The UK Family Reunion Visa is granted to individuals seeking to join a family member or partner residing in the United Kingdom. This visa is available for spouses, civil partners, dependent children, and other qualifying relatives, allowing them to reunite with their loved ones.
Overview
| Purpose | Joining a family member living in the UK |
| Eligibility | Spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, child, parent, or relative who will provide long-term care for you. |
| Type | Family reunion visa (Entry Clearance or Settlement Visa) |
| Validity | Typically 2.5 years (extendable). |
| Cost | Applying from outside the UK: £1,938 (if joining partner, parent, or child). Applying from inside the UK: £1,321 (if joining partner, parent, or child). |
If you’re visiting the UK for 6 months or less, check if you need a Standard Visitor Visa, Marriage Visitor Visa or Apply for the spouse visa.
Who Needs a Visa to Join a Family Member in the UK?
Everyone (except EU/EEA nationals and Swiss nationals) must apply for a visa to move to the UK and join a family member. For citizens of the following countries, the process is slightly streamlined, and they may apply after arriving in the UK:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- United States of America
All other nationals are required to apply for a Family Reunion Visa before entering the UK.
Requirements for a UK Family Reunion Visa
The following documents and criteria are needed to apply for a UK Family Reunion Visa:
- Completed and signed application form.
- Valid passport.
- Two biometric passport-sized photos.
- Proof of the relationship with the family member (e.g., marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children).
- Proof of English language proficiency (A1 level or higher).
- Copy of the UK family member’s passport, biometric residence permit, or settlement status card.
- Evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself and any dependents, which may include:
- UK sponsor’s employment contract or payslips.
- Recent bank statements of the UK sponsor.
- Rental agreement or proof of accommodation.
- Evidence that the family member is legally residing in the UK.
- Travel health insurance (if applicable).
- Payment of the visa fee.
Check whether the online application is available to you.
How to Apply for a UK Family Reunion Visa
To apply for a family reunion visa, you will need to submit your application either online or through the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) office. Depending on where you are based, some applications can be submitted online, while others must be completed in person at a UK consulate.
Online Application Process
- Create an account on the UKVI portal and select the appropriate family visa category.
- Complete the visa application form, providing information about your family relationship, financial details, and travel history.
- Upload all required documents in PDF, JPG, or PNG format (ensure the total file size is under 10MB).
- Pay the visa fee and biometric fee online.
- After submission, you must schedule an appointment to attend an in-person interview at your nearest UK visa application center (VAC), where biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be taken.
- Upon approval, you will receive your visa sticker, and you can travel to the UK.
In-Person Application Process
- Schedule a visa appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Center (VAC).
- Complete the application form either online via the UKVI portal or manually at the VAC.
- Gather all required documents and bring them to the appointment.
- Pay the visa application fee at the VAC, where you will submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints).
- After submission, await your visa approval. If granted, your visa will be affixed to your passport, allowing you to travel to the UK.
Residence Permit for Family Members
Upon arrival in the UK, family members must apply for a residence permit to stay legally beyond the initial visa period. To convert your visa into a residence permit:
- Register your address at the local council.
- Book an appointment with the Home Office or UKVI for residence permit application.
- Submit required documents, including evidence of accommodation and finances.
- Pay the residence permit application fee (typically £1,033).
- If your application is approved, you will be granted a residence permit, which is usually valid for 33 months.
Your Rights in the UK
Once you have received your family reunion visa and residence permit, you will be entitled to the same rights as other UK residents:
- Right to Work: As a family member of a UK resident, you are eligible to work in the UK without restrictions.
- Right to Study: You can attend UK schools, colleges, or universities, provided you meet the entry and language requirements.
- Public Healthcare: You can access public healthcare through the NHS, depending on your immigration status and length of stay.
- Freedom of Movement: With a UK residence permit, you can travel freely within the UK and visit other European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Permanent Residency: After living in the UK for five continuous years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency.
- Naturalization: After living in the UK for six years, and meeting other criteria such as language proficiency (B1 or higher), you may apply for British citizenship.
Fees
How much it costs depends on who you are joining and how you apply.
| Visa Application | Cost (Outside the UK) | Cost (Inside the UK) |
| Joining partner, parent, or child | £1,938 | £1,321 |
| Each additional dependant | £1,938 per person | £1,321 per person |
| For adults needing long-term care | £3,413 (if no protection status) | £1,321 |
| For adults with temporary protection status | £424 | £1,321 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my elderly parents to the UK?
In most cases, bringing elderly parents under family reunion is challenging. You will need to prove that they depend on you financially and have no other viable support options. It’s advised to consult with a specialist immigration lawyer.
Is health insurance mandatory for a family reunion visa?
Yes, health insurance is required for the visa application process. You may need to secure health insurance before you apply for your visa, and upon arrival, you’ll likely be included in your family member’s healthcare coverage.
Do I need to speak English to get a family visa?
Most applicants must demonstrate at least an A1 level of English proficiency. There are exceptions for certain highly skilled individuals, but spouses typically need to meet this requirement.
Can I apply for permanent residency with a family visa?
Yes, after living in the UK for five years on a family reunion visa, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually apply for citizenship.
Can I bring my stepchildren to the UK?
Yes, stepchildren are eligible for family reunification as long as they are under 18, unmarried, and dependent on you or your spouse.
Can I bring my siblings to the UK under family reunion?
Unfortunately, siblings are not eligible to join family members under the family reunion visa unless they are minors and in exceptional circumstances.