UK Family Visas
UK EEA Family Visa
The United Kingdom is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and therefore permits free movement of nationals between Member States. An EEA national who resides in the UK, or who intends to reside in the UK, and is economically active can sponsor a dependent Child, Fiancé(e), Grandchild, Great Grandchild, Grandparent, Great Grandparent, Parent or Unmarried partner.
Non-EEA nationals whose family member is exercising their Treaty Rights in the UK may be eligible for a maximum period of five (5) year residence family permit. This allows the applicant to live, work and study in the UK without restriction.
Ultimately, the applicant may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Nationality.
AssessmentEEA Family Visa Basic Requirements
To obtain an EEA Citizen Family visa it is necessary for applicants to fulfil the basic prerequisites set out by UK Immigration Authorities.
To qualify for an EEA Citizen Family visa there are basic requirements that must be met. In the case of spouses/partners, both parties must be at least 18 years and in a genuine relationship. In the case of other family members the applicant must be dependent on their EEA relative.
AssessmentEEA Family Visa Entitlements
The validity period of the EEA Family visa will vary according to the information submitted to show how long the EEA family member will be exercising their Treaty Rights in the UK. The maximum duration is five (5) years. Visa holders are permitted to work and study in the UK during this period without any restriction.
Once visa holders have lived in the UK for five (5) years and satisfy the necessary requirements, they may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR entitles individuals to permanent residency in as well as visa-free travel to and from the UK. ILR holders may also be able to sponsor their non-British relatives into the UK and may also ultimately be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
AssessmentEEA Family Visa Processing Time and Costs
| EEA CITIZEN FAMILY VISA | OUTSIDE THE UK (ENTRY CLEARANCE) | INSIDE THE UK (FLR) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Main Application Fee | NA | UK£55 |
| Government Partner Application Fee | NA | UK£55 |
| Government Child Application Fee | NA | UK£55 |
| Advanced Migration Service | US$399 | |
| Premium Migration Service | US$999 | |
| Processing Times | 1-12 weeks | 4-16 weeks |
* The reduced fee will be applicable when the dependent applies at the same time with the main applicant.
- Other Family Visas
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Partner Visa
A Partner visa allows spouses, unmarried partners and fiances of UK citizens or permanent resident to live in the UK.
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- Latest Immigration News
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- Removal of UK Family Visitor Visa Appeal Announced
The full right of appeal against refusal of a visa for those applying to enter the UK as a family visitor is being soon removed in coming months, the UK Border Agency announced on 26 April 2013. - UKBA Publishes New Immigration Application Forms
UK Border Agency has recently announced the publication of new versions of many visa application forms that will be used from 6 April 2013. - Immigration Fees Change Takes Effect from 6 April 2013
From Saturday 6 April 2013, fees for visa applications made from overseas and applications made from within the UK are increased, following Parliamentary approval.
- Removal of UK Family Visitor Visa Appeal Announced
