UK Immigration for Families
The team at Winckworth Sherwood has substantial experience assisting international families, handling all aspects of the UK immigration process for families wishing to move or remain in the UK. We appreciate that the process can be daunting with serious consequences if not followed properly. Our team can help you from the very beginning of your UK immigration journey, through to your British citizenship applications.
Who can we help?
We take pride in working with the diversity of different types of family. Whether you are looking to join your spouse in the UK, start a family via surrogacy or adoption or looking at the ways you can bring your vulnerable elderly parent to live with you, we are here to actively listen and guide you to ensuring your long-term goals are met and your family life is protected.
There are a number of different UK immigration categories depending on the nature of the relationship. We can assist with applications relating to:
- Partners – A route for fiancé(e)s, spouses, civil or unmarried partners of British citizens or persons settled in the UK to join them in the UK.
- Children – A category for an overseas national child to join or stay with their parent who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
- Overseas Parents – A category for an overseas parent to remain in the UK to live with or have access to their child who is British or settled in the UK.
- Adopted children – There are a number of different options for families with adopted children, depending on the arrangements, your family’s circumstances and long term residence goals.
- Elderly dependant parent or relatives – There is scope for aged and/or disabled dependant relatives who require long-term personal and medical care from their family member who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
Immigration requirements
Individuals looking to obtain permission under the Family Member rules are required to satisfy a number of eligibility criteria in order to be granted the correct immigration permission. The criteria to be satisfied includes requirements relating to:
- Relationship – The Home Office will expect to see sufficient evidence of the nature of your relationship with the British or settled person in the UK. Such documents can include birth or marriage certificates, evidence of cohabitation, medical letters and/or care arrangements
- Financial – Specific immigration categories may apply different financial thresholds to be met by an applicant. There could be a minimum income requirement through a range of means or the need to show the ability to maintain and accommodate yourself in the UK without accessing public funds.
- English language – Adult applicants may be required to be proficient in English language at a specific level set by the Home Office and evidenced in a prescribed way.
Submitting sufficient and credible evidence is key to securing positive outcomes under the Family Member immigration categories. We have had years of experience knowing how to help clients in a way that suits them – offering flexible levels of service without jeopardising the quality of advice we provide.
Important considerations
- Timing – Processing times can vary depending on your location, whether you choose to submit your application using Home Office priority services and the preparation of your application. Generally processing times for out of country applications can take up to 12 months using the standard service.
- Period of permission – Most applicants will be granted permission for up to 2.5 years and should be eligible to extend their permission.
- Work – All applicants may work and study in the UK.
- Settlement – Applicants with permission under this category are usually eligible for settlement after a 5 year period, subject to exceptions.
How we can help
We believe families should remain together. We will take the time to understand your family’s priorities and intentions for your life in the UK. This will enable us to provide clear and well-thought-out advice regarding the most suitable immigration option for you and how we can help you navigate an often complicated process. As we are experts in business and personal immigration, we will ensure that you are provided with the best choices to suit you and your family’s needs.
The team will provide a breakdown of the relevant UK visa application process as well as the key requirements, information and supporting evidence required for your applications. We are on hand to help obtain these documents and check that they should meet the scrutiny of the Home Office. Whilst your application is pending, we are well placed to liaise with the Home Office on your behalf.
Please contact Malini Skandachanmugarasan if you have any queries regarding the categories for family members. We are able to introduce you to colleagues who can provide high quality guidance in areas such as Private Client, Tax and Education in view of your family’s relocation to the UK.