Date published: 29.07.2025
This article provides full information about Spouse Visa, Civil Partner Visa, EUSS Family Permit, Dependant Visa, and Family Visa. We explain the eligibility requirements, validity periods, fees, required documents, possible difficulties, and tips to avoid refusal. At the end, you will find recommendations from Consultant platform lawyers to help you go through the process without mistakes.
Spouse Visa
Who can apply:
- Husband or wife of a UK citizen, a person with ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), or status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Requirements:
- Genuine marriage confirmed by a marriage certificate;
- Intention to live together in the UK;
- Financial minimum: £18,600 per year (+£3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child);
- English language knowledge (level A1 for the first application, A2 for extension).
Validity:
- 2 years 9 months (extension — 2 years 6 months);
- After 5 years, you may apply for ILR.
Cost:
- Visa: £1,846 from abroad; £1,048 inside the UK;
- IHS: £1,035 per year per adult.
Difficulties & tips:
- Common refusals: weak financial evidence or suspicion of a sham marriage;
- Provide photos, joint accounts, letters, rental contracts;
- A lawyer can check your documents and complete the application without errors.
Civil Partner Visa
Who can apply:
- Registered civil partner of a UK citizen or a person with ILR/EUSS status.
- Requirements and process are identical to Spouse Visa:
- Proof of genuine partnership and cohabitation;
- Financial threshold and English knowledge;
- Evidence of joint life (photos, bills, joint trips).
Benefits:
- Allows work and study in the UK;
- Eligible for ILR after 5 years.
EUSS Family Permit (for relatives of EU citizens)
Who can apply:
- Relatives of EU citizens living in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, including:
- Spouse;
- Civil partner;
- Children under 21;
- Parents and dependants.
Features:
- Allows entry and residence with the EU relative;
- Free of charge;
- Enables you to apply for Pre-Settled or Settled status.
Documents:
- Passports of both persons;
- Marriage and children’s birth certificates;
- Proof of joint residence abroad or financial dependency.
Difficulties:
- Main reason for refusal: lack of evidence of dependency or genuine relationship;
- Provide as many supporting documents as possible.
Dependant Visa (for family members of work visa holders)
Who can apply:
- Family members of Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Talent, or Student Visa holders:
- Spouse/civil partner;
- Children under 18 (or older if dependent).
Features:
- Allows residence and work in the UK for the duration of the main visa;
- Financial evidence required (£285 for partner, £315 for the first child, £200 for each next child).
Difficulties:
- Refusals often occur due to insufficient financial proof;
- Provide full bank statements and accommodation agreements.
Family Visa
Who can apply:
- Parents, children, elderly relatives in need of care who have a close relative in the UK with ILR or citizenship.
Features:
- Must prove that the relative cannot receive care in their home country;
- For elderly parents, the requirements are very strict, and most applications are carefully reviewed.
Documents:
- Medical reports;
- Proof of financial support;
- Evidence that care cannot be arranged abroad.
Difficulties:
- Very high refusal rate;
- A lawyer will help prepare a strong evidence base.
Contact Consultant platform lawyers to:
- Choose the right visa type;
- Check your documents and application;
- Prepare strong supporting evidence;
- Receive full legal assistance until your visa is granted.
Family and partner visas to the UK require careful preparation of documents and proof of genuine relationships or dependency. Mistakes or weak evidence are the main reasons for refusal.
