The UK Family visa route allows British citizens, those with settled status, and certain other visa holders to bring close family members to live with them in the UK. This includes dependent children under 18, parents, grandparents, and adult dependent relatives who require long-term personal care. Family reunion is a protected human right under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and UK immigration rules reflect this through various family visa categories.
Family visas are subject to financial requirements, similar to Spouse visas, but with additional amounts for each dependent. Children do not need to meet English language requirements, but adult dependent relatives face strict tests proving they require care that cannot be provided in their home country. IAUK Manchester specializes in all types of family reunion cases, from straightforward child applications to complex adult dependent relative cases requiring careful evidence preparation.
For children under 18 whose parent is settled in the UK or is applying for settlement at the same time. The child must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living an independent life.
Financial requirement: £29,000 base + £3,800 for first child + £2,400 for each additional child.
For parents and grandparents aged 18 or over who can prove they have no other close family in their home country and require long-term care from their UK-based child/grandchild.
Very strict evidential requirements including medical reports and care assessments.
For adult relatives who require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks due to age, illness, or disability, and cannot obtain that care in their home country.
Must prove care needs are long-term, the required level of care is not available in home country even with financial support, and there are no other family members able to provide care.
| Family Member | Additional Income Needed |
|---|---|
| Base requirement (sponsor) | £29,000 |
| First child | + £3,800 |
| Each additional child | + £2,400 |
| Adult dependent relative | + £3,800 |
Example: Bringing 2 children requires £29,000 + £3,800 + £2,400 = £35,200 annual income.
All family visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying. This gives them full access to NHS services during their stay.
This is a one-time upfront payment covering the full visa duration.
A Child visa is for dependent children under 18, while a Spouse visa is for partners. Child visas have lower financial requirements (additional £3,800 per child on top of the base requirement) and no English language requirement for the child.
Yes, under the Adult Dependent Relative visa route. Your parent must require long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability, and be unable to obtain that care in their home country even with your financial support.
You must meet the £29,000 base requirement plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child. Evidence includes payslips, bank statements, and employment letters covering 6 months.
Yes. Children must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (currently £1,035 per year) when applying for or extending their visa. This gives them full access to NHS services.
Yes, if the adoption is legally recognized in the UK and meets UK adoption standards. The child must have lived with you for at least 12 months before applying, and you must have sole parental responsibility.
Child and dependent relative visas are usually granted for the same duration as the main applicant’s visa (typically 2.5 years initially, extendable). They can apply for ILR after 5 years alongside the parent/sponsor.
