UK Family Visa Requirements & eligibility: Everything You Need to Know
A UK Family Visa allows you to live with a family member in the UK for more than six months. This visa is applicable to those joining the following relatives:
- Spouse or partner
- Fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner
- Child
- Parent
- Relative providing long-term care
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the UK Family Visa, both you and your partner must meet the following conditions:
- Age Requirement: Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- Partner’s Status: Your partner must either be a British/Irish citizen or settled in the UK.
- Intent to Live Together: You must demonstrate an intention to live together permanently in the UK.
Visa Requirements:
1. Tuberculosis (TB) Test:
As part of the application process, you must undergo a TB test from an approved clinic.
- Approved Clinic in Kenya:
IOM Kenya
78 UN Crescent, Gigiri, Nairobi
Phone: +254 709 890 000
Email: iomnbomhac@iom.int
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed on national holidays.
Test Fees:
- 11 years and above: 107 USD
- Below 11 years: 62 USD
2. Financial Requirements:
To meet the financial requirement, you need to prove that you can support yourself and your dependents. The key criteria include:
- Income: A combined income of at least £29,000 per year.
- Savings: Savings can be used to meet the financial requirement.
3. English Language Requirement:
You need to demonstrate your knowledge of the English language (minimum A1 level on the CEFR scale). The IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 test is commonly used to meet this requirement.
- Test Centres in Kenya: Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Nyeri
- Test Fee: KES 30,000 (only in Nairobi, not available in Mombasa).
Exemptions:
- If you have a degree or higher qualification taught in English, you may be exempt from taking the test.
- Children under 18 and individuals aged 65 or older are exempt from the English language requirement.
4. Proof of Relationship:
You will need to provide documents that prove your relationship with the family member you are joining. This includes:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates.
- Joint bank accounts or utility bills.
- Communication records (such as chats, call logs, photos together).
- Other documents confirming the relationship.
5. Personal Covering Letter:
You will also need to draft a personal covering letter explaining your situation, highlighting all submitted documents, and justifying why you qualify for the visa.
Visa Costs
The UK Family Visa application involves the following costs:
- Application Fee: £1,846
- Healthcare Surcharge:
- Adults: £2,587.50 for 2.5 years
- Children: £1,940 for 2.5 years
When You Cannot Apply
You are not eligible to apply for a UK Family Visa if:
- Your family member is on a work or student visa (in which case you should apply as a dependent).
- You are currently on a visitor visa (you’ll typically need to leave the UK to apply).
Processing Times
- Standard Processing Time: 90 days
- Priority Processing Time: 30 days (for an additional £1,000 fee)
Visa Centre Locations in Kenya
You can submit your UK Family Visa application at the following locations in Kenya:
- Nairobi: 1st Floor, Principle Place, Westlands (Open Monday to Friday)
- Mombasa: 8th Floor, Imaara, Dedan Kimathi Avenue (Open on Tuesdays only)
If you’re ready to start your journey to join your loved ones in the UK, reach out to us today. Whether you opt for our Standard or Premium Package, we will be with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and successful application process.