Many families dream is to move to the UK and it’s no surprise why, as it has a globally recognised education system, free healthcare and vast employment opportunities. To fully capitalise on all the positives UK life can bring your family, it’s crucial that you make this move legally to avoid getting into any trouble. Doing this isn’t as complicated as many think, it’s all about obtaining the right visas to legally live in the country.
This guide will give you guidance on how you can legally move to the UK with your family, so live in your dream country. Continue reading to find out more.
Spouse Visas
Getting a visa to live with your spouse is the most common route for a legal stay in the UK. You can apply for a spouse visa UK if you and your partner are both over 18 and intend to live together permanently. There’s a few requirements you need before you can do this though, such as:
- Minimum Income Requirement: You or your partner must earn a minimum of £29,000 per year to acquire a family visa. This doesn’t increase based on the number of children you have.
- Income Sources: Your sources of income must come through employment, self-employment, pensions or cash savings.
- English Language: Both you and your partner need to have a good understanding of English, unless you have an exemption to the rules.
- Duration: Grants permit you to stay for 2.5 years, which can then be extended to 5 years total. You can then apply for an indefinite leave to remain further down the line.
Family Visa
Children under the age of 18 can join a parent who is legally settled in the UK or applying alongside them. Both parents must be living with the child, or the applying parent must have sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing. You also need to present the relevant proof to legally do this. This requires birth or adoption certificates and proof of adequate accommodation and financial support without using public funds.
Sponsoring Adult Dependent Relatives
This is an alternative route that is designed for elderly or disabled relatives who need long-term care that cannot be provided in their home country. It must be proven that the care you provide in the UK is the only option and that you cannot reasonably find the same standard of care in your home country. However, these visas can be quite tricky to obtain and require a long application process with substantial fees.
This will grant you immediate settlement in the UK if you’re successful, so you don’t need to worry about waiting before making the move.
Work and Study Visas
There’s two more routes that you can use to move your family to the UK; a skilled job visa and higher education. If you get a job offer from a UK employer, it permits you to bring your spouse and children with you. However, you will still need to meet the minimum salary requirements and your employer must sponsor you. Student visas are also a viable route, but these are strictly limited to postgraduate research students or those sponsored by the government. The course must also last 9 months or longer.