Types of Family Visa UK
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Family Visa for Partner or Spouse
This visa allows you to join your spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner in the UK if they are a British citizen, have indefinite leave to remain, or are on a relevant visa. You must prove your relationship is genuine, and you’ll need to meet financial requirements. Any documents in a foreign language, like a marriage certificate, must have a certified translation. Learn more here. -
Family Visitor Visa UK
If you want to visit family in the UK for a short stay (up to 6 months), you can apply for a Family Visitor Visa UK. Supporting documents may include an invitation letter for UK visa for family visits, which must detail your relationship and travel plans. Certified translations are necessary if the letter or any other supporting documents are not in English or Welsh. You can find more about this visa here. -
Family Reunion Visa UK
This visa is for refugees or people under humanitarian protection in the UK to bring their family members to join them. Spouses, partners, and children under 18 can apply. Documents proving your relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, will require certified translations if they are in a foreign language. More details are available here.
Family Visitor Visa UK Requirements
To apply for a Family Visitor Visa UK, you’ll need to meet several requirements:
- Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page.
- Invitation Letter: Your family member in the UK must provide an invitation letter, which outlines their relationship with you and the purpose of your visit. If this letter is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Proof of Financial Means: You must show that you can support yourself during your stay, either through personal finances or sponsorship from your family member. Financial documents may need certified translations if they are in another language.
- Proof of Accommodation: Details about where you will stay during your visit, such as a hotel booking or an invitation from your family member, are necessary.
Extending Your Family Visa
You can apply to extend your stay with your family member if you’re already in the UK on a family visa. You can extend your visa at any time before your current permission to stay expires. However, keep in mind that if you're extending your stay with the same family member, only up to 28 days of your current permission will be added to your new visa.
To settle in the UK with indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need to live in the UK for a certain amount of time, depending on your visa type. If you’ve lived in the UK for many years, you might also be able to apply to stay on the basis of your private life.
Switching to a Family Visa
If you’re already in the UK on a different visa, you might be eligible to switch to a family visa to stay with your spouse, child, or parent. Switching is possible before your current visa expires, and it allows you to remain in the UK with your family member.
Certified Translations for UK Family Visa Applications
For any documents not in English or Welsh—such as marriage or birth certificates, financial documents, or invitation letters—a certified translation must be provided. At Certling, we offer fast and reliable certified translation services that comply with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) standards, helping you ensure your application is complete and accurate.
By understanding the different family visa types and gathering the required supporting documents, including certified translations, you can ensure a smooth application process. For more details and official guidelines, visit the UK government’s Family Visa page.