Being separated from family can be emotionally challenging, especially when you’re thousands of miles apart. Fortunately, UK immigration law provides several visa routes to help reunite families.
This guide explores six types of family visas, outlining the eligibility criteria and financial requirements for each. We’ll also explain the application process and discuss why seeking legal advice from Jones Whyte’s Scottish immigration lawyers is a smart move.
Table of Contents
- 6 Types of family visas in the UK
- How to bring your family to the UK
- How to apply for family visas: Scotland
- How can probate solicitors help?
- The benefits of using Jones Whyte’s immigration lawyers
- Key takeaways
- Frequently asked questions
6 Types Of Family Visas In The UK
Here is a quick overview of six family visa options to bring your loved ones to the UK:
1. Spousal or partner
For those married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person (a person who legally has the right to live in the UK indefinitely). Unmarried partners must prove they’ve been in a committed relationship for at least 2+ years.
Visa duration
- 33 months (if applying outside the UK)
- 30 months (if applying within the UK)
- Can be extended for another 30 months
- Eligible for Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR) after five years
2. Fiancé(e)
For individuals engaged to a British citizen or settled person, intending to marry within six months.
Visa duration
- Six months (cannot be extended)
- After marriage, the applicant must switch to a spousal visa.
For children under 18 of a British citizen or settled parent.
Visa duration
- Generally matches the parent’s visa status
- If the parent is a settled UK resident (or applying for settlement), the child can also apply for ILR after five years.
It’s best to seek immigration advice from experienced immigration lawyers in these cases to ensure your child’s visa coincides with your personal immigration status.
4. Parent
For a parent of a British citizen or settled child who is the sole or primary carer.
Visa duration
- 33 months (extendable by 30 months)
- Eligible for ILR after five years
5. Family Reunion
For immediate family members (spouse, partner, children) of someone granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Visa duration
- Granted in line with the sponsor’s immigration status
For elderly or seriously ill parents, grandparents, siblings, or children over 18 requiring long-term care that is unavailable or unaffordable in their home country. Also known as an Adult Dependent Relative Visa or ADR Route.
Visa duration
- One of the most difficult visas to obtain due to strict rules and requirements.
- Once approved, visa holders can stay for an unlimited period in the UK.
Other types of UK family visas
- PBS Dependant: This points-based system (PBS) visa allows family members of Skilled Workers, Health and Care Workers, and Global Talent visa holders to join them in the UK.
- EUSS Family Permit: This visa allows individuals from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein to visit family members in the UK for up to six months.
- Business Immigration (Investor Visa Tier 1): Family members (spouse/civil partner and children) can join you in the UK for the duration of your visa or ILR.
- Ancestry: This visa can be used for single-family members (over 17) to enter the UK for five years. To apply, they must have been born in a Commonwealth country or prove one of their grandparents was born in the UK.
- Visitor: Standard visitor visas allow family and friends to stay in the UK for up to six months.
How To Bring Your Family To The UK
Let’s look at the eligibility and financial criteria, and the English test requirements for bringing your loved ones to the UK.
It’s worth noting that these requirements serve as a guideline and may be subject to change without prior notice. It’s highly recommended you seek advice from immigration solicitors to ensure a smooth application process.
Eligibility and financial criteria
Spousal/partner
- Both partners must be 18+ years old.
- You must prove you have been in a genuine relationship for 2+ years (e.g. marriage certificate, joint bank account, cohabitation proof).
- Sponsors must have British citizenship, settled status, or humanitarian protection.
- Meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 annually.
Fiancé(e)
- Engaged to marry or enter a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.
- You intend to marry within six months of entering the UK.
- Meet the minimum income requirement of £29,00 annually.
Dependent Child
- The child/ren must be under 18.
- The child/ren cannot be married or in a civil partnership.
- The sponsor must hold British citizenship or settled status.
- The sponsor must meet the financial requirements of £22,400 annually for one child, plus £2,400 annually for each additional child.
Parent
- The child must be a UK national, have lived in the UK for seven consecutive years, or have pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme.
- Parents must have sole or shared responsibility for the child.
- The sponsor must have enough funds to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependents without public funding.
Family Reunion
- This primarily applies to the immediate family of refugees and those with proven humanitarian protection status.
- Children must be under 18.
- Applicants must be a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner who has lived with the sponsor for at least two years.
- Refugee sponsors are generally exempt from financial requirements.
Adult Dependent
- Relatives (parent, grandparent, sibling) of a British citizen or settled person in the UK who requires long-term care due to illness, disability, or age-related conditions.
- The sponsor must have enough funds to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependents without public funding.
English test requirements
To get a UK family visa, applicants must prove they can speak and understand basic English at various levels on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale:
- A1 (Entry): First-time applicants
- A2 (Basic): Visa extensions from within the United Kingdom
- B1 (Intermediate): Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship
The English proficiency test is not required for applicants:
- Under 18 or over 65.
- With a physical or mental condition that prevents them from taking the test.
- From English-speaking countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
How To Apply For Family Visas: Scotland
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start the UK immigration process:
Step 1: Consult immigration lawyers
It’s highly advised to consult with immigration law solicitors specialising in family visas before starting your application. Because family visas are a broad term, Jones Whyte will arrange an initial consultation with you to discuss the various types of visa/s and requirements you need to bring your loved ones, such as spousal, child dependant or parent, to the UK.
Step 2: Gather documentation
Based on our initial discussion, our immigration team will assess your and your family member/s eligibility. We’ll confirm if you (the sponsor) meet the financial and relationship requirements to proceed with your visa applications and which documents are needed.
For instance, you’ll need a valid marriage certificate as part of your spousal visa application; for adult dependant visas, you’ll need proof of long-term care as a result of illness or disability.
Our immigration specialists can help you gather the relevant paperwork (payslips, tax returns, proof of address, and supporting documents) to start the application process.
Because UK immigration rules are constantly changing, we identify any issues early on and help you prepare for your UK immigration application/s.
Step 3: Online application process
Immigration applications are made online through the UK government website. Each family member you wish to bring to the UK must submit a separate application.
For instance, when bringing your wife and child to Scotland, you’ll need to submit two applications: one for your spouse and one for your child.
Alongside these online applications, you’ll need to pay and upload the proof of payment for each visa type.
Here are the most recent prices for February 2025:
Spousal visa applications:
- £1,846 when applying outside the UK
- £1,258 when applying within the UK
Adult dependant visa applications:
- £3,250 when applying outside the UK
- £1,258 when applying within the UK
Furthermore, our specialist immigration solicitors will explain the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees, an additional payment to cover NHS costs for your family member/s.
Here is an estimation of IHS fees for 30-month visas:
- Adult: £2,587.50
- Child (under 18): £1,940
Step 4: Biometric information
Once your online application is complete, your family member must attend a biometrics appointment to have their fingerprints and photograph taken. This can be done at a UK-approved visa application centre outside the UK, or the Visa and Citizenship Application Service within the UK.
Step 5: Process time
Process times for UK family visas can vary, as each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. It’s worth mentioning that the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department will only process applications once all documentation has been submitted and biometrics provided.
Here are estimated lead times for various types of visas:
- Spousal/partner: eight weeks
- Spousal/partner (when minimum income and English is not required): 12 months
- Child: eight weeks
- Adult dependant: eight weeks
- Parent: 12 months
Jones Whyte’s UK immigration lawyers keep you informed throughout the application process and assist should any immigration issues arise.
The Benefits Of Using Jones Whyte’s Immigration Lawyers
There are several benefits Jones Whyte’s immigration lawyers offer:
- Expertise: Our experienced immigration solicitors are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and are adept at handling the most complex visa applications.
- Reputation: We’re proud of our 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating, positioning ourselves as one of Scotland’s leading immigration law firms.
- Efficiency: You can expect timely turnarounds when partnering with Jones Whyte’s immigration team, as we understand the Home Office requirements to ensure a hassle- and stress-free application.
- Full-spec service: Our immigration services encompass a wide range of visa types, including study, travel, family, and business immigration.
- Peace of mind: Our experienced immigration lawyers will keep you updated throughout the entire visa application process, ensuring your peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- The UK offers several family visa options, including spouse/partner, dependent child, parent, family reunion, and PBS dependants.
- Each UK visa category has specific eligibility and financial requirements.
- UK sponsors must provide documentation to accompany family visa applications, such as a marriage certificate, payslips, tax returns, proof of address, and UK immigration status.
- Each family member you wish to bring to the UK must submit a separate application and attend a biometrics appointment.
- Jones Whyte’s immigration lawyers are adept at handling the most complex visa applications, ensuring timely turnarounds for your peace of mind.
Jones Whyte Is Here To Help
Navigating UK immigration law can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be when you partner with one of Scotland’s leading immigration firms.
At Jones Whyte, we provide professional legal advice to ensure your family visa applications are as smooth as possible. Whether you’re bringing your spouse, child, or parent to Scotland, contact our team of immigration lawyers today.
Please note: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. If you need advice on a legal matter, get in touch with our team.
