UK Family Visas
Bring your loved ones to the UK with the right family visa route.
A UK Family Visa allows eligible family members to join or remain with a loved one who is living in the UK. This route is commonly used by spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, fiance(e)s, proposed civil partners, children and dependants of people who are British, settled in the UK, or living in the UK under an eligible visa category.
Choosing the correct visa category is important. Each family visa route has different eligibility requirements, financial rules, relationship evidence and supporting documents. At Visa Simple, our experienced immigration advisers can guide you through the process and help you prepare a strong application.
UK Family Visa Categories
Marriage Visa UK / Fiance Visa
.The UK Marriage Visa, often known as the Fiance Visa or Proposed Civil Partner Visa, is for applicants who wish to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.
This visa is usually granted for up to 6 months. During this time, you must get married or register your civil partnership in the UK. After the marriage or civil partnership takes place, you may be able to switch to a UK Spouse Visa from inside the UK.
This route may be suitable if:
- You are engaged to a British or settled partner.
- You plan to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK.
- You intend to live together permanently after marriage or civil partnership.
- You can meet the relationship, financial, accommodation and English language requirements.
Dependant Visa
A PBS Dependant Visa allows eligible partners and children to join or stay with a family member who is in the UK under a qualifying points-based visa route, such as a Skilled Worker Visa or another eligible work or study visa category.
This route is suitable for dependants of migrants who have temporary permission to live and work or study in the UK. The dependant visa is usually granted in line with the main applicant's visa expiry date.
This route may be suitable if:
- Your partner or parent is already in the UK on an eligible visa.
- You are the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or dependent child of the main visa holder.
- You can provide evidence of your relationship.
- You meet the financial and maintenance requirements, where applicable.
UK Partner Visa
A UK Partner Visa allows the spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner of a British citizen, settled person, or eligible UK-based sponsor to live in the UK.
This visa route is commonly used by married couples, civil partners and long-term unmarried partners who want to build their family life together in the UK. Applicants must usually show that the relationship is genuine and ongoing, that they intend to live together permanently, and that the financial, accommodation and English language requirements are met.
This route may be suitable if:
- You are married to or in a civil partnership with a British or settled person.
- You are an unmarried partner and have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership.
- You want to live together permanently in the UK.
- You need to apply from overseas, extend your visa, or switch from another eligible visa category.
Why Choose Visa Simple for Your UK Family Visa?
Family visa applications can be document-heavy and highly personal. A small error, missing document or unclear evidence can delay the application or increase the risk of refusal.
Visa Simple provides professional UK immigration advice and representation for individuals and families applying under the UK family visa routes. We can help you understand your eligibility, prepare the correct documents, complete the application forms and submit a well-presented case to the Home Office.
Our team can assist with:
- Eligibility checks before you apply.
- Document list preparation.
- Relationship evidence guidance.
- Financial requirement assessment.
- Application form completion.
- Cover letter and legal representation.
- Support with extensions, switching and refused applications.
Visa Simple is registered with the Immigration Advice Authority at Level 3, as stated on your website footer, which supports trust and credibility for immigration advice services.
Start Your UK Family Visa Application
Whether you are applying for a UK Partner Visa, Fiance Visa, Marriage Visa or PBS Dependant Visa, getting the right advice at the beginning can save time, stress and unnecessary complications.
Contact Visa Simple today and let our immigration specialists help you choose the correct family visa route.
FAQs
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What is a UK Family Visa?v
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A UK Family Visa allows eligible family members to join or remain with a qualifying family member in the UK. The main routes include applications as a partner, spouse, fiance(e), child, parent or adult dependent relative. The family visa routes are for people applying to live with a spouse, partner, child, parent or relative in the UK.
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Can I apply for a UK Family Visa as a spouse or partner?v
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Yes, you may be able to apply as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, fiance(e) or proposed civil partner if your UK-based partner meets the relevant sponsor requirements and you meet the relationship, financial, accommodation and English language rules.
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How long does a UK Partner or Spouse Visa take?v
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UK Partner and Spouse Visa processing times depend on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. Applications made from outside the UK usually receive a decision within 12 weeks. Applications made from inside the UK usually take around 8 weeks, provided the application meets the financial and English language requirements. Priority and super priority services may also be available in some cases, allowing applicants to receive a faster decision. Availability depends on where you apply from and the type of service offered at the time of application. Because processing times can vary, it is important to prepare your application carefully and submit all required supporting documents to avoid unnecessary delays.
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Can children apply as dependants on a UK Family Visa?v
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Yes. Children may be included or apply separately as dependants if they meet the eligibility requirements. Children can be added to a partner application if they are under 18 when applying, or were under 18 when first granted leave, and are not living an independent life.
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Can I work in the UK on a Family Visa?v
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In many family visa categories, successful applicants are allowed to work in the UK. However, conditions can vary depending on the exact visa route, so it is important to check the rules before applying.
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