1. What is the process for getting a UK Family Visa?
The process for getting a UK Family Visa includes the following steps:
1. Determine eligibility: The first step is to determine if you are eligible for a UK Family Visa. This will depend on your relationship with the sponsor in the UK, such as spouse, partner, parent or child.
2. Choose the type of visa: Next, you need to choose the type of visa that is suitable for your situation. This could be a Spouse/Partner Visa, Parent Visa or Child Visa.
3. Meet financial requirements: You will need to meet financial requirements to show that you can support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
4. Provide supporting documents: You will need to provide various supporting documents, such as your passport, proof of relationship with the sponsor, proof of accommodation in the UK and evidence of meeting financial requirements.
5. Complete application form: You will need to complete an online application form on the official UK government website or through a visa application center in your home country.
6. Pay application fees: There are fees associated with applying for a UK Family Visa, which may vary depending on the type of visa and location where you apply.
7. Attend biometrics appointment: After submitting your application and paying fees, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment at a designated location to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
8. Submit application and supporting documents: Once you have attended your biometrics appointment, you can then submit your completed application form and all supporting documents either online or at a visa application center.
9. Wait for decision: The processing time for a UK Family Visa can vary depending on your country of origin and other factors. You can check current processing times on the official UK government website.
10. Receive decision: Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will receive an email notification or letter informing you if it has been approved or not.
11. Collect visa: If your visa is approved, you will need to collect it from the designated location, which could be a visa application center or a British consulate/embassy in your country.
12. Travel to the UK: Once you have your visa, you can then make travel arrangements and enter the UK within the validity period of your visa. Upon arrival, you may be asked to present certain documents to immigration officers.
It is important to carefully follow all steps and provide accurate information and supporting documents to increase your chances of getting a UK Family Visa approved.
2. Who is eligible to apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
1. You and your spouse must both be over the age of 18.
2. You must have met each other in person and be legally married, in a civil partnership, or in a relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership (i.e. de facto relationship).
3. You and your spouse must intend to live together permanently in the UK after the visa is granted.
4. You and your spouse must have a combined income of at least £18,600 per year (unless you can show evidence of significant savings) OR your sponsor must have a job offer in the UK with an annual salary of at least £18,600.
5. If you have children or are sponsoring children as dependents, you must show that you have sufficient funds to support them without relying on public funds.
6. Your sponsor (the British citizen or settled person) must meet the financial requirement by providing evidence of their income from employment, self-employment, savings, pensions, or other sources.
7. You and your spouse must have suitable accommodation available for yourselves and any dependants without claiming UK public funds.
8. You will need to prove that you can speak and understand English at or above A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
9. The non-EEA national (applicant) must not have any serious criminal convictions or breach immigration laws.
It’s important to note that meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee that your visa application will be successful as every case is assessed individually by UKVI.
3. Can I apply for a UK Family Visa if I am not married to my partner?
Yes, you can apply for a UK Family Visa if you are not married to your partner, as long as you can provide evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship. This could include showing proof of cohabitation, joint financial responsibilities, and communication history. The visa category for unmarried partners is called the Unmarried Partner Visa. You will also be required to meet the same eligibility requirements as those applying for a spouse visa, such as meeting minimum income requirements and passing the English language test.
4. What are the requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?
To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, also known as a Marriage Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
1) Age: Both you and your spouse must be over 18 years old.
2) Relationship: You must have a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse, which means you are legally married or in a civil partnership recognized by UK law.
3) Financial Requirements:
– You must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year (before tax) or have enough savings to support yourself and your partner without relying on public funds.
– If you have children, there is an additional financial requirement based on their number and age.
– Your sponsor (British citizen or settled person) must provide evidence of employment or self-employment in the UK for at least 6 months.
4) Adequate Accommodation: You must have adequate accommodation for you and your spouse, which means it meets UK housing standards and is large enough to accommodate any additional dependents.
5) English Language Requirement: You must provide evidence that you can speak and understand English at an intermediate level (B1 level in CEFR).
6) Immigration History: You cannot have any immigration violations or criminal convictions that would make you ineligible for entry into the UK.
7) Tuberculosis Test: If you are from a country listed as high risk by the Home Office, you will need to undergo a tuberculosis test before applying for your visa.
Please note that these requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is best to seek advice from an immigration lawyer for personalized guidance on your specific case.
5. How long does the application process take for a UK Family Visa?
The application process for a UK Family Visa can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as the country of application, the complexity of the case, and the availability of appointments. It is advisable to submit the application as early as possible to avoid any delays. The specific processing time may vary for each individual case and can be checked on the UK government’s official website.
6. Is there an English language requirement for a UK Spouse Visa?
Yes, all applicants for a UK Spouse Visa are required to pass an English language test at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or above. This can be done through taking an approved English language test or by proving that you meet certain exemptions, such as being a national of a majority English-speaking country or having a degree taught in English. Having an English-speaking partner does not automatically exempt you from this requirement.
7. Do I need to have savings or a job offer in the UK to apply for a Family Visa?
No, there is no requirement to have savings or a job offer in the UK when applying for a Family Visa. The main requirement is to show that you can financially support yourself and your family members without relying on public funds. This can be demonstrated through various means, such as having a stable source of income or proof of sufficient funds to support yourselves. However, having a job offer in the UK may be beneficial in showing your intention to settle and integrate into the country.
8. Can I work in the UK on a Family Visa?
Yes, you can work in the UK on a Family Visa, but there are certain restrictions and requirements that must be met. In general, if you are on a spouse or partner visa, you are allowed to work without any restrictions. However, if you are in the UK on a dependent family member visa, such as a child or elderly relative, your work options may be limited.
To be eligible for employment on a Family Visa, you must:
– Have permission to live and work in the UK as a family member of someone who is settled (has Indefinite Leave to Remain) or has British citizenship;
– Show that you can financially support yourself without relying on public funds; and
– Not take employment as a doctor or dentist in training without first obtaining permission from the relevant regulatory body.
It’s also important to note that working while on a Family Visa does not count towards permanent residency/citizenship requirements. If you plan to apply for settlement in the future, you will need to show evidence of meeting the specific employment requirements for your immigration category. Therefore, it is important to carefully review and understand these requirements before accepting any job offers.
9. Is there an age requirement for sponsoring a family member on a UK Spouse Visa?
Yes, the sponsor must be at least 18 years of age.
10. What is the difference between an EU Family Permit and a UK Spouse Visa?
An EU Family Permit and a UK Spouse Visa are both types of visas that allow non-EU nationals to join their family members in the UK. However, there are some key differences between the two:
1. Purpose:
An EU Family Permit is issued to non-EU family members of EU citizens who live in the UK. It allows them to enter and stay in the UK for up to 6 months, after which they can apply for an EU residence document (such as a Residence Card or a Permanent Residence card).
A UK Spouse Visa is issued to non-EU spouses or partners of UK citizens or permanent residents who want to join them in the UK for more than 6 months.
2. Eligibility:
To be eligible for an EU Family Permit, the applicant must be a close family member (spouse/partner/child/dependent parent/grandparent) of an EU citizen living in the UK.
To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, the applicant must be married to or in a genuine relationship with a UK citizen or permanent resident.
3. Length of stay:
An EU Family Permit is valid for up to 6 months and cannot be extended.
A UK Spouse Visa is initially granted for 33 months and can be extended for another 30 months. After this, the visa holder can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
4. Work rights:
Holders of an EU Family Permit have the right to work in the UK without restrictions.
Holders of a UK Spouse Visa have limited work rights – they can only work if their visa specifically states that they are allowed to do so.
5. Fees:
The application fee for an EU Family Permit is significantly lower than that of a UK Spouse Visa.
6. Brexit implications:
With Brexit, free movement rights within the EU ended on December 31, 2020. This means that EU citizens and their family members will be subject to stricter immigration rules for entering and staying in the UK. The EU Family Permit may no longer be valid for non-EU family members of EU citizens after June 30, 2021.
A UK Spouse Visa, on the other hand, is not affected by Brexit as it falls under UK immigration laws.
In summary, while both visas serve the purpose of joining family members in the UK, the eligibility criteria, length of stay, work rights and fees are different. It is important to understand these differences and apply for the correct visa based on your circumstances.
11. Can my non-EEA family members join me if I have settled status in the UK as an EU citizen after Brexit?
Yes, your non-EEA family members can join you in the UK if you have been granted settled status as an EU citizen after Brexit. They will need to apply for a family permit under the EU Settlement Scheme, but this process should be simpler and quicker than applying for a visa under current regulations. Your family members must also meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being related to you by marriage or birth and living with you in the UK. It is important to note that this freedom of movement for non-EEA family members will only apply until December 31, 2025, after which they may be subject to stricter immigration rules.
12. Is it possible to switch from another visa category to a UK Spouse Visa within the country?
Yes, it is possible to switch from another visa category to a UK Spouse Visa within the country if you meet the eligibility requirements for the spouse visa and have valid leave to remain in the UK. You will need to submit a new application for the spouse visa and pay the relevant fees. It is important to note that switching visas within the country may have different requirements and processing times compared to applying from outside of the UK.
13. Will I need health insurance while living in the UK on a Family Visa?
Yes, you will need to have health insurance while living in the UK on a Family Visa. The UK has a National Health Service (NHS) which provides free healthcare for UK residents, however as a non-EEA citizen, you may need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the visa application process. This will give you access to NHS services during your stay in the UK. If you are not eligible for the IHS or prefer additional coverage, it is recommended to purchase private health insurance.
14. Can I bring my children with me on my Spouse or Partner visa application?
Yes, you can include your children as dependents on your Spouse or Partner visa application. However, you will need to provide evidence of their relationship to you and ensure that they meet the necessary eligibility requirements for a dependent visa. Additionally, you will need to meet the financial requirements for supporting them in the UK.
15. How much income do I need to show when applying for a Spouse or Partner visa in the UK?
To apply for a Spouse or Partner visa, you must meet the financial requirement set by the UK government. This requirement varies depending on your specific circumstances and whether you are applying from within or outside the UK. Generally, you will need to show a minimum annual income of £18,600 per year if you are applying from outside the UK. If you have children, this amount increases. You may also be able to meet the financial requirement through other sources such as savings or assets. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or check the official UK government website for updated information on the financial requirement for your situation.
16. What documents do I need to provide as evidence of our relationship for a Spouse or Partner visa application?
Some documents that can be provided as evidence of your relationship for a Spouse or Partner visa application could include:
1. Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
2. Joint bank account statements showing shared finances
3. Joint property ownership documents
4. Photographs of you and your partner together
5. Evidence of joint travel, such as flight itineraries or hotel reservations
6. Documents showing joint household expenses, such as utility bills or rental agreements
7. Letters from family and friends confirming the nature of your relationship
8. Correspondence addressed to both of you at the same address
9. Any other evidence that can prove the authenticity of your relationship, such as joint memberships or subscriptions.
10. Evidence of communication, such as emails or chat logs.
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17. Is it possible to extend my spouse or partner visa once it expires?
Yes, it is possible to extend your spouse or partner visa once it expires. You will need to apply for a new visa before your current one expires. The exact process will depend on the specific visa you hold and the country where you are applying. In most cases, you will need to provide updated evidence of your relationship and meet other eligibility criteria for the extension. It is important to plan ahead and submit your application in a timely manner to avoid any issues with your immigration status.
18. Are there any restrictions on working or studying with an EEA family permit?
There are no specific restrictions on working or studying with an EEA family permit. However, if the family member you are joining is a student, there may be some restrictions on your ability to work. Students from outside of the EEA may only work a limited number of hours per week during term time. Additionally, if you are planning to work or study for longer than six months, you may need to apply for a residence card. It is always best to check with the relevant authorities in your host country for specific requirements and restrictions.
19.Are same-sex marriages recognized when applying for a Family visa in the UK?
Yes, same-sex marriages are recognized and treated the same as opposite-sex marriages when applying for a Family visa in the UK. The applicant must meet the same eligibility requirements and provide evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship with their partner.20.Can someone who holds indefinite leave to remain sponsor their family members to come live with them in the United Kingdom on a Family visa?
Yes, someone who holds indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK can sponsor their family members to come and live with them in the UK on a Family visa. This includes their spouse or partner, children under 18, and adult dependent relatives. The sponsor must meet certain eligibility requirements and must be able to financially support their family members without relying on public funds. The family members must also meet certain criteria and provide evidence of their relationship with the sponsor. They will also need to pass the required English language and maintenance funds requirements. It is recommended to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer for specific details and assistance with the application process.