Family visas: apply, extend or switch

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Apply on the basis of your private life

You can only apply on the basis of your private life if you’re already living in the UK.

You must be able to prove that you:

  • are under 18 and you’ve lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years, and it would be unreasonable to expect you to leave the UK
  • are between 18 and 24 and you’ve lived continuously in the UK for more than half your life
  • are 18 or over, have spent less than 20 years in the UK and would have very significant problems living in the country you’d have to go to
  • have been in the UK continuously for 20 years
  • were born in the UK to a person who has permission to stay in the UK on the basis of their private life, or is applying for it

Your family members can apply on the same application - you’ll be considered separately.

How to apply

You must apply online.

You’ll need to prepare information and evidence to provide with your application.

If you cannot pay the application fee

Apply for a fee waiver online if you cannot afford to pay the fee because you:

  • do not have a place to live and you cannot afford one
  • have a place to live but cannot afford your essential living costs like food or heating
  • have a very low income and paying the fee would harm your child’s wellbeing

How long it takes

It currently takes about 12 months to get a decision.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months on this visa.

You can apply to stay for 5 years instead if you’re:

  • under 18 and have lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years
  • aged between 18 and 24 and have spent half your life in the UK

When you can settle

You can settle after 5 years if you’re either:

  • under 18 and have lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years
  • aged between 18 and 24 and have spent half your life in the UK

You can settle after 10 years if you’re either:

  • 18 or over, have spent less than 20 years in the UK and would have very significant problems living in the country you’d have to go to
  • born in the UK to a person who has permission to stay in the UK on the basis of their private life, or is applying for it

If you’re extending your visa

You can extend for 2 years and 6 months.

Get help using a computer to apply online

You can get help with completing the online visa application form if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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