Family & Personal Immigration
For many people, moving to or remaining in the UK is about being with the people who matter most. Family immigration can allow eligible partners, children and dependent relatives to join or remain with their family members in the UK. However, each immigration route has its own requirements, and the correct application will depend on your relationship, circumstances and immigration status.
At SWM Solicitors, we provide family immigration advice to individuals and families navigating the UK immigration system. We understand that family visa applications can be highly personal, particularly where families are living in different countries or where an application has important consequences for family life.
Our immigration solicitors can help you understand the route that may apply to your circumstances, prepare the necessary documentation and approach your application with greater confidence.
Joining Your Spouse or Partner in the UK
For couples who want to live together in the UK, choosing the appropriate family visa route is an important first step. The immigration requirements can depend on whether you are married, engaged or in a long-term relationship.
Spouse Visa
A Spouse Visa may provide a route for a married person to join or remain with their spouse in the UK, where the relevant immigration requirements are met.
Partner Visa
A Partner Visa may apply to individuals in a qualifying relationship with a person in the UK who are not necessarily married..
Fiancé(e) Visa
The Fiancé(e) Visa may allow an eligible person who is engaged to a UK-based partner to come to the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership.
Bringing Children to the UK
Family immigration is not limited to partners. Parents may also need advice when they want their children to join them in the UK or when a child requires immigration permission based on their family circumstances.
Child Visa
A Child Visa may allow an eligible child to join or remain with a parent in the UK, where the relevant immigration requirements are met.
Parent Visa
A Parent Visa can provide a route for certain parents who wish to live in the UK with their child, subject to the requirements of the relevant immigration route.
Supporting Dependent Family Members
Some families may need to consider immigration routes for relatives who are dependent on a family member in the UK. These applications can involve more complex requirements and often require detailed evidence of the applicant’s circumstances.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
The Adult Dependent Relative Visa is a route for certain adult relatives who require long-term personal care due to age, illness or disability and wish to join an eligible family member in the UK.
Dependant Visa Applications
In certain circumstances, family members may be able to join a person who is already living or working in the UK as their dependent.
Reuniting with Family in the UK
For families separated by immigration restrictions, certain routes may allow eligible family members to join relatives in the UK. The appropriate route will depend on the family relationship, immigration status and individual circumstances.
Family Reunion
Family Reunion routes may provide options for eligible individuals to join qualifying family members in the UK, depending on their circumstances and the relevant immigration route.
Extending Your Family Visa
Family visa holders may need to extend their permission to remain in the UK when their current visa is approaching expiry. The requirements and application process can vary depending on the existing visa route and the applicant’s circumstances.
Family Visa Extensions & Applications
Family Visa Extensions & Applications can cover advice and assistance with extending or making further applications under relevant family immigration routes.
When Family Circumstances Are Complex
Family immigration applications do not always fit neatly into one category. Relationships, children, previous marriages, financial circumstances and immigration history can all affect the appropriate route.
For example, an application may involve a spouse and children, a dependant relative or a relationship where the couple are not married. In more complicated circumstances, choosing the correct route and presenting the evidence clearly can be particularly important.
Our family immigration solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances before advising you on the available options. We can identify the relevant requirements and explain what you may need to demonstrate as part of your application.
Evidence and Supporting Documents
Family visa applications often require evidence to establish both the applicant’s circumstances and the relationship between family members. The type of evidence required will depend on the particular immigration route.
Depending on the application, this may involve documents relating to:
- Identity and immigration status
- Marriage or civil partnership
- The relationship between partners
- Children and family relationships
- Financial circumstances
- Accommodation
- Dependency and care needs
- Previous immigration history
We can advise you on the documentation relevant to your particular application.
Family Immigration Advice You Can Rely On
Immigration applications involving family members can carry significant personal consequences. A refusal may result in further expense, delay or continued separation from those closest to you.
Obtaining legal advice before submitting an application can help you understand the requirements and identify potential issues at an early stage.
At SWM Solicitors, our immigration solicitors provide clear and practical advice to families dealing with UK immigration matters. We consider your individual circumstances and help you understand the most appropriate way forward.