The UK residence permits for family reunification allow foreign nationals to join their family members who are living in the United Kingdom. These permits are intended to promote family unity and support the integration of foreign family members into UK society.
Eligible Family Members for Residence Permits
Foreign nationals may be eligible for a residence permit to reunite with the following family members:
- Foreign spouses of UK citizens or settled residents
- Minor unmarried children under the age of 18
- Parents of minor children who are British citizens or have settled status in the UK and require care
- In some cases, distant family members of UK nationals or foreign persons living in the UK
Family Members Joining a UK Citizen or a Resident in the UK
Foreign nationals wishing to join their family members who are UK citizens or have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK can apply for a family reunion visa. The eligible family members include spouses, minor children, and parents of British children who need care.
The residence permit for family reasons in this situation is generally issued for up to 33 months initially, with the possibility of extension for as long as the family remains together.
Requirements for a Residence Permit for Family Reasons:
- The UK family member has to be a British citizen or have indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
- The UK family member must have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family members.
- The applicant should not have any issues that would result in visa removal or criminal concerns.
- The candidate must have a valid passport or another recognized travel document.
- The candidate’s stay in the UK must not pose any risk to the public interest.
- The applicant must have no previous residence permit issues.
A settlement permit for family purposes is granted if the family stays together in the UK for three years, after which the applicant can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they meet the English language proficiency and other legal requirements.
Family Members Joining a Foreign National Living in the UK
In this case, the family member wishing to join a foreign national in the UK must meet certain conditions. The foreign national (Person A) must have a valid residence permit, such as:
- A settlement permit
- An EU Blue Card
- A long-term residence permit
- A work visa
- Humanitarian protection or other forms of legal stay
Generally, Person A must have sufficient finances to support themselves and their dependent family members. The residence permit for family purposes in this case is issued for the duration of the residence title of Person A, but initially, it is often granted for one year.
Requirements for Residence Permit for Family Reasons:
- Financial proof: Person A must prove they can financially support the family members joining them.
- Legal residence: Person A’s stay in the UK must be in compliance with UK law and their residence title.
- Valid relationship proof: The relationship between the foreign national and the family member must be genuine and supported by appropriate documentation, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
Residence Permit for Family Members of a UK Citizen or Foreign National in the UK
This residence permit is available to the foreign family members of UK citizens or foreign nationals living in the UK with valid residence status. It applies to spouses, children, and parents of British citizens or foreign nationals residing in the UK.
The process for this type of application involves demonstrating the genuineness of the family relationship, the financial stability to support the family member(s), and proving the legal status of the UK sponsor.
Requirements:
- Application form: The applicant must complete and submit the appropriate residence permit application form.
- Valid passport: The applicant must present a valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of relationship: The relationship must be documented through marriage certificates, birth certificates, or custody documents.
Fees for Residence Permits:
- The initial application fee for adults typically ranges from £1,523 for family reunion visas.
- For minors, the fee is generally around £1,000. However, discounts and exemptions may apply to certain applicants, such as refugees or asylum seekers.
Settlement Permit for Family Members of UK Citizens or Foreign Nationals
This settlement permit is for the foreign family members who have been living in the UK for at least three years with their British citizen or foreign national family member who holds a valid residence permit.
Eligibility for Settlement Permit:
- The family member must have lived together in the UK for a minimum of three years.
- The family member must demonstrate financial independence from public funds.
- The applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of the English language (typically at least B1 level of the CEFR).
- Integration into British society, including evidence of employment or education, may be required.
The settlement permit is granted if the foreign family member meets these conditions. After an additional period of five years, the applicant can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
Family Members of EU Citizens in the UK
Family members of EU citizens residing in the UK are also eligible for family reunion visas. These family members can apply for a residence permit under the EU Settlement Scheme, which allows them to live, work, and study in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements for EU Family Reunion:
- Family members of EU citizens who were residing in the UK before the end of the transition period (31 December 2020) are eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.
- The applicant must be able to prove their relationship with the EU citizen (e.g., marriage certificates or birth certificates).
- Financial support: The EU citizen must be able to demonstrate they can support their family member(s) without recourse to public funds.
Permanent Residency for Family Members
After living in the UK for five years under a valid residence permit, foreign family members may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The ILR application is subject to meeting certain requirements, such as:
- Continuous residence: The family member must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK during the five-year period.
- English language proficiency: The applicant must meet the required level of English language ability.
Life in the UK: The applicant must pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses knowledge of British history, culture, and laws.