Eligibility Quiz
Are both you and your UK-based sponsor 18 years of age or older?
Application Process
You must apply for a UK Family Visa online through the official GOV.UK portal. This visa allows you to live in the UK for more than 6 months to join a family member who is a British citizen, has settled status, or holds specific types of limited leave.
Applying from Outside the UK
- Check your eligibility: Ensure your UK-based sponsor meets the £29,000 minimum income requirement and that you meet the English language requirement at level A1.
- Prepare your evidence: Gather 6 months of payslips, matching bank statements, and proof of your relationship (such as a marriage certificate or evidence of living together for 2 years).
- Submit the online application: Complete the form on the GOV.UK website. You will need to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS—the fee to use the National Health Service) at this stage.
- Book a biometrics appointment: After paying, you will be directed to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country to provide your fingerprints and a photograph.
- Upload documents: Most VAC partners (like VFS Global or TLScontact) allow you to upload digital scans of your documents before your appointment.
- Attend the appointment: Take your valid passport and appointment confirmation to the VAC. They may keep your passport while they process the application.
Applying from Inside the UK (Switching or Extending)
- Verify your current status: You can switch to a Family Visa if you are already in the UK on a different visa (like a Skilled Worker or Student visa), provided your current visa was granted for more than 6 months. You cannot switch if you are here as a visitor.
- Submit the online application: Use the in-country application portal.
- Verify your identity: You may be invited to use the UK Immigration: ID Check smartphone app to scan your documents and face. If you are not eligible for the app, you must book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
- Wait for a decision: Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you receive a decision, or your application will be withdrawn automatically.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (Outside the UK) | £1,938 |
| Application Fee (Inside the UK) | £1,321 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £1,035 |
| IHS Total (for a standard 2.5-year visa) | £2,587.50 |
| Priority Service (Optional) | £500 – £1,000 |
Total Estimate: For an applicant outside the UK, expect to pay at least £4,525.50 upfront (Application + IHS). This does not include costs for English language tests, tuberculosis tests, certified translations of non-English documents, or travel to biometrics appointments.
Processing Time
- Outside the UK: The standard processing time is 12 weeks. In complex cases or during high-demand periods, this can take up to 24 weeks.
- Inside the UK: The standard processing time is 8 weeks.
- Priority Services: If available in your region, "Priority" service usually provides a decision within 30 working days, while "Super Priority" (available inside the UK) provides a decision by the next working day.
Document Validity: Your English language test certificate and Tuberculosis (TB) test results must be valid at the time of submission. TB certificates are generally valid for 6 months. Most financial documents, such as your latest bank statement or payslip, must be dated within 28 days of the date you submit your online application.