Sponsoring family members to come to the UK

The UK immigration system bases your ability to bring family members to the UK on your own immigration status. Find out who you can sponsor, the requirements you must meet, and how to navigate the application process successfully.

Sponsorship rights by immigration status

• Citizen - as a British citizen, you have the broadest sponsorship rights under UK immigration law. You can sponsor your spouse or partner, whether you're married, in a civil partnership, or have lived together for at least two years. You also have the right to sponsor children under 18, adult dependent relatives requiring long-term care (such as parents, grandparents, or siblings), and the parent of your British child. These applications require meeting the minimum income threshold, which increases in stages throughout 2024: starting at £29,200 in March, rising to £34,500 in Spring, and reaching £38,700 in early 2025. You must also provide suitable accommodation and ensure adult applicants meet English language requirements.

• Settled persons with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - equivalent sponsorship rights to British citizens. This means you can sponsor the same range of family members under identical requirements, including meeting income thresholds and providing appropriate accommodation.

• Skilled Worker visa holders - face more restricted options. While you can bring your spouse or partner and children under 18, you cannot sponsor other relatives. You'll need to demonstrate that your combined income meets the threshold and maintain specific funds: £285 for a partner, £315 for your first child, and £200 for each additional child. Your family's permission remains valid only while you maintain your own visa status.

• Student visas - sponsorship rights vary by study level. Postgraduate students on courses lasting nine months or longer can sponsor their spouse or partner and children under 18, though they must show higher maintenance funds than work route applicants. Undergraduate students generally cannot sponsor dependents unless they hold a government scholarship or meet exceptional circumstances criteria.

Family visa route

The family visa route serves as the primary path for relatives of British citizens and settled persons. This route begins with a 2.5-year visa, which can be extended for another 2.5 years before leading to settlement after 5 years of continuous residence. The application process requires comprehensive documentation proving your relationship, financial stability, and accommodation arrangements. there are 3 main categories :-

• Spouse and partner applications - you must demonstrate a genuine and continuing relationship. Married couples need their marriage certificate, while unmarried partners must prove they've lived together for at least two years through joint bills, bank statements, and tenancy agreements. The financial requirement can be met through various sources including employment, self-employment, savings, pension income, or a combination of these. You'll need detailed evidence covering at least six months for employment income or a full tax year for self-employment.

• Children under 18 - require consent from both parents unless you have sole responsibility. You'll need the child's birth or adoption certificate, proof they aren't living an independent life, and evidence of adequate maintenance funds. Their permission typically aligns with their parents' visa duration, and they can settle when their parents do, provided they apply before turning 18.

• Adult dependent relative visa - has the most stringent requirements. Applicants must prove they need long-term personal care unavailable in their home country due to illness, disability, or age. This route offers direct settlement without a provisional period, but applications must be made from outside the UK. Success requires extensive medical evidence, proof that local care options are inadequate or unaffordable, and demonstration that the UK sponsor can provide both care and financial support.

Application process and timeline

Starting an application requires careful preparation. First, assess your eligibility and gather required documents, which typically takes 2-3 months. Documents must be originals or properly certified copies, with professional translations for any non-English paperwork. Financial evidence needs particular attention - gather six months of payslips, bank statements, and employment contracts.

The online application process begins with creating an account on the UK government website. Complete all forms accurately, upload required documents, and pay the fees. Current costs include the visa fee (£1,846 per person), Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year), and optional priority services (£500-£800 extra). After submitting, you'll schedule a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Standard processing times range from 12-24 weeks, though priority services can reduce this to 5 working days or less. During this period, maintain your qualifying circumstances and avoid unnecessary travel. Once approved, you'll receive a Biometric Residence Permit containing your UK immigration permission.

Maintaining status and planning ahead

After arrival, family members must meet specific conditions to maintain their status. These include living together with their sponsor, reporting significant changes in circumstances, and not breaching any visa conditions. Keep detailed records of absences from the UK, as excessive time away can affect future settlement applications.

Settlement becomes available after 5 years of continuous residence. Requirements include passing the Life in the UK test, meeting a higher English language standard (B1 level), and maintaining the relationship that formed the basis of the original application. Financial requirements continue throughout the route, so plan for the increased thresholds announced for 2024-25.

The path to settlement requires careful documentation of your UK residence. Keep records of accommodation, employment, tax payments, and any absences. You cannot spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period within your 5-year qualifying period. After settlement, family members can consider applying for British citizenship, usually after holding ILR for 12 months.