visit family in uk visa

Getting visas for your partner and children to live in the UK

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

Bringing family members from Ukraine to the UK

There are special rules for family members who are Ukrainian nationals. Check the rules about bringing family members from Ukraine to the UK .

Your partner might be able to get a partner visa to either:

join you in the UK

stay in the UK if they’re already here

If your partner has children aged under 18, your partner can usually also apply for them to get child visas.

If your partner applies for a partner visa you’re called their ‘sponsor’. If they apply for visas for their children, you’ll also be the children’s sponsor.

Partner and child visas are types of family visa. To work out if your partner and their children can get family visas, you’ll need to check:

if partner and child visas are right for your situation

if you can be a sponsor

who can apply for partner and child visas

the rules about your income and savings

that where you live is safe and suitable

if your partner needs to take an English language test

Check if partner and child visas are right for your situation

Your partner can apply:

for a partner visa for themselves

for partner and child visas at the same time

for a child visa only - so their child can join them when they already have a partner visa

It will usually cost between £1,500 and £5,000 for each person to get a family visa, depending on their situation.

Your partner’s visa will usually last for 2 years and 9 months - or 2 years and 6 months if they’re already in the UK when they apply. A child visa will last until the partner visa ends - even if it started later.

Your partner can usually apply:

to extend both types of visa before they end

for them and their children to stay in the country permanently after they’ve had a partner visa for 5 years

If you only want to sponsor your children

Your children can usually only get child visas if their parent has a partner visa - or is applying for one.

You might be able to apply for your child to live in the UK permanently instead - this is called ‘indefinite leave’. Your child can get indefinite leave if either:

you have sole responsibility for them and you have a permanent right to live in the UK

you and their other parent both have a permanent right to live in the UK - you must both be in the UK or moving to the UK with your child

You have a permanent right to live in the UK if for example you’re a British citizen or you have indefinite leave.

Check if you can get indefinite leave for your child .

Check if you can be a sponsor

You can sponsor your partner and their children if you have one of the following:

British citizenship

Irish citizenship - you must be living or have lived in the UK

indefinite leave or right of abode

settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme

pre-settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme - you must have come to the UK by 31 December 2020

If you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection, this also lets you sponsor your partner and their children. If your relationship with your partner started before you had to leave your country, your partner and children can apply to join you under the refugee ‘family reunion’ rules instead. It’s free and easier than applying for family visas. Check how your partner and children can apply for family reunion on GOV.UK .

If you have another type of visa

Your partner and their children can’t usually apply for family visas.

Your visa might let your partner and their children apply to join you as ‘dependents’. You’ll need to check the rules for your visa. For example:

check the rules if you’ve got a skilled worker visa on GOV.UK

check the rules if you’ve got a student visa on GOV.UK

If you’ve got another type of visa, you should be able to find the rules for your visa on GOV.UK .

If your child was born in the UK or one of their parents has British citizenship

Your child might have British citizenship automatically.

If your child isn’t already a British citizen, you might be able to apply for citizenship for them. It depends on where they were born and your immigration status. It costs less than applying for indefinite leave.

Check if your child has or can apply for British citizenship .

If you’re a citizen of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein

Your partner and children might be able to apply for pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme. It’s free and easier than applying for family visas.

Your partner and children can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and one of the following applies:

you and your partner got married or registered a civil partnership by 31 December 2020

you and your partner were living together for 2 years by 31 December 2020

you’re a Swiss citizen and you and your partner are married - this will apply if you get married at any point until 31 December 2025

You can check if your partner and children can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme .

You can check which countries are in the EU on GOV.UK .

If you arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020

If you applied and got pre-settled status as a family member, your partner and their children can’t apply for family visas or apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

If you’re in this situation, you’ll need to wait until you get settled status before your partner and their children can apply for family visas. Check the rules about switching from pre-settled to settled status .

If you were born in Northern Ireland

Your partner and children might be able to apply for pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme. It's free and easier than applying for a visa. 

Your partner and children can apply for pre-settled or settled status if you have British or Irish citizenship - or both. When you were born one of your parents must have had either:

British or Irish citizenship - or both 

an immigration status that let them live in the UK permanently - for example, indefinite leave

You must have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and you and your partner must have either:

got married or registered a civil partnership by 31 December 2020

been living together for 2 years by 31 December 2020

If you were born in Northern Ireland, check how your partner and children should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme on GOV.UK .

Check if your partner can apply for a partner visa

Your partner can apply for a partner visa if they’re one of the following:

your husband, wife or civil partner

your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner

your partner who you’ve been in a relationship with for at least 2 years

You must have met your partner in person, and you must intend to live together permanently. If they’re your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, it’s okay if you only intend to live together after your marriage or civil partnership.

If your partner is already in the UK, they can only apply if they have a visa that was for more than 6 months when they got it. They can’t apply if they’re in the UK on a visitor visa.

Your partner can’t apply if they owe £500 or more to the NHS.

You and your partner must have ended any past relationships with other people. If you were previously in a marriage or civil partnership with someone else, it must have legally ended.

If your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner is applying

If you’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years, it’s usually best for your partner to use that as the basis for their application. This means they:

will get a visa for 2 years and 9 months - or 2 years and 6 months if they’re already in the UK

will be allowed to work in the UK

will not have to make another application and pay another fee after they get married

If you haven’t been in a relationship for 2 years, your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner can only apply to come to the UK for 6 months. You must get married or register a civil partnership in that time.

If your partner gets the 6-month visa, they won’t be allowed to work. After your wedding or civil partnership ceremony, they can apply for a partner visa as a husband, wife or civil partner - this will allow them to work.

Your partner can only apply for the 6-month visa if they’re outside the UK.

If you and your partner want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK but you don’t plan to live here, they can come to the UK on a different kind of visa called a marriage visitor visa. This means they’ll have to leave the UK at the end of 6 months. Check how to get a marriage visitor visa on GOV.UK .

Check if your partner’s children can apply for child visas

When your partner applies for a partner visa, they can also apply for their children aged under 18 to get child visas at the same time.

If your partner has already got a partner visa, they can still apply for child visas for their children.

The child visas will last until the end of the partner visa.

They don't need to be your partner’s biological children - for example, they can be step-children.

If you aren’t a child’s other parent, your partner can only apply for a child visa if they have sole responsibility for them. They have sole responsibility if they’re the only person responsible for the children's upbringing and welfare.

Your partner can’t apply for a child who is independent, for example if they:

are living with a partner

have left home - unless they left home to study

Your partner doesn’t need to apply for children who already have a right to be in the UK - for example if they’re British citizens or they have indefinite leave.

Check the rules about your income and savings

You must show you have a certain amount of income or savings. This is called the ‘financial requirement’.

The normal way to meet the financial requirement is to show your income is at least a certain amount of money each year.

If your partner is already in the UK, you can add their income to yours. If they’re not in the UK yet, you can only include income they’ll still get after they move.

If your partner is applying for themselves and no children, you meet the financial requirements if your income is at least £18,600 each year before tax.

If your partner is applying for children, you can sponsor them if your income is £18,600 plus:

£3,800 for the first child

£2,400 for the second child and for each child after that

For example if your partner is applying for themselves and 2 children, you can sponsor them if you earn at least £24,800 each year. This is £18,600 plus £3,800 plus £2,400.

Your income doesn’t include benefits, but it does include:

earnings from employment or self-employment in the UK 

maternity, paternity, adoption or sick pay

other income - for example from rent or shares

If your income isn’t enough, you might still be able to meet the financial requirement if either:

you and your partner have over £16,000 in savings between you

you get certain disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carer’s Allowance

If you and your partner have over £16,000 in savings

You can top up your income with any savings you and your partner have over £16,000 - you must have had them for at least 6 months.

You’ll need £16,000 plus £2.50 for every £1 your income is below the financial requirement. This is because the partner visa is for 2 and a half years.

You can't use savings to top up income from self-employment.

To check if you meet the financial requirement:

Work out how much you’ve got in savings

Take off £16,000

Divide the amount that is left by 2.5

Add the final total to your income

Check if you now meet the financial requirement

Erika’s wife is applying for visas for her and her child to come to the UK. The financial requirement for a partner and 1 child is £22,400.

Erika earns £20,000 per year from employment - her income is below the financial requirement.

Erika has £18,000 in savings, which she’s had for the last 6 months. Erika’s wife has £8,000 in savings, which she’s had for the last 6 months.

£18,000 plus £8,000 is £26,000.

£26,000 minus £16,000 is £10,000.

£10,000 divided by 2.5 is £4,000.

Erika can add the £4,000 to her income. £20,000 plus £4,000 is £24,000.

£24,000 is more than £22,400, so Erika meets the financial requirement.

Talk to an adviser if you need help working out if you meet the financial requirement.

If you get disability benefits

Special rules apply if you get any of the following benefits:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Attendance Allowance

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Carer's Allowance

Severe Disablement Allowance

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme

Police Injury Pension

To meet the financial requirement, you only need to show you’ll have enough income to look after your partner and any children. This is called the ‘adequate maintenance’ test.

To check if you can pass the adequate maintenance test, you need to first work out how much income the government says you need each week. You then need to check if you have enough income.

Work out how much income you need each week

To work out how much income the government says you need each week, add together:

£133.30 - this is for you and your partner

£77.78 for each child aged under 18 who will live with you - even if they’re not part of the application

your housing costs - these are your rent or mortgage payments plus your council tax

When you’re working out your housing costs, don’t include any part of the costs that will be covered by Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

The Home Office will look at the council tax you’ll have to pay when your partner lives with you. For example, if you get a single person discount at the moment it will usually stop when your partner starts living with you.

Henrik’s partner is applying for visas for her and her child to come to the UK. Henrik gets PIP.

The total weekly income Henrik needs to sponsor his partner and child is £133.30 plus £77.78 plus his housing costs.

Henrik’s rent is entirely covered by the housing element of Universal Credit. This means his only housing cost is council tax.

When Henrik’s partner and child live with him, his council tax will be £30 each week. He gets Council Tax Reduction of £10 each week. £30 minus £10 is £20. This means he needs £20 income for council tax each week.

The total income Henrik needs each week is £133.30 plus £77.78 plus £20. This is £231.08.

Check if you have enough income

Work out how much income you’ll get each week after tax. You can include earnings, pensions and income from things like rent or shares.

If your partner is already in the UK, you can add their income to yours. If they’re not in the UK yet, you can only include income they’ll still get after they move. If the extra income will make your benefits go down, you need to calculate your total income based on the benefits you will get when they live with you.

If you and your partner have any savings, you can add them to your income - you must have had the savings for at least 6 months. Divide the amount of your savings by 130 - this is how much you can add to your weekly income.

If your total income is high enough, you’ll pass the adequate maintenance test.

Henrik’s partner is applying for visas for her and her child to come to the UK. Henrik gets PIP. The total weekly income he needs to sponsor his partner and child is £231.08.

Henrik’s weekly earnings after tax are £200.

Henrik and his partner have £6,500 in savings, which they’ve had for the last 6 months. £6,500 divided by 130 is £50. This is added to his income.

£200 plus £50 is £250. Henrik’s total weekly income is £250. This is more than the government says he needs, so Henrik can sponsor his partner and child.

If your total income isn’t high enough

When you work out your total income, you might be able to include other benefits you get - for example some parts of Universal Credit. It depends on your circumstances.

If you need help working out if you can pass the adequate maintenance test, talk to an adviser .

Check that where you live is safe and suitable

Your partner will have to show that where you live is safe, suitable and large enough for the number of people you want to live there with you. You don’t need to own your own home but you do need somewhere you can stay long term. For example you might have a tenancy agreement or a room of your own in your parents’ house.

If you live in council housing or your landlord is a housing association, you can check how many people are allowed to live in your home. This is called the ‘permitted number of persons’ (PNP). The PNP is usually on your tenancy agreement, or you can ask your landlord. Children under 1 year old aren’t included in the total, and children between 1 and 10 years old count as half a person.

If your landlord isn't a council or housing association, check your local council’s guidance about overcrowding. You can find your local council on GOV.UK .

If your partner applies for a 6-month visa as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, you and your partner can live separately when they first arrive in the UK. Your partner will need to give evidence about both:

where they will live before the wedding or civil partnership ceremony - for example with family or friends

where they will live with you after the wedding or civil partnership ceremony

Check if your partner needs to take an English language test

Your partner usually needs to take an English language test before they apply for a partner visa. Their children don’t need to take an English language test.

Your partner doesn’t need to take a test if one of the following applies:

they’re a citizen of a country that’s exempt because English is an official or majority language there - for example Jamaica or the USA

they have a university degree that was taught or researched in English

they’re under 18 or over 65 years old

If your partner has a physical or mental condition that stops them passing the test, they might not have to do it. They’ll need to ask their doctor to confirm their condition:

is unlikely to change

makes it impossible for them to learn enough English - for example, a learning disability or brain injury that stops them learning the language

You can check the full rules about who needs to take an English language test on GOV.UK.

Taking an English language test

If your partner needs to pass a test, it must be at least level ‘A1’ on the ‘Common European Framework of Reference for Languages’ (CEFR) scale. This tests if they can speak in English and understand spoken English - it doesn’t test reading or writing in English.

They must use an approved test provider. You can find an approved English language test provider on GOV.UK .

If your partner can speak English well

It’s worth your partner taking a higher level test than A1 - this means they can use the result for later visa applications.

They will need to pass a test at:

level ‘A2’ when they apply to extend their partner visa

level ‘B1’ when they apply to live in the UK permanently - this is called ‘indefinite leave’

If your partner and children don’t meet the rules for family visas

Your partner and their children might be able to get a visa if an exception applies. The exceptions depend on whether they’re living inside or outside the UK when they apply.

If your partner and their children are already in the UK

Your partner and their children should be able to get family visas if there are ‘exceptional circumstances’. There are exceptional circumstances if any of the following apply:

not getting a family visa would cause ‘unjustifiably harsh consequences’ for you, your partner or a child under 18 years old - for example, if they need special care which they can only get in the UK

you would have difficulty living with your partner and children anywhere else in the world - for example if there’s no country where you’re both allowed to live

your partner has a child under 18 who is in the UK and is either a British citizen or has lived in the UK for at least 7 years

Your partner and their children should also be able to get visas if refusing their application would affect their ‘right to private or family life’. Their right to private and family life might be affected if any of the following apply:

it would be very difficult for them to live in the country they would have to return or move to - for example because of a lack of work, education, family or friends, or if they wouldn't be accepted back there

they’ve lived in the UK for 20 years or more

they’re aged 18 to 25 and they’ve lived in the UK for at least half their life

The child’s right to private life and family life might also be affected if they’ve lived in the UK for at least 7 years and it would be difficult for them to adapt to living somewhere else. The older they are, the easier it is to show this.

If your partner and their children get family visas based on exceptional circumstances or private and family life, they can only apply to stay in the UK permanently after 10 years.

When your partner applies for their visa, they can also ask for access to ‘public funds’ if they need it. This means they’ll be allowed to claim benefits and apply for council housing. It’s easier to show they need access to public funds if they’ll be living with their child.

Get help from a specialist adviser if your partner and their children need to apply based on exceptional circumstances or private and family life.

If your partner and their children are applying from outside the UK

Your partner and their children should be able to get family visas if there are ‘exceptional circumstances’.

There are exceptional circumstances if not getting family visas would cause ‘unjustifiably harsh consequences’ for you, your partner or a child under 18 years old. For example, your partner might need special care which they can only get in the UK.

If your partner and their children get visas based on exceptional circumstances, they can only apply to stay in the UK permanently after 10 years.

When your partner applies for their visa, they should also ask for access to ‘public funds’ if they need it. This means they’ll be allowed to claim benefits and apply for council housing. It’s easier to show they need access to public funds if they’ll be living with their child.

Get help from a specialist adviser if your partner and their children need to apply based on exceptional circumstances.

Check your partner’s rights if they get a visa

If your partner and their children get family visas, they will have the right to:

rent or buy somewhere to live

use the NHS

go to school

leave the UK and return as many times as they want

work or study - unless they have a 6-month visa as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner

Your partner and their children usually can’t claim most benefits or apply for council housing. This is called having a ‘no public funds’ condition. Check what benefits they can get while they have a ‘no public funds’ condition .

If your partner and their children get family visas based on exceptional circumstances or private and family life, they might be able to get benefits and council housing. If you’re not sure, check if it says ‘no public funds’ on their documents, biometric residence permit or online status.

Check the rules about staying in the UK at the end of the visa

Your partner can apply to extend their visa and their children’s visas before they end . The extension will be for 2 years and 6 months.

If your partner got a 6-month visa as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, they need to apply after your wedding or civil partnership ceremony.

If you can’t get married or register a civil partnership within 6 months, your partner can apply for a small extension. They’ll have to explain why the ceremony hasn’t happened yet and give evidence to prove it will happen soon. Get help from a specialist adviser if you need to extend a 6-month visa.

Staying in the UK permanently

When your partner has been in the country on a partner visa for 5 years, they can usually apply to stay in the UK permanently . This is called ‘indefinite leave’. The 5 years doesn’t include any time when they were in the UK on the 6-month visa as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner.

If your partner gets a partner visa based on exceptional circumstances or private and family life, they can only apply for indefinite leave after 10 years.

Your partner can apply for their children to get indefinite leave at the same time as them, or when they’ve already got it. It doesn’t matter how long their children have been in the UK.

Apply for partner and child visas

Check how your partner and children can apply for family visas .

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Page last reviewed on 11 July 2022

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UK Family Visas

UK Family Visas enable eligible foreign nationals to join their family members in the UK for an extended period of 6 months or more.

Contact our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or complete our enquiry form to discuss bringing your family to the UK.

Get In Touch

UK Family Visa allows you to bring family members (eligible foreign nationals) to join you in the UK for an extended period of 6 months or more. You can bring your spouse or partner, fiance or proposed civil partner, child, parent, or a relative to who you will provide long-term care. For those who wish to come to the UK for a shorter period of up to 6 months, please consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa.

To bring a family member to the UK on a family visa, you must hold a valid immigration status, i.e., a visa that allows dependant family members to come to the UK. You need be a UK or Irish citizen, or have settled in the UK ( ILR or Settled Status), or have refugee status or humanitarian protection.

There is a range of UK visas under the family visa route, including:

• UK partner and spouse visa
• Fiance visa (fiancée or proposed civil partner visa)
• Child dependant visa

Adult dependant relative visa

Pbs dependant visa, parent visa.

• Ancestry visa

Family Reunion visa

Family visa requirements uk.

There are several family visa requirements that must be met by the UK-based family member (i.e., sponsor) and the family member coming to the UK. The exact rules you and your family member will need to meet will depend on the visa you are applying for.

The sponsor must meet below requirements:

• Hold a valid UK visa that allows dependants to join you – e.g. work visa , study visa, or business visa . Some visas, such as the Youth Mobility Scheme visa , do not allow dependants to come to the UK, and they must apply separately to do so, or
• Be a UK or Irish national, or
• Have settled in the UK (e.g. they have ILR or settled status), or
• Be an EU national or a person from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and hold pre-settled status (the rules state that you must have started living in the UK prior to 1 st January 2021)
• Have a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa, or
• Have refugee status, or
• Have humanitarian protection in the UK

The family member applying for UK family visa must meet below requirements:

• Be your spouse or partner, fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, child, parent, or a relative to who you will provide long-term care (see below for more details on each of these categories)
• do not live an independent life
• are not married
• live with you (except if they will be attending university or boarding school)
• Be able to financially support themselves and their dependants in the UK (this does not apply to children)
• Have sufficient knowledge of the English language, and
• Not have a criminal record or pose a threat to UK security.

A family immigration solicitor can assess your eligibility for a family visa and provide all of the information you need to know, including the documents you will need to submit, the UK family visa processing time, and the family visa UK fees.

UK spouse visa / partner visa

The UK spouse visa / partner visa under the Family Visa UK scheme enables an eligible person to join their partner in the UK and allows them to live, work and study here. Applicants must be:

• in a civil partnership or marriage with their UK-based partner, or
• have been living with their UK-based partner in a relationship for at least 2 years

The applicant and their UK-based partner must also show they earn at least £29,000 per year, plus £3,800 a year for their first child and £2,400 a year for each child they have after their first child. Applicants must also speak English to level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

Spouse / partner visa holders can stay for up to 2 years and 9 months. This can then be further extended for 2 years and 6 months. At this point, it is then possible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Fiance visa

The fiancé visa allows a fiance, fiancee, or proposed civil partner of an eligible person based in the UK to come here for up to 6 months to get married or enter into a civil partnership. The English language and financial requirements outlined above for the spouse/partner visa must also be met.

Once you are married or in a civil partnership with your UK-based partner, you can then apply for a full UK Partner and Spouse visa. As a Partner and Spouse visa holder, you will be able to stay for up to 2 years and 9 months and then extend your visa for an additional 2 years and 6 months. At this point, it is then possible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Parent visas under the Family visa scheme enable a parent to join and care for their child in the UK and live, work and study here.

To apply for a parent visa, the child must be under 18 years or have been under 18 years when their parent was first granted leave and not live an independent life.

The child must be living in the UK and be:

• a British or Irish national
• have settled in the UK
• have pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme
• or have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously, and it would not be reasonable for them to leave

In addition, applicants must have sole or shared parental responsibility for their child.

Child visas are normally granted in line with their parent’s leave. Child visas can also be extended and can be used to gain settlement (ILR).

Parent visa holders can stay for up to 2 years and 9 months, and this can then be further extended for 2 years and 6 months. After 5 years, it is then possible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Child visas under the Family visa scheme allow a child to join their parent in the UK. It is important to note that children may not require a family visa if they have at least one parent with UK ILR. In this case, it may be possible to apply immediately for ILR.

The requirements for a child visa depend on whether the child was born in the UK or not. If the child was born in the UK and under 18, they can be added to their parent’s next visa application as a dependant family member, or they can apply separately. If the child was born in the UK and is over 18, they can be added to their parent’s application as long as they are dependant on their UK-based parent.

Applicants born outside the UK must prove they are dependant on their UK-based parent/s and not married or in a civil partnership.

The adult dependant relative visa enables overseas relatives to come to the UK to receive long-term care from a parent, grandchild, brother, sister, son, or daughter living permanently in the UK.

Adult dependant relative applicants must be able to show:

• They are 18 years or older
• They require long-term care to carry out day-to-day personal and household tasks as a result of illness, disability, or age
• The care required is not available (or affordable) in their home country
• The person that will care for them in the UK must be able to support and accommodate them without the need to claim public funds for at least 5 years.

Adult dependant relative visa holders can remain for an unlimited period once in the UK.

PBS dependant visas enable the partner and children of those with an eligible visa to come to the UK. Eligible dependants include:

• Married partner, civil partner, or unmarried partner (if unmarried, you must have been living with your partner in a relationship for at least 2 years)
• Child under 18 (this includes children who were born in the UK)
• Children over 18, if they are your dependant

If your child is 16 or over, they must:

• live with you (unless they live away for full-time education at boarding school, college, or university)
• not be married (or in a civil partnership)
• not have children of their own
• be financially reliant on you.

As a dependent visa holder, your family member will be able to stay as long as your visa is valid. If you extend your visa, your dependants will also be able to apply to extend their leave. Likewise, when you become eligible for ILR (i.e. settlement), they will be able to apply to settle, assuming they meet the eligibility requirements.

Ancestry Visa

The Ancestry visa enables eligible foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UK. Ancestry visa applicants must be one of the following:

• a Commonwealth citizen
• a British overseas citizen
• a British overseas territories citizen
• a British national (overseas), or
• a citizen of Zimbabwe

They must also be able to show that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.

Ancestry visa holders can stay for up to 5 years initially, at which point they can further extend their visa or apply for settlement (ILR).

Under the Family Reunion visa scheme, you can bring your immediate family members to live with you in the UK if you have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

As a person bringing family members to the UK, you will be their “sponsor”. A suitable sponsor is one who is a) lawfully resident in the UK, b) has not yet gained British citizenship, and c) is in one of the following immigration categories:

• refugee status
• humanitarian protection status (this must have been held for at least 5 years)
• admitted to the UK under the Gateway Protection Programme
• admitted to the UK under the Mandate Refugee Programme
• admitted to the UK under the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement (VPR)

Only immediate dependent family members of a UK-based sponsor are eligible for the Family Reunion visa, including the sponsor’s dependent:

• spouse or civil partner
• unmarried or same-sex partner
• adopted children

As a Family Reunion visa holder, it is possible to extend your leave and apply for ILR when eligible.

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit scheme allows a person to come to the UK if they are a family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. EUSS Family Permits ensure that holders can travel to the UK, gain entry once they arrive, and join their family members without the risk of refusal.

To make a successful EUSS Family Permit application, your family member must have been living in the UK by the end of 2020.

EUSS Family permit holders can stay in the UK for up to 6 months and can travel, study, and work during this time. If you wish to extend your stay, you will need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme . If eligible under the EUSS, you will be granted pre-settled status, which will allow you to stay for up to 5 years and then gain full settled status (settlement).

If your family visa application is refused

A family member visa UK can be refused for a wide range of reasons, including if:

• The Home Office is not satisfied that your relationship is genuine
• The financial requirements have not been met
• The UK-based sponsor does not have adequate accommodation
• You have not provided all of the required information or documents
• You are not eligible
• You have unspent criminal convictions applicant has a criminal record

We understand that receiving a letter of refusal from the Home Office can be extremely worrying and upsetting. Our specialist family immigration solicitors can quickly assess the reasons for refusal and recommend the best course of action to secure a positive outcome. Depending on the circumstances, we may recommend submitting a fresh application, appealing, lodging an administrative review or judicial review, or applying for a different type of visa.

For advice on bringing your family to the UK and securing a UK visa for family members, please speak to our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or by email at [email protected] .

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Family Visa

The UK government recently announced an increase to the minimum income requirements from £18,600 to £29,000, with planned increases to £34,500 and eventually £38,700. This comes into effect in April 2024 and affects three-quarters of Brits. Get in touch with us now for advice and support.

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Benefits of Choosing IAS for Your Family Visa Application

We can help you in obtaining a UK Family Visa. A skilled immigration lawyer from our team will examine the specifics of your case and guide you in identifying the most effective pathway for securing a Family Visa.

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients achieve their Family visas, we ensure that your application is of the utmost quality.

Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With us, you get immigration lawyers who are dedicated to ensuring you reunite with your family member(s). Work with IAS for:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A one-stop shop that extends beyond the application to include guidance on citizenship matters.

Personalised Letter of Representation for a compelling family visa case.

Services we Provide

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

Who is eligible for a Family Visa?

If you’re a non-UK national and want to live and work in the UK for an extended period of time, you will need to make a UK Visa application.

There are different types of visas available depending on your circumstance. A Family Visa is needed to join family members in the UK for a period longer than 6 months.

If you’re living outside of the UK, you can apply to a Family Visa to join your spouse, fiancee, partner, child, parent or relative who will provide long-term care for you.

There are certain other pathways to become eligible for a Family Visa. You can apply on the basis that:

• Your relationship ended as a result of divorce or your partner is recently deceased
• You can apply as the parent of a British or settled child, or child who has been in the UK for 7 years or more
• Apply under the Ukrainian family member scheme
• Apply to settle in the UK or Extend your family visa
• Find out if your UK Based family member can sponsor your visa application

What are the UK Family Visa types?

If you are a non-UK national and intend to stay in the UK for a period that exceeds 6 months, you will need to make a Family Visa application if you are meeting one of the following requirements:

• Your family member/spouse is a British citizen
• Your family member/spouse has ILR or settled status
• You have an eligible relationship with an individual in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection

If you are currently living in the UK on a different visa, you may be able to switch to a family visa in order to stay with your child, fiancee or partner. There are many variations of a UK Family Visa, all of which depend on the relationship that you have with the UK settled person.

Below, you’ll find information on the different types of UK Family Visas that are available for non-UK nationals.

Spouse Visa

Under the UK Family Visa, partners and spouses are eligible to remain in the UK for up to 2.5 years. After this time, you can apply for a  further extension , which will take you to a total of 5 years remaining in the UK.

As you may know, you will become eligible to apply for  indefinite leave to remain  if you have lived in the UK for more than five years.

In order to apply for a Family Visa as a partner or spouse, you will need to adhere to the following requirements:

• You and your partner must be over the age of 18 years old to qualify for a Family Visa
• You must be involved in a genuine relationship
• You must intend to live in the UK (for a minimum of 2.5 years)

If you apply for a UK Family Visa as a fiancee, then your time living in the UK on this visa will be limited to 6 months. During this time, you will have to marry your fiancee, or you may face the risk of being deported as you have failed to meet the visa requirements.

You will also be able to include dependent children in your spouse or  fiancee visa  application.

In order to be eligible for a fiancee or  spouse visa , you will also need to meet the following  financial requirements . As a single applicant, the minimal age threshold is set at £18,600, and with a child, this will increase by £3800. Any additional children after this will be set at an extra £2,400 each.

You will also need to meet one of the following language requirements in order to be eligible for a Family Visa in the UK:

• You will have to pass the approved language test
• You have a qualification from an English-speaking course
• You are from a national or majority English-speaking country to qualify for a Family Visa

These language requirements are exempt from individuals who have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from meeting this requirement or are 65 years or older when applying for a Family Visa.

Child Dependent Visa

Children who are overseas nationals can apply for a UK Family Visa either on their parent’s application or as a separate application.

In order to qualify for a Family Visa, they must be under the age of 18 when the application was made. In addition to this, the child must also still be living and a dependent and can’t have formed an independent family unit.

In order to bring children to the UK to live, the parent or carer must also be financially eligible.

Similarly to the spouse visa applications, the child will be eligible to apply for  British naturalisation  after 5 years of residing in the UK after the Family Visa runs out.

UK Ancestry Visa

A UK Ancestor Family Visa is a unique visa type.

If your grandparents were born in the UK, and you’re from a Commonwealth country, you could be eligible for a five-year UK Ancestry Visa.

This allows you to work, live and study in the UK and after the five years are up, you will be eligible to apply for settled status.

Adult Dependent Visa

If you’re over the age of 18 and would like to live and work in the UK on a Family Visa, you may be eligible for an  Adult Dependent Visa . This is reserved for individuals who want to enter the UK as a parent, grandparent or adult child of a British Citizen.

You can apply to live in the UK under an Adult Dependent Visa under exceptional circumstances. This Family Visa is reserved for those who are in need of long-term care, which can be provided by your relative in the UK.

Unlike the majority of Family Visa types, the Adult Dependent Visa allows you to remain in the UK indefinitely, as long as the UK relative is a British Citizen or has settled status in the UK. In addition to this, you are enabled to remain in the UK on this visa if your relative has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

This visa is reserved for special circumstances and is quite difficult to obtain. In order to be accepted, you must satisfy the following:

• You must provide a large amount of evidence that you don’t have adequate care in your country of origin for an Adult Dependent Family Visa
• You must be over the age of 18
• You must be related to the individual who has  British Citizenship  or settled status in the UK

Family Visa appeal

There is no single version of a UK Family Visa, rather there are a number of visas that are grouped in this category.

The application process and the appeals process vary depending on the type of visa you have applied for.

Below are the ways that you can appeal a refused Family Visa application (please note that the exact steps will vary depending on the type of visa).

• Speak with a qualified immigration lawyer to discuss the options available to you
• Carefully read your letter of refusal to identify what your next steps are (appeal or review)
• Check the length of time you have to submit your request for appeal or review
• Address the reasons for refusal so that you can maximise your chances of the decision being overturned
• If it is possible to request a reconsideration of the application owing to a clear error on behalf of UKVI, this could be an option
• Submit the relevant documents (where required)
• Wait for a decision to be issued

Where you receive an unsuccessful decision, it may be more valuable to resubmit a fresh application, although this will mean having to pay the application fee again.

Reasons why a Family Visa might be rejected

Some of the most common reasons for having a Family Visa rejected include the following:

• The applicant failed to demonstrate how they met the requirements
• Adequate supporting information was not submitted
• The applicant is considered a risk to UK public good or public health
• False or misleading information included in the application

A criminal conviction is likely to negatively impact your feedback from your visa application or your eligibility to naturalise as a British citizen as it goes against the Good Character requirement. For applicants this particular issue applies to, you may be able to extend your leave instead. Contact us today to discuss when you will become eligible for this.

How can IAS help you apply for a Family Visa?

At IAS, we know that being close to family is important and obtaining a Family Visa can ensure that you don’t have to split up from your family. Our team of dedicated immigration lawyers can help you with applications for all types of Family Visas. We will work with you to assess your different options, check your dependent’s status and perform a thorough document check for you.

One of our lawyers will prepare a Letter of Representation, which will provide evidence of the merits of your application and supporting UK immigration laws, to be submitted with your Family Visa UK application.

Your lawyer will also liaise with the Home Office throughout your Family Visa application until a decision is reached and complete your application form using their experienced knowledge. This service will improve your chances of receiving a Family Visa.

You can contact us at our offices in  London ,  Manchester , or  Birmingham , or use our  office finder  to find your closest branch.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the uk child dependent visa requirements.

The dependent child of a British Citizen or a person with settled status can apply for permission to enter and remain in the UK temporarily or permanently. To qualify, the Home Office must be satisfied that the child is:

• under the age of 18;
• not leading an independent life;
• not married or in a civil partnership; and
• has not formed an independent family unit.

There are several additional requirements, with more for adopted children. Adopted children are also eligible, there is no requirement for the children to be biologically related to you.

If the parent of the dependent child applies to enter or remain in the UK as a partner or parent, they must meet a financial requirement. In all other cases, the parent will need to show they can accommodate the child without help from public funds. In some cases, depending on the status of the parent(s) settlement, the child may need to apply as a  points-based system (PBS)  dependent

More information on  Child Dependent Visas

Am I eligible for an Adult Dependent Visa?

As the parent, grandparent, sibling or child over the age of 18 of a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK, you can only apply for permission to come here in exceptional circumstances, ie; where you need long-term personal care that your UK sponsor can provide.

The application must be made from outside the UK and your visa must be obtained before travelling.

More information on  Adult Dependent Visas

Am I eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa?

You may be eligible for a British Ancestry Visa if you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country and one of your grandparents was born in either the UK, before March 1922 in what is now the Republic of Ireland or on a British-registered ship or aircraft. You cannot claim UK ancestry through step-parents.

A British Ancestry Visa allows holders to live, work and study in the UK for a period of up to five years, at which point they may be eligible to apply for a renewal or apply for settled status in the UK.

Find out more about  UK Ancestry Visas

Can I join my migrant relative in the UK?

As the partner or dependent child (under 18) of a migrant who is in or coming to the UK under most categories of the points-based system, you can apply for a visa to join them here as a PBS dependent.

You will need to show that:

• you intend to live with the migrant worker, and
• your relationship is genuine.

Or for children:

• you have not formed an independent family unit, or
• are leading an independent life.

The migrant worker will also need to prove that they can support you without relying on public funds.

Is there a visa for parents of British citizens?

As as the parent of a child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK, you can apply for permission to enter or stay here. You will need to show that:

• you have sole responsibility for the child, or at the very least access rights;
• you can maintain yourself without relying on public funds;
• you meet the suitability and English language requirements.

If you meet all the requirements you will be given temporary permission to remain in the UK for 30 months. You will be eligible to stay for a further 30 months if you continue to meet the requirements and after five years you can apply for  ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

If you are outside the UK you must obtain your visa before travelling.

If you are already in the UK you will be eligible so long as you are not on a Visitor Visa or on temporary admission, permission to stay was not given for a period of less than six months (unless as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner) and you are not in breach of the Immigration Rules (overstaying for less than 28 days will not be taken into account).

I am here under the Points Based System (PBS) – can my family members join me?

Yes, generally your family members will be able to join you if you are in the UK on a visa under the Points Based System. For further information, you may want to take a look at  Spouse/Partner Visas , as well as  Dependent Visas , or speak to one of our immigration experts.

I have been refused a Family Visa UK – can I appeal?

As the law currently stands, you will be able to appeal in the event that your UK Family Visa is refused.

In the event that your application is refused, there may be other options even after the refusal. Speak to an immigration lawyer to get the best and most up to date advice.

The law at the present time in respect of Visit Visas does not allow for a full right of appeal. You can only appeal such visas on very restricted grounds. If you have been refused a Family Visit Visa it is advisable to speak to one of our experts to advise on your options.

What services does IAS offer?

With our team of expert immigration lawyers, we will be able to assist you with any type of Family Visa application.

• assess your eligibility for a Family Visa;
• assess whether your UK relative is eligible to act as your sponsor;
• help you make sure you have acceptable proof of your relationship to your relative for your application;
• perform a full document check to ensure that they are sufficient;
• confer with you in person, via phone or Skype at a suitable time for you;
• prepare a Letter of Representation to accompany your application. This is a document containing information about your case and its merits. It will also reference all relevant UK immigration laws that might support your application;
• liaise with the Home Office throughout the process;
• complete each part of your application in full and to a professional standard.

Contact us now on  0333 363 8577 to make an enquiry

I am ineligible for settlement in the UK. What now?

Applicants can extend their visa if they are not eligible for settlement at present.

They may then re-apply for settlement towards the end of their next visa extension, which may provide a different result.

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Related pages for your continued reading

Obtaining a spouse visa can be nerve racking. You want to get it right the first time and we want that for you as well. Get in touch with us for a personalised spouse visa application service.

Fiance Visa

A fiance visa is for those who are engaged to a UK national or settled person and want to join them in the UK with plans to get married within six months of joining their partner.

Unmarried Partner Visa

If you have an unmarried partner who is a foreign national, they may qualify for an unmarried partner visa. Learn about the requirements and process here.

Do you have a parent who depends on you? or another elderly relative? The Adult Dependent visa might be right for them. Learn more here.

The UK Child Dependent visa allows holders of certain visas/permits to bring their foreign child to join them in the UK.

Family Visit Visa

Are you looking to visit your family member who lives in the UK? We can help you obtain a family visit visa. Learn more here.

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We’re a married couple from the Philippines who have gone through the process of immigrating and settling in the United Kingdom. Here you will find what our 6-year journey looked like; we hope that what we’re sharing here can guide you in yours.

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ImmigrationStory.uk The costs and process of moving to the UK

Inviting friends and family to come visit you in the uk.

In this chapter I’ll detail:

Standard Visitor visa

Valid reasons for visiting the uk, proper and appropriate accommodations, access to sufficient funds to support themselves, strong ties to their home country, genuine relationship with you.

Your friends and family might wish to visit you in the UK so that you can spend time together as well as see and experience the various attractions around the country. If they are not exempt (this depends on their nationality), then they will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

The full requirements are available on the official UK Government page for Standard Visitor visas which also details what the visitors can and cannot do in the UK. The documents they will need to provide is extensive, as they will have to prove that (among other things) they have:

• Access to sufficient funds (either self-funded or by a third-party, such as you) to support themselves
• Strong ties to their home country where they will return to after their UK visit (i.e. they will not illegally over-stay in the UK)
• A genuine relationship with you

As a supporting document you should provide them a letter of invitation that they will include as part of their application. This is important especially if you’re helping them apply, as it establishes your relationship with them and makes clear what kind of support you will be providing them during their visit. A letter of invitation will strengthen their application, giving it a better case for approval.

I’m sharing the template I use; download the letter of invitation in support of a visitor visa application here . The template has placeholders for all the information noted above, and guidance on how to fill-out and print the document. Edit it accordingly, and send it (along with other required evidence from you) to the visitor so they can include it when they submit their application.

Visitors generally can perform tourist activities as well as business-related (not work – this is different) activities as outlined in the UK Government’s Visitor Rules . What they cannot do are:

• Do paid work
• Do unpaid work
• Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits
• Get public funds
• Marry or enter into a civil partnership, or provide notice of marriage or civil partnership

A detailed guidance for visitors can be found at the official Visit Guidance by the UK Government.

You must ensure that the invitation letter clearly indicates the reasons the visitor is coming to UK, and that those reasons are valid.

If you are accommodating the visitors in your home then you’ll need to prove that:

• You legally live where you claim to live: this can be your lease agreement or your council tax bill
• Your residence is physically sufficient to house you and your guests: this can be your lease agreement showing the number of bedrooms your residence has, or a letter from your agent or landlord

If your visitors will be staying in paid accommodations then they will need to show that they can afford this on top of the other expenditures for their trip as well as their other expenditures in their home country while they are away.

Your visitors will need to show they have enough liquid funds to support themselves during their visit, and that they have had access to these funds for some time.

As the cost of living varies wildly in the UK depending on location, it is not prescribed how much these funds should be. The visitor should demonstrate that they understand what the costs are for where they are going and what they are planning to do, and that they have funds in excess of this, on top of the money set aside for regular expenditures (such as mortgage) in their home country. Additionally, they should be able to show that this money has been available in their account for some time; this duration is not prescribed but six months is a safe figure to use.

If you are paying for their visit then you’ll need to show that you can afford this on top of your own day-to-day costs of living in the UK.

The UK wants certainty that visitors will go back to their home country after their visit, and not stay in the UK illegally. Visitors thus will need to provide evidence that they have strong ties to their home country. This can be shown in a number of ways:

• The visitor has a stable job in their home country
• The visitor owns properties or businesses in their home country
• The visitor has other relatives that depend on them, living in their home country

All of these will have to be evidenced and included as part of their application. You should reiterate in your support letter that the visitor will return to their home country after they visit you in the UK.

You need to show how you are connected to the visitor. If you are friends or colleagues, you need to provide more detail (as opposed to if you were family); for instance, how you first met, or how long you have known each other.

If there are any problems with this page, be it in terms of factual inaccuracies, mistakes in spelling or grammar, technical website issues — anything at all — I would truly appreciate it if you let me know here so that I can get it corrected.

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Ties to your Home Country:

  Demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property, to establish your intent to return after your visit.

 One of the main reasons for the refusal of a UK visitor visa is the inability to provide evidence of ties to your home country. The case worker needs to ensure that you genuinely plan to visit the UK for a short duration and will return to your home country afterward. Your travel history will also be taken into account to assess your true intention to visit the UK. Under no circumstances should you lie or provide fake documents.

Permitted Activities:

As a Standard Visitor, you can engage in a variety of activities during your stay, including:

• Tourism and leisure travel
• Visiting family or friends
• Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• Business activities such as attending meetings or interviews
• School exchange programs
• Short recreational courses (e.g., dance courses)
• Study, placements, or exams for up to 6 months
• Medical visits

Restrictions:

However, it’s important to note that a Standard Visitor visa does not permit:

• Paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed individual
• Claiming public funds or benefits
• Extended periods of residence through frequent or successive visits
• Marriage or civil partnership activities (a Marriage Visitor visa is required)

Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa:

The required documents vary depending on the purpose of your visit to the UK. You may be asked to provide the following documents and information:

• Your passport
• Bank statements
• Invitation letter
• Evidence of property ownership
• Your employer’s address and telephone number
• Your partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number
• Details of family members you have in the UK
• Visa refusal details (if any)
• Your travel dates to and from the UK
• Your address while in the UK
• A breakdown of the estimated cost of your visit
• Your home address
• Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses
• Your travel history for the past 10 years
• How long you have lived at your current address
• The names and dates of birth of your parents
• Your annual income

Documents you should not use as evidence

The Home Office website states that certain documents should not be submitted as evidence as they are less useful for visit applications. These include:

• Bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of application
• Credit card statements
• Driving license
• Educational certificates that are not listed as required for your visa
• Evidence of car ownership
• Personal photographs
• Notarial certificates
• Business cards
• Hotel bookings
• Flight bookings (unless transiting)
• Photocopies of bank cards
• Certificates relating to leisure activities, for example, sports trophies
• Travel Insurance
• Sponsor’s utility bills
• Sponsor’s council tax bills

However, in some cases, we may be able to submit a few of the listed documents, particularly for certain applications.

Application fees for UK family visitor visa

UK family visitor visa £115 2-year long-term UK family visitor visa £400 5-year long-term UK family visitor visa £771 10-year long-term UK family visitor visa £963

How UKVisaExpert.com Can Help:

Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced immigration lawyers provides personalised guidance to ensure your application meets all requirements.

Document Verification: We review your documents to ensure they are accurate, complete, and comply with UK visa requirements.

Application Support: Receive assistance in filling out your visa application form, minimizing the risk of errors or omissions.

Updates and Notifications: Stay informed throughout the application process with timely updates and notifications.

Let’s Get Started:

Contact immigration lawyers today to process Your UK Visitor Visa

Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions and assist you every step of the way. When reaching out to us, please email the following initial details to [email protected]:

• Have you travelled to any other countries?
• What is your occupation?
• What is your financial situation? (Include details such as property ownership, shares, etc.)
• What is your age?
• What is your monthly income, and do you pay taxes on your earnings?
• Do you have other family members? If so, who are they, and what do they do?
• Are there any other important issues you think we should be aware of?

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UK: A Guide To The UK Tourism, Leisure & Family Visit Visa

The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short-term stay for the purpose of visiting friends and/or family or for a short holiday. The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, which is a route for persons who wish to visit the UK for a temporary period of up to 6 months.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Immigration Rules

In summary, Appendix V of the Immigration Rules provides for 4 types of Visitor :

• Standard Visitor: for those seeking to undertake the activities set out in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities, for example tourism and visiting family , usually for up to 6 months. A Standard Visitor may apply for a visit visa of six months, two, five or 10 years validity, however each stay in the UK must not exceed the permitted length of stay endorsed on the visit visa (usually six months).
• Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor : for those seeking to come to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor: for experts in their field coming to the UK to undertake specific paid engagements for up to one month.
• Transit Visitor: for those who want to transit the UK on route to another country outside the Common Travel Area and who will enter the UK for up to 48 hours by crossing the UK border unless Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme applies.

This article will focus on those coming to the UK to visit for the purposes of tourism, leisure or to visit family.

General Requirements for a Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa

The requirements for a successful Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa application are generally as follows:

• You are a visa national (a non-visa national can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival at the UK border);
• You are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes;
• You will not undertake any prohibited activities;
• You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (including travel, maintenance and accommodation costs) without working or accessing public funds;
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

Guidance is provided to caseworkers in the Visit guidance, Version 11.0, published for Home Office staff on 06 October 2021.

Visa or Non Visa National

You will first need to consider whether you are required to apply for entry clearance in advance of travel. Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list contains a list of countries who must apply for entry clearance in advance unless the exceptions in VN 2.1, VN 2.2. (subject to VN 2.3) or VN 3.1 apply. Those that are Non Visa Nationals may consider applying in advance, if for example there is an adverse immigration history and you have been refused entry on a previous occasion. An application made in advance can provide security and certainty. The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa requirements have to be met by Non Visa Nationals as well, but this is assessed at the border, by an Immigration Officer.

To discuss your UK Visit Visa application or how we can assist you to meet the requirements for entry to the UK a visitor on arrival, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

Making a Valid UK Visit Visa Application

The Validity requirements for entry clearance or permission to stay as a Visitor are set out in paragraphs V 2.1 to V 2.6 of Appendix V.

An Applicant must apply using the relevant online application form, pay the relevant fee, and provide biometrics. Any application for entry clearance must be made from outside the UK.

General Grounds of Refusal and Immigration Status Required

You will need to consider if any of the provisions in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules apply. Part 9 generally covers criminality, non conducive grounds, false representation and deception, previous breaches and other discretionary grounds. Some grounds are mandatory and others discretionary. It is important to ensure that you answer all questions on the form accurately and make full disclosure. Any false information given can lead to a refusal and a ban meaning further applications to enter the UK will be refused. We examined this in an earlier article .

If an Applicant is applying for permission to stay they must not be in breach of immigration laws or on immigration bail. If Paragraph 39E applies that period of overstaying may be disregarded (V 3.1 and V 3.2).

Genuine Visitor

You will need to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor.

The caseworking guidance refers to an assessment of the Applicant's personal circumstances including the following:

• their previous immigration history, including visits to the UK and other countries
• the duration of previous visits and whether this was significantly longer than they originally stated on their visa application or on arrival - if this is the case, you should not automatically presume that the visitor is not genuine, but this may be a reason to question the applicant's overall intentions
• their financial circumstances as well as their family, social and economic background
• their personal and economic ties to their country of residence
• the cumulative period of time the applicant has visited the UK and their pattern of travel over the last 12-month period, and whether this amounts to 'de-facto' residence in the UK
• whether, on the balance of probabilities, the information and the reasons for the visit or for extending their stay provided by the applicant are credible and correspond to their personal, family, social and economic background

The guidance continues by setting out reasons for doubting someone is a genuine visitor, these include:

• the applicant has few or no family and economic ties to their country of residence, and has several family members in the UK - for example a person with most of their family in the UK and no job or study in their own country may be considered to have few ties to their home country
• the applicant, their sponsor (if they are visiting a friend or relative) or other immediate family member has, or has attempted to, deceive the Home Office in a previous application for entry clearance, permission to enter or stay
• there are discrepancies between the statements made by the applicant and the statements made by the sponsor, particularly on points where the sponsor could reasonably be expected to know the facts but does not
• it has not been possible to verify information provided by the applicant despite attempts to do so
• the information that has been provided or the reasons for the visit stated by the applicant are not credible
• a search of the applicant's baggage and vehicle at the border reveals items which demonstrate they intend to work or live in the UK

In order to demonstrate this requirement you will need to consider providing full details of ties to the UK, financial and personal as well as ties to your home country. Visit visas can be complex and require wide ranging evidence. Evidence can take many forms including statements and letters to support and explain documentary evidence from various sources.

Length of a Visit Visa

It is possible to apply for a long-term Visit Visa of up to 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. You may enter and leave the UK on multiple occasions during the validity, unless your Visit Visa is endorsed with a single entry. You must ensure that each visit is not more than 6 months from the date of entry. If you do not have an ongoing reason to visit the UK you may consider applying for a 6 month visit visa.

Even if you apply for a long-term multiple entry Visit Visa you may only be granted one of short duration. The guidance reads:

You can issue a shorter duration visa if the applicant meets the Visitor rules relevant to their visit but you have concerns about issuing a long term visit visa. Entry Clearance officers must obtain the authority of the Entry Clearance Manager before issuing a visit visa of shorter duration than that applied for.

You must provide clear reasons for the decision to grant a visa for a shorter period than that applied for in a covering letter when the passport is returned.

It is important to note that no refund, whether full or partial, wll be given.

Using a Multiple Entry Visit Visa

There is no specified maximum period for which an individual can spend in the UK during a 12 month period (as long as it is for no longer than 6 months from each entry), but you will need to be careful not to make the UK your home through successive visits. This will form a consideration when you plan your trips to the UK. The guidance reads:

"There is no specified maximum period, which an individual can spend in the UK in any period, such as '6 months in 12 months' (as long as each visit does not exceed the maximum period for that visit, normally 6 months). However, if it is clear from an applicant's travel history that they are seeking to remain in the UK for extended periods or making the UK their home you should refuse their application".

The fact that an Applicant is granted a multiple entry long-term visit visa does not mean that they are guaranteed entry each time they arrive in the UK. Their circumstances may be examined at the border and you would be advised to carry evidence pertaining to any current circumstances. Whether an individual is making the UK their home through successive visits will be one matter that will be considered.

The guidance makes reference to a number of factors that will be considered:

• the purpose of the visit and intended length of stay stated
• the number of visits made over the past 12 months, including the length of stay on each occasion, the time elapsed since the last visit, and if this amounts to the individual spending more time in the UK than in their home country
• the purpose of return trips to the applicant's home country or trips out of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and if these are used only to seek re-entry to the UK
• the links they have with their home country or ordinary country of residence - consider especially any long-term commitments and where the applicant is registered for tax purposes
• evidence the UK is their main place of residence, for example: o if they have registered with a general practitioner (GP) o if they send their children to UK schools
• the history of previous applications, for example if the visitor has previously been refused under the Family Rules and subsequently wants to enter as a visitor you must assess if they are using the visitor route to avoid the rules in place for family migrants joining British or settled persons in the UK

At the border, as the guidance confirms, an Applicant may be asked for supporting evidence. This depends on the questions asked and the answers given.

Maintenance and Accommodation - What Are the Levels and Who Can Provide This?

As part of the Genuine visitor requirement (paragraph V 4.2) you will need to show you have sufficient funds (paragraph V 4.2(e)). There is no set level of funds required for an Applicant to show they will be maintained and accommodated for their planned visit to the UK.

In assessing whether there are sufficient funds, the caseworker will consider the criteria in Paragraph V 4.3. A third party may provide support, this includes family members, family, and other individuals with whom the Applicant has a genuine personal or professional relationship. You will want to consider the following factors as set out in the guidance and provide evidence of these:

• The Third party's previous history of sponsorship;
• The relationship between Applicant and Sponsor;
• Where and how they met;
• How often and by what means they communicate.

If maintenance and accommodation is to be provided by a third party, that third party must not be in the UK in breach of immigration rules at the proposed date of entry or the application. The individual will need to show they have the means to provide that support as well as anyone else usually dependent upon them in addition to the Applicant. There are many ways to evidence these requirements and you will want to ensure any concerns are addressed.

You will need to demonstrate that the funds are held in a permitted financial institution under FIN 2.1 in Appendix Finance.

When addressing your finances you will need to evidence your sources of income and savings. You will need to consider evidencing how long you can be absent from your employment or business, who will provide cover. You should consider how to address payments in and out of your account, particularly any recent payments prior to the date of application.

You may consider providing a schedule of costs to demonstrate that the funds held or the funds you rely on are sufficient for your purposes, your costs may for example be less if you are staying with family and not expected to contribute to daily living expenses such as food. There are many ways and forms to present this evidence.

In Part Two we will address further frequently asked questions in relation to the Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa route.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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News | Politics

Home Secretary hails new visa rules but families say salary changes 'totally impossible'

The Home Secretary has hailed new visa rules he claimed will “protect British workers”, but campaigners have accused the government of "punishing" families with the changes.

James Cleverly said "mass migration " had reached a "tipping point" as fresh measures for spousal visas came into force.

From Thursday Britons will need to earn at least £29,000 a year, up from £18,600, to sponsor a loved one to come and live in the UK from abroad.

The wage threshold is set to rise to £34,500 later this year, and then again to £38,700 in early 2025.

Mr Cleverly said: “I promised action and we have delivered at remarkable speed. We’ve acted to cut unsustainable numbers, to protect British workers and their wages, to ensure those bringing family to the UK do not burden taxpayers, and to build an immigration system fit for the future - and one the public can rightly have confidence in.”

But campaigners argued the new regulations will "destroy the notion of the UK as a place where families can thrive".

Businesses have also warned that raising the salary threshold will make it “much harder” for firms struggling to employ skilled staff.

Argentinian Eugenia Morales, 30, wants to join her husband Connor White in England but is unsure if she will be able to under the strict new rules.

The couple have been together for three years and have a seven-month-old baby daughter. Construction worker Mr White, who is based in West Sussex and has a daughter in England from a previous relationship, has been working extra hours at weekends to try and boost his income to the required amount to sponsor his wife.

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"We don't want to be a burden to the (welfare) system, we just want to be with our families,” Ms Morales said.

"It's an awful situation. We want to be together, we want the girls to grow up together but this is making it totally impossible."

Colin Whitley, a bus driver from Halifax, said he has been working six-day weeks to have enough money to sponsor his partner to join him in the UK from Iran.

"Why should I, as a British citizen, be forced to leave the country which is my home to be together with the person I have fallen in love with? You cannot help who you fall in love with,” the 43-year-old said.

He added that his partner, who cannot live openly as a gay man in Iran due to the laws there, would work in the UK and contribute to the economy if he had the chance to move.

The Home Office said the new rules have provisions if a refusal of a visa application is deemed to have unjustifiably harsh consequences.

However, Reunite Families UK co-founder Caroline Coombs said families feel "punished" by the crackdown and what the government counts as “exceptional” needs to meet "a very high bar".

She said: "This increase, together with the ones which will come into force in the next 12 months destroy the notion of the UK as a place where families can thrive.

"We are dealing with a community of members who are punished and feel excluded and discriminated by their own government only because they fell in love with somebody from abroad and do not or cannot for a variety of reasons, including caring for children and/or elderly parents, earn the 'right amount' to be able to love whoever they choose.”

Labour has vowed to review the changes if it comes into power after the general election.

Thursday's measures come as part of a wider government crackdown designed to bring down record levels of migration to the UK.

Others include:

• Reforms to restrict care workers from bringing family members to the UK which came into force on March 11.
• Measures requiring care providers to register with the Care Quality Commission if they are sponsoring migrants started on the same date.
• An increase to the minimum salary required for those arriving on a Skilled Worker Visa, from £26,200 to £38,700, started on April 4

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

UK visa rules tore my family apart – and for others like us, it’s about to get much worse

A new income threshold means only the richest 30% of employed Britons will be able to bring their partners here. It’s unspeakably cruel

S ix years ago almost to the day, with my 15-month-old daughter strapped to my chest, I fought back tears, waved my husband off at Bengaluru airport in India and boarded a plane back to the UK. I wasn’t sure when I’d see him again, or when he’d see his child.

Even though he was the foreign spouse of a British citizen (at that point, we had been married for more than five years) and the father of a British child, he had no right to accompany us when we relocated to the UK. This despite the protestations of friends and relatives, who felt sure we’d not done our research properly.

A minimum income threshold in order to apply for a spouse visa was introduced by Theresa May in 2012, but public consciousness of the policy – then as much as now – was low outside those people directly affected. It was set at £18,600 a year, but the devil was in the details.

As we dug deeper, we realised that I needed to produce six months of continuous payslips proving the income before a visa application could even be submitted. I had a job offer with a salary above the threshold waiting for me back in the UK, and my husband already earned above the threshold in India – yet this meant a “best-case” scenario of nine months apart in order to relocate our family from his home country to mine, once the visa processing time was taken into account.

In the end, our time apart was closer to a year. My husband missed our daughter’s first sentences, her transition out of a cot and her second birthday. In the process, she forgot the Hindi he’d lovingly sung and spoken to her since birth.

Commuting to a full-time job to meet the income requirement while in essence being a single parent meant that I too saw far less of her, and my mental health spiralled out of control. All of that time was spent wondering if we’d made the right choice.

In all of this, we were the lucky ones. Our application, while onerous and expensive, went through smoothly. Then, the basic fee for a two-and-a-half-year spousal visa was about £1,500. Now, it stands at £1,846.

After a small amount of lobbying, our local MP wrote a letter to the Home Office in support of our application, despite having voted in support of the policy. Crucially, my mother stepped in to care for our daughter and to prop me up emotionally.

Ultimately, we were reunited. Six years and three visas later, my husband has indefinite leave to remain, and we finally have a degree of security. Tragically, there are now children who have been separated for more than a decade from one of their parents, and couples who know there is no realistic possibility of them living in the same country. There will now be many more.

On 11 April, a new income threshold for spousal visas will come into place, set at £29,000. The threshold will go on to more than double from its original rate, rising to about £34,500 later this year, and then to about £38,700 in early 2025. This is part of the plan of the home secretary, James Cleverly, to reduce immigration. Migration Observatory research suggests that the new threshold means that about 50% of employed British citizens cannot “afford” to have a foreign spouse, which will rise to 70% by 2025.

The Home Office will tell you that this is to ensure “integration” and to avoid a burden on taxpayers. This is not true. Those on a spouse visa already have no recourse to public funds, pay an annual NHS surcharge and have the best possible support – a spouse – when adjusting to life in the UK. Separated families, on the other hand, struggle financially and emotionally, the collateral damage of a policy incomprehensible even to the MPs who voted for it.

I’m writing this in the early hours of the morning, having just relieved my husband from night duty caring for a toddler – our second child – who is feeling miserable with an ear infection. Night-wakings and poorly children are still very much a feature of family life. But we are doing it together, and we’ve never lost our sense of how precious, how essential, that is.

Families belong together. The spouse income threshold, unparalleled in any other country, means that our government stands in opposition to this fundamental and most sacred of rights.

Maegan Dobson Sippy is a children’s book editor and writer

• Parents and parenting
• Home Office

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance
• Visit and transit visas
• Visit visa: guide to supporting documents
• UK Visas and Immigration

Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents

Updated 1 February 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk

To visit the UK, you need to show that you’re a genuine visitor.

You can do this by providing evidence that:

• you’re coming to do a permitted activity – see Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities
• you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
• you’re able to support yourself and any dependants for the duration of your trip
• you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit

Wherever possible, digital images should be taken of original documents, not copies.

If you submit a document that is not in English or Welsh, it must be accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified by the Home Office. Each translation must contain:

• confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• the date of translation
• the translator’s full name and signature
• the translator’s contact details

You do not need to provide multiple copies of the same documents if you’re applying as a family or group at the same time.

If you’re applying to visit the UK as part of a Chinese tour group, you should read the specific guidance for ADS visitors .

Further information about coming to the UK as a visitor can be found in Appendix V: Visitor of the Immigration Rules and in the Visitor Guidance .

Submitting or presenting any of the documents listed below does not guarantee that your application for a visit visa or entry at the border will be successful. You should bear this in mind when making any bookings, particularly if you need to apply for a visitor visa before you travel to the UK.

1. Travel document (passport)

You must provide a valid passport or other travel document with all applications and when travelling to the UK. Your passport must have at least 1 page blank if you use it to apply for a visa.

Some passport holders may need to provide alternative evidence of their identity and nationality.

2. Demonstrating personal circumstances

If you are intending to visit the UK you will need to show that you are a genuine visitor who is coming to the UK to undertake a permitted activity, that you will leave at the end of your visit and that you have sufficient funds for yourself and any dependants to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit.

It is recommended that you provide information about your circumstances in your home country and details of the activity that you will be doing in the UK.

The following provides information about the types of documents that you might want to provide to help us consider your application against the Immigration Rules for Visitors ( Appendix V: Visitor ). This list is not exhaustive.

• what you will be doing in the UK, the reason for your visit and whether any costs are being met, including any letters from inviting or sending organisations
• a letter from your employer on company headed paper, detailing your role, salary and length of employment
• a letter from your education provider, on headed paper, confirming your enrolment and leave of absence
• business registration documents or recent invoices that confirm on-going self-employment
• copies of previous passports showing evidence of travel to other countries
• confirmation of legal residence, if you are not a national of the country in which you are applying or your right to reside there is not included in your passport
• bank statements which detail the origin of the funds held
• building society books which detail the origin of the funds held
• proof of earnings, such as a letter from your employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details)

3. If you have a sponsor

If someone else (your sponsor) is providing your travel, maintenance or accommodation you should provide evidence showing:

• what support is being provided and whether it extends to any dependent family
• how this support is being provided

the person supporting you has enough funds to adequately support themselves and their dependents

the relationship between you and the sponsor, for example if they’re your family member or your employer

• the person supporting you is legally in the UK (if applicable), for example if they have a British passport or residence document

4. If you’re a child (under 18)

You should show a legal document showing the relationship between you and at least 1 of your parents or guardians, for example a birth certificate or adoption papers.

You should show a copy of the photo page of at least 1 parent’s or guardian’s passport, including their signature and passport number, if they’re not also applying for a visa.

If you have a different family name to your parent/guardian, you may be asked to provide evidence of your relationship. Evidence you can provide may include:

a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship to your parent or guardian

a divorce or marriage certificate for your parent or guardian

4.1 If you’re not travelling with your parent or guardian

You should provide additional documents to show that your parent or guardian is aware of your travel plans and that they give you permission to enter the UK. Your application may be refused if you don’t.

You should provide a signed letter from your parent or guardian confirming your travel arrangements, including:

• your parent or guardian’s consent for you to travel to the UK
• who’s travelling with you – you’ll need to provide their passport number if they’re an adult
• who’ll look after you while you’re in the UK
• how you’ll travel to the UK
• If your parent or guardian does not have a passport, you should provide another official document that includes their signature

5. Visiting for business purposes

• the relationship between you and the sponsor, for example if they’re your family member or your employer)

6. Attendees of business-related events or conferences

If you are attending a business event or conference, you should provide a letter of invitation from the organiser of the event you are attending.

7. Intra-corporate visits

If you are visiting the UK to work with your UK based colleagues you should provide a letter from your employer confirming this, and if this will involve working with clients, your employer should confirm that this is not the main purpose of your visit.

8. Wet lease arrangements

If you are a pilot or cabin crew member travelling to the UK to work temporarily under a wet lease agreement, you should provide a letter from your employer confirming that you are employed by them and that a wet lease agreement is in place.

9. Visiting for training, research or paid engagements

9.1 academics coming to undertake research (12-month visa).

You should show that you’re highly qualified and working in your field at an academic or higher education institution. For example, you could provide:

• a letter from your employer outlining the research to be undertaken
• a letter from the UK host organisation confirming the arrangements for your research or exchange

You should check if you need a TB test .

You should check if your family members need a TB test if you’re bringing them to the UK with you.

9.2 Performers at one or more permit-free festivals

You may want to provide a letter of invitation from the organisers of each event, including the dates of your performances and details of any payments you’ll receive.

9.3 Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) test

You’ll need to provide a letter from the General Medical Council or Nursing and Midwifery Council confirming your test.

9.4 Work-related training – unpaid clinical attachments and dental observer posts

You’ll need to provide confirmation of your offer to undertake a clinical attachment or dental observer post, that it involves no treatment of patients and that you’ve not previously undertaken this activity in the UK.

You should provide an acceptance letter from your course provider confirming the details of the course.

9.6 Study – medical electives 

You must provide written confirmation from your UK Higher Education provider confirming you have been accepted to undertake an elective relevant to your course of study overseas.

9.7 Study – research placements  

You must provide confirmation from your overseas course provider that the research or research tuition is part of, or relevant to, the course you’re doing overseas.

9.8 Permitted Paid Engagements

You’ll need to provide an invitation letter showing why you’re carrying out the engagement and how long it’s for from a relevant UK-based organisation, such as:

• a Higher Education institution
• an organisation in the creative arts or entertainment industries
• a sports organisation, agent or broadcaster
• a research organisation
• an aviation training organisation regulated by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority
• a client, if you are a lawyer
• the organiser of a conference or seminar confirming your invitation to speak at their event

You should provide evidence of professional status in your home country or expertise, depending on the engagement.

9.9 Lecturers or examiners

You can provide:

• the names or details of your publications in your field of expertise
• dates and times of lectures you’ve given in that field
• a letter from your employer confirming where you work and your area of expertise

9.10 Entertainers/artists/sports people

• dates and times of performances, screenings, concerts, talks, readings and exhibitions
• details of any awards you’ve received
• proof of recent performances

9.11 Air pilot examiners

You should provide evidence showing you’ve been invited by an approved training organisation. They must be based in the UK and regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority .

9.12 Lawyers

You’ll need to provide evidence that you’re a qualified lawyer, for example a practising certificate or equivalent document.

You should also show you’ve been invited to represent a client in the UK court, for example confirmation of your right to audience, or ‘temporary call’ (where required).

10. Visiting for private medical treatment

If you’re applying to visit the UK as an S2 Healthcare Visitor, you should read the specific guidance for S2 Healthcare Visitors

10.1 Private Medical Treatment

You’ll need to provide a letter written by a doctor or consultant , that includes:

• details of the condition requiring consultation or treatment
• estimated cost and likely duration of any treatment
• details of where the consultation or treatment will take place.

If you are coming to the UK to receive medical treatment as part of a reciprocal healthcare arrangement between your country and the UK, you must provide an authorisation form from that country.

You should check if you need a TB test if you’re applying for an 11 month visa.

If you’re applying to extend your stay in the UK to receive private medical treatment you must show:

• a letter explaining your medical condition from a registered medical practitioner
• you’ve met the costs of the treatment you’ve already received

If you’re applying to extend your stay in the UK to continue receiving medical treatment as part of a reciprocal healthcare arrangement between your country and the UK, you must provide an authorisation form from that country which authorises further treatment.

10.2 Organ donors

You’ll need to provide a letter from either the lead nurse of the transplant team or a GMC-registered specialist , dated no more than 3 months before you intend to arrive in the UK, confirming:

• you’re a confirmed match to the recipient with whom you have a genetic or close personal relationship, or you’re being tested to determine whether you are a potential donor
• when and where the transplant or tests will take place

You should show the intended recipient is legally resident in the UK, such as a copy of their British passport or residence permit. You should provide the intended recipient’s name, nationality and date of birth if they are not legally resident in the UK and are applying for a visa at the same time.

11. Visiting for your marriage or civil partnership

You must apply for a marriage or civil partnership visitor visa to enter the UK to marry, form a civil partnership, or give notice of this.

You should provide evidence that you intend to give notice, marry or form a civil partnership during your stay, for example an appointment confirmation with a registrar or booking confirmation for your reception. If you’ve been married or in a civil partnership before, you should provide documents to show that you are free to marry or form a civil partnership.

You must be over 18.

12. Passing through the UK in transit

You should provide evidence that:

• your outward journey from the UK has been confirmed and is within 48 hours of arrival, for example travel booking confirmation
• you can enter the country you’re travelling to, for example a valid visa or residence permit

Further information can be found on the Visitor in Transit visa pages or in the Transit Guidance .

13. Documents you should not use as evidence

Some types of documents are less useful as evidence in visit applications. These include:

• bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of application
• credit card statements
• driving licence
• educational certificates that are not listed as required for your visa
• evidence of car ownership
• personal photographs
• notarial certificates
• business cards
• hotel bookings
• flight bookings (unless transiting)
• photocopies of bank cards
• certificates relating to leisure activities, for example sports trophies
• travel insurance
• sponsor’s utility bills
• sponsor’s council tax bills

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https://www.barrons.com/news/uk-hikes-family-visa-requirements-in-bid-to-cut-migration-f633a99c

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UK Hikes Family Visa Requirements In Bid To Cut Migration

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The UK on Thursday increased the income required to sponsor someone coming to the country on a family visa as part of the government's plan to cut immigration.

From Thursday, the minimum income requirement needed to bring a family member to the UK will go up to £29,000 ($36,800) from £18,600, rising to £38,700 early next year.

The move forms part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's plan to "cut unsustainable and unfair levels of migration, and ensure those arriving here do not burden the taxpayer".

Immigration, at record levels in recent years, is likely to be a key issue in a general election due later in 2024, with polling showing that Sunak's Conservatives are due for a heavy defeat.

"We have reached a tipping point with mass migration. There is no simple solution or easy decision which cuts numbers to levels acceptable to the British people," interior minister James Cleverly said.

"We've acted to cut unsustainable numbers, to protect British workers and their wages, to ensure those bringing family to the UK do not burden taxpayers," he added.

The income requirement is designed to ensure families are self-sufficient and can be met in a number of ways, including through savings and via income from employment.

The government unveiled a raft of measures in December aimed at cracking down on the record migration levels, including a 47-percent hike in the minimum salary for skilled work visas.

The government intends to ultimately synchronise the threshold for family visas with that of skilled work visas.

Tightened regulations for students and a 66-percent increase in the health surcharge for foreigners using the National Health Service (NHS) were also part of the broader immigration strategy.

Cleverly said at the time that the overall plan was to reduce annual net migration to the UK, currently running at 745,000, by 300,000.

The UK on Thursday increased the income required to sponsor someone coming to the country on a family visa as part of the government's plan to cut immigration.

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US travelers hoping to visit the beautiful beaches of Brazil will have to acquire a visa first beginning in 2025 — meaning they’ll have to share their bank statements with the South American country.

Beginning April 10, 2025, Brazil-bound travelers from the US, Canada and Australia need to be approved for a visa before their trip, CNN reported .

The application includes providing proof of income by either showing their last three checking or savings account statements or their previous six pay stubs, according to the Brazilian government’s website . Those who do not meet the threshold of $2,000 or more will need a sponsor.

Fortunately, the application process for an e-visa can be done online rather than at a consulate in person.

The visa fee is $80.90 with a 10-year validity and stays are limited to 90 days per year, the US Consulate in Brazil announced .

Additionally, Americans must provide a letter of intent outlining the duration and purpose of their trip and include information about where they will be staying.

They additionally must prove their US citizenship and show return tickets.

Brazil is reinstating the visa requirement for US tourists, who until 2019 had needed visas, according to CNN.

E-visas were introduced for just one year before the entire system was completely abolished.

Processing times for the Brazil visa system will be an average of five working days but officials “strongly recommend” applying two months before a trip.

The Brazilian Embassy and US State Department did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

For Brazilians planning to travel to the US, the process is much more complex, and visa systems between countries typically are established based on reciprocity, CNN reported.

Nearly all Brazilians must schedule an in-person visa appointment at their nearest embassy and prove they have the financial means to afford their planned trip. The visa costs $185.

Between January and September 2023, some 483,000 Americans visited Brazil — second only to its neighbor Argentina, according to TravelPulse.

Last year, the European Union decided to delay its controversial pre-travel program for American travelers, set to begin last May, until 2025 after several roadblocks.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System , of ETIAS, will apply to visitors without visas from 60 countries, including the US, UK and Canada.

The program is needed to enter 30 European countries , including Spain, Germany, France and Greece.

Applicants must provide passport information, and personal info such as their place of birth and their parents’ first names, education level, current occupation, anticipated trip details and any criminal convictions.

It also entails an $8 fee.

ETIAS visas are valid for three years or until your passport expires. Visitors can enter European countries as often as they want for short-term stays — typically for up to 90 days in an 180-day period.

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Prince Harry’s US visa application papers handed over to judge amid ‘drug-use’ lawsuit

Under us visa rules, applicants are questioned about substance use and previous criminal charges, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

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Prince Harry ’s US visa application is being reviewed by a judge following his admissions about his use of drugs in his memoir , Spare .

The Heritage Foundation launched a lawsuit against the fifth in line to the throne to determine whether he lied on his full-time visa application when he moved to California alongside his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

Under US visa rules, applicants are questioned about substance use and previous criminal charges.

A filing for the think tank group said: “[The case] comes about in the main because HRH [His Royal Highness] voluntarily—and for immense profit—admitted in writing to the elements of any number of controlled substance violations.”

The Duke of Sussex, 39, admitted in the 2023 book to using a range of substances including cocaine and psychedelics.

He wrote: “Psychedelics did me some good as well. I’d experimented with them over the years, for fun, but now I’d begun to use them therapeutically, medicinally. They didn’t simply allow me to escape reality for a while.”

“They let me redefine reality. Under the influence of these substances, I was able to let go of rigid preconcepts, to see that there was another world beyond my heavily filtered senses, a world that was equally real and doubly beautiful - a world with no red mist.”

The prince moved to the US with his wife after they stepped down as working members of the royal family in January 2020.

Following the review, it will then be decided whether or not to make the documents public.

In June of last year, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied the think tank’s request to make the documents public, arguing that there was no “public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subject’s privacy interests”.

The news comes after Donald Trump insisted that he would give Prince Harry no preferential treatment should he be re-elected for a second term in November.

“We’ll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied they’ll have to take appropriate action,” he told Nigel Farage in a recent interview with GB News.

Lawyers for the US government, however, have argued that even though the Duke claimed to have taken substances in the book, his words “are not proof” that it definitively happened.

The Independent has reached out to Prince Harry’s representatives for comment.

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Money latest: The age when the average Briton pays off their mortgage revealed

The average Briton is 61 when they pay off their mortgage - a drop of two years. Meanwhile, Spotify is raising prices again. Read about this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog, and leave a comment in the form below.

Thursday 11 April 2024 22:26, UK

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• Spotify to hike subscription price by up to £24 a year
• Minimum income for family visa rises by £10,000
• Italy mourns 'end of Italian waiters in London' as visa rule brought in
• Wendy's creating 400 jobs as part of UK expansion
• The age when the average Briton pays off their mortgage
• 'WTF is going on with the price of olive oil?'
• Could I build a home gym for less than my gym membership?
• Basically...  Tax codes
• Cheap Eats : Great British Menu legend shares ultimate toastie recipe

Ask a question or make a comment

Fake flights and caravans are the two most common items being sold by fraudsters in relation to travel, Lloyds Bank's research has found.

As Britons head online to book deals for the upcoming bank holidays and summer, they have been urged to "remain vigilant", with the average holiday scam victim being conned out of £765.

Amid rising flight costs post-COVID, people have been flocking to social media and other lesser-known websites to secure cheaper deals.

A food delivery company claims to have created an  "unshakeable bag" to avoid spillage in transit.

Bolt, which owns the Bolt Food delivery platform, said its design is based on gyroscope technology and will keep food stable "during the most abrupt movements".

In a post to its website, the firm said it would make the design available to its competitors as it is "too powerful to be owned by any one company".

"We believe everyone should enjoy a perfect meal, regardless of which app they order it from," it said.

Assaulting a shopworker is to be made a separate criminal offence after a government U-turn following pressure from campaigners.

The government previously said "more legislative change" was not needed to tackle the "intolerable violence and abuse" faced by shopworkers, arguing it did not think it was "required or will be most effective".

But Rishi Sunak is now set to announce his government will be amending the Criminal Justice Bill to bring in the new offence.

The drugmaker was on its knees when Sir Pascal Soriot took over in 2012. 

But under his leadership it now does just about everything the UK wants from a business - creating high value-added jobs and developing products that improve people's lives.

The FTSE 100's performance has lagged that of many of its peers, both in the United States and Europe, more or less since the Brexit vote in 2016.

That poor performance has reflected the poor valuation of many UK-listed companies - resulting in numerous foreign takeovers of UK businesses in recent months and years.

It has also led to a scarcity in the number of companies floating on the London Stock Exchange, most notably the  Cambridge-based chip designer ARM Holdings , which last year opted to list in the US instead.

The situation has alarmed the government, which has announced a number of reforms  aimed at raising the UK's attractiveness .

An imminent shareholder vote on Sir Pascal's pay makes a particularly interesting test case because few would dispute that he has been the most outstanding FTSE 100 chief executive of his generation.

This rise could take his potential earnings to £18.5m this year - which critics say is excessive.

Read my full piece here ...

England's average house price has risen by £103,000 over the last decade, while the average annual wage has risen by £7,734.

But some areas have seen homeownership affordability decline more than others... 

The London borough of Barking and Dagenham has seen the most significant fall, according to moving platform Getamover. 

The platform found the area has seen house prices more than double to £380,000 in the last 10 years - but wages have only risen by £2,182. 

Hillingdon in West London took the second spot, with the average property shooting up by £230,000 to £495,000, while the average income increased by just £143. 

While London remains the most unaffordable region, the East Midlands has also seen a notable fall. 

Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire ranked fifth in the table, with the average house price increasing by £129,000 and the median annual income growing by £2,644.   

Gedling ranks sixth among the areas of England where the affordability of buying a home has declined most. 

The Nottinghamshire region has seen house prices soar by 84.8% to £231,000, while the average income has risen by just 13.11% to £33,454. 

You can see how other areas fared in the table below...

Rishi Sunak's post-Brexit rules for foreign workers are getting tough press in Italy this week - with claims they could mark the end of Italian waiters in London.

April saw the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa increase from £26,200 to £38,700 - a near 50% rise as the government tries to reduce immigration.

Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica published an article on its site headlined "Italians in London, the long goodbye" after the new rule was brought in this month.

There were an estimated 342,000 Italians living in the UK in 2021, according to the latest Office for National Statistics census data.

La Repubblica said the new rule change would lead to the "end of the story" of Italy's "ancient roots" in the capital, which was founded by the Romans in 43 AD.

Separately, Italian journalist Antonio Polito wrote in the Corriere della Sera newspaper that the new salary for skilled workers was "an amount that no young novice can realistically earn".

"Thus London gives up one of its great assets, the fact of being an offshore and cosmopolitan city," he said.

Mr Sunak's post-Brexit rule change has worried hospitality bosses who are still struggling to get to grips with a post-COVID reality and rising costs. 

Conor Sheridan, founder of Nory and Mad Egg restaurant chain, previously told the Money blog that roughly 14% of his 15,000 UK employee base were on working visas that could be affected.

Trade body UKHospitality also said the changes would "further shrink the talent pool that the entire economy will be recruiting from".

As the migration law came in, Home Secretary James Cleverly said it was "time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad".

"We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers," he said.

Several of the UK's biggest supermarkets closed their gender pay gap in the last year - while Morrisons saw the biggest rise, figures show.

Ocado and Lidl reduced their gap by the largest amounts in 2023-24 compared to the previous year, while Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Co-op, Iceland and Waitrose owner John Lewis also saw a reduction.

The data comes from the government's gender pay gap service and states the difference in hourly rates of pay. 

In contrast to other big-name brands, Morrisons saw its mean pay gap widen to 12.5% from 7.6%. M&S also saw a slight increase from 12.5% to 12.6%.

The mean figure gives the best overall view of the gender pay gap but includes extreme values which could skew the average.

Of the 11 biggest UK supermarkets, Co-op has the largest pay gap with 13.2%, followed by M&S and Morrisons.

An M&S spokesperson said: "We're committed to driving equal opportunities and making M&S a great place to work for women. Encouragingly our median pay gap has decreased, and women now make up more than 50% of our UK store management population, but we know there is more to do. 

"We're making progress with the launch of new initiatives, talent programmes, and policies, including our flexible working offer – Worklife, a Job Share Finder, and our industry-leading family leave offer."

A spokesperson for Co-op said: "We are committed to treating our colleague member owners fairly, and this includes driving equitable outcomes for female colleagues. We've seen a significant reduction in our gender pay gap since we started to report data in 2017, and this year's data shows further progress towards closing it.

"It's important to reiterate that we don't pay people differently based on their gender at Co-op. The gender pay gap is caused by us having fewer females in leadership role, where salaries are higher.

"Our focus on improving representation remains, as we know this is one of the key drivers causing the gender pay gap. Today, 40% of our leadership population are female - this is not enough, which is why we’ve launched a series of development programmes and have a coaching and mentoring offer to support women with career progression.

"We know there’s still much to do in this space and will hold ourselves to account and continue to strive for gender equality."

Morrisons has also been contacted for comment.

Every Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons, and reveal the best deals on the market (see table below for that).  This week we're talking about the best notice accounts. Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  says this...

As with the rest of the savings market, the top notice account rates have started to fall. However, there are stalwarts like the Investec 90-day notice account that are holding steady and as a result offering savers an opportunity to earn a little more, while not having to tie up their cash for too long.

A relatively unused aspect of the savings market, notice accounts offer a bit of a halfway house, with the best rates available generally paying more than the top easy access rates, but will more flexibility of access than a fixed term bond.

Just as it sounds, these savings accounts require you to give notice in order to access your money without a penalty. The usual notice period ranges from 30 to 120 days, although there are some accounts on the market that require six months or even a year's notice.

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Another record month for Heathrow. Last month was the busiest ever March for the UK's biggest airport, the second record-breaking month in a row. 

It was also the busiest Easter weekend as Good Friday became the busiest ever direct departure day, when 118,000 people began their journey at the airport. 

It shows, despite cost of living pressures, lots of Britons were going on holiday.

More good news for Heathrow came earlier this week as planned strike action by 600 border force officers was called off to allow for negotiations in its dispute over working patterns. 

Oil prices are still high, hanging around $90. A barrel of Brent crude oil, the benchmark for oil prices, costs $90.66. The last time prices were this high was in the wake of the 7 October attacks and fears of conflict spreading throughout the Middle East. 

On the currency front, £1 buys $1.2538 and €1.1678.

How old is the average Briton when they buy their first home, or finish paying their mortgage, or retire?

These are some of the questions answered in a "Journeying Through Life" data dump from the Office for National Statistics.

Here are some of the key takeaways...

Home ownership - including the one life event that's happening earlier

People are buying homes later in life, perhaps unsurprisingly given how house prices have risen in the last decade or so.

In 2022, more than half of people owned their own home (either with a mortgage or outright) by the age of 36. 

That's a significant increase on 2004's figures - which showed the average age for home ownership was 32. 

This graph shows what proportion of people own homes at what age.

It isn't all doom and gloom on the homes front, however, with the age at which people own their home outright (ie mortgage paid off) dropping from 63 (in 2004) to 61 in 2020. 

This is pretty much the only life event happening earlier, however.

Retiring later

Again, this probably won't come as a huge surprise, but people are retiring later. 

The age where more than half of people were retired increased from 64 in 2011 to 66 in 2021. ​

There has been a bigger increase in average retirement age for women (from 61 years in 2011, to 66 years in 2021) than for men (from 65 in 2011 to 66 in 2021). 

The ONS says this is because the state pension age for women was increased from 60 to 66 during this time to match men.

Gender pay gap shrinking but still present

The latest data shows that men are still, on the whole, being paid more than women - although the gender pay gap is shown to be shrinking. 

For all employees, the gender pay gap was 14% in 2023 - compared with 20% in 2013.

Despite the gap shrinking, this graph shows that men's hourly wages are higher than women's at nearly all ages. 

The grey shaded area represents the pay gap. 

Another part of the data shows that males start work a touch earlier than women - with half of males in full-time employment by the age of 23 (compared with females at 24) in 2021. 

That data could be explained by the fact that more women attend university - some 319,000 females compared with 285,000 males in 2022.  

Moving out, marrying and having children

The age at which young people move out of their family homes is increasing, too.

In 2011, half of people were not living with their parents at the age of 21 - compared with 24 in 2022. 

More men live with their parents than women, with 61% of adults living at home in 2021 were male.

When it comes to having children, the average age at which women have their first baby has risen to 29.

That's up from an average of just 23 in 1970. 

And finally, marriage.

The median age at first marriage has been steadily increasing since the 1960s. 

For opposite sex couples married in 2020, the median age was 32 years for men and 30 years for women. For those entering into same-sex marriage, the median age was older, at 36 years for men and 32 years for women.

As well as getting married older, fewer people are getting married. In 2019, marriage rates had fallen to their lowest on record. For men, there were 18.6 marriages per 1,000 never-married men; for women, there were 17.2 marriages per 1,000 never-married women.

Spotify has announced it is hiking its subscription prices by up to £24 a year.

It is the second time in less than a year that the music streaming giant has increased its prices.

Here's how the prices will change...

Individual: £11.99 a month (up from £10.99 a month)  

Duo: £16.99 a month (up from £14.99 a month)  

Family: £19.99 a month (up from £17.99 a month) 

When will the change kick in?

The subscription price will change from May and if you are an existing customer Spotify will email you and give you one-month's notice of the change.

If you are on a free trial you will pay the old price for one month once your trial ends.

A Spotify spokesperson told Sky News: "So that we can keep innovating and delivering value to fans, the music industry, and creators on our platform, we occasionally update our prices. 

"We've begun communicating with existing subscribers in the UK to explain what this means for their account."

American burger chain Wendy's will be recruiting for over 400 job roles as part of its expansion across the UK.

The chain returned to the UK in 2021 after a 20-year break and has since opened just over 30 sites, including drive-throughs in Colchester, Peterborough, Derby and Brampton Hut.

But the chain, which was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969, plans to open a further nine sites this year in Liverpool, Middlesbrough, and a second location in Sheffield.

New locations will include Liverpool, Middlesbrough and a second site in Sheffield.

Wendy's franchisee GH Burgers will open a first restaurant in Wood Green, London, this year.

There will also be restaurants in Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Cambridge and Newcastle.

Michael Clarke, UK managing director for the Wendy's Company, told The Caterer : "We've seen great momentum in building Wendy's fandom in the UK, and the love and excitement for this iconic brand grows stronger with each new restaurant opening."

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