Migration Overseas
Reunite with your spouse, partner, children, or parents in the United Kingdom. Family members of British citizens keep the current 5-year pathway to settlement.
Different visa categories for your family members.
For married couples or unmarried partners in a genuine relationship. You and your partner need a combined income of at least £29,000 a year, with no extra amount for children.
For dependent children of UK resident parents. Children under 18 can join their parents.
For a parent caring for a child under 18 who lives with them in the UK. The child must be a British or Irish citizen, settled, or have another qualifying status.
For adults who need long-term personal care because of illness, disability or age, where that care is not available or affordable in their own country. Strict eligibility criteria apply.
Common eligibility criteria for all family visa categories.
For a partner visa, you and your partner need a combined income of at least £29,000 a year, with no extra amount for children. A shortfall can be covered by savings: £16,000 plus 2.5 times the shortfall (£88,500 if there is no income). Parents and adult dependent relatives have no fixed income threshold.
Prove genuine relationship through photos, correspondence, evidence of living together, and joint financial arrangements.
Sponsor must provide adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds. Sponsor must own or have exclusive right to occupy.
You pay the Immigration Health Surcharge with your application. A tuberculosis test may be required depending on where you apply from, and character requirements apply.
Understanding the financial requirements for family visas, as stated on gov.uk on 6 November 2026.
| Visa Type | Base Income | Additional Per Dependent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner | £29,000/year | None for children | Combined income of you and your partner (new applicants) |
| Spouse/Partner, savings route | £16,000 plus 2.5 times the income shortfall | None for children | £88,500 if there is no income |
| Partner extension (first applied before 11 April 2024) | £18,600/year | +£3,800 first child, +£2,400 each additional child | Capped at £29,000 in total |
| Child (dependent) | Follows the parent's visa type | None separate | Proof of the parent's income if the child applies separately |
| Parent | No fixed amount | None | Show you can support yourself without public funds |
| Adult Dependent Relative | No fixed amount | None | UK relative must house, maintain and care for you without public funds |
Key advantages of UK family reunification visas.
Spouse/partner can work without restrictions immediately upon arrival.
Dependent children can attend UK schools.
Eligibility for NHS healthcare services and medical treatment.
Family members of British citizens keep the current 5-year route to ILR. B2 English (speaking and listening) applies to settlement applications from 26 March 2027. The government response says family members who are not sponsored by a British citizen move to a longer pathway.
Open bank accounts and access financial services like residents.
Spouses of British citizens can apply for citizenship once they hold ILR, subject to residence rules; others normally 12 months after ILR. Naturalisation fee: £1,709.
Our immigration specialists will guide you through every step of the family visa application process. We understand the importance of family reunification.
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