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Immigration

Family Visas

Bringing a partner, spouse, parent, or child to the UK, or staying with the family you already have here, is one of the most important applications you will ever make. We guide you through every route, from the first eligibility check to a decision you can rely on.

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Keeping families together, wherever they start

UK family immigration covers a wide range of situations, and the right route depends on your relationship, your circumstances, and the rules that apply on the day you apply. The wrong choice can mean a refusal, a long delay, or a fee paid for an application that was never going to succeed.

We look at your full picture first, then tell you plainly which route fits, what the Home Office will expect to see, and what it will cost. Choose the service closest to your situation below, or speak to us and we will point you to the right one.

Family visa services

Select the route that matches your situation.

Spouse Visa / Family VisaFor married couples and those applying as a family to live together in the UK.Learn moreUnmarried Partner VisaFor partners in a genuine relationship who are not married or in a civil partnership.Learn moreCivil Partner VisaFor those in a registered civil partnership applying to join or remain with their partner.Learn moreSame Sex Partner VisaFor same sex couples, married, in a civil partnership, or unmarried partners.Learn moreParent of a British Child VisaFor a parent seeking to remain in the UK on the basis of their British or settled child.Learn moreSurrogacy & Immigration for ChildrenImmigration routes for children born through surrogacy, here or abroad.Learn moreILR as a Bereaved PartnerSettlement for those whose partner has passed away during their stay in the UK.Learn moreChildren of British Citizens / Settled PersonsFor children joining a parent who is British or settled in the UK.Learn moreChildren of Parents with Limited LeaveFor children applying to join a parent who has limited leave to remain.Learn moreAdopted Children of British Citizens / Settled PersonsImmigration routes for adopted children joining a British or settled parent.Learn moreILR as a Victim of Domestic Violence (SET DV)Settlement for those whose relationship has broken down due to domestic abuse.Learn more

Key facts

The main rules that apply to family visas, with the law or official source for each.

  • The minimum income requirement for most partner applications is £29,000 a year. It has stayed at that level since April 2024, although the Migration Advisory Committee recommended a lower figure in June 2025.

    Immigration Rules, Appendix FM; MAC Family Visas review, June 2025

  • Partner and parent routes currently lead to settlement after five years. The Government has consulted on a longer "earned settlement" model, but the current five-year family routes stay in force until the Immigration Rules are changed.

    Home Office consultation, A fairer pathway to settlement, 2025 to 2026

  • Most partner applicants must show English at level A1 for a first application, A2 to extend, and B1 at settlement, unless an exemption applies.

    Immigration Rules, Appendix English Language

  • The Home Office must treat a child's best interests as a primary consideration in every decision that affects them.

    Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, s 55

Correct as at October 2026. Rules and fees can change at short notice, so we confirm what applies to you before any application is made. This is general information, not legal advice on your case.

Common questions

It depends on where and how you apply and on Home Office workloads at the time. As a guide, we usually take two to four weeks to prepare and submit your application once your documents are ready, and the Home Office aims to decide most straightforward applications within around twelve weeks on standard processing. That comes to roughly three to four months end to end. Where it is available, a priority service can shorten the Home Office stage, and we will tell you if that suits your case. Read more about spouse visa / family visa →

Since the rules changed in January 2024, you no longer have to prove you have physically lived together for two years. What matters is that your relationship has been similar to marriage or a civil partnership for at least two years and is genuine and continuing. If you have lived apart for good reasons, such as work, study, or immigration restrictions, you can still qualify by explaining this and backing it up with evidence. If the relationship itself is shorter than two years, there may still be a route in exceptional circumstances. Speak to us before applying and we will tell you honestly where you stand. Read more about unmarried partner visa →

The requirements are largely the same. The key difference is the relationship itself: a Spouse Visa is for married couples, while this route is for those in a registered civil partnership. The financial, accommodation, and English requirements apply in the same way. If you are unsure which applies to you, we will confirm it at your consultation. Read more about civil partner visa →

Not sure which route applies to you?

Family immigration rules change often, and small details in your circumstances can point to a completely different route. Tell us your situation and we will explain your options clearly, with no obligation.

Request a callback020 8543 3302
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  • Fixed feesAgreed in writing before we begin, so you are never surprised.
  • Multilingual teamSpeak to us in the language you are most comfortable in.