Introduction

The United Kingdom offers two types of visas for those looking to bring their relatives to the UK – the family visit visa, also known as the standard visitor visa, and the family reunion visa. Both visas serve different purposes and have their own requirements and restrictions. This article will compare and contrast the two types of visas to help you decide which one is best for your situation.

Family Visit Visa

A family visit visa, also known as a standard visitor visa, is for those who want to visit their family in the UK for a short period of time. The visa allows the holder to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, with the option to extend for a longer period of time if needed. The visa holder must show that they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK and that they have a place to stay.

This type of visa is suitable for those who want to visit their family for a holiday, attend a family event, or spend time with their loved ones. However, the visa holder is not allowed to work in the UK or receive any public funds.

Family Reunion Visa

A family reunion visa is for those who want to join their relatives in the UK and settle permanently. The visa is suitable for those who are either a spouse or partner, a parent, a child, or a dependent relative of a British citizen or someone who is settled in the UK.

To be eligible for the visa, the applicant must prove that they are related to a person who is settled in the UK and that they are financially dependent on them. The visa holder is allowed to work in the UK and can apply for indefinite leave to remain after a certain period of time.

However, the family reunion visa is not easy to obtain. The applicant must provide evidence that their relationship is genuine and subsisting, that they have met the financial requirements, and that they meet the English language proficiency requirements.

Comparison

The family visit visa and the family reunion visa have different requirements and serve different purposes. The family visit visa is suitable for those who want to visit their family for a short period of time, while the family reunion visa is suitable for those who want to join their family in the UK and settle permanently.

The family visit visa is easier to obtain compared to the family reunion visa since it only requires proof of enough funds to support oneself and a place to stay during the visit. The family reunion visa, on the other hand, requires a more extensive application process, proof of relationship and financial dependence, and English language proficiency.

While the family visit visa only allows the holder to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, with the option to extend, the family reunion visa allows the holder to settle permanently in the UK and work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deciding which visa to apply for depends on your purpose and situation. If you want to visit your family in the UK for a short period of time, the family visit visa is suitable for you. However, if you want to join your family in the UK and settle permanently, the family reunion visa is the way to go. Ensure that you meet all the requirements and provide all the necessary documentation to increase your chances of a successful application.