Many OFWs that work in the UK dream of reuniting with their families. The good news is that the UK provides pathways for family members to join OFWs on a long-term basis. This way, families can finally live together abroad.
The visa process, however, can be quite complicated. There are certain rules that need to be followed regarding eligibility, fees, and documentation, among others. The details will be described here.
All about the UK family visa
A UK family visa allows your spouse, partner, children, or other eligible family members to live with you in the UK for more than six months. If you hold a qualifying work visa or permanent residency, your relatives can join you under specific conditions.
On the other hand, if family members just want to stay for 6 months or less, then they must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Another type of visa with the same shorter stay is to have a Marriage Visitor Visa if your family is coming for a wedding or a civil partnership.
Who you can bring to the UK
As an OFW, your family members may apply for a family visa if they belong to one of the following categories:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Fiancé/fiancée or proposed civil partner (if you plan to get married within 6 months)
- Child under 18 years old
- Parent (if you need to care for them)
- Relative who will provide long-term care if you have a medical condition
However, you cannot bring family members on a family visa if:
- You are in the UK temporarily on a student visa or a short-term work visa.
- Your family member is already in the UK on a visitor visa or other visa valid for less than 6 months (they will need to leave the UK to apply for a family visa).
Eligibility Requirements for the OFW Sponsor
Before bringing your family to the UK, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Visa Status: You must hold a permanent residency, skilled worker visa, or long-term work permit.
- Income Requirements: You must show that you earn enough to support your family without relying on public funds.
- Minimum income requirement: £18,600 per year (for a spouse or partner).
- Additional income: £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
- Accommodation: You need to provide proof that you have suitable housing for your family.
- Relationship Proof: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other official documents will be required to prove your relationship.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UK Family Visa
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready for each family member applying for a visa:
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate (for spouse applications)
- Birth certificates (for children)
- Proof of income (e.g., payslips, employment letter)
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., lease agreement or housing certificate)
- Bank statements showing you can support your dependants financially
- TB test results (if applicable, based on the country of origin)
Step 2: Submit the Online Application
Your family members will need to apply online via the UK government visa application portal. They can apply for their visas from outside the UK, and you can assist them by providing supporting documents from your end.
Step 3: Pay Visa Fees and Healthcare Surcharge
Visa fees vary depending on the type of application and the relationship with the OFW:
- Partner, child, or parent visa (outside the UK): £1,846 per person
- Partner, child, or parent visa (within the UK): £1,258 per person
- Relative providing long-term care: £3,250 from outside the UK, £1,258 if applying within the UK
In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to give your family access to healthcare services while in the UK:
- Adult (18 years or older): £2,587.50 for 2.5 years, £5,175 for 5 years
- Child (under 18 years): £1,940 for 2.5 years, £3,880 for 5 years
Make sure to inform your bank ahead of time, as these large payments may trigger alerts.
Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
Each family member must visit a visa application center in their country to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos). Once this step is completed, they will receive a decision letter and their biometric residence permit (BRP) within 10 working days.
Extending or Switching Visas While in the UK
If your family is already in the UK on a family visa, they can apply to extend their stay before the visa expires. This extension will allow them to remain with you longer, with only 28 days of the original visa period added to the new visa.
If your family members entered the UK on a different visa (such as a student or work visa), they may be able to switch to a family visa. However, this must be done before their current visa expires.
What Happens After Approval?
Once the family visa is approved:
- Family members will receive their decision letter and biometric residence permit (BRP) within 10 working days.
- They can live, work, and study in the UK.
- After a certain period (usually 5 years), they may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), granting them permanent residency.
When Family Visas Are Not Allowed
You cannot apply for a family visa if:
- Your family member is in the UK temporarily on a work visa or student visa. In this case, your relatives must apply as dependents under your visa type.
- Your family member holds a visitor visa or a visa for 6 months or less. They must leave the UK to apply for a family visa from their home country.
You have to stay up to date regarding immigration rules and requirements as policies may change. If you follow these requirements to the tee, then your family will be with you in the UK in no time. Your dream of being together abroad can become a reality.