Use examples for better understanding.

Navigating the UK Family Visa Proces

Maybe you’re an aspiring expat looking to uproot your whole family. Or maybe your company is planning global expansion and it’s your job to make sure it all runs smoothly. In either case, it’s important to understand what’s involved in gaining rights to live and work in the UK. So let’s take a look at how to navigate the UK family visa process.

Understanding the UK’s Points-Based System

The UK’s points-based immigration system categorizes individuals into five tiers and you generally need a minimum number of points in the visa sub‌-category. It applies to ‌workers, students or business visitors and those looking to reunite family in the UK.

The application process depends on the visa category

The application process depends on the visa category. For example:

• • The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route lets those looking to establish, take over, or become a director in a UK business come to the UK.

• • The Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) route is the main route for highly skilled workers coming to the UK, usually to fill either a permanent or a temporary role.

• • The Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa category is for younger people from countries that have an agreement with the UK for people to travel and work in the UK for up to two years.

Bringing family to the UK

The UK has a number of visas for those looking to reunite with their family. These options generally apply to family members looking to join the EU citizen who is already in the UK, either as a worker, student or business visitor. Here are some of the categories:

• • Tier 2 Dependent Visa – this route is for immediate family members of Tier 2 visa holders looking to go to the UK to work.

• • Family of a Settled Person Visa – this visa category is available to those already settled in the UK who want to bring their family members to join them in the UK.

• • Partner of a Settled Person Visa – this route applies to the partner of a settled person in the UK, and the applicant must be outside the UK.

• • Dependent Child of a Settled Person Visa – this route is for the dependent children of settled people in the UK who are under 18 and are looking to join their parents in the UK.

UK Visas

If you’re looking to bring family members to the UK as part of corporate global mobility, it may be worth considering a company-sponsored visa. This is a great option for those looking to relocate for work and have their family join them in the UK. Here are some of the categories:

• • Business Visitor visa – this route is for business visitors and allows individuals to stay in the UK for up to six months.

• • Tier 2 (General) Visa – this route is for highly skilled workers who are sponsored by a company to come to the UK and work in a permanent and skilled role.

• • Tier 4 (Student) Visa – this route is for students looking to come to the UK to study at a licensed educational institution.

• • Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa – this route is for younger people from countries that have an agreement with the UK for people to travel and work in the UK for up to two years.

Navigating through the process

Navigating the UK family visa process can be a complicated and time-consuming process. It’s important to understand the requirements for the application and to have all of the relevant documents ready. It’s also a good idea to be aware of the timeline for the application. Here’s some information on the process:

• • First, the individual applying for the visa must make sure they meet the criteria and have all of the required documents.

• • Once the application is complete, the individual will be asked to attend an appointment at the UK Visa and Immigration office.

• • The applicant must attend the appointment, bring all of the required documents, and answer any questions that the visa officer may have.

• • Once the appointment is complete, the visa officer will make a decision on the application.

• • If the application is approved, the applicant will be granted a UK family visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can I stay in the UK with a UK family visa?
This depends on the visa category. Some visas allow you to stay up to six months, while others may allow up to two years.

2. What documents do I need to apply for a UK family visa?
The documents required depend on the visa category. Generally, you will need documents to prove your identity, travel history, and any financial information.

3. Can I bring my family to the UK on a business visa?
It depends on the visa category. Some business visas allow family members to come to the UK, while others do not.

Conclusion

The UK family visa process can be complicated and time consuming, but it’s important to understand the requirements and to have all of the necessary documents in order. This guide should provide you with an overview of the UK family visa process, as well as some of the visa categories that are available for corporate global mobility.