UK Family Visitor Visa

Join Your Loved Ones with the UK Family Visitor Visa

The UK Family Visitor Visa is a category of the Standard Visitor Visa, designed for individuals who want to visit family members in the UK for up to six months. This visa is required for visitors from visa-national countries who do not qualify for visa-free entry.

Who Needs a UK Family Visitor Visa?

You need a UK Family Visitor Visa if you:

  • Are from a visa national country (i.e., a country where a visa is required to visit the UK).
  • Plan to visit family members in the UK for a short-term stay.
  • Will not be working or studying in the UK.

You do not need a Family Visitor Visa if you are from a non-visa national country, but you must meet visitor rules when arriving at the UK border.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Family Visitor Visa

You can:

  • Visit family members legally residing in the UK.
  • Stay for up to six months.
  • Take part in tourism, leisure activities, and family events.
  • Receive private medical treatment (if pre-arranged and approved in advance).

You cannot:

  • Work in the UK (including paid or unpaid jobs).
  • Study for more than 30 days.
  • Claim public funds or benefits.
  • Marry, enter a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage.
  • Extend your visa or switch to another visa from within the UK.

Financial and Accommodation Requirements for a UK Family Visitor Visa

To apply for a UK family visitor visa, you should prove that:

  • You can support yourself financially without working or claiming benefits.
  • You have sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and living costs.
  • Your family member in the UK (if supporting you) has the means to accommodate and support you.

If your UK-based family member is sponsoring your visit, they should usually provide:

  • Proof of income (payslips, bank statements, or tax documents).
  • Proof of residence (rental agreement or mortgage statements).
  • A letter of invitation explaining your relationship and the reason for your visit.

FREE DOWNLOAD: SPONSOR TEMPLATE LETTER


Required Documents for a UK Family Visitor Visa

  • Valid passport (must have at least one blank page).
  • Visa application confirmation.
  • Financial proof (bank statements, sponsorship letter).
  • Accommodation details (hotel booking, host’s residence confirmation).
  • Proof of family relationship (birth or marriage certificates, proof of communication).
  • Return travel evidence (flight bookings or itinerary).

Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality and visa history.

How to Apply for a UK Family Visitor Visa

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

  • Apply via the official UK government website.
  • Select the Standard Visitor Visa – Family Visit option.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

  • Visa application fee: £115 ( for a 6-month visa, longer validity are available for additional costs)
  • Priority processing fee (optional): £500 for faster decision

Step 3: Book a Biometric Appointment

  • Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your home country.
  • Provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

  • Upload the required documents online or provide them at your appointment.

Step 5: Await a Decision

  • Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
  • Priority processing (if selected): 5 working days.

Once approved, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, allowing you to travel to the UK.

How Long Can You Stay with a UK Family Visitor Visa?

  • The UK Family Visitor Visa allows stays of up to six months, regardless of the duration the visa has been issued.
  • You must leave the UK before your visa expires.
  • Extensions are not permitted, but you can reapply for future visits.

How Immtell Can Help

Applying for a UK Family Visitor Visa requires careful preparation, especially when providing financial support, accommodation arrangements, and family ties. Immtell provides expert support to ensure your visa application is accurate and meets all Home Office requirements.

We assist with:

  • Assessing visa eligibility and required documents.
  • Ensuring your invitation letter and financial proof meet UKVI standards.
  • Guidance on demonstrating strong family ties to the UK.
  • Application review to maximise approval chances.

Get Expert Visa Support – On Demand

Access step-by-step video guides, document templates, expert reviews, and legal support to help you apply for a UK Family Visitor Visa with confidence. All in simple English, available on demand, 27/7 and at a fraction of the usual cost.

Further Reading

UK Visa Invitation Letter Sample

How to Write a Letter of Invitation and Sample of Invitation Letter for a Visa to the UK

UK Tourist Visitor Visa

UK Tourist Visa - Time to Explore Britain

Apply for a UK Visitor Visa And Visit the UK

Comprehensive Guide to the UK Visitor Visa in 2025

Family Visas - Join Your Family in the UK

Eligibility for a UK Family Visa

UK Family Visitor Visa

Join Your Loved Ones with the UK Family Visitor Visa

Guide to England Family Visas

Overview of England Family Visas

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Richard Lee, Property Management

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