Apply as a partner or spouse

To apply as a partner, you and your partner both need to be 18 or over. Your partner must also either: be a British or Irish citizen have settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status - they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021 have a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa have protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection) have permission to stay as a stateless person You and your partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK after you apply. If your partner has settled or pre-settled status you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme . What you’ll need to prove You must be able to prove one of the following: you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply you are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving you’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply but you cannot live together, for example because you’re working or studying in different places, or it’s not accepted in your culture You also need to prove you: have a good knowledge of English meet the financial requirements If you cannot provide this proof you may still be able to apply for a visa or extend your permission to stay if: you have a child in the UK who is a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK it would breach your human rights to stop you coming to the UK or make you leave If you’re applying as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner You must prove that: any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended you plan to marry or become civil partners within 6 months of arriving in the UK You will not be able to work or study during your engagement. You’ll need to apply for permission to extend your stay in the UK when you marry or enter into a civil partnership. If your application is approved, you’ll have the right to work or study in the UK. How to prove your relationship Send evidence that: comes from the government, a bank, landlord, utility provider, or a medical professional confirms your relationship with your partner - for example, that you live together, share expenses or are married or in a civil partnership is less than 4 years old You can use things like: a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate a tenancy agreement, utility bills or council tax bills confirming that you live at the same address or pay bills together a bank statement from a joint bank account, or confirming that you live at the same address a letter from your doctor or dentist confirming that you live at the same address If you do not have any evidence that meets these criteria, there is other evidence you can provide instead, including: a one-off bill like vet’s fees or home repair costs letters confirming you and your partner are on the voting register for the same address student finance paperwork confirming that you live at the same address If you do not live together If you cannot live together because of work or study, or for cultural reasons, you’ll need to prove that you have an ongoing commitment to each other. You can do this by providing evidence that you: communicate regularly with each other support each other financially care for any children you have together spend time together as a couple, for example on holiday or at events How long you can stay You can stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months on this visa. If you’re applying as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, you can stay for 6 months. After this you’ll need to apply to extend your stay. If you extend or switch to this visa If you extend your family visa or switch to this visa you can stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months. How to apply You’ll need to prepare information and evidence to provide with your application. How you apply depends on whether you’re in the UK or not. Outside the UK You must apply online from outside the UK . In the UK You must apply online in the UK . If you cannot pay the fee You can apply for a fee waiver if you cannot pay the fee because you: do not have a place to live and cannot afford one have a place to live but cannot afford essential living costs like food or heating have a very low income and paying the fee would harm your child’s wellbeing Apply for a fee waiver online from outside the UK . Apply for a fee waiver online from inside the UK . Get help 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. How long it takes If you apply outside the UK you’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks. If you apply inside the UK and you meet the financial requirements and English language requirements , you’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks. If you apply inside the UK and you do not meet the financial requirements and English language requirements, it currently takes about 12 months to get a decision. You may be able to pay for a faster decision . Applying with your children You can add children to your application as dependants if both of the following apply: they are under 18 when you apply, or were under 18 when they were first granted leave they do not live an independent life Your child is living an independent life if, for example, they’ve left home, got married and had children. When you can settle permanently The earliest you can apply to settle in the UK (called ‘indefinite leave to remain’) is after you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years continuously on a family visa as a partner. You cannot include time you’ve spent in the UK: on any other visa as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner The rules are different if you applied before 9 July 2012. If you applied before 9 July 2012 You can only extend your family visa if all the following are true: you were given permission to stay in the UK as a partner before 9 July 2012 you are not eligible to settle in the UK you have not been granted or refused another visa You must also prove that: you have knowledge of English you and your partner have enough money to financially support yourself and your dependants without relying on public funds Check the information and evidence you’ll need to prove your income.

Financial requirements if you’re applying as a partner or spouse

If you apply for a family visa as a partner, you and your partner usually need to prove that your combined income is at least £29,000 a year. This is called a ‘minimum income requirement’. The financial requirements are different if either: your partner is getting certain disability or carer’s benefits you first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and you’re extending that visa - this includes if you first applied as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner How you prove your income depends on how you got it. You may be able to use your savings instead of income to show you meet the requirement. Check the information and evidence you’ll need to prove your income. If your partner is getting disability or carer’s benefits You do not need to meet a minimum income requirement if your partner gets one of the following benefits: Disability Living Allowance Severe Disablement Allowance Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Attendance Allowance Carer’s Allowance Personal Independence Payment Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme Police Injury Pension Child Disability Payment Adult Disability Payment You need to show you and your family have enough money to house and support yourselves without relying on additional public funds . The caseworker considers your income and housing costs. Check the guidance in Appendix FM and Appendix HM armed forces: minimum income requirement for more information. If you first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and you’re extending that visa If you’re extending your stay with the same partner, you and your partner will need to prove that your combined income is at least £18,600 a year. You must prove you have extra money for any children who: you’re applying for a family visa with are already in the UK as dependants on your family visa are already in the UK as your partner’s dependants You do not need to prove you have extra money for any children who: are British or Irish citizens have pre-settled status are permanently settled in the UK You might not need to prove you have extra money if your children are citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and they do not have pre-settled status or are not permanently settled in the UK. Check the guidance in Appendix FM and Appendix HM armed forces: minimum income requirement for more information. If you need to prove extra money for children, you’ll need to prove an extra: £3,800 a year for the first child £2,400 a year for each additional child you have after the first child If the total amount you’d need to earn based on your children would be more than £29,000, you only need to prove you make £29,000 a year. If you cannot meet the financial requirements If you cannot meet these financial requirements you may still be able to apply for a visa or extend your stay if: you have a child in the UK who is a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK it would breach your human rights to stop you coming to the UK or make you leave If you do not meet the financial requirements, the earliest you’ll be able to apply to settle is after 10 years in the UK.

You can apply to live in the UK to care for your child. If you’re eligible to apply as a partner , you must do that instead of applying as a parent. Your child must either: be under 18 on the date you apply have been under 18 when you were first granted leave Your child must: live with you, unless they’re living away from home in full-time education - for example, at boarding school or university not be married or in a civil partnership Your child must be living in the UK. One of the following must also be true: they’re a British or Irish citizen they’ve settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence they’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status - they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021 if you’re applying in the UK, they must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously and it would not be reasonable for them to leave If your child has settled or pre-settled status you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme or for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit . Parental responsibility You need to have sole or shared parental responsibility for your child. If you share parental responsibility, the child’s other parent must not be your partner. They must also either: be a British or Irish citizen have settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status - they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021 If the child lives with their other parent or carer, you must have access to the child in person, as agreed with the other parent or carer or by a court order. What you’ll need to prove You must be able to prove that you’re taking an active role in your child’s upbringing and you plan to continue after you apply. Send evidence that: comes from the government, school, court or a medical professional shows you’re living with or caring for your child is less than 4 years old You can use things like: a letter from your child’s school confirming you take them to school or go to parent evenings a letter to your address from the local authority confirming your child’s school a letter from your child’s doctor, dentist, or health visitor confirming that you take them to appointments court order paperwork confirming that your child lives with you or that you’re taking an active role in their upbringing You need permission from the court to use court order paperwork as evidence in your application. Send written proof that the court has given you permission when you apply - for example, a letter from the court. If you do not have any evidence that meets this criteria, there is other evidence you can provide instead. However, it’s less likely that you’ll be given a visa in this case. Other evidence you can provide includes: a parental agreement drafted by a solicitor and signed by you and the child’s other parent a letter from HMRC confirming that you’re claiming Child Tax Credit social services paperwork confirming that you spend time with your child, or that you’re applying for access Things like greetings cards, photographs and text or social media messages are not considered strong evidence of your role in your child’s upbringing and are unlikely to help your application. English language and financial requirements You must also prove you: have a good knowledge of English can financially support yourself without claiming public funds The caseworker uses your income and housing costs to check if you can support yourself. If your child or any other dependants live with you, you must also prove you can financially support them without claiming public funds. Check the information and evidence you’ll need to prove your income. If you do not meet the English language and financial requirements you can still extend your permission to stay if: your child in the UK is a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK How long you can stay You can stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months on this visa. After this you’ll need to apply to extend your stay. If you extend your family visa or switch to this visa you can stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months. How to apply You’ll need to prepare information and evidence to provide with your application. How you apply depends on whether you’re in the UK or not. Outside the UK You must apply online outside the UK . You must also complete Appendix 5 . In the UK You must apply online in the UK . Read the guidance for parents before applying. If you cannot pay the fee You can apply for a fee waiver if you cannot pay the fee because you: do not have a place to live and cannot afford one have a place to live but cannot afford essential living costs like food or heating have a very low income and paying the fee would harm your child’s wellbeing Apply for a fee waiver online from outside the UK . Apply for a fee waiver online from inside the UK . Get help 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. How long it takes If you apply outside the UK you’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks. If you apply inside the UK it currently takes about 12 months to get a decision. You may be able to pay for a faster decision . Applying with other children You can add other children to your application as dependants if one of the following applies: they are under 18 on the date you apply they were under 18 when they were first granted leave on a family visa They must also: live with you, unless they’re living away from home in full-time education - for example, at boarding school or university not be married or in a civil partnership When you can settle permanently The earliest you can apply to settle in the UK (called ‘indefinite leave to remain’) is after you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years continuously on a family visa as a parent. You cannot include time you’ve spent in the UK on any other visa. The rules are different if you applied before 9 July 2012.

You can apply for a family visa to join your parent in the UK. You may not need a family visa if at least one of your parents has indefinite leave to remain or proof of permanent residence. Check if you can apply to settle in the UK . If your parent cannot include you in their form and you’re in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for Private Life in the UK . If your parent has settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme . You were born in the UK You’ll get the same permission to stay as your parent if you were born in the UK. You can either: be added to your parent’s next application as a dependant apply separately You must: live with your parent in the UK, unless you’re living away from home in full-time education - for example, at boarding school or university not be married or in a civil partnership If you’re under 18, you’ll need to know what kind of permission to stay in the UK (‘limited leave to remain’) your parent has. If you’re 18 or over, you can only apply if you have permission to stay in the UK (‘leave to enter or remain’) which started when you were under 18. They must also apply from inside the UK. You were born outside the UK Whether you can apply depends on your age and how your parent applied. You must: live with your parent, unless you’re living away from home in full-time education - for example, at boarding school or university not be married or in a civil partnership If you’re under 18 One of your parents must be applying or have applied for a visa or to extend their permission to stay as a: partner - and the partner they’re joining is your other parent parent - and they have sole parental responsibility for you Otherwise, you might still be eligible to apply if there are serious reasons to let you come to or stay in the UK and there are plans for your care. If you’re 18 or over Your parent can include you in their application as a dependant, or you can apply separately yourself. You can only apply if you have permission to stay in the UK (‘leave to remain’) on a family visa which started when you were under 18. If you apply separately from your parent You’ll need to include proof of your parent’s income when you apply. Their income has to meet the financial requirement for their type of family visa. For example, if your parent is applying for a family visa as a partner, you’ll need to include proof they can meet the financial requirement for partners . Check the information and evidence you’ll need to prove your parent’s income. Apply from outside the UK You’ll need to prepare information and evidence to provide with your application. Apply at the same time as your parent Which form you need to fill in depends on whether your parent is applying to enter the UK as the partner of one of the following: a British or Irish citizen a person with indefinite leave to remain a person settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence a person from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who has pre-settled status - they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021 a person with a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa a person with protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection) a person with permission to stay as a stateless person If they are applying as one of these, you must fill in the Appendix FM online form . If they are not, you must fill in both: the online application form the Appendix 1 paper form Apply separately Which form you need to fill in depends on whether your parent has leave to enter or remain in the UK on a 5 or 10-year route to settlement as the partner of: a British or Irish citizen a person with indefinite leave to remain a person settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence a person from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who has pre-settled status - they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021 a person with a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa a person with protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection) a person with permission to stay as a stateless person If they do, you must fill in the Appendix FM online form . If they do not, you must fill in both: the online application form the Appendix 1 paper form Apply from the UK You’ll need to prepare information and evidence to provide with your application. If you’re already in the UK, you must apply online . You can also check if you’re eligible for a different type of visa . If you cannot pay the fee You can apply for a fee waiver if you cannot pay the fee because you: do not have a place to live and cannot afford one have a place to live but cannot afford essential living costs like food or heating have a very low income and paying the fee would harm your child’s wellbeing Apply for a fee waiver online from outside the UK . You can only apply for a visa fee waiver if you’re filling in the Appendix FM online form . Apply for a fee waiver online from inside the UK . How long it takes How long it takes to get a decision depends on whether you apply from outside or inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision . If you apply outside the UK You’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks. If you apply inside the UK You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks. It takes about 12 months to get a decision if your parent has leave to enter or remain in the UK on the 10-year route to settlement. Your parent’s decision letter will say if they’re on the 5-year or 10-year route to settlement. If you’re extending your family visa as a child, your previous decision letter will also say which route you’re both on. Get help 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.

Apply as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative

You must need long-term care from a parent, grandchild, brother, sister, son or daughter who is living permanently in the UK. You can only apply from outside the UK, unless you’re applying to extend your stay on this visa. One of the following must also apply to the relative: they’re a British or Irish citizen they’ve settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence they’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status - they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021 they have protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection) in the UK If your family member has settled or pre-settled status you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme . What you’ll need to prove You must prove: you need long-term care to do everyday personal and household tasks because of illness, disability or your age you’re 18 or over the care you need is not available or affordable in the country you live in You must also prove the relative you’re joining in the UK can accommodate and care for you for either: the whole time your relative has permission to stay in the UK 5 years, if your relative is a British citizen or settled in the UK They must have enough money to support you without relying on public funds . The caseworker considers their income, housing costs and any care costs. Check the information and evidence you’ll need to prove your relative’s income. How long you can stay for How long you can stay depends on the status of your family member. If your family member is British, Irish or settled in the UK Your stay is unlimited. You will not need to apply to extend or settle. If your family member has pre-settled status They must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021. You can stay as long as your family member stays. You’ll need to apply to extend or settle when they do. If your family member has protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection) in the UK You can stay as long as your family member stays. You’ll need to apply to extend or settle when they do. How to apply You’ll need to prepare information and evidence to provide with your application. You must apply as an adult dependent relative online and complete Appendix 1 . Apply to extend your stay Apply online to extend your stay in the UK. How long it takes If you apply outside the UK you’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks. If you apply inside the UK you’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

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.

Information and evidence you must provide

You’ll need to have information and some evidence ready when you make your application. Include information for you and any dependants applying at the same time. You’ll need to provide: all your names your date of birth your current passport or other valid travel ID copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports your eVisa (online proof of your immigration status) or a copy of your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you have either of them details of any previous immigration applications you’ve made details of any criminal convictions your national insurance number, if you have one your parents’ date of birth and nationality if you’re applying from outside the UK your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test a certified translation of any document that is not in English or Welsh You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa if you’re applying outside the UK. You’ll need an email address to make an online application. You’ll also need to: prove your knowledge of English give proof of your finances, if you’re not applying on the basis of your private life You may need to provide other additional documents depending on your circumstances - for example a sponsorship form from your family member in the UK. You’ll be told how to provide your documents when you apply. Your finances You’ll need to show you can meet the financial requirements for the type of family visa you’re applying for. This is based on your income or the income of the family member you’re joining in the UK, or both. For example, you’ll need to prove your own and your partner’s combined UK income in your application if you’re applying as a partner. If you’re applying as a child, you’ll need to prove the income of the parent (or parents) you’re joining. What counts as income The following things can count as income: income from employment before tax and National Insurance (from P60 or payslips) - you can only use income earned in the UK income earned from self-employment or as a director of a limited company in the UK - this will be on a Self Assessment tax return cash savings above £16,000 money from a pension non-work income, for example from property rentals or dividends If you or your family member are self-employed, you need to base your income on how much you earned in the last 6 months or more, counting back from the day you apply. Proof of your finances You’ll need to provide proof of the income with your application. If you or your family member are employed, you could include: bank statements showing your or their income 6 months of payslips, counting back from the day you apply a letter from an employer, dated and on headed paper The employer’s letter should confirm: you or your family member are employed there the job title or position you or your family member hold how long you or your family member have worked there the type of contract (for example, permanent, fixed term) what you or your family member earn before tax and National Insurance how long you or your family member have been paid your current salary the payslips are genuine You’ll be told exactly what documents to provide when you apply online. You’ll need to follow extra guidance if: you or your family member’s income is not from employment, for example it’s from running a limited company, savings, or a pension you or your family member have taken maternity or paternity leave in the last 6 months you want to combine different income sources Check the guidance in: Appendix FM and Appendix HM armed forces: minimum income requirement if you’re applying as a partner Appendix FM and adult dependent relatives: maintenance and accommodation if you’re applying as a parent or an adult coming to be cared for by a relative If you’re applying as a child, check the guidance for the type of application your parent is making. The detailed guidance also explains the evidence you need to provide for each of the types of income you’re relying on. Your partner’s details If you have a partner, you’ll be asked about their: name date of birth nationality passport right to be in the UK, for example they’re a British citizen You’ll also need to give details of: any people your partner was previously married to, in a civil partnership with or had children with evidence of marriages ending, for example a divorce certificate anyone your partner supports with money, for example their parents Proof of relationship If you’re applying as a spouse or partner, you’ll be asked about: your relationship with your partner, for example how you met and how often you see each other how long you’ve lived together - you’ll need to provide proof like council tax bills things you pay for together whether you’re your partner’s carer Your previous partners You’ll need to include details of anyone you previously married or had children with. Include evidence of marriages ending, for example a divorce certificate. Children You’ll need to give details of your children (and your partner’s children if you have one). You’ll be asked about all children, even if they’re not applying. You’ll need to give details of: their name their nationality their date of birth their passport details who the child normally lives with any other people with parental responsibility for your child, for example your step children’s other parents how you’re involved in their day to day life arrangements you have to see the child - for example the courts have granted you access the child’s extended family any countries your child has visited or lived in Your life outside the UK You’ll need to give details of: countries outside the UK you’ve lived in and visited family and friends in the countries where you were born or have nationality

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. When you do not need to prove it You do not need to prove your knowledge of English or take a test if one of the following is true: you’re applying as a child you’re applying as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative you’ve been in the UK on a family visa for 5 years and you’re extending it as a partner or parent you’re over 65 you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement You also will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries or territories: Antigua and Barbuda Australia the Bahamas Barbados Belize the British overseas territories Canada Dominica Grenada Guyana Jamaica Malta New Zealand St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago USA How to prove your knowledge of English You can prove it with an academic qualification, or by taking a test. Academic qualifications You can prove your knowledge of English if you have a degree or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English. If your qualification is from a UK university or college, you only need your degree certificate. If your qualification is from a university or college outside the UK You’ll need to provide a certificate from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC ) to show that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher and that it was taught in English. There are 2 kinds of certificate: a statement of comparability a visa and nationality statement You need a statement of comparability if you got your qualification from a university or college in one of these countries: Antigua and Barbuda Australia the Bahamas Barbados Belize Dominica Grenada Guyana Ireland Jamaica Malta New Zealand St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago USA If you got your qualification from a university or college in any other country, you need a visa and nationality statement . Take an approved English language test You can prove your knowledge of English by passing an approved English language test. You must pass at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ( CEFR ) scale for your first visa application. You can choose to take a higher level test. If you pass level B1 or higher, you can use your test result again when you apply for settlement after 5 years. Your test still needs to be on the approved list of qualifications and your test certificate must not have been withdrawn by the test provider. Applying to extend your visa after 2.5 years You may have to pass a higher CEFR level if you want to stay in the UK after 2.5 years. What you need to do depends on what CEFR level you passed for your first visa. If you passed: level A1, you’ll need to pass at least level A2 in speaking and listening level A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2, you can use the test result again for your application as long as your test certificate has not been withdrawn by the test provider If you were given an exemption, you’ll need to pass a test at level A1. Read the English language requirement: family members guidance .

You’ll need to attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information). You’ll be told how to make an appointment when you apply. Getting your documents back You can ask for your passport and other documents to be returned if you’ve provided them with your application but need them urgently. You might have to cancel your application to get your documents back. If your application is approved You’ll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status). Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa . You’ll need to create a UKVI account. Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied. You can: work study You cannot: usually get benefits or other public funds for you or your dependants apply to settle in the UK until you’re eligible If you applied as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner You cannot work or study in the UK. You’ll need to apply for permission to extend your stay in the UK when you marry or enter into a civil partnership. If your application is approved, you will have the right to work or study in the UK.

Family visas: apply, extend or switch

Overview

You need a family visa to live with a family member in the UK for more than 6 months.

Applying from outside the UK

You can apply for a family visa to live with your:

spouse or partner
fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner
child
parent
relative who’ll provide long-term care for you

If you’re visiting the UK for 6 months or less, check if you need a Standard Visitor visa or Marriage Visitor visa.

Extending your family visa

You can apply to extend your stay with your family member if you’re already in the UK on a family visa.

You can extend at any time before your current permission to stay in the UK expires.

If you’re extending to stay with the same family member, you’ll only get up to 28 days left on your current stay added to your new visa.

You must live in the UK for a certain amount of time before you’re eligible for settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’). Before you extend your visa, check how much time you need to settle in the UK.

You might be able to apply to stay on the basis of your private life if you’ve lived in the UK for many years already.

Switching to a family visa

If you came to the UK on a different visa, you might be able to switch to a family visa to stay with your:

spouse or partner
child
parent

You can switch at any time before your current permission to stay in the UK expires.

Fees

How much it costs depends on who you’re joining and how you apply.

	Apply outside the UK	Apply in the UK
Cost if joining your partner, parent or child	£1,846	£1,258
Cost for each dependant added to your application	£1,846 each person	£1,258 each person

Cost for adults who need to be looked after by a relative

How much it costs depends on what permission your relative has.

If they have temporary ‘protection status’ (permission to stay as a refugee or with humanitarian protection) it costs:

£404 if you’re applying from outside the UK
£1,258 if you’re applying from inside the UK

Otherwise, it costs:

£3,250 if you’re applying from outside the UK
£1,258 if you’re applying from inside the UK

Let your bank know that a large amount of money will be coming out of your account - otherwise it might cancel your payment.

If you cannot pay the fee, you may be eligible for a fee waiver in certain situations - for example if you cannot afford a place to live or your essential living costs.

Healthcare surcharge

You might also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

For each adult (18 or older) it costs:

£2,587.50 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
£3,105 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
£5,175 if you’re staying for 5 years

For each child (under 18), it costs:

£1,940 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
£2,328 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
£3,880 if you’re staying for 5 years

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying from the UK, you may be able to pay an extra £1,000 for the super priority service to get a faster decision.

You cannot use the super priority service if you’re applying as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative.

Other ways you can stay

You were the victim of domestic abuse or your partner died

You might be able to apply to settle in the UK if you had permission to stay in the UK as a partner when either:

you were the victim of domestic abuse
your partner died

Your family member has protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or humanitarian protection)

You might be able to apply for ‘family reunion’ to join a partner or parent who has either:

leave to remain as a refugee or permission to stay as a refugee in the UK
humanitarian protection in the UK

When you cannot get a family visa

In some circumstances you cannot apply for, or switch to, a family visa.

Your family member has a work visa or student visa

You cannot apply for a family visa if your family member is in the UK temporarily on a work visa or student visa.

You can apply to stay with them as a dependant instead.

You have a visitor visa or a visa for 6 months or less

You’ll usually need to leave the UK to apply for a family visa if either:

you have permission to be in the UK as a visitor
your visa is for 6 months or less

However, you might be able to switch to a family visa in the UK if you have either:

a 6-month family visa as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner
permission to stay in the UK for the outcome of a family court case or divorce

View a printable version of the whole guide

Step 1 Check if you’re eligible
1. Find out what you can do when you visit the UK
You must meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements even if you do not need a visa.
Step 2 Check if you need a visa
Depending on the country you're from, you might be able to visit the UK without a visa or by applying for an electronic travel authorisation.
1. Check if you need a visa
Step 3 Apply for a visa
1. Find out how to apply for a Standard Visitor visa £100 for up to 6 months
There's a different way to apply if:
- you're a Chinese citizen visiting as part of a tour group
- You are currently viewing: you want to stay in the UK with your family for more than 6 months
or Apply for a family permit
You may be able to visit on a family permit if you have a family member who is:
- a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
- a Person of Northern Ireland
- a British citizen
1. Check if you can apply for a family permit
or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation
Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) if you're a national of:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
1. Apply for an ETA £10
Step 4 Check what you can bring with you
1. Check what you can bring with you
2. Check what food, animals or plants you can bring into the UK
Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border
1. Check what you need to show at the UK border

Family visas: apply, extend or switch

Overview

Applying from outside the UK

Extending your family visa

Switching to a family visa

Fees

Cost for adults who need to be looked after by a relative

Healthcare surcharge

Get a faster decision on your application

Other ways you can stay

You were the victim of domestic abuse or your partner died

Your family member has protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or humanitarian protection)

When you cannot get a family visa

Your family member has a work visa or student visa

You have a visitor visa or a visa for 6 months or less

Step 1 Check if you’re eligible

Step 2 Check if you need a visa

Step 3 Apply for a visa

or Apply for a family permit

or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation

Step 4 Check what you can bring with you

Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border

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Help us improve GOV.UK

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Family visas: apply, extend or switch

Overview

Applying from outside the UK

Extending your family visa

Switching to a family visa

Fees

Cost for adults who need to be looked after by a relative

Healthcare surcharge

Get a faster decision on your application

Other ways you can stay

You were the victim of domestic abuse or your partner died

Your family member has protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or humanitarian protection)

When you cannot get a family visa

Your family member has a work visa or student visa

You have a visitor visa or a visa for 6 months or less

Part of Visit the UK for a holiday or to see family or friends

Step 1: Check if you’re eligible

Step 2: Check if you need a visa

Step 3: Apply for a visa

or Apply for a family permit

or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation

Step 4: Check what you can bring with you

Step 5: Check what you need to show at the UK border

Also part of

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Step 1 Check if you’re eligible

Step 2 Check if you need a visa

Step 3 Apply for a visa

Step 4 Check what you can bring with you

Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border