Family visas: apply, extend or switch
Apply as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative
You must need long-term care from a parent, grandchild, brother, sister, son or daughter who is living permanently in the UK.
You can only apply from outside the UK, unless you’re applying to extend your stay on this visa.
One of the following must also apply to the relative:
- they’re a British or Irish citizen
- they’ve settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
- they’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status - they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
- they have protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection) in the UK
If your family member has settled or pre-settled status you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.
What you’ll need to prove
You must prove:
- you need long-term care to do everyday personal and household tasks because of illness, disability or your age
- you’re 18 or over
- the care you need is not available or affordable in the country you live in
You must also prove the relative you’re joining in the UK can accommodate and care for you for either:
- the whole time your relative has permission to stay in the UK
- 5 years, if your relative is a British citizen or settled in the UK
They must have enough money to support you without relying on public funds. The caseworker considers their income, housing costs and any care costs.
Check the information and evidence you’ll need to prove your relative’s income.
How long you can stay for
How long you can stay depends on the status of your family member.
If your family member is British, Irish or settled in the UK
Your stay is unlimited. You will not need to apply to extend or settle.
If your family member has pre-settled status
They must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021. You can stay as long as your family member stays. You’ll need to apply to extend or settle when they do.
If your family member has protection status (leave to remain as a refugee, permission to stay as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection) in the UK
You can stay as long as your family member stays. You’ll need to apply to extend or settle when they do.
How to apply
You’ll need to prepare information and evidence to provide with your application.
You must apply as an adult dependent relative online and complete Appendix 1.
Apply to extend your stay
Apply online to extend your stay in the UK.
How long it takes
If you apply outside the UK you’ll usually get a decision within 24 weeks.
If you apply inside the UK you’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.