Spouse and Parents Visa
In the UK, there are specific visa categories for spouses/partners and parents of British citizens or individuals settled in the UK (those with indefinite leave to remain or permanent residence). These visas allow family members to join their spouse/partner or child in the UK. Here’s an overview of each:
- Spouse/Partner Visa (Family Route):
This visa category allows spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and same-sex partners of British citizens or settled persons to join them in the UK.
Applicants must prove that they are in a genuine and subsisting relationship and meet certain financial requirements to ensure they won’t need public funds to support themselves in the UK.
Initially granted for 2.5 years, this visa can be extended for another 2.5 years and eventually lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) if the relationship continues to exist and meets the requirements.
Applicants may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Parent of a British Citizen or Settled Person Visa:
This visa category allows parents of British citizens or individuals settled in the UK to join them in the UK if they require long-term care due to age, illness, or disability.
Applicants must demonstrate that they require long-term care and that the care cannot be effectively provided in their home country due to the lack of necessary support and care facilities.
Financial requirements also apply to ensure that the sponsor (the British citizen or settled person) can adequately support their parent(s) in the UK without recourse to public funds.
Initially granted for 2.5 years, this visa can be extended for another 2.5 years and eventually lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain).
Key points to consider for both visa categories:
Applications are made online, and applicants typically need to attend a biometric appointment and may be required to provide supporting documents.
There are application fees and healthcare surcharges associated with these visas.
The sponsor in the UK must meet specific eligibility criteria, including income thresholds and adequate accommodation.
Both spouses/partners and parents must intend to live with the sponsor in the UK.
Visa holders have the right to work or study in the UK, subject to certain restrictions.
After a certain period of continuous residence in the UK, visa holders may become eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) and subsequently British citizenship, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
It’s crucial to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements outlined by UK Visas and Immigration before applying for these visas. Additionally, seeking advice from immigration experts or legal professionals can help navigate the application process successfully.