A family visa is how most people bring a spouse, partner, child or parent to the UK. I'll show who can apply, what evidence to gather, a step‑by‑step application route, the likely costs and typical wait times in 2026. This is practical and uses plain language — with the key numbers you need. Quick summary: the partner route normally needs a minimum income of £18,600 (or acceptable savings). Initial partner grants commonly run for 30 months then can be extended. Typical decisions take a few weeks, and the official guidance is on GOV.UK.

Quick reference summary

Key facts at a glance:

  • Minimum income for partner visa: £18,600 per year. Additional dependent child: +£3,800 for the first child, +£2,400 for each further child.
  • Partner visa initial grant: 30 months (2.5 years). Extension: further 30 months; five years to settle (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
  • Fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner visa: 6 months (must marry or form civil partnership in the UK).
  • Application fees (typical 2026 figures): applying from outside the UK — £1,538; applying from inside the UK (switching or extending) — £1,048. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): approx £624 per year (paid for duration).
  • Processing times: standard overseas decisions ~12 weeks; in‑country decisions ~8 weeks. Priority and super‑priority services available for extra fees.
  • Parent route: usually the adult dependent relative route — very restrictive; many parents travel as visitors, not settlement applicants.

For the official GOV.UK pages, see: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner, https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/child, https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/parent, and https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa-costs.

Prerequisites — who can apply and what you must show

In practice most applications fall into three routes: partner (spouse, civil or unmarried partner), child (a dependent under 18), and parent (the adult dependent relative route). Each has different tests but the common requirements are relationship, accommodation, finances and English language where applicable.

Key eligibility points — partner visas (Appendix FM):

  • Relationship: you must be married, in a civil partnership, engaged (fiancé(e)), or have been living together in a relationship for at least two years if claiming as an unmarried partner. Evidence includes marriage certificates, joint bills, photos, travel records and messages.
  • Financial requirement: sponsor must meet the minimum income of £18,600 a year or show equivalent savings. For dependent children add £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
  • Accommodation: adequate and available, not relying on public funds.
  • English: the applicant must meet the English language requirement at A1 (for initial entry) or A2/B1 for settlement, depending on the route. Recognised tests and exemptions exist.

Child visas:

Mastheads
  • Child must be under 18 at time of application. The child’s parent in the UK must have sole or shared parental responsibility and meet maintenance and accommodation requirements.
  • Consent: written consent from any non‑applying parent is often needed.

Parent (adult dependent relative) route:

  • This category is for parents who require long‑term personal care to perform everyday tasks, and the care must be unavailable or unaffordable in their home country. The test is demanding and grants are rare.

Step‑by‑step application process (numbered)

Do this when you apply for a partner or child visa:

  1. Check which route fits. Start at the relevant GOV.UK page: partner, child or parent (see URLs above). The rules differ in small but important ways — pick the right form.
  2. Gather documents. Typical list: passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of relationship (photos, messages, travel), bank statements or payslips to meet the income test, tenancy or mortgage documents, evidence of adequate accommodation, TB test certificate if from a listed country, and English test certificate if required.
  3. Sort out the money early. You can meet the test with either income or savings, but savings usually have to be held for six months. If you only use savings the amount required is much higher — check the GOV.UK calculator for the exact figure.
  4. Fill in the online form at GOV.UK, pick the right route (outside the UK or switching inside), and pay the visa fee plus the health surcharge when asked.
  5. Book biometrics. After submission you’ll be directed to book an appointment at a visa application centre (outside UK) or a UKVCAS centre (inside UK) to give fingerprints and a photograph.
  6. Attend interview if required. The Home Office may invite for an interview to verify the relationship or documents.
  7. Wait for a decision. Standard times are given below. Use priority services if you need a faster result.
  8. If successful, follow arrival steps. If the visa is issued as a vignette (sticker), collect BRP (biometric residence permit) within 10 days of arrival in the UK from the designated post office or collection point.

Costs — exact fees and common extras (2026 typical figures)

These are the cost items to budget for. Figures are shown as typical 2026 amounts; always confirm the current price on GOV.UK before paying.

  • Budget for the visa fee — there’s a higher charge for applications made from abroad and a lower one for in‑country extensions; check GOV.UK for the current amounts.
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): approx £624 per person per year. Pay this for the full length of the visa; for a 30‑month visa you’ll pay for 3 years’ worth (check the exact calculation at application).
  • English test: A1/A2/B1 test fees vary by test centre — expect £60–£150 depending on the level and provider.
  • Document translation and certification: £20–£100 depending on provider and number of documents.
  • Priority services: extra fees apply for faster decision slots — typical priority service fees range from a few hundred pounds to higher for super‑priority 24‑hour services. Availability depends on country and centre.
  • Legal advice (optional): an immigration solicitor or adviser may charge £500–£3,000+ depending on complexity.

For up‑to‑date fees see https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa-costs and the pages for each visa type.

Timeline — what to expect and typical decision times

Timings vary by country, local visa centre capacity and whether you use priority services. Typical turnaround:

  • Applying from outside the UK: standard decision time ~12 weeks (around three months) after biometrics.
  • Applying from inside the UK (switch or extend): standard decision time ~8 weeks after biometrics.
  • Fiancé(e) visa: decisions often within 3 months; you must marry within the six‑month leave.
  • Priority services: decisions in 5 working days or faster for super‑priority (24‑hour) where available; these attract extra fees.

Allow extra time for collecting documents, getting certified translations, and arranging financial evidence. If the Home Office requests further information, expect additional delay.

Tips — practical advice to increase chances of success

  • Start early. Gather certified translations, bank statements and proof of cohabitation well before starting the application.
  • Be thorough with the financial requirement. Pay slips, employer letters, tax returns and three to six months’ bank statements are standard. If using non‑salary income (rental, dividends), provide clear documentary proof.
  • Document the relationship year by year. Joint travel, mail, messages, photos, gifts, and meetings with family are persuasive. Date the entries where possible.
  • Use the GOV.UK checklist and the document list on the application site. Missing documents are the most common cause of delay or refusal.
  • Consider legal advice for complex situations — prior refusals, criminal records, or claims based on domestic violence or exceptional circumstances benefit from specialist help.
  • If a parent needs care, be realistic about the adult dependent route. It’s narrowly drawn — many families use visitor visas and arrange care privately or via NHS/social services where eligible.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Relying on informal evidence of relationship — unsigned statements or unspecific emails won’t cut it.
  • Underestimating the financial test — ignoring the extra amounts for dependent children is a frequent error.
  • Missing the English requirement or using the wrong level of test.
  • Using outdated documents — payslips older than 6 months or savings not held for the required period.
  • Assuming a visit visa will lead easily to settlement. Visitor visas don’t permit switching to spouse/partner settlement in most cases.

Where to find official help

Start at GOV.UK: the core pages are https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner, https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/child, https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/parent and https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa-costs. For free help and regulated advisers see the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) and Citizens Advice. If you use a paid adviser, make sure they’re regulated or qualified.

The UK family visa system is detailed but predictable if you prepare. The big hurdles are proving the relationship, meeting the financial requirement (normally £18,600 plus child add‑ons), and providing clear evidence of accommodation and English. Start early, follow the GOV.UK checklists and think about premium services only when the basics are in order. For parents needing long‑term care, expect a high bar on the adult dependent route — many families find short‑term visits plus local care arrangements more realistic. For official guidance and to start an application, use the GOV.UK family visa pages linked above.

This article was created with AI assistance.