The United Kingdom is the dream destination for individuals and families seeking new beginnings and opportunities, whether for work, study or to begin a new life.
Yet, migrating with your family to the UK is an exciting yet overwhelming experience, particularly when it comes to the whole application process. In this article, we will provide you with the easy steps to migrate to the UK with a family visa. From meeting your visa requirements to fulfilling other necessary criteria, you’re covered!
So, without further detail, let’s delve into it!
But First, What Is a Family Visa?
A family visa allows individuals to join their family members who are British citizens or permanent residents in the United Kingdom.
More often than not, people confuse a family visa with a spouse visa. Although both visas fall under the same type of family migration, they vary in their eligibility criteria and requirements.
For instance, a spouse visa mandates the applicant to prove the authenticity of their relationship with their partner. Also, they must meet the minimum income threshold set by the UK government. But that does not apply to the family visa route.
READ: How to Migrate to the UK
Who Is Eligible to Migrate to the UK with a Family Visa?
The following people are generally eligible to apply for a UK family visa:
- Parents of British citizens or settled persons in the UK
- Adult dependent relatives (i.e., parents, grandparents, siblings) of British citizens who require long-term care with daily living. This may be a result of long-term sickness or disability.
- Civil partners, spouses, and unmarried partners of British citizens.
Requirements for UK Family Visa
The requirements for a UK family visa depend on the category you are applying for. However, the general requirements for a UK family visa include the following:
Relationship Requirement
First and most importantly, as an applicant, you must have a genuine relationship with a British citizen or settled family member in the UK, depending on the visa type.
Financial Requirement
Another critical requirement is to meet the minimum income entry established by the UK government. This requirement usually depends on the type of visa and the number of family members included in the application.
To meet this requirement, indicate that you have sufficient income and savings. This proves that you can support yourself and your family during your stay in the UK.
Language Proficiency
You may also need to meet the English language proficiency requirement. It is important to note that this requirement usually varies, depending on your nationality and the visa category.
Health Requirement
It is required that you and your family members must undergo a medical examination. This is significant, as it helps verify that you don’t have serious health conditions that could pose a threat to the public.
Criminal Record Requirement
You and your family members must have no criminal convictions or any records that could pose a threat to the UK public order or national security.
Also, note that each family visa type may have additional requirements and a complicated application process. Therefore, you must seek professional advice to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a successful application.
Status Validity of a UK Family Visa
The validity of a UK family visa depends on the specific category. Typically, most family visas allow you to stay in the UK for up to 2.5 or 5 years.
After this initial period, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, should you be eligible. You must know that various factors can affect the validity of a UK family visa. A typical example is a change in immigration policies. So, it is advised that you check your visa status often.
READ: How to Migrate to the UK with a Skilled Worker Visa
Steps to Migrate to the UK with a Family Visa
Generally, the steps to migrate to the UK with a family visa include the following:
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
You must verify your eligibility for a UK family visa based on your relationship with a British citizen, financial status, language proficiency, health status, etc.
2. Select the Appropriate Visa Category
As stated earlier, there are various types of family visas. This includes spouse visas, child visas, parent visas, and many more. So, ensure you choose the visa that best fits your needs.
3. Gather Important Documents
Get all the required documents to support your application. This includes your
- passports
- relationship evidence
- accommodation evidence
- language test certificate
- financial documents
- the medical examination report, and many more.
4. Complete Your Online Application Form
Submit your visa application form via the UK government’s online application portal. Ensure you provide accurate information and complete all sections of the document.
5. Pay Your Visa Fees
You are expected to pay your visa fees online with a valid credit or debit card. The visa fees usually depend on the visa category and the visa duration.
6. Attend Your Biometric Appointment and Await a Decision
You must attend a biometric appointment at a UK visa application center in your country to have your fingerprints and photographs captured.
Then, you can await a decision on your visa application. You must note that the processing time varies depending on your visa category and home country.
READ: How to Relocate to the UK with a Student Visa
7. Viola! Travel to the UK
If your application is approved, you can travel to the UK and start your new life with your family. However, ensure you comply with the visa conditions to avoid future issues with your immigration status in the UK.
Conclusion
As stated in the introduction, migrating to the UK is an exciting yet tricky process. Understanding the eligibility requirements and complying with the visa conditions can increase your chances of success, thus, making your migration journey as stress-free as possible.
With patience and strict compliance with the UK immigration laws, as well as embracing the UK’s culture, you and your family can move into your new home and build a bright future together.
Hopefully, this article has given you a crystal-clear understanding of migrating to the UK with a family visa. Why wait any longer? Get started with your application process. We are rooting for you!