UK Family Visas: Keeping Your Loved Ones Together
Families should not be separated by borders. UK family visa routes allow spouses, partners, children, parents, and other eligible family members to join or remain with their loved ones in the UK.
At K&A Solicitors, our family immigration team focuses on one core mission: helping families stay together. We understand the emotional weight of these applications and combine legal expertise with compassionate support at every stage.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about UK family visas. It does not constitute legal advice. Rules are complex, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances.
Types of UK Family Visas We Handle
Our specialist solicitors advise on the full range of UK family migration categories, including:
Partner and Spouse Routes
- Spouse Visa (married couples)
- Civil Partner Visa
- Unmarried Partner Visa (2+ years cohabitation)
- Same‑Sex Partner Visa
- Fiancé(e) / Proposed Civil Partner Visa
- Spouse / Partner Visa Extensions
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
- ILR as Bereaved Partner
- ILR as a Victim of Domestic Violence
Children and Parents
- Child of British Citizen / Settled Person
- Child of a Parent with Limited Leave in the UK
- Adopted Children of British Citizens / Settled Persons
- Child Student Visa
- Parent of a British Child
- Parent of a Child Student Visa UK
Adult Dependants and Other Relatives
- Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) Visa (elderly parents, dependent relatives)
- Relatives of British Citizens or Settled Persons
Each of these categories has its own financial, relationship, and evidential requirements. Our role is to help you select the correct route and present your case clearly and persuasively.
Who Can Apply for a Family Visa?
Sponsor Eligibility
You can usually sponsor a family member if you are:
- A British citizen, or
- A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or
- A person with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or
- In some cases, a person with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
Family Member Requirements
The requirements for your family member depend on the category, but generally include:
- Age requirements (usually 18+ for partners, under 18 for most children’s routes)
- Evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship
- Meeting the financial requirement (where applicable)
- English language ability (for adult partners in most routes)
- Suitable accommodation without recourse to public funds
- In some cases, TB tests and police clearance certificates
We assess your circumstances against the relevant rules and advise on your options.
Financial Requirements for Family Visas
Most partner and some parent/relative routes require the UK‑based sponsor to meet a minimum income threshold, plus higher levels where there are dependent children.
Key points:
- Only the sponsor’s income normally counts (not the overseas partner’s income).
- Income can come from:
- Employment and self‑employment
- Certain benefits and pensions
- Rental and investment income
- Savings (above a minimum level, converted into equivalent income)
- Evidence is strict: payslips, bank statements, tax returns and employer letters must align.
Because these financial rules are complex and frequently updated, this page avoids quoting specific figures. During your consultation, we:
- Calculate your income under Home Office rules
- Identify any shortfalls or risks
- Explore options such as savings or changing categories
Our Process for UK Family Visa Applications
Step 1: Relationship & Eligibility Assessment (Week 1)
We begin by understanding:
- Your relationship history and current circumstances
- Your immigration and citizenship status
- Your income, savings and accommodation arrangements
- Whether any complicating factors exist (previous refusals, criminal records, complex family histories)
We then advise:
- Which family route is most suitable
- Whether you currently meet the rules
- Risks and strengths in your case
- Likely timeframe and stages
Step 2: Document Gathering & Evidence Building (Weeks 2–4)
Strong family applications are built on strong evidence. We provide a tailored checklist, which may include:
For Relationships:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates
- Evidence of cohabitation (tenancy agreements, joint bills, council tax)
- Shared financial evidence (joint accounts, joint insurance)
- Photos spanning your relationship
- Travel records showing visits
- Communication logs (messages, calls, emails)
For Finances:
- Payslips and employment contracts
- Bank statements
- Tax returns and business accounts (for self‑employed sponsors)
- Pension and benefit letters
- Evidence of savings and investments
For Children:
- Birth certificates
- Evidence of parental responsibility
- School letters and reports
We review each document for completeness and consistency, advising on any gaps or weaknesses.
Step 3: Application Preparation & Legal Representations (Weeks 4–6)
Once we have your documentation:
- We complete all relevant online application forms accurately.
- We draft detailed legal representations explaining:
- How do you meet relationship, financial and accommodation requirements
- Any exceptional or compassionate factors (e.g. medical issues, child welfare)
- Why refusal would be disproportionate under human rights law (Article 8 ECHR)
- We organise evidence in a clear, Home Office‑friendly format.
This meticulous preparation significantly reduces the risk of refusal based on technical errors or missing documents.
Step 4: Submission, Biometrics & Processing (Weeks 6–20+)
We:
- Submit your application and supporting documents via the relevant Home Office or visa centre portal.
- Book your biometrics appointment (UKVCAS or overseas).
- Upload documents and monitor application progress.
Processing times vary:
- In‑country applications (applying from within the UK) are often decided within 8–12 weeks.
- Entry clearance applications (from overseas) can take 12–24 weeks or longer, depending on category and volume.
Where available, we will advise on priority or super-priority services to secure faster decisions.
Step 5: Decision, Conditions & Next Steps
If your application is granted, we:
- Explain your visa conditions (work rights, recourse to public funds, duration).
- Advise on extensions and eventual Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- For children and other relatives, explain how their route aligns with yours.
If refused, we:
- Analyse the refusal letter
- Advise on options such as Administrative Review, appeal or re‑application
- Recommend the most strategic next step based on costs, timeframe and prospects of success
Typical Documents for Family Visa Applications
Although each case is unique, expect to provide:
- Passports and identity documents for all applicants
- Marriage / civil partnership certificates or evidence of long‑term partnership
- Children’s birth certificates
- Evidence of relationship genuineness (photos, travel, communication)
- Sponsor’s immigration documents (BRP, passport, status letters)
- Proof of accommodation (tenancy, mortgage statements, property reports)
- Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, tax records, savings)
- TB test certificates and police clearance certificates where required
We tailor the checklist to your category and circumstances.
Why Choose K&A Solicitors for Family Visas?
- Dedicated Family Immigration Team – Focused on spouse, partner, parent, child and relative visas.
- Manchester‑Based, National Reach – We assist clients across the UK and worldwide via remote consultations.
- Client‑First, Compassionate Approach – We understand the emotional impact of family separation and handle your case with care.
- SRA Regulated – Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, with professional standards and insurance in place.
- Fixed‑Fee Options – Clear, transparent fees agreed in advance (government fees separate).
- Support Through Challenges – Experience with complex cases, previous refusals, domestic violence, bereavement, and human rights‑based applications.
Take the Next Step: Reunite Your Family
If you are ready to bring a family member to the UK or secure their status, early advice can make a critical difference.
During Your Initial Consultation, You Will Receive:
- An honest assessment of your eligibility
- A clear explanation of the process and expected timescales
- Identification of any risks and how to address them
- Answers to all your questions
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