Family immigration to the UK

Your ultimate guide to family immigration in the UK

Moving to the UK with your loved ones can be a fantastic experience, but it can bring daunting challenges: understanding which visa can be applied for, preparing the right documents, etc. The whole process can feel overwhelming to anyone not familiar with the UK immigration system.

At Simply UK Visa, we specialise in making family moves to the UK as smooth as possible.

This guide is designed to help you:

1. Understand the different visa options for families.
2. Navigate the key requirements and application process.
3. Avoid common mistakes that could delay or complicate your journey as a family.

1. Family visas for the UK: choosing the right route for your family

There are several visa options for families who wish to move to the UK. All of them rely on a “main person” already having the right to reside in the UK (through citizenship, settlement, or a work visa), or moving to the UK with a secured visa route. This is why the UK uses the term “dependant” to describe spouses, partners and children applying for visas alongside this main person (a sponsor effectively).

Here are the possible routes for familiy members moving as dependents:

Dependent visa

Dependants, meaning spouses, partners, and children, can accompany someone applying for specific UK work visas. This is one of the most frequent visa routes used by families looking to move together to the UK.

The following visas allow for dependent visa applications:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Student Visa (only for eligible postgraduate courses, strict criteria apply)
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Temporary Worker Visa
• Innovator and Start-up Visas
• Global Talent Visa

Eligibility requirements:

• The dependent must be a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or child of the main visa applicant.
• The relationship must be genuine and evidenced with documentation.
• The main visa applicant must demonstrate he/she has the financial means to support dependants during their stay in the UK.

For detailed information on this visa, click here.

Spouse or Partner visa

Being in a civil partnership, or in a long-term unmarried relationship with a UK citizen or resident (meaning for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, or settled status), means you can apply for a spouse or partner visa.

Eligibility criteria:

• Evidencing a genuine relationship with documents such as a marriage certificate, joint bank account statements, and even photos.
• Meeting defined financial thresholds.
• Meeting the English language requirements (unless you are exempt).

For detailed information on this visa, click here.

Child visa

Children under 18 can join a parent who is a UK citizen or resident (meaning for example, the parent has indefinite leave to remain, or settled status).

Eligibility criteria:

• The parent must meet financial and accommodation requirements.
• The child must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living an independent life.

For detailed information on this visa, click here.

Parent of a British child visa

A non-British parent of British or setted children may qualify for this visa.

Eligibility criteria:

• The child must be under 18 years old.
• The child must either be a British citizen or have settled status (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain).
• The parent must have sole or shared parental responsibility for the child.

Parent of a child with a Child Student visa

This visa allows a parent to accompany their child under 12 years old who is studying in the UK on a Child Student Visa.

Eligibility criteria:

• The child must hold a valid Child Student Visa.
• The child must be under 12 years old.
•  The parent must demonstrate that they are the primary carer.

Only one parent is permitted to apply for this visa.

For detailed information on this visa, click here.

Adult dependent relative visa

Elderly parents or relatives needing long-term care can apply under this category.

Eligibility criteria:

• Proof that care is unavailable or unaffordable in the dependant’s home country.
• Strict financial sponsorship rules and accommodation requirements will apply.

For detailed information on this visa, click here.

> Summary of options for adults:

• Coming as the spouse or partner of someone coming to the UK with a work visa allowing for dependants’ applications
• Coming as the spouse or partner of someone who is British or settled in the UK (meaning they have long term residency)
• Coming as the parent of a child (British, settled, or with a Child Student visa)
• Coming as an adult requiring care by an adult relative in the UK

> Summary of options for children:

• Coming as the child of a parent coming to the UK with a work visa allowing for dependents’ applications
• Coming as the child of a parent who is British or settled in the UK (meaning they have long term residence)
• Coming as a Student

Please check our FAQ section on this page for answers to some frequent questions.

2. Essential requirements for family immigration

Meeting the various visa requirements is critical to a successful visa application. Here is a rundown of what they are:

Financial Requirements

If you are British or settled and want to sponsor a family member, you’ll need to show sufficient income:

• Minimum of £29,000 annually for a spouse or partner.
• An additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
• Income sources include:
  • Employment or self-employment.
  • Savings (over £88,500).
  • Pensions or rental income.

Please note the figures above vary frequently, always consult the Home Office website for up-to-date numbers.

Accommodation standards

You’ll need to prove you have adequate housing for your family in the UK:

• Acceptable evidence includes tenancy agreements, an EPC / floor plan from the estate agency, or property ownership documents.
• The accommodation must not be overcrowded under UK laws.

English language requirement

Applicants aged 18-64 need to demonstrate English proficiency unless they’re from an exempt country.

• Most applicants will need to take an English test, from an approved institution. This test is to be completed outside of the UK at your nearest accredited test centre.
• Exemptions include individuals with certain medical conditions.

3. The application process

Preparing your visa application

• Determine the visa route that suits your situation.
• Gather documents required for the visa you have chosen to apply for

Submitting your visa application

• Complete your application online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
• Pay the required fees and book a biometric appointment for fingerprints and photos.

After submission

• Standard processing time for family visas is up to 12 weeks.
• Priority services can speed this up for an extra fee.
• The decision will be communicated to each applicant (or their adult representative for children)

4. Common challenges

Missing documentation

• Solution: Write a cover letter explaining missing documents and provide alternative evidence.

Financial shortfalls

• Use savings to cover gaps. For example, £88,500 in savings can help meet the financial requirements for a spouse visa.

Relationship proving challenges

• Provide multiple forms of evidence, like photos, travel records, and shared bills.

5. Preparing for life in the UK

Immediate steps after arrival

• Register with a GP with your proof of address and visa.
• Open a bank account using your proof of address and visa.

Long-term considerations

• Apply for visa extensions before they expire.
• After a certain period of time, you may qualify for a visa extension, or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Reuniting with family members

If you’re settled, you can sponsor additional dependents later on.

Please note: this guide provides general information about UK family immigration options, but it is not exhaustive or a substitute for professional advice. Immigration rules can change frequently, so we strongly recommend consulting a qualified immigration advisor and reviewing the official UK Government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

FAQ

Your essential checklist for Family Immigration to the UK