UK Partner and Family Visa
The long-term family route for joining a partner or close relative who already lives in the UK.
Key facts
Last checked: 6 November 2026- Official route
- Family visa (partner, child, close relative)
- Different from a visit
- This is a settlement route, not a visitor visa
- Coming to marry
- A Marriage Visitor visa is a separate application
- Assessed on
- Genuineness of the relationship, income and accommodation
A family application is a different category from a visitor visa: the purpose is settlement, not a temporary visit, so the assessment goes deeper.
Three axes
First, the genuineness of the relationship. Second, the sponsor's income. Third, suitable accommodation for the size of the family.
The most common mistake
Applying on the family route in order to get married in the UK. If the wedding will take place in the UK you need a Marriage Visitor visa; an application in the wrong category is refused on procedure.
Frequently asked questions
No. If the wedding takes place in the UK you need a Marriage Visitor visa; the family route is for settlement and an application in the wrong category is refused.
Through a chronological file of correspondence, photographs, shared address and joint financial records. No single document is enough; continuity is what counts.
Official sources
Fees and rules can be changed by the Home Office at any time. We confirm the current figures from these pages before every application.
Visa decisions rest entirely with the consulate; no consultancy can guarantee an outcome.