Family visas: apply, extend or switch

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Information and evidence you must provide

You’ll need to have information and some evidence ready when you make your application. Include information for you and any dependants applying at the same time.

You’ll need to provide:

  • all your names
  • your date of birth
  • your current passport or other valid travel ID
  • copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports
  • a copy of your biometric residence permit, if you have one
  • details of any previous immigration applications you’ve made
  • details of any criminal convictions
  • your national insurance number, if you have one
  • your parents’ date of birth and nationality if you’re applying from outside the UK
  • your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
  • a certified translation of any document that is not in English or Welsh

You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa if you’re applying outside the UK.

You’ll need an email address to make an online application.

You’ll also need to:

  • prove your knowledge of English
  • give proof of your finances, if you’re not applying on the basis of your private life

You may need to provide other additional documents depending on your circumstances - for example a sponsorship form from your family member in the UK.

You’ll be told how to provide your documents when you apply.

Your finances

You’ll need to show you can meet the financial requirements for the type of family visa you’re applying for.

This is based on your income or the income of the family member you’re joining in the UK, or both. 

For example, you’ll need to prove your own and your partner’s combined UK income in your application if you’re applying as a partner. If you’re applying as a child, you’ll need to prove the income of the parent (or parents) you’re joining.

What counts as income

The following things can count as income: 

  • income from employment before tax and National Insurance (from P60 or payslips) - you can only use income earned in the UK
  • income earned from self-employment or as a director of a limited company in the UK - this will be on a Self Assessment tax return
  • cash savings above £16,000
  • money from a pension
  • non-work income, for example from property rentals or dividends

If you or your family member are self-employed, you need to base your income on how much you earned in the last 6 months or more, counting back from the day you apply.

Proof of your finances

You’ll need to provide proof of the income with your application. 

If you or your family member are employed, you could include:

  • bank statements showing your or their income
  • 6 months of payslips, counting back from the day you apply
  • a letter from an employer, dated and on headed paper

The employer’s letter should confirm:

  • you or your family member are employed there
  • the job title or position you or your family member hold
  • how long you or your family member have worked there
  • the type of contract (for example, permanent, fixed term)
  • what you or your family member earn before tax and National Insurance
  • how long you or your family member have been paid your current salary
  • the payslips are genuine

You’ll be told exactly what documents to provide when you apply online.

You’ll need to follow extra guidance if:

  • you or your family member’s income is not from employment, for example it’s from running a limited company, savings, or a pension
  • you or your family member have taken maternity or paternity leave in the last 6 months
  • you want to combine different income sources

Check the guidance in:

If you’re applying as a child, check the guidance for the type of application your parent is making.

The detailed guidance also explains the evidence you need to provide for each of the types of income you’re relying on.

Your partner’s details

If you have a partner, you’ll be asked about their:

  • name
  • date of birth
  • nationality
  • passport
  • right to be in the UK, for example they’re a British citizen

You’ll also need to give details of:

  • any people your partner was previously married to, in a civil partnership with or had children with
  • evidence of marriages ending, for example a divorce certificate
  • anyone your partner supports with money, for example their parents

Proof of relationship

If you’re applying as a spouse or partner, you’ll be asked about:

  • your relationship with your partner, for example how you met and how often you see each other
  • how long you’ve lived together - you’ll need to provide proof like council tax bills
  • things you pay for together
  • whether you’re your partner’s carer

Your previous partners

You’ll need to include details of anyone you previously married or had children with. Include evidence of marriages ending, for example a divorce certificate.

Children

You’ll need to give details of your children (and your partner’s children if you have one). You’ll be asked about all children, even if they’re not applying.

You’ll need to give details of:

  • their name
  • their nationality
  • their date of birth
  • their passport details
  • who the child normally lives with
  • any other people with parental responsibility for your child, for example your step children’s other parents
  • how you’re involved in their day to day life
  • arrangements you have to see the child - for example the courts have granted you access
  • the child’s extended family
  • any countries your child has visited or lived in

Your life outside the UK

You’ll need to give details of:

  • countries outside the UK you’ve lived in and visited
  • family and friends in the countries where you were born or have nationality
View a printable version of the whole guide

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