Marriage & Family Visas

1. Spouse / Civil Partner Visa

Purpose: For legally married or civil-partnered couples where one partner is a British citizen, settled in the UK, or has refugee status.

• Covers: visa duration, extension, financial & English language requirements.

• Includes: settlement after 5 years, route for partners of those with limited leave, switching from fiancé(e) or student categories.

• Home Office Fee table: £1,846 (outside UK), £1,048 (inside UK).

2. Unmarried Partner Visa

Purpose: For long-term partners who have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.

• Similar financial, accommodation, and English requirements to the Spouse route.

• Includes: acceptable evidence of cohabitation (joint bills, tenancy, shared finances).

• Home Office Fee table: same as Spouse route.
  

3. Marriage Visitor Visa / Marriage with Limited Leave to Remain

Purpose: For couples who wish to get married or form a civil partnership in the UK but not settle here, or for individuals already in the UK seeking limited leave to remain following marriage.

• Duration: up to 6 months (visitor route) or 30 months (if applying for leave to remain after marriage).

• Cannot work or switch to settlement directly from the visitor route.

• Home Office Fee: £115 (Marriage Visitor), £1,048 (Marriage with Limited Leave to Remain).
  

4. Children’s Visa

Purpose: For dependent children of British citizens or settled parents to join or remain with them in the UK.

• Child must be under 18 and not living an independent life.

• Parent must have sole or shared responsibility and meet the financial requirement.

• Duration: aligns with parent’s visa; eligible for ILR after 5 years.

• Home Office Fee: £1,846 (outside UK).
  

5. Adult Dependent Relative Visa

Purpose: For parents, grandparents, siblings, or adult children requiring long-term personal care that can only be provided by their UK sponsor.

• Must prove medical dependency and lack of adequate care in home country.

• This visa grants indefinite leave to enter (if approved).

• High threshold of proof; refusals are common.

• Home Office Fee: £3,250.