence.

Visa for an adult who needs long-term care from a family member

This visa is specifically suited to individuals who are either sick or disabled and needs care from a family member who is residing or a citizen of the UK.

The family member must be a citizen of the UK, must be settled, or be under humanitarian protection. The individual applying for the visa must be 18 years or above.

Visa based on private life

This visa is given based on your private life, considering you have lived in the UK  for a while already. You will be a beneficiary of this visa if

• you are below 18, and have lived for at least 7 years.
• you are in the age range of 18 years to 24 years and have lived in the UK for about half of your life.
• you have been living in the UK for 20 years straight.
• you are 18 years and above but have lived less than 20 years UK, but it would affect you to leave the UK.
• your parent has permission to stay in the UK based on their private life

How Much to Spend Applying for Family Visa to the UK

Applying for a family visa will definitely cost, and the situation will determine.

• If you are joining your parents, husband/wife, or child, expect to spend about 1, 538 pounds.
• If you are an adult who needs care from a relative in the UK, expect to spend about 3, 250 pounds

How Long Does it Take to Get a UK Family Visa?

Don’t be worried about getting your visa late, because all things being equal, you will get your visa within 24 weeks of application.

There are some things that can delay your visa, and they include

• You did not meet the requirement for income.
• You can’t prove your knowledge of the English language
• You have not provided all necessary documents that prove your affiliation with the family member.
• You have some sort of criminal conviction.