Family Visa Solicitors – UK Immigration Support
Our experienced network of UK immigration solicitors has helped countless families reunite and build their lives together in the UK.
Family visa applications can be complicated, stressful, and confusing. Many applicants are unsure whether they meet the requirements, how long the process will take, or what their options are if an application is refused.
At Zavri Law, we connect you with trusted family visa lawyers who can guide you through the process, reduce the risk of refusal, and give you clear advice from the start. Get in touch today for a free case assessment and transparent quote.
What We Cover
What is a UK family visa?
Types of UK family visas
Who can apply for a family visa?
Who is not eligible?
How long a family visa lasts
Switching from another visa to a family visa
Applying for a family visa from inside the UK
How to apply for a family visa
Extending a family visa
UK family visa income requirements
Applying as a partner or fiancé(e)
Family visa costs
Processing times
Alternatives to a family visa
Common reasons for refusal
Appeals and next steps after refusal
What Is a UK Family Visa?
A UK family visa allows a person to live in the UK for more than six months with a close family member who is settled in the UK.
You may be eligible if you are joining your:
Spouse or partner
Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
Child
Parent
Relative who requires long-term care
Types of UK Family Visas
There are several family visa categories, including:
Spouse visa
Civil partner visa
Unmarried partner visa
Fiancé(e) visa
Proposed civil partner visa
Child visa (as a child of a parent or partner)
Parent visa
Adult dependent relative visa
Bereaved partner visa
Family member of a PBS migrant visa
Each visa has its own eligibility rules and evidence requirements.
Who Can Apply for a Family Visa?
If you are a British citizen or have indefinite leave to remain, your non-UK family members may be able to apply for a family visa.
A successful family visa usually allows the applicant to:
Live in the UK for at least six months
Work in the UK
Study in the UK
Who Cannot Apply for a Family Visa?
You usually cannot apply for a family visa if:
Your sponsor holds a temporary visa (such as a student or work visa)
You are in the UK as a visitor
You are on a short-term student visa
In these cases, your family member may need to apply as a dependent instead.
A parent visa will also be refused if the applicant owes more than £500 to the NHS.
How Long Does a UK Family Visa Last?
Family visas are granted for more than six months and can usually be extended.
After meeting the residence requirements, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Can You Switch to a Family Visa?
You may be able to switch to a family visa from inside the UK if:
You are already in the UK lawfully
Your current visa has not expired
Your family member is British or settled in the UK
Can You Apply for a Family Visa from Inside the UK?
You cannot apply from inside the UK if you are:
On a visitor visa
On a temporary student visa
On a work visa
In most visitor cases, you must leave the UK and apply from abroad.
How to Apply for a Family Visa
The family visa application process usually involves:
Meeting the eligibility requirements
Completing the online application form
Preparing supporting documents
Attending a biometric appointment or interview
Legal guidance can significantly reduce delays and refusals.
Extending a Family Visa
You can apply to extend your family visa before it expires if:
You are still living with the same family member
You continue to meet the visa requirements
Some applicants may qualify for settlement or private life leave to remain.
UK Family Visa Income Requirement
You must meet the financial requirement, either through income or savings.
Minimum Income Threshold
£18,600 per year (partner only)
Additional Children
£3,800 for the first child
£2,400 for each additional child
Example: A partner and two children require an income of £24,000 per year.
Alternative Ways to Meet the Requirement
£16,000 or more in savings
Receiving certain benefits such as PIP or Carer’s Allowance
Applying for a Family Visa as a Partner
Both partners must be 18 or over.
Your partner must be one of the following:
A British or Irish citizen
Settled in the UK
An eligible EU national with pre-settled status
A Turkish businessperson or worker
A refugee or person with humanitarian protection
A stateless person with permission to stay
You must prove a genuine and ongoing relationship, such as:
Marriage or civil partnership
Living together for at least two years
Engagement with plans to marry within six months
English language and financial requirements also apply.
Applying as a Fiancé or Fiancée
You must show that:
Any previous marriages have legally ended
You intend to marry or form a civil partnership within six months of arrival
How Much Does a UK Family Visa Cost?
Application Fees
Outside the UK
£1,846 per applicant
Inside the UK
£1,048 per applicant
Additional costs may include:
Immigration Health Surcharge
Biometric fees
Priority or super-priority processing
Legal Fees
Solicitor costs typically range from £675 to £900, depending on complexity.
How Long Does a Family Visa Take?
Partner visa: up to 12 months
Parent visa: up to 24 months
Priority Services
Priority decision: within 30 days (£573)
Super-priority (UK only): decision within 1 working day (£1,000)
Alternatives to a Family Visa
You may have other options, including:
Settlement after domestic abuse
Settlement following the death of a partner
Family reunion for refugees or those with humanitarian protection
Why Are Family Visas Refused?
Common reasons include:
Insufficient evidence of relationship
Failure to meet financial requirements
Inadequate accommodation
Missing documents
Criminal convictions
Can You Appeal a Family Visa Refusal?
Depending on your visa type, you may be able to:
Appeal the decision
Request an administrative review
Apply for judicial review
Submit a fresh application
Understanding your refusal letter is critical before taking action.
How Zavri Law Can Help
Zavri Law connects you with experienced immigration solicitors who can:
Assess your eligibility
Prepare strong applications
Handle appeals and refusals
Provide clear, practical advice
Contact us today for a free assessment and no-obligation quote.
Disclaimer
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. You should seek advice from a qualified immigration solicitor before taking action.