Types of UK Family Visas
Spouse Visa
A spouse visa is a type of family visa that allows individuals to join their partner who is a British citizen or settled in the UK. To qualify for a spouse visa, the applicant must be in a genuine and subsisting marriage or civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person. The applicant also needs to meet specific financial requirements and prove their proficiency in the English language.
A spouse visa is initially granted for 33 months and can be extended for an additional 30 months. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, individuals can apply for settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Spouse visa holders are also eligible to work or study in the UK.
Unmarried Partner Visa
An unmarried partner visa allows individuals to join their partner in the UK if they have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. This type of visa is suitable for couples who are not married or in a civil partnership but have a long-term commitment to each other.
To be eligible for an unmarried partner visa, the couple needs to provide evidence of cohabitation for the past two years, demonstrate financial stability, and meet the English language requirements. The unmarried partner visa is also initially granted for 33 months and can be extended for an additional 30 months. After five years of continuous residence, individuals can apply for settlement.
Parent Visa
A parent visa enables individuals to join their child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK. To be eligible for a parent visa, the applicant must have sole parental responsibility for the child, or the child must be under 18 years old and not living an independent life. The applicant needs to demonstrate that adequate accommodation is available for themselves and the child, as well as meeting the financial requirements.
Under the parent visa category, there are two routes: the 5-year route and the 10-year route. The 5-year route allows parents to apply for settlement after five years, while the 10-year route requires parents to continuously extend their visa for ten years before being eligible for settlement. It’s important to note that the parent visa does not provide an automatic pathway to British citizenship.
Child Visa
A child visa is designed for individuals who want to join their parent or parents in the UK. To qualify for a child visa, the child must be under 18 years old and not living an independent life. The sponsoring parent must have sole parental responsibility for the child or a legal right to have the child living with them in the UK.
A child visa is initially granted for 33 months if the child is outside the UK, or 30 months if the child is already in the UK with limited leave to remain. After five years of continuous residence, children can apply for settlement. It’s important to note that children under this visa category cannot directly sponsor their parents for settlement in the UK.
Grandparent Visa
A grandparent visa allows individuals to join their grandchild in the UK if they can demonstrate that they are the only surviving parent of the child’s parent, or that they have had the sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing. The grandparent visa does not lead to settlement or British citizenship directly, and individuals need to meet specific requirements regarding accommodation, maintenance, and English language proficiency.
The grandparent visa is initially granted for 33 months and can be extended for an additional 30 months. After five years of continuous residence, individuals may be able to switch to another visa category that leads to settlement. Want to keep exploring the subject? UK Work Visas https://www.immtell.com/personal-immigration/uk-work-visas/self-sponsored-work-visas/uk-self-sponsored-visa/, we’ve chosen this resource to supplement your learning.
These are some of the main types of UK family visas available for individuals wishing to join their family members who are British citizens or settled in the UK. It’s essential to consult with an immigration professional or refer to the official UK government website for up-to-date information and specific eligibility requirements for each visa category.
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