Introduction

The UK Government offers various types of visa for individuals seeking to visit the country for different purposes including work, studies, business, and family. The family visa is one of such visa categories which allows a non-EEA national to enter the UK to join their family members who are already settled in the country. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the family visa application process and its requirements.

Types of Family Visa

The UK Government offers two types of family visas; Spouse Visa and Dependent Visa. A spouse visa is issued to individuals who wish to join their UK based spouse, while a dependent visa is issued to join any family member who is over 18 years and has legally lived in the UK for over 5 years.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the family visa, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. A family member living in the UK must be a British Citizen, settled in the UK or in the UK with refugee/humanitarian protection status

2. An applicant must prove their relationship with the person residing in the UK

3. An applicant must demonstrate that they can financially support themselves while living in the UK

4. An applicant must meet the English language proficiency requirement

Application Process

The application process for a family visa starts with filling the online application form, followed by scheduling an appointment at the visa application center to provide biometric information and documents. The applicant must provide evidence of their relationship with the family member residing in the UK, proof of adequate funds to support themselves, and meet the English language requirement. The UK Government charges a fee of ￡1,523 for a spouse visa, while a dependent visa application attracts a fee of ￡1,033.

Additional Requirements

An applicant may be required to submit additional documents depending on their circumstances such as a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, proof that the applicant can legally live in the country where they are applying, and a criminal record certificate.

Processing Time

The processing time for a family visa application varies depending on individual circumstances and workload at the visa application centre. However, the UK Government aims to process 90% of the applications within three weeks from the application date.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the family visa is a critical category of visa for individuals seeking to join their family members who are settled in the UK. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements such as proving their relationship with the person residing in the UK, financial capability, and meeting the English language proficiency requirement. The application process involves filling the online application form, providing biometric information and documents, and paying the application fee. Applicants must be aware of any additional requirements that may apply. The processing time varies depending on individual circumstances but usually takes three weeks.