The UK immigration framework provides multiple routes that enable families to live together in Britain. Each category is designed for a specific family relationship and circumstances, with detailed evidential rules and conditions. While family reunion is a key policy objective, making a strong application has become more demanding due to higher financial thresholds, intensive documentation standards and variable decision timelines. Applicants must plan carefully for fees, the immigration health surcharge where applicable, and the need to evidence accommodation, English language and relationship factors. Service standards can extend over several months, prolonging separation and adding pressure on family life.
This guide explains the main options that allow non-UK residents to join or remain with qualifying family in the UK, sets out core eligibility and evidence, and clarifies how the application stages work. It also highlights live policy developments so applicants can track what is in force now and what may change.
Section A: UK Family Visa Changes in 2025
In June 2025, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published its review of the family route’s minimum income requirement (MIR). The report recommends a more proportionate threshold and rejects simply aligning the family MIR with the Skilled Worker salary level. The MAC proposes an approach anchored to full-time earnings at around the National Living Wage, indicating a range in the low to mid-£20,000s, and advises removing separate child-related uplifts by adjusting how family costs are reflected elsewhere. The report also calls for clearer guidance, better evidence rules and measures to reduce avoidable delays.
These are policy recommendations, not rule changes. Any reform would follow ministerial consideration, possible consultation, and amendments to the Immigration Rules via a Statement of Changes. Until new rules commence, the current law applies. For first partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024, the MIR remains £29,000. Transitional provisions continue for extensions where the first partner grant pre-dates 11 April 2024, including child uplifts subject to the published cap.
Prospective applicants should therefore work to the rules in force on their application date, monitoring official updates for any implementation timeline (for example, commencement in late 2025 or 2026 with lead-in notice). Where families would be adversely affected by the MIR, it may still be possible to rely on specified cash savings under Appendix FM-SE or, in narrow circumstances, on the human-rights route that places the family on the ten-year path to settlement.
Practical takeaway: check the live rules before submitting. If applying now, build your case to the £29,000 benchmark (or the transitional figures if eligible), assemble specified evidence early, and book biometrics promptly to avoid timing slippage.
Section B: Appendix FM & Types of Family Visas in the UK
The UK Immigration Rules use the term ‘family route’ to describe applications made under Appendix FM and certain residual provisions from Part 8. Appendix FM sets out the eligibility requirements for family-based immigration to the UK. It includes provisions for partners, parents, children, and adult dependants. These categories reflect the UK’s legal obligation to respect family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, balanced against the government’s interest in maintaining immigration control.
Appendix FM is supported by two key companion texts: Appendix FM-SE, which specifies the forms of financial, accommodation, and relationship evidence required, and paragraph EX.1. of Appendix FM, which sets out limited exceptions for cases where refusal would breach Article 8 rights. Applicants must ensure strict compliance with documentary and procedural requirements, as minor omissions can result in refusal.
There are two main settlement pathways within the family route: the five-year route and the ten-year route. The five-year route applies when the applicant meets every mandatory requirement, including financial, accommodation, and English language criteria. The ten-year route applies where one or more of these requirements cannot be met but refusal would be disproportionate under Article 8. Those on the ten-year route must usually make two further extensions before qualifying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The primary family visa categories under Appendix FM are:
- Partner or Spouse
- Parent
- Child
- Adult Coming to be Cared for by a Relative
Beyond Appendix FM, the Immigration Rules also include a separate provision called Appendix Private Life (Appendix PL). This route covers individuals whose long-term residence or strong personal ties in the UK make removal unreasonable. Typical applicants include those who have lived continuously in the UK for 20 years, young adults aged 18 to 24 who have spent at least half their lives here, children who have lived in the UK for seven continuous years, or individuals facing very significant obstacles to reintegration in their country of origin.
Although family and private life applications are often grouped together in Home Office guidance, they operate under different appendices: Appendix FM governs family life, while Appendix PL governs private life. Each route carries distinct eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and routes to settlement.
Section summary: Appendix FM governs all UK family visas based on personal relationships with a British citizen or settled person, while Appendix PL applies to applicants who qualify through their long-standing ties to the UK. Understanding which appendix applies to your situation is crucial to preparing an accurate and complete application.
Section C: Applying as a Partner or Spouse
The partner or spouse visa route enables married couples, civil partners, and unmarried partners of British citizens or individuals with settled status to live together in the UK. This visa grants permission to reside, work, and study in the UK and provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years, provided all ongoing requirements continue to be met. It is one of the most common family routes under Appendix FM and is subject to stringent evidential and financial scrutiny.
1. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UK partner or spouse visa, the applicant must satisfy all core eligibility rules. These include:
- Relationship Requirement: The applicant must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person who holds settled status. Unmarried partners must show that they have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years prior to application.
- Financial Requirement: For new partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024, the couple must have a combined gross annual income of at least £29,000. Where the first grant of leave was made before that date, transitional rules apply, allowing the earlier £18,600 threshold plus child uplifts of £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child, capped at £29,000. Cash savings may be used to offset income shortfalls in accordance with Appendix FM-SE. Sponsors receiving certain disability or carer’s benefits are assessed instead under the “adequate maintenance” test, without a fixed monetary threshold.
- Accommodation Requirement: The couple must show they have suitable accommodation that will not be overcrowded and that they can occupy exclusively.
- English Language Requirement: The applicant must meet the minimum English proficiency level—ordinarily level A1 of the Common European Framework for a first application, A2 for an extension, and B1 for ILR—unless exempt.
Applicants who fail to meet one or more of these requirements may still qualify under the ten-year route if refusal would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, but this route delays access to settlement.
2. Application Process and Timelines
Applications are submitted online through the Home Office portal. Applicants must complete the relevant form, pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and upload specified supporting documents. They must also provide biometric information—fingerprints and a facial photograph—at an authorised visa application centre.
Processing times vary by location and workload. Family visa decisions made outside the UK generally take about 12 weeks, while in-country extensions are typically processed within eight weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available in some regions for an additional fee. Once granted, an initial visa usually provides 30 months’ permission to stay, with eligibility to extend for a further 30 months and later apply for ILR after five years on the route.
3. Supporting Documentation
Comprehensive documentation is required to meet the Home Office’s evidential standards. Typical items include:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or cohabitation evidence for unmarried partners (e.g. joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or bank statements showing a shared address).
- Evidence of income such as payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, or self-employment records demonstrating the minimum income level or available savings.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a tenancy agreement or property inspection report.
- English language test certificate or degree taught in English, unless the applicant is exempt.
- Passport-style photographs, valid travel documents, and completed online declarations.
Section summary: The partner or spouse visa route is central to the UK’s family immigration system. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship, meet the financial, accommodation, and English language requirements, and provide extensive documentary evidence. Careful preparation is critical to minimise delays and avoid refusal.
Section D: Applying as a Parent
The parent route allows an overseas parent to live in the UK to take an active role in raising their child who is either a British citizen or settled in the UK. This route supports the principle of maintaining a child’s family life, particularly when it is in the child’s best interests for the parent to be present. Applicants under this category must demonstrate a genuine parental relationship, suitable accommodation, and financial stability, while satisfying all suitability and English language requirements.
1. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a family visa as a parent, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Parental Relationship: The applicant must be the parent of a child under 18 who is living in the UK and is either a British citizen or has settled status. In some cases, eligibility can extend where the child has lived in the UK for seven continuous years and it would be unreasonable to expect them to leave.
- Role in the Child’s Life: The applicant must have sole responsibility for the child or demonstrate direct access to the child, such as through a contact arrangement or court order. The Home Office will consider who the child normally lives with and whether both parents are involved in their upbringing.
- Financial Requirement: Parent route applications are assessed on the basis of adequate maintenance, rather than a fixed income threshold. This means the applicant must show they can maintain themselves and the child without recourse to public funds, taking into account income, outgoings, and housing costs.
- Accommodation: Applicants must show that adequate and non-overcrowded accommodation is available for themselves and the child.
- English Language: The applicant must meet the English language requirement, typically by passing an approved English test at level A1 or higher, or by holding an exempt nationality or recognised qualification.
Applications that do not fully satisfy these criteria may still succeed under the ten-year human rights route if refusal would breach Article 8 rights, particularly where it would separate a child from their parent or significantly harm their welfare.
2. Application Process and Timelines
Applications are made online using the Home Office’s specified form, accompanied by evidence of the parental relationship, living arrangements, and financial circumstances. Applicants must enrol biometrics at a visa application centre and pay the relevant fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. Supporting evidence should be carefully prepared to demonstrate the child’s residence status, dependency, and best interests.
Processing times vary depending on whether the application is made outside or inside the UK. Decisions on out-of-country applications generally take around 12 weeks. In-country applications under the parent route can take longer, often up to 12 months, reflecting the complexity of assessing parental involvement and welfare considerations. Priority options may not always be available for this route.
3. Supporting Documentation
To strengthen an application under the parent route, applicants should include as much evidence as possible of both the parental relationship and the child’s residence and welfare in the UK. Common supporting documents include:
- The child’s birth certificate showing the applicant as a parent.
- Evidence of the child’s British citizenship or settled status, such as a passport or biometric residence permit.
- Proof of residence and schooling, for example, school letters or attendance records confirming the child lives in the UK.
- Evidence of sole responsibility or access arrangements, such as family court orders or correspondence from the other parent confirming consent.
- Documents evidencing adequate maintenance and accommodation, such as payslips, tenancy agreements, or property reports.
- English language qualification or exemption documentation.
Section summary: The parent visa route ensures that children in the UK are not separated from their parents where it would be contrary to their welfare. Applicants must demonstrate an active parental role, adequate financial resources, and secure accommodation. Evidence quality is critical—applications can fail where responsibility or maintenance is not clearly proven.
Section E: Applying as a Child
The child route enables children under 18 to join or remain with their parents who are British citizens, settled in the UK, or currently on a family visa themselves. This route is designed to preserve family unity and promote the child’s welfare, ensuring that dependants can live safely and stably with their parents in the UK. The application process requires evidence of dependency, age, and consent from all relevant guardians.
1. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UK family visa as a child, the applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Age: The applicant must be under 18 at the date of application. If the child turns 18 while their application is being processed, they may still be considered under this route if they were under 18 at the time of submission and remain dependent.
- Dependency: The child must be financially and emotionally dependent on the parent(s) in the UK and not leading an independent life. They cannot be married, in a civil partnership, or living apart from their family.
- Parent’s Status: At least one parent must be a British citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain, or have limited leave to remain under the family route. Where both parents are applying or already have family visas, the child’s application is normally linked to theirs.
- Accommodation and Maintenance: Adequate accommodation and financial support must be available without recourse to public funds. This is usually assessed through the sponsoring parent’s financial documents and housing evidence.
Children cannot usually apply independently under this category unless the sponsoring parent is already resident or applying at the same time. If the child is living abroad, the sponsoring parent must be able to show they intend to live together permanently in the UK.
2. Application Process and Timelines
Child visa applications are made online. The applicant must provide personal details, parental information, and evidence of the family relationship. Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and a photograph) is generally required at a visa application centre, except for very young children. All supporting documents are uploaded electronically or provided during the appointment.
Processing times typically take around 12 weeks for applications made outside the UK and around 8 weeks for in-country applications. When submitted at the same time as a parent’s application, the child’s case is usually considered together. Priority and super-priority services may be available depending on location, although not all centres offer them.
3. Supporting Documentation
Applicants should prepare thorough documentation to demonstrate eligibility and dependency. Common evidence includes:
- Child’s full birth certificate naming both parents.
- Evidence of the parent’s British citizenship, ILR, or valid visa under the family route.
- Proof of shared residence and dependency, such as school letters, medical records, or official correspondence sent to the family home.
- Written consent from the non-accompanying parent (if applicable), confirming agreement to the child’s relocation.
- Financial evidence from the UK-based parent showing ability to provide adequate maintenance and accommodation.
Section summary: The child visa ensures that dependent children can live with their parents in the UK, reinforcing family unity and child welfare. Each case must demonstrate dependency, appropriate living arrangements, and compliance with financial and suitability rules. Applications benefit from detailed supporting evidence that clearly establishes family relationships and care responsibilities.
Section F: Applying as an Adult Coming to be Cared for by a Relative
The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) route allows adults who require long-term personal care to join close family members in the UK when such care cannot reasonably be provided in their home country. This route exists to preserve family life where an individual’s serious health condition, disability, or age means they are wholly reliant on a UK-based relative for daily support. It is one of the strictest family immigration routes, with high evidential and medical thresholds to meet.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all requirements under the ADR rules in Appendix FM, including:
- Relationship: The applicant must be the parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child (over 18) of a person who is in the UK and who is either a British citizen, has settled status, or has refugee or humanitarian protection.
- Long-Term Care Needs: The applicant must require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks due to illness, disability, or age. The medical evidence must confirm that this care is essential and ongoing.
- Lack of Adequate Care Overseas: The applicant must show that the required care is unavailable or unaffordable in their home country. The Home Office will expect detailed evidence from medical and social care professionals explaining why no alternative arrangements can be made locally.
- Financial Requirement: The UK-based relative (the sponsor) must prove they can provide care and financial support without recourse to public funds. This includes covering accommodation, medical, and living expenses in full.
Applicants are generally granted indefinite leave to enter the UK if the sponsor is British, Irish, or holds settled status. Where the sponsor has refugee status or humanitarian protection, the visa is normally time-limited to match the sponsor’s period of leave.
2. Application Process and Timelines
Applications are submitted online and must include extensive evidence of medical need, dependency, and financial capability. Applicants will need to enrol biometrics (fingerprints and a facial photograph) at a visa application centre as part of the process.
ADR applicants joining a British or settled sponsor are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge because their grant of entry clearance provides indefinite leave to remain from the outset. Processing times are typically around 12 weeks for applications made outside the UK and around 8 weeks for in-country cases. Given the high refusal rate in this category, applications should be supported by clear, detailed evidence from healthcare professionals.
3. Supporting Documentation
Applications must include comprehensive and credible evidence demonstrating both medical and financial aspects of the claim. Key documentation includes:
- Medical Reports: Detailed letters or assessments from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider confirming the diagnosis, level of care needed, and daily assistance required.
- Evidence of Unavailability of Care: Proof that appropriate care cannot be obtained in the home country, including cost estimates from local care providers and explanations from professionals about the lack of feasible alternatives.
- Proof of Relationship: Birth or marriage certificates verifying the familial connection between the applicant and UK sponsor.
- Financial and Accommodation Evidence: Bank statements, payslips, tenancy agreements, and property ownership documents confirming the sponsor’s capacity to support the applicant without public funds.
Section summary: The adult dependent relative visa is a highly restrictive route, reserved for exceptional circumstances where no adequate care is available abroad. Success depends on providing substantial medical and financial evidence. Applicants granted under this category are usually given indefinite leave to remain if joining a settled or British sponsor, allowing them to reside permanently in the UK for ongoing care and family support.
Section G: Applying Based on Your Private Life
The private life route under Appendix Private Life (Appendix PL) allows individuals who have established deep personal or long-term connections in the UK to regularise their immigration status. It recognises circumstances where an applicant’s removal would be disproportionate due to their social, cultural, or familial ties to the UK. This route is most relevant for long-term residents, young adults raised in the UK, and individuals for whom returning to their country of origin would cause exceptional hardship or disconnection.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants can qualify under this route if they meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Long Residence: Continuous residence in the UK for at least 20 years, regardless of immigration status, can qualify a person to apply under Appendix PL.
- Significant Ties with Less than 20 Years’ Residence: Applicants who have lived in the UK for less than 20 years may apply if they can prove they have significant personal, cultural, or social ties in the UK that would make removal unreasonable.
- Children’s Applications: A child who has lived in the UK for at least seven years can apply if it would be unreasonable to expect them to leave.
- Young Adults (Aged 18–24): Applicants in this age group who have spent at least half of their lives continuously in the UK can qualify.
- Very Significant Obstacles to Integration: Individuals can apply if there would be very significant obstacles to integrating into life in their country of origin, for instance, due to lack of family connections, cultural displacement, or health concerns.
Applicants must also meet suitability requirements under the Immigration Rules, including good character and immigration history checks. Each application is considered on its facts, and failure to disclose full personal or residence history can result in refusal.
2. Application Process and Timelines
Applications under the private life route are completed online. Applicants must submit detailed personal information, pay the relevant fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (where applicable), and provide biometric information at a visa application centre. Supporting documents should substantiate continuous residence, community integration, and hardship factors.
Decisions are typically made within around 12 weeks for applications made outside the UK and within 8 to 12 weeks for those made inside the UK. Priority options are limited. Successful applicants are usually granted 30 months’ leave to remain on the ten-year route to settlement and can later apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain once the full qualifying period has been met.
3. Supporting Documentation
Applicants must evidence the duration and nature of their stay and ties to the UK. Typical supporting documents include:
- Proof of residence such as tenancy agreements, utility bills, school or medical records, and bank statements showing long-term UK address history.
- Personal statements detailing integration in the UK, including family life, work, community involvement, and the impact of potential removal.
- Letters of support from employers, educational institutions, community leaders, or faith organisations confirming the applicant’s contribution to UK society.
- Evidence of any obstacles to integration abroad, including lack of language proficiency, absence of family networks, or medical limitations.
Section summary: The private life route offers a lawful pathway to remain in the UK for individuals whose lives are firmly established in the country. Applicants must provide strong, consistent evidence of residence and integration. Although this route often results in a slower journey to settlement, it provides vital protection for those with deep-rooted ties to the UK.
Section H: Common Myths About UK Family Visas
Many misconceptions surround the UK family visa process, leading to unrealistic expectations and avoidable mistakes. Understanding the true position under the Immigration Rules helps applicants prepare effectively and avoid decisions based on inaccurate information. The following section clarifies some of the most common myths encountered in family visa applications.
Myth 1: The Process Is Quick and Simple
Reality: Family visa applications are among the most complex within the UK immigration system. They require detailed evidence of relationships, finances, accommodation, and English language ability. Each category—partner, parent, child, or adult dependent relative—has specific evidential requirements. Decision times can extend to several months, particularly for applications made overseas or where further information is requested.
Myth 2: Once Granted, a Family Visa Lasts Indefinitely
Reality: Family visas are granted for a limited period—normally 30 months (2.5 years)—after which applicants must apply to extend their permission before the expiry date. After completing five years on the route, holders may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided they still meet all eligibility criteria and have passed the Life in the UK Test and English language requirement at level B1 or higher.
Myth 3: It’s Easy to Switch to a Family Visa from Any Other Category
Reality: Switching from other visa categories is only permitted in certain cases. Individuals with work, student, or other long-term visas may be able to switch in-country if they meet the relevant family visa rules. However, switching from short-term or visitor visas is not permitted, and applicants in those categories must usually leave the UK and apply from abroad.
Myth 4: Financial Requirements Are Flexible
Reality: The financial rules are applied strictly. For new partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024, the sponsor must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of £29,000, or equivalent savings under Appendix FM-SE. For extensions granted under pre-11 April 2024 rules, the earlier £18,600 threshold continues to apply, with child uplifts of £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child, capped at £29,000. Sponsors receiving qualifying benefits are subject to the adequate maintenance test instead of a fixed threshold. Families unable to meet the financial criteria may qualify under the ten-year human rights route if refusal would breach Article 8 rights, though this results in a longer path to settlement.
Myth 5: Anyone Living in the UK Can Sponsor Family Members
Reality: Only specific immigration statuses allow sponsorship. A sponsor must be a British citizen, have Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status, or hold refugee or humanitarian protection. Temporary visa holders such as students or skilled workers cannot normally sponsor family members under the family route unless they are eligible dependants under their specific visa category.
Myth 6: Children Over 18 Cannot Be Sponsored
Reality: While most child applications involve dependants under 18, it is possible in limited circumstances for adult dependent children to be sponsored where they require long-term care and cannot live independently due to disability or serious health conditions. These applications fall under the Adult Dependent Relative provisions and must meet strict medical and financial tests.
Myth 7: Marriage to a British Citizen Automatically Grants a Visa
Reality: Being married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen does not give automatic rights to live in the UK. The foreign partner must still apply for a family visa and meet all relationship, financial, accommodation, and English language requirements. Failure to meet these can result in refusal even where a legal marriage exists.
Section summary: Family visa eligibility depends on clear compliance with the Immigration Rules, not assumptions or misconceptions. Applicants must plan ahead, gather thorough documentation, and ensure that every requirement—from finances to English language—is demonstrably satisfied before applying.
Section I: Summary
The UK family visa system provides several pathways for non-UK nationals to join or remain with their family members in Britain. Each route—partner, parent, child, adult dependent relative, and private life—has distinct eligibility requirements and evidential demands. The application process can be complex and time-consuming, particularly given regular rule changes, high application fees, and strict evidential standards. Comprehensive preparation remains the most effective way to manage these challenges and avoid delays or refusals.
Applicants under the partner or spouse route must demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship while meeting increasing financial thresholds and language requirements. Parents must show their active role in their child’s life and financial stability. Child applicants must prove dependency and appropriate consent for relocation. Adult dependants must meet exceptional medical and financial standards, while private life applicants must evidence long-term residence and integration into UK society.
Although each route is governed by detailed Immigration Rules, all family visa categories share the same underlying purpose—to uphold family life while maintaining immigration control. The process requires careful evidence gathering, strict adherence to Appendix FM or Appendix PL, and ongoing compliance after arrival. Given the dynamic nature of immigration policy, applicants should remain alert to threshold changes and new guidance before applying or extending their visa.
Section summary: Successful family visa applications rely on accuracy, preparation, and compliance with every requirement of the Immigration Rules. With thorough documentation and a clear understanding of the correct visa category, families can improve their prospects of maintaining stability and achieving settlement in the UK.
Section J: Frequently Asked Questions About UK Family Visas
How long does it take to process a UK family visa?
Processing times vary depending on where the application is made and which route applies. On average, family visas take around 12 weeks for overseas applications and approximately 8 weeks for in-country applications. Some routes, such as parent or adult dependent relative applications, may take longer. Priority or super-priority services may be available for an additional fee in certain regions.
What is the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a family visa?
The current minimum annual income requirement is £29,000 for partner and spouse visa applications made on or after 11 April 2024. Transitional rules apply to extensions granted under earlier thresholds, with a baseline of £18,600 plus child uplifts, capped at £29,000. Applicants who cannot meet the income level may rely on cash savings or, in some cases, apply under the ten-year route based on human rights considerations.
Can a student or temporary visa holder sponsor family members under the family route?
No. Only British citizens, individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain, or those with refugee or humanitarian protection can sponsor family members under the family visa provisions. Holders of temporary visas, such as students or skilled workers, can include dependants under their own visa categories but cannot sponsor relatives under the Appendix FM family route.
Are family visa holders entitled to access public funds?
Most family visa holders are subject to a “No Recourse to Public Funds” condition until they achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain. This means they cannot access most benefits, tax credits, or housing assistance. Exceptions may apply where an applicant’s circumstances change and they face destitution, in which case they may apply to have the NRPF condition lifted.
Can I switch to a family visa while in the UK?
Switching is allowed in some cases, such as from a Skilled Worker or Student visa, provided the applicant meets the eligibility requirements. Switching is not permitted from a Visitor visa or other short-term categories. Those unable to switch must apply from outside the UK.
What happens if a family visa application is refused?
Applicants receive a refusal letter outlining the reasons for the decision and any available rights of appeal or administrative review. The right of appeal is usually granted when the application raises human rights grounds, such as the right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. If no right of appeal exists, applicants may reapply with stronger evidence addressing the refusal reasons.
Section summary: Most family visa issues stem from missing evidence or misunderstanding eligibility requirements. Applicants should monitor live guidance and thresholds, submit complete documentation, and consider reapplying or appealing promptly if refused. Understanding the Home Office’s decision criteria helps applicants plan strategically and minimise risks.
Section K: Glossary of Terms Related to UK Family Visas
Term | Definition (UK Family Visas) |
---|---|
Appendix FM | The part of the Immigration Rules that sets out eligibility and requirements for family visas, including partners, parents, children, and adult dependants. |
Appendix FM-SE | The section specifying the evidence required to prove financial, accommodation, and relationship eligibility under Appendix FM. |
Appendix Private Life (Appendix PL) | The part of the Immigration Rules covering applications based on long residence or personal ties to the UK. |
Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) | The minimum annual income a sponsor must earn to bring a partner or child to the UK under Appendix FM. |
Adequate Maintenance | The financial test applied when the sponsor receives certain benefits; income must at least match state benefit levels after housing costs. |
Leave to Enter (LTE) | Immigration permission granted overseas allowing the holder to enter the UK under a specific visa category. |
Leave to Remain (LTR) | Permission granted within the UK to extend an existing stay on the same visa category. |
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent residence in the UK, allowing the holder to live and work without time restrictions or visa renewal requirements. |
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) | A visa condition preventing access to most welfare benefits until ILR is granted. |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | The mandatory healthcare fee paid by most visa applicants to access NHS services during their stay in the UK. |
Sponsor | The British citizen or settled person who supports a family visa applicant and meets the financial and other eligibility criteria. |
Dependants | Children or other eligible relatives financially supported by the sponsor and included in the same visa application. |
Suitability Requirements | The good character, criminal record, and immigration history checks that applicants must pass before a visa can be granted. |
Section L: Useful Links
Resource | Link |
---|---|
UK Government – Family visas: apply, extend or switch | https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa |
UK Government – Financial requirement: minimum income threshold | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/appendix-fm-se |
UK Government – Private Life route (Appendix PL) | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/appendix-private-life |
UK Government – Adult Dependent Relative visa | https://www.gov.uk/bring-family-member/parent-grandparent-or-other-dependent-relative |
UK Government – Visa decision waiting times | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk |
UK Government – Apply to settle in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain |
DavidsonMorris – UK Family Visa Guide | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/family-visa/ |
Xpats.io – UK Family Visa Guide | https://www.xpats.io/family-visa/ |