Understanding the UK family visa: Who can apply, extend, or switch

A UK family visa allows individuals to live with their family member in the country for more than six months. It covers a range of relationships and situations and includes both new applications and extensions. The UK Home Office has detailed guidelines on who can apply, how much it costs, and what the conditions are. Here's a clear breakdown of what this visa route involves.

Who can apply for a UK family visa
You can apply for a family visa from outside the UK if you intend to live with:

• Your spouse or civil partner
• Your fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner
• Your child
• Your parent
• A relative who will provide long-term care for you

This visa is different from short-term entry options. If you're visiting the UK for six months or less, you will need to apply under a Standard Visitor visa or a Marriage Visitor visa, depending on the nature of your visit.

Extending a family visa from inside the UK
If you're already in the UK on a family visa, you may apply to extend your stay. You can do this at any time before your current permission expires. If you are continuing to stay with the same family member, your new visa will only add up to 28 days to the end of your current visa period.

It is important to check the rules around settlement (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain). You will need to live in the UK for a certain number of years before becoming eligible. If you’ve already lived in the UK for many years and are not eligible for a family visa, you might qualify to stay under the ‘private life’ route.

Switching to a family visa
You may switch to a family visa from another visa category, as long as you apply before your current visa expires. This applies if you want to stay in the UK with your:

• Spouse or partner
• Child
• Parent

However, there are exceptions. If you entered the UK on a visitor visa or any visa valid for six months or less, you usually need to leave the UK and apply for a family visa from your home country. The only exceptions are if you are:

• In the UK on a six-month family visa as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
• Waiting for a family court decision or outcome of a divorce

Visa fees and additional charges
The visa application fee depends on where you’re applying from and who you’re joining. According to UK Home Office , the visa fee for most applicants:

• From outside the UK: £1,938
• From inside the UK: £1,321

There are separate fees if you’re applying to be cared for by a relative, and the cost varies depending on their immigration status.

In addition to the application fee, applicants are also required to pay a healthcare surcharge. This fee gives access to the National Health Service (NHS) and is charged based on the duration of your visa.

• Adults (18 or older): from £2,587.50 to £5,175 depending on the length of stay
• Children (under 18): from £1,940 to £3,880

Some applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver if they cannot afford basic living costs.

Applicants within the UK may also use the optional super priority service for an additional £1,000 to receive a faster decision. However, this service is not available for those applying to be cared for by a relative.

Special circumstances
There are specific provisions for those who had a family visa and experienced difficult situations. You may apply to settle in the UK if:

• You were a partner and have been the victim of domestic abuse
• Your partner has died

In both cases, you must have had permission to stay in the UK as a partner when the incident occurred.

When can you not apply for a family visa
Not everyone is eligible for a family visa. You cannot apply under this category if:

• Your family member is in the UK on a temporary work or student visa-in such cases, apply as a dependant
• You are in the UK on a visitor visa or another short-term visa-unless you meet the exceptions noted above