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01 overview

Family Visit Visa

A family visit visa, also known as a standard visitor visa, allows you to visit your family in the UK for up to 6 months.

To apply, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide supporting documentation.

At Lawhive, our network of experienced immigration lawyers is on hand to help you through each step of the process, increasing your chances of success.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist immigration lawyer.

What is a family visit visa?

If you're visiting the UK to see family, there is no specific family visit visa.

Instead, you must apply for a standard visitor visa.

To do this, you must be able to prove:

  • You’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit;
  • You’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you);
  • You’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey);
  • You’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home.

Permitted activities include: 

  • Tourism;
  • Visiting family or friends;
  • Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity;
  • Passing through the UK to another country (‘in transit);
  • Certain business activities, for example, attending a meeting or interview
  • Certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’) as an expert in your profession, for example, to give lectures or perform;
  • Taking part in a school exchange programme;
  • Undertaking a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example, a dance course.

The visa typically allows for a stay of up to six months, but it does not permit the holder to work, study, live in the UK for long periods through frequent visits, marry, or access public funds during their visit.

How to apply for a family visit visa

To apply for a Family Visit Visa, you must complete an online application on the UK government website.

In this application, you will need to provide personal details, the purpose of your visit, and information about your family in the UK.

You must also submit supporting documents, including proof of your relationship with the family member, evidence of sufficient funds, and your travel plans. Additionally, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

Preparing a strong Family Visit Visa application

For a successful family visit visa application, you will need to provide:

  • A valid passport with at least one blank page;
  • The dates you’re planning to travel to the UK;
  • Proof of relationship to the UK sponsor, such as birth or marriage certificates;
  • Financial evidence showing sufficient funds for the trip, like bank statements or pay slips;
  • Accommodation details for where you will be staying in the UK;
  • Travel history for the past 10 years;
  • Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offences.

When you submit your application, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application centre which could be in another country, so allow good time to do this.

At this appointment, you will need to be able to prove your identity with your passport, or travel document, have your fingerprints and photograph taken (biometric information), and provide the documents discussed earlier. 

The centre might keep your passport and documents while they process your application, so plan for this to happen. You will then normally get a decision within 3 weeks. 

Remember, submitting an accurate and complete application is vital. Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to delays or refusals.

So, make sure all sections of the application are filled out correctly and all required documents are included. Plus, certified translations should be provided for any documents not in English or Welsh.

Family Visit Visa refusals and appeals

Visa refusals often happen because of insufficient evidence of financial stability, unclear travel intentions, or lack of proof of genuine relationship ties. Incomplete or inaccurate applications and failure to demonstrate strong ties to the home country can also lead to rejections.

If your application is refused, you will get a letter or email telling you why it was refused, and your passport will be sent back to you. In the letter, it will explain whether you have the right to:

  • Administrative review
  • Immigration decision appeal 

If you can appeal, you have 28 days to do so after getting your decision. If you apply after the deadline, you will need to say why, and a tribunal will decide if they can still hear your appeal. 

You should review the refusal notice before applying and gather as many additional supporting documents to address the highlighted issues.

You should clarify any financial capabilities, strengthen relationship evidence, and provide detailed plans showing your intent to return home.

You will have to use the online service to do this, as well as ask for a hearing and get the decision on your appeal. 

You can apply for post, fax, or email by using either a form IAFT-5, an IAFT-6, or an IAFT-7. 

Here at Lawhive, our network of immigration solicitors offers expert assistance in challenging visa refusals.

Our team will help review the refusal reasons, gather additional evidence, and prepare strong appeal cases.

We represent clients in appeal proceedings, ensuring professional support and higher chances of success.

Contact us to find out more.

What documents do I need to submit with my family visit visa application?

For a family visit visa application, you will need documents including a valid passport, proof of relationship, financial statements, and accommodation details.

Can I extend my stay in the UK on a family visit visa?

You can't extend your stay in the UK on a family visit visa. It is strictly for short-term visits, allowing you to stay up to 6 months.

If you want to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different type of visa that accommodates extended stays.

Can I include my family members in my family visit visa application?

You can't include family members in your family visit visa application. Each family member who wishes to visit the UK must submit a separate application and meet the individual requirements for a standard visitor visa.

Can I work or study in the UK on a family visit visa?

You can't work or study in the UK on a family visit visa. This visa is solely for visiting family members and does not permit any form of employment or formal education.

If you wish to work or study in the UK, you must apply for an appropriate visa that allows these activities.

How much does it cost to apply for a family visit visa?

The cost to apply for a Family Visit Visa to the UK is £100.

This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application, and does not include solicitor's fees if you need support with your application.

Can I visit other countries in the Schengen Area with a UK family visit visa?

No, you can't visit other countries in the Schengen Area with a UK Family Visit Visa. This visa only allows you to enter and stay in the UK. If you wish to travel to Schengen Area countries, you will need to apply for a separate Schengen Visa.

Can I visit the UK multiple times on a family visit visa?

A UK family visit visa does not allow multiple entries. It is a single-entry visa, meaning you can enter the UK once and stay for up to 6 months.

If you leave the UK during your visit, you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.

Can I travel to other countries while my family visit visa application is being processed?

You can travel to other countries while your family visit visa is being processed.

However, you must make sure you are available to attend any required biometric appointments and provide any additional information requested by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) during the processing period.

What should I expect during the family visit visa application process?

During the Family Visit Visa application process, you will need to complete an online application form, pay the application fee, and book an appointment at a visa application center for biometric data collection (fingerprints and a photograph).

You must also submit supporting documents, such as proof of relationship with the family member you are visiting, financial evidence, and travel details.

Once submitted, your application will be processed, and you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information if requested by UK Visas and Immigration.

What should I do if I have urgent travel plans and need a family visit visa quickly?

If you have urgent plans and need a family visit visa quickly, you can apply for the Priority Visa service for faster processing.

This service aims to process your visa within 5 working days. You can book the Priority Visa service when you complete your application.

How can a solicitor help with a family visit visa application?

An immigration solicitor can provide you with clear advice on what you need for your family visit visa, helping you understand all the requirements and gather everything you need.

It can be confusing, but a solicitor who is well-versed in visitor visa applications can make it much easier to understand and work through. 

They will, of course, help you to fill out the application forms correctly, reducing the chance of mistakes and delays, and if there are any complications, legal experts offer solutions and help you address them effectively.

If your visa is refused, solicitors can represent you in appeals, which helps to strengthen your case and improve your chances of success.

Choosing legal help, like Lawhive, makes the visa application process easier and more manageable, ensuring you have the best support every step of the way.

How can Lawhive help?

With Lawhive, you will receive comprehensive support for your family visit visa application, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.

We offer a free initial case evaluation to understand your needs. Our expert Legal Assessment Specialists will assess your situation and provide a quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.

Your assigned lawyer will then support you in understanding the eligibility requirements and support you with the application process itself.

If your application faces challenges or is refused, we offer representation in appeal proceedings.

Contact us to arrange your free consultation today.

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