Eligibility Quiz
Are both you and your UK-based sponsor 18 years of age or older?
Requirements
Eligibility is determined by your specific relationship to your UK-based "sponsor."
Partner or Spouse
To qualify as a partner, both you and your sponsor must be 18 or older. You must fall into one of these categories:
- You are legally married or in a civil partnership.
- You have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.
- You are a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner (you must marry within 6 months of arriving).
- Genuine Relationship: You must provide evidence that your relationship is "subsisting" (ongoing) and that you intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Parent
You can apply if your child lives in the UK and is either a British/Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for at least 7 years. You must have sole or shared parental responsibility and prove that you are taking an active role in the child's upbringing.
Child
Children must be under 18 at the time of application, must not be leading an independent life (e.g., they cannot be married or have their own children), and must be supported financially by the parent in the UK.
Adult Dependent Relative (ADR)
This is the most difficult category to satisfy. You must prove that due to age, illness, or disability, you require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks (such as washing or cooking). Crucially, you must demonstrate that this care is not available or affordable in your home country, even with the financial support of your UK sponsor.
The Financial Requirement
As of March 2026, most partner and child applications must meet a Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) of £29,000 per year.
- Income: This can be met through the sponsor’s salary, self-employment, or non-employment income (like rental income).
- Savings: If your income is below £29,000, you can use cash savings to bridge the gap. However, only savings above £16,000 count. To meet the entire requirement through savings alone, you must hold £88,500 for at least six months.
- Exemptions: If your sponsor receives specific disability-related benefits (e.g., Personal Independence Payment), you do not need to meet the £29,000 threshold. Instead, you must show "Adequate Maintenance"—proving you have enough money to live on after housing costs are paid.
Conditions & Warnings
The Minimum Income Requirement was significantly raised to £29,000 in April 2024.
Applicants failing the financial or language requirements may be placed on a 10-year route to settlement instead of the standard 5-year route.
Adult Dependent Relative applications have an extremely high evidentiary bar regarding the unavailability of care in the home country.
Qualifications
CEFR level A1 test for initial entry (A2 for extension) from an approved provider
Fees
Includes £1,938 application fee (outside UK) and £2,587.50 Immigration Health Surcharge for a 2.5-year period.