Family Visa Solicitor London

Reuniting with family members in the UK can be a complex and stressful process. Law and Justice Solicitors provide specialist advice and representation across all UK family visa routes. Our solicitors act for clients in London, Ilford, the West Midlands, and throughout the UK.

Family visa applications are assessed against strict requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. Meeting those requirements and presenting your evidence correctly is essential to the success of your application. We will guide you through every step of the process.

Types of Family Visas

Spouse and Civil Partner Visa

For those who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person in the UK. The application requires evidence of a genuine relationship, a minimum income of £29,000 per year (from April 2024), suitable accommodation, and an English language qualification.

Unmarried Partner Visa

For those in a genuine relationship resembling marriage who have been living together for at least two years. The same financial and accommodation requirements apply as for the spouse visa route.

Fiance Visa

For those intending to marry a British citizen or settled person in the UK. The fiance visa is granted for six months. You must marry within that period and then apply to extend your leave on the spouse visa route.

Parent Visa

For a parent of a British citizen child or a child settled in the UK, where the parent has sole responsibility for the child or there are serious or compelling reasons for them to be in the UK. This route has specific eligibility requirements.

Adult Dependent Relative Visa

For elderly or infirm relatives who require long-term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK. This is one of the most demanding routes to satisfy and applications require detailed medical evidence.

Dependent Child Visa

For children of those already in the UK with leave to remain or settlement, who wish to join or remain with their parent in the UK.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements differ across each family visa route. Common requirements across most routes include a genuine and subsisting relationship, adequate financial support, and appropriate accommodation. Specific routes carry additional requirements. Our solicitors will advise you on the requirements applicable to your situation before you apply.

Evidence Required

• •Identity documents, including passports, for all applicants and sponsors.
• •Evidence of the relationship, such as marriage certificates, photographs, and communication records.
• •Financial documents demonstrating the sponsor meets the income threshold.
• •Evidence of suitable accommodation in the UK.
• •English language evidence where required.
• •Additional medical or other evidence depending on the visa category.

Fees and Processing Times

Application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge payments vary depending on the visa category and whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. Processing times differ by route and location. Our solicitors will advise you on the current fees and expected timescales for your specific application.

Our Support

We will assess your eligibility, prepare your full application and evidence bundle, draft any supporting statements, and submit your application. If your application is refused, we can advise on your options including appeal, administrative review, or reapplication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What family visa types are available in the UK?

The main family visa routes are the spouse visa, civil partner visa, unmarried partner visa, fiance visa, parent visa, adult dependent relative visa, and dependent child visa. Each route has different eligibility requirements.

Can I switch from a visitor visa to a family visa?

In most circumstances you cannot switch from a visitor visa to a family visa from within the UK. You would normally need to return to your home country and apply for entry clearance from there. There are limited exceptions and we can advise on whether any apply in your situation.

Can my children come to the UK with me on a family visa?

Dependent children can apply at the same time as the main applicant under a family visa route, or they can apply separately to join you once you are settled in the UK. The requirements will depend on the children’s ages and circumstances.