1. Spousal Visas (Partner Visas)

A spousal visa (also called a partner visa) is for a person married to or in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or settled person. To qualify, both the applicant and their partner must meet certain requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• Relationship: You must be married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or settled person (someone with indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status, or permanent residency).
• Financial Requirement: You and your sponsor (spouse/partner) must meet a minimum income threshold. As of now, the income requirement is £18,600 per year for a sponsor who is employed or self-employed. For each child added to the application, this threshold increases.
• English Language: The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the English language by passing an approved test or having an English degree.
• Accommodation: You need to show you have suitable accommodation in the UK.
• Genuine Relationship: The Home Office will want proof that the relationship is genuine, which could include shared financial commitments, joint property, photos, or communication history.

Application Process

1. Prepare the Documents: This includes passports, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, joint bank accounts, etc.), proof of financial stability, accommodation details, and language proficiency evidence.
2. Apply Online: Complete the application form online and pay the relevant fee.
3. Submit Biometrics: Attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
4. Wait for a Decision: Processing times can vary. The visa is typically granted for 2.5 years and can be extended, after which applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the criteria.

Costs

• Application fees for a spousal visa range from £1,523 to £1,623, depending on where the application is made.
• An additional healthcare surcharge of £1024 per year applies.

2. Dependent Permits

Dependent visas are for family members of individuals who are in the UK on a work, student, or other eligible visas. The most common types are for spouses, children, and sometimes parents.

Eligibility

• Spouse or Partner: Must meet the relationship and financial requirements similar to the spousal visa.
• Children: Applicants must be under 18 years old. The child must be financially dependent on the parent and living with them.
• Financial Requirement: The sponsor must show that they can financially support the dependents without relying on public funds.

Application Process

1. Eligibility Check: Ensure the primary visa holder is eligible to bring dependents.
2. Application: Dependent applications are submitted online and must include evidence of the relationship and financial requirements.
3. Biometrics: Biometrics will be required for each dependent.
4. Decision: The decision will depend on the sponsor’s visa type and the documents provided. Approved dependent permits are typically valid for the same duration as the primary visa holder.

3. Reuniting Families – Steps Involved

Reuniting families can be a lengthy and complex process, and it involves careful planning to ensure that each step is met according to UK immigration laws.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Check Visa Type: Determine the correct visa category for your family member (spouse, children, dependent, etc.).
2. Prepare Documents: Gather the required documents for each applicant (birth/marriage certificates, financial documents, proof of relationship, etc.).
3. Submit Application: Complete the application forms for all family members and submit them through the appropriate channels. This may include online applications and submitting documents to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI).
4. Biometrics Appointment: All applicants need to attend a biometrics appointment to have their fingerprints and photograph taken.
5. Wait for Approval: The Home Office will process the application and issue decisions based on the eligibility criteria.
6. Receive Visa: Once approved, the family members will receive a visa allowing them to join their sponsor in the UK.

Family Reunion for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

There are specific provisions for refugees or those granted asylum to reunite with their family members. They must have been granted refugee status, and their family members must apply through the family reunion route.

4. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After spending a certain period (usually 5 years on a spousal or partner visa), applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows them to stay in the UK permanently.

ILR Eligibility

• Time Requirement: Must have been living in the UK for at least 5 years on a spousal visa (or other family visas).
• Continuous Residence: You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK during any 12-month period.
• Good Character: You must not have any serious criminal convictions.

After obtaining ILR, applicants may then apply for British citizenship if they meet further residence requirements.

5. Costs

The cost of family reunification and visa applications varies depending on the visa type and number of family members involved:
• Visa Fees: These can range from £1,500 to £2,500 for each applicant.
• Healthcare Surcharge: An additional £1024 per year for each family member.