Family visa routes
Understand the family relationship, status, finance and evidence questions before choosing a route.
Joining a British or settled partner raises a different route question from joining someone with temporary work or study permission. A relative offering a home or financial support does not, on its own, create a right to live in the UK.
Joining a British or settled partner is different from joining someone with temporary work or study permission. Children, parents and relatives needing care can raise further distinct questions. Family is the shared goal; the immigration routes are not all the same.
Each applicant has their own circumstances and costs. An initial family visa, a later extension and settlement are different milestones. Explore the family route guides to understand those stages before planning the application work.
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Related articles in their original publication context.
Family routes
A child-dependant application was unexpectedly refused despite extensive supporting evidence. The successful reapplication reinforced an important lesson: evidence about a child should not overlook the child’s own experience.
Published 2026-08-17
Family routes
New UK Immigration Rules clarify when a child may qualify for settlement where one parent is British or settled and the other has temporary permission.
Published 2026-07-22
Family routes
The UK spouse visa financial requirement has increased sharply since 2012. We examine why the rule exists, how it affects British families, and why many are calling for a review.
Published 2026-03-16
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