Partner
Partner / Spouse Visa
For the spouse, civil or long-term partner of a British citizen or settled person, under Appendix FM.
Read the guide →Family Visas
UK family visas under Appendix FM
Bring your partner, spouse, fiancé(e) or children to live with you in the UK. We advise on every family route under Appendix FM, from the financial requirement to relationship evidence, with fixed and transparent fees.
Not sure which family framework applies? The Visa Route Finder can help identify whether family-route, dependant or other family-related guidance may need review — a guide only, with no eligibility decision.
Choose a route
In brief
- The family routes let you bring a partner, spouse, fiancé(e) or child to live with you in the UK, under Appendix FM.
- Different family members and circumstances have different requirements — you pick the right guide.
- Common themes across the routes: the relationship, financial requirement, accommodation and suitability.
- This hub helps you find the right family route — it does not decide eligibility.
Family visa routes
Select the route that matches your relationship and circumstances to read detailed guidance.
Partner routes
Partner
Unmarried Partner Visa
For unmarried partners in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
Read the guide →Partner
Fiancé(e) Visa
Six months to enter the UK to marry, then switch into the partner route from inside the UK.
Read the guide →Partner
Civil Partner Visa
For the registered civil partner of a British citizen or settled person — the same requirements as a spouse.
Covered in the Partner guide →Partner
Proposed Civil Partner Visa
To enter the UK to register a civil partnership, then switch into the partner route.
Covered in the Fiancé guide →Partner
Spouse Visa Extension (FLR(M))
Extending partner permission at the 2.5-year point on the five-year route to settlement.
Read the guide →Partner
Partner Settlement (ILR)
Indefinite leave to remain for partners — the 5-year (Appendix FM) and 10-year (Settlement Family Life) routes.
Read the guide →Partner
Bereaved Partner Settlement
Indefinite leave to remain under Appendix Bereaved Partner after the death of a British or settled partner.
Read the guide →Partner
Domestic Abuse Settlement
Indefinite leave to remain under Appendix VDA where a relationship has permanently broken down because of domestic abuse.
Read the guide →Partner
MVDAC (Domestic Abuse Concession)
The temporary 3-month concession giving certain migrant victims of domestic abuse independent status and access to public funds.
Read the guide →
Partner & family
Reuniting families in the UK
Appendix FM advice, UK-wide
Based in
Liverpool, UK
Advising clients across the UK & internationally
Parents & children
Parent & child
Parent Visa
For a parent of a child living in the UK where the parent does not qualify as a partner.
Speak to an adviser →Parent & child
Child Visa
For a dependent child joining or accompanying a parent with permission under Appendix FM.
Read the guide →Parent & child
Child Joining a Settled Parent
For a child applying to join a parent who is settled in, or a British citizen in, the UK.
Read the guide →Parents & children
Children joining family
Appendix FM & Children routes
Other family & human-rights routes
Other family
Adult Dependent Relative
For an adult relative who needs long-term personal care that can only be provided in the UK.
Read the guide →Other family
Family Reunion
The current position for partners and children of a refugee or person with protection status — including the Appendix FRP suspension.
Read the guide →Human rights
Article 8 Family Life
How family life under Article 8 fits Appendix FM, exceptional circumstances and children's best interests.
Read the guide →Family life
Article 8 & exceptional cases
Regulated IAA Level 1 advice
Looking for the requirements rather than a route? See the financial requirement, relationship evidence and accommodation guides.
About the Appendix FM family routes
Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules sets out how partners, parents and children of British citizens and settled persons can come to, or stay in, the UK on the basis of family life. Most applicants apply as a partner — a spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e) or unmarried partner — while separate provisions cover parents of children in the UK and dependent children joining a parent.
Family applications share several common threads: proving a genuine and subsisting relationship, meeting a financial requirement, showing you have adequate accommodation, and (for partners) following a five-year route to settlement. The evidence expected is detailed and the rules are unforgiving of gaps, so preparing a well-documented application from the outset makes a real difference.
If you are not sure which route applies, or whether you meet the financial requirement, an IAA-regulated adviser can review your circumstances and set out your options clearly before you apply.
Our fees
Fixed fees. Figures are "From" because your exact fee depends on your circumstances — confirmed in writing before we start. These are our professional fees only; Home Office fees and any Immigration Health Surcharge are separate.
Partner / Spouse VisaFrom £1,250
Fiancé VisaFrom £1,250
Unmarried Partner VisaFrom £1,250
Further Leave to Remain (FLR)From £1,250
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — AdultFrom £1,750
Disclaimer. The information on this page provides general information about UK immigration law and does not constitute legal advice on any individual immigration application. Immigration requirements depend on your individual circumstances and may change. You should seek professional advice before making an application or relying on the information provided.
Source basis: the UK Immigration Rules Appendix FM (family life) and the related Home Office family-life caseworker guidance published on GOV.UK. Immigration Rules and guidance change; confirm the current version on GOV.UK before applying.
IAA RegulatedF202331709ENS Immigration
Ready to start your family visa application?
Book a consultation with an IAA-regulated adviser, or check whether you meet the financial requirement first.