Family Reunification in United Kingdom
2 documented routes of this kind in United Kingdom, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Family visa (partner/spouse)
For partners and spouses of British citizens or settled persons. Leads to settlement after 5 years on the 5-year route.
- Processing time
- Typically 8–12 weeks (longer without priority; super-priority available)
- Validity
- 2.5 years per grant on the 5-year route
- Language requirement
- English at the required CEFR level
- Permanent residence
- ILR after 5 years (Life in the UK test + English)
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation immediately after ILR if married to a British citizen (the 12-month post-ILR wait is waived)
Requirements
- British citizen, settled, or otherwise eligible sponsoring partner
- Genuine and subsisting relationship
- Financial requirement: minimum income £29,000/year (new applicants) or qualifying cash savings alternative
- English language proficiency
- Suitable accommodation
Required Documents
- Relationship evidence (marriage/civil-partnership certificate or cohabitation evidence such as joint tenancy, utility bills, Council Tax, joint bank statements, letters from authorities) required
- Financial evidence (payslips, P60, bank statements) required
- Proof of English language ability required
- Valid passport or travel ID required
Official fees
- Application fee (outside UK) 2,064 GBP
- Application fee (inside UK) 1,407 GBP
- Immigration Health Surcharge (adult, per year) 1,035 GBP
Process Steps
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1
Gather evidence
Gather relationship, financial and English evidence.
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2
Apply online
Apply online (a fee waiver is available if eligible).
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3
Biometrics and documents
Provide biometrics and documents.
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4
Decision
Await the decision; super-priority is available for an extra fee.
Official Sources
- UK Family visa Official
- UK Family visa: partner or spouse Official
BN(O) visa (Hong Kong British National (Overseas))
For British National (Overseas) status holders from Hong Kong and their family members to live, work and study in the UK. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Validity
- 2.5 or 5 years, unlimited extensions
- Language requirement
- No English requirement to enter; required for ILR/citizenship
- Permanent residence
- ILR after 5 years
- Citizenship
- Citizenship 12 months after ILR
Requirements
- BN(O) status (or being an adult child of a BN(O) born after 1 July 1979)
- Ordinarily resident in Hong Kong (or the UK)
- Ability to accommodate and support yourself
Required Documents
- Evidence of BN(O) status (or being an adult child of a BN(O) born after 1 July 1979) required
- Proof of Hong Kong residence (or UK residence) required
- Valid passport or identity document required
- Household/family relationship evidence for dependants
Official fees
- Application fee (2.5 years) 206 GBP
- Application fee (5 years) 285 GBP
- Immigration Health Surcharge (adult, per year) 1,035 GBP
Process Steps
-
1
Confirm eligibility
Confirm BN(O) status and residence.
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2
Apply online
Apply online and choose the 2.5- or 5-year option.
-
3
Pay fees
Pay the fee and the IHS upfront.
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4
Biometrics and documents
Provide biometrics and documents.
-
5
Decision
Await the decision.
Official Sources
- British National (Overseas) visa Official
- BN(O) visa: how much it costs Official