Do you wish to relocate with your family to the UK? The UK provides a number of family visas to partners, children, parents, and other relatives wishing to accompany you. With the complexities of immigration laws and requirements, however, the process can be confusing. At Legal Assist, we’re here to guide you through each step and make sure that your family visa application goes through without any problems. In this handbook, we will explain family visas in the UK, who can issue them, their requirements, and the application process, as well as some of the frequently asked questions.
Family Visas Australia
As its name suggests, a family visa permits dependent relatives of UK citizens, settled persons or certain classes of visa holders to sponsor application of Family member migration to the UK. These visas cover a range of relationships, spanning from spouses and partners to parents, children and other dependents.
Who Can Apply for Family Visas in the United Kingdom?
With regard to the relationship between you and the person coming to the UK, eligibility varies. Below, we will summarize the general categories for family visas focusing on the mainization factors for family visas.
Spouse or Partner Visa
Another family visa that is popular and frequently applied for is the one that is issued to spouses or partners. To be eligible:
You must either be married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship.
You and your partner must have lived together for at least for over two years.
One of the partners who is resident must have the relevant income.
Child Visa
Children under 18 years of age are eligible to family visas where:
One parent, or both parents, are settled in the UK.
The parent is able to provide housing and financial sustenance for the child.
Parent Visa
Parents have the right to apply to accompany a child who is below the age of 18 and is a British citizen or has settled status. In general, the parent has to prove the dependency of the child on them.
Other Dependent Relatives
With regard to aged parents or other dependent relatives there is an available visa category called “Adult Dependent Relative”. This type of visa in the first place is difficult to get because the applicants have to prove they need personal care on a long-term, even chronic basis which cannot be supplied to them in countries where they are domiciled.
Financial Implications and Income Requirements When Applying for a Family Visa
The UK authorities ask the family members joining the UK to provide some evidence of support. In most cases, that has to be met is the requirement for the income level set in line with the number of dependents.
Establishment Of A Minimum Income Threshold
To turn a partner or a spouse visa into an effective legal document, one partner in the United Kingdom needs to show that he or she earns at least £18,600 per annum. This figure grows as more and more dependent children are added to the family. For instance, a minimum income of £22,400 accompanies the bringing of a spouse and 1 child.
Proves of Funds- There Are Applicable Savings
If the income limit is not satisfied, applicants may refer to personal savings instead. These assets are current and liquid in nature and specifically amount to £62,500 for use in getting a spouse or partner visa.
The Procedure to be Followed in Applying for a Family Visa in the UK
The application of a family visa is overwhelming in the beginning, but if broken down into stages, it becomes simple.
Step 1: Identify the type of Visa
Identify all family members in your application and specify the family visa type. Knowing which are straight forward visa types will help you complete the entire process with ease.
Step 2: Collecting of Required Documents
You need to possess and prepare the entire documents required for submission. The evidence normally required includes photo evidence and documents supporting the financials, income certificates and residency.
Step 3: Finish the Application Form Clearly.
The majority of applications are in electronic format. The information you give should be exactly as mistakes may cause unwanted delays or a grievance.
Step 4: Go To the Biometric Appointment
It is necessary to go to a specific time to submit the required fingerprints, one or two photographs and other relevant biometric data.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision.
After the submission of an application, the time taken in processing can vary from a few weeks to several months. If the application is successful, an entry clearance visa will be issued.
Difficulties in the Family Visa Application
Sadly, the family member visa application process is always complicated and much is at stake if one’s not careful. Let us consider some of these problems:
Income and Financial Evidence Requirements – Providing the income requirement or the savings requirement is the most difficult for most applicants.
Evidence to Support the Relationship – If the relationship has not been long in existence that is the case without sufficient details it can be hard to support.
Application or Processing Time – Your worries should not be so much about the application but the processing because they are usually slow, so it is encouraged that applications are made early enough where timelines have to be met.
How Legal Assist Can Help You Make Family Visa Application or Appeal to United Kingdom
Making an application for a family visa could prove to be a rather difficult ordeal, more so if you are attempting to understand UK immigration law for the very first time. There is no need to worry, Legal Assist is at hand to offer their expertise and support every inch of the way.
Tailored Support
We conduct a thorough examination of each client’s case and offer advice specifically aimed at increasing chances of winning the application.
Preparing and Collecting the Necessary Documents
We assist you in compiling and arranging the required documents to ensure that no stone is left unturned which could result in avoidable delays or complications.
Counsel and Further Coordination
UK immigration law focused on the letter and then with all the necessary details on your behalf.
We keep it fair
Legal Assist works fully by offering customers transparent and straightforward fees without hidden charges.
Exploring Various Family Visas
The phrase “family visa” is a blanket term and it can be further subdivided into several categories most of which have specific conditions and qualifications.
Fiancé visa
The fiancé(e) visa is used to bring a foreign national to the UK for the purpose of marrying his or her UK spouse. After the wedding, the couple will need to switch over to the spouse visa.
Ancestry Visa.
In cases where one grandparent was born in the UK, then the grandchild is eligible for an Ancestry Visa. This type of visa grants its holders the right to work with an opportunity to settle in the country in the long run.
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit.
For families of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit aims at allowing family members of relatives already living in the UK after Brexit.
What Things Are Important for an Application for Family Visa Extensions and Settlement?
Apart from being granted a family visa, there is the possibility of the person being required to further extend the term of the grant when in the UK. There is also a possibility of “indefinite leave to remain” or ILR status and this allows one to remain in the UK after a permanent residency for five years.
Visa Extension Requirements.
Except in extreme cases, the financial and relationship conditions must be met for the family visa extension just like the original application. The extensions are usually for two and a half years at most.
Path to Settlement.
Family visa holders shall be able to apply for ILR status after five years provided the requirements related to residence, financial and relationships are met.
Common Reasons for Family Visa Rejection.
As harsh as it may sound, Family visas uk undergo rejections due to certain reasons, which are described hereinafter.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application – Any missing information or even errors, for example like typing errors tend to lead to rejection.
Failure to Meet Financial Requirements – There are specific income requirements that need to be satisfied.
Insufficient Evidence of Relationship – It is likely that you will be in a relationship and that the Applicant intends to return to the UK but these facts are hardly backed up with evidence.
So, Your Family Visa Application is Rejected, What Next?
If your application is denied, all hope isn’t lost. Legal Assist can assist with such cases so that the Right of Appeal is Combined and fairly exercised.
The Benefits of Engaging with Immigration Experts
In light of the challenges presented by family visas, accruing the services of experts in immigration like Legal Assist can be decisive. We have a wealth of information and experience that we bring to your case thus improving the chances of a successful petition.
Conclusion on the Topic of Family Visas UK
Applying for a UK family visa can seem like an overwhelming process but with the right help and advice, your family members can be allowed to join you in the UK. Family visas are available but the key elements which one has to satisfy include: bereavement, financial stability, proper sequence of events, and sufficient proof of the relationship, are clinical and must be precise. Legal Assist will always be there for you at every stage along with all the information necessary to help you succeed. Do not let it all put you off – contact us today and let us help you unite your family in the UK.
FAQs
- Can I take my fiancé(e) to the UK under a family visa?
Yes, your fiancé(e) visa permits your partner to come to the UK but you are required to marry within 6 months of the application.
- What if I do not reach the threshold income for a family visa?
In case you don’t reach the threshold, it is possible that you can use savings to supplement.
- If I am on a student visa, will my family be able to join me in the UK?
Yes, qualifying students or other visa holders are able to bring dependents but there are certain conditions.
- How long does it generally take to obtain a family visa?
The time spans vary, however, the majority of family visas are decided upon between 8 to 12 weeks.
- If I hold a family visa, am I allowed to work while living in the UK?
Yes, family visa holders are entitled to work within the UK and thus are more flexible when settling in the UK.
