Navigating UK Family Visa Applications

The challenge that global mobility professionals deal with when considering family visa applications is that they must be adept at both the legal aspects of immigration, as well as the personal considerations of working with the UK government. To assist those who are responsible for family visa applications to the UK, this guide provides a basic overview on how to navigate UK family visa applications and covers the following topics:

Types of Visas

The types of family visas available depend on the relationship between the UK resident and the individual wishing to travel to the UK. For example, family members, dependents, or other members of UK-based households may need a ‘family of a settled person’ visa. Other visas are available for family members of those with indefinite leave to remain or those seeking asylum, or for fiancés of British citizens or residence and temporary visas.

Visa Application Requirements

Applicants to the UK must demonstrate that they have a genuine relationship with the UK resident and comply with a range of requirements, including proving that they have an adequate knowledge of English, appropriate financial means and accommodation, and that the UK resident has sufficient funds to support the applicant should they require support. Applicants must also submit various documents and may be required to attend a biometric appointment.

Funds and Maintenance Requirements

Funds and maintenance requirements for UK family visas are stringent and typically include annual income requirements that must be met by either the applicant or sponsor, such as a UK residence or employer. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate that they have access to sufficient funds to cover the duration of their stay in the UK and any other costs associated with the visa application.

Undertaking Background Checks

All international family members are subject to background checks as part of the visa application process. For example, the UK may undertake a criminal record check to ensure the safety of the population. All individuals involved in the application process must be documented accurately and fully and provide any additional information that is requested by the UK immigration authorities.

Visa Refusal

If an application is refused, often it is because the applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to support the claim. Common examples include providing insufficient documentation, financial means, inaccurately declaring intentions for remaining in the UK, or failing to submit all the required documents.

Appealing a Refusal

If an application is refused, applicants may consider appealing the decision if grounds exist to do so. However, appeals can be costly, often taking significant amounts of time and energy. It is therefore advisable to ensure that all aspects of the application are correct from the outset and any evidential requirements are met.

Length of Stay

UK family visas often come with restrictions regarding the length of stay, and can vary accordingly, depending on the type of family visa and the relationship to the UK resident. It is also possible apply for an extension of stay, although this will depend on the circumstances of the application.

Compliance Obligations

It is important to be aware of the conditions of the visa and to ensure that the family member completing the application is compliant with all UK immigration laws and regulations. The authorities may take action to remove the family member if they are found to be breaching visa conditions.

Children and Education

Parents accompanying children can apply for a visa for their child to be educated in a UK school and must demonstrate that they have the means to cover the costs associated with this.

Extension of Stay

It may be possible to extend the family member’s stay if the original visa is going to expire, although the applicant must demonstrate that they met the requirements of the initial visa and will still be able to for a period of up to two years more, should the extension be granted by the UK immigration authorities.

FAQs

Q1: What sort of family visa would I need?

• • The type of family visa you require will depend on your relationship with the UK resident, such as whether they are a family member, dependent or other member of UK-based household.

Q2: What are the funds and maintenance requirements?

• • The funds and maintenance requirements typically include annual income requirements that must be met by either the applicant or sponsor, such as a UK residence or employer. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate that they have access to sufficient funds to cover the duration of their stay in the UK and any other costs associated with the visa application.

Q3: How do I appeal a visa refusal?

• • If an application is refused, applicants may consider appealing the decision if grounds exist to do so. However, appeals can be costly, often taking significant amounts of time and energy. It is therefore advisable to ensure that all aspects of the application are correct from the outset and any evidential requirements are met.

Q4: How long can a family member usually stay?

• • The length of a family member’s stay will depend on the type of family visa and the relationship to the UK resident. It is possible to apply for an extension of stay, depending on the circumstances of the application.

Q5: What are the compliance obligations?

• • It is important to be aware of the conditions of the visa and to ensure that the family member completing the application is compliant with all UK immigration laws and regulations.

Conclusion

This guide has provided an overview of navigating UK family visa applications, highlighting the types of visas available and the corresponding requirements that must be met. In addition, this guide has outlined what happens when a visa is refused and the steps that may be taken to appeal the decision. Finally, this guide has discussed compliance obligations, the length of stay and the availability of education for children, as well as answering some of the most frequently asked questions regarding UK family visa applications.