UK Family Visa
UK Family Visa
Applying for a United Kingdom Family Visa from India in 2025
The UK Family Visa permits individuals to reside with their family members in the UK for periods exceeding six months. Eligible applicants include spouses, partners, children, parents, or relatives requiring long-term care. This visa enables you to live with your family in the UK, provided specific eligibility criteria are met.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UK Family Visa, you must be related to a UK resident in one of the following ways:
Spouse or Partner: You and your partner must be over 18 years old. Your partner should be a British or Irish citizen, have settled status in the UK, possess pre-settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme, hold a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or have protection status in the UK. Both parties must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Fiancé, Fiancée, or Proposed Civil Partner: You must plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
Child: Applicants under 18 years old can apply to join their parent(s) residing in the UK.
Parent: Parents can apply to live in the UK to care for a child who is a British or Irish citizen or has settled status.
Relative Requiring Long-Term Care: Adults needing long-term care from a UK-based parent, grandchild, sibling, or child may be eligible.
Financial Requirements
Applicants and their UK-based family members must demonstrate a combined annual income of at least £29,000. This threshold was increased from £18,600 in April 2024. If you applied as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner before 11 April 2024, the previous £18,600 income threshold applies. Acceptable income sources include employment, self-employment, pensions, and specific benefits. Alternatively, substantial cash savings can be used to meet this requirement. For more Information- https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income-partner?utm_source=chatgpt.com
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must prove a good knowledge of the English language. This can be demonstrated by passing an approved English language test at the required level or by having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognized by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.
Accommodation
You must provide evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK where you and your family will reside without recourse to public funds.
Application Process
Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the official UK government website.
Document Submission: Gather and submit necessary documents, including proof of relationship, financial evidence, English language proficiency, and accommodation details.
Biometric Appointment: Schedule and attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Fee Payment: Pay the visa application fee and the healthcare surcharge, which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Processing Time: Processing times vary based on the type of application and where it is submitted. Typically, decisions are made within 12 weeks for applications submitted from outside the UK. Priority services may be available for faster processing at an additional cost. For more Information- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk?utm_source=chatgpt.com
After Submission
Upon approval, you will receive a vignette in your passport, allowing entry into the UK. After arrival, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days.
Extending Your Stay
If you wish to extend your stay, apply for an extension before your current visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 2 years and 6 months. After a qualifying period, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, leading to permanent residency.