Family routes for different relationships
Understand which application may reflect your
relationship and present circumstances.
Family Immigration Guidance
Understand the family route before
preparing your application
Family and partner visa applications depend on the nature
of the relationship, the sponsor’s circumstances and the
immigration outcome being sought.
Different routes apply to spouses, civil partners,
fiancé(e)s, proposed civil partners, unmarried partners
and applicants relying on private or family life in the UK.
Identifying the relevant route is an important first step
because the application requirements and evidence may differ.
Preparation may involve evidence concerning identity,
immigration status, the relationship, accommodation,
finances, communication history and future plans.
The information supplied should be consistent and relevant
to the selected immigration route.
Evidence should support the route selected
Documents and explanations should present a
consistent account of the relationship and
surrounding circumstances.
Identify the relevant route
Consider the relationship type, current immigration
status and intended UK outcome.
Organise relevant evidence
Prepare documents that relate clearly to the
application requirements and your circumstances.
Consider important dates
Review visa expiry dates, travel plans and other
time-sensitive matters before submission.
Each application depends on its individual facts
General information does not determine whether a
particular route is suitable. Current circumstances,
immigration history and supporting evidence should
be considered together.
Family Visa Services
Explore the family route that reflects
your relationship
The appropriate application depends on your relationship,
present immigration position and the outcome you are seeking
in the United Kingdom.
01
Married and Civil Partners
Spouse Visa / Civil Partner Visa
Applications for qualifying spouses or civil
partners seeking to join or remain with their
partner in the UK.
02
Future Partners
Fiancée / Proposed Civil Partner Visa
A route for qualifying applicants intending to
marry or form a civil partnership in the UK before
applying to remain as a partner.
03
Durable Relationships
Relationship / Unmarried Partner Visa
Applications based on a qualifying unmarried
relationship, including circumstances where the
couple has lived together or maintained a durable
relationship while living apart.
04
Partner Applications
Same Sex Partner Visa
Family-route applications for same-sex spouses,
civil partners, proposed partners and qualifying
unmarried partners.
05
Family and Private Life
Private & Family Life Applications
Applications relying on private life, family life,
children’s circumstances or other relevant
human-rights considerations.
Eligibility and Evidence
Consider the requirements and
prepare relevant evidence
The information needed for a family application depends on
the immigration route, the relationship and the individual
circumstances of the applicant and sponsor.
Eligibility Overview
Matters that may need to be considered
Requirements differ between family immigration routes.
The following areas may form part of the initial review.
Applicant and sponsor status
Current immigration position and the
sponsor’s status in the UK.
Nature of the relationship
Marriage, civil partnership, proposed
partnership or unmarried relationship.
UK living arrangements
Intended family life, accommodation and
plans for living together.
Immigration history and timing
Previous applications, refusals, visa
expiry dates and important deadlines.
Supporting Information
Evidence may cover several areas
The exact documents depend on the selected route.
Evidence should be relevant, consistent and clearly
connected to the circumstances described.
Identity and status
Passports, immigration documents and information
about the applicant’s and sponsor’s current status.
Relationship evidence
Information showing the development, continuity
and present nature of the relationship.
Financial information
Financial documents and explanations relevant
to the particular application route.
Accommodation
Information about the proposed home and living
arrangements in the United Kingdom.
Communication history
Records that may help explain contact and how
the relationship has been maintained.
Additional route evidence
Other documents relevant to the relationship,
family circumstances or immigration history.
Not every document applies to every application
The evidence should be selected according to the
route, individual facts and the matters that need
to be demonstrated.
Application Preparation
A structured approach to
preparing your family application
Careful preparation involves identifying the relevant route,
understanding the requirements and presenting supporting
information in a clear and consistent way.
01
Initial Review
Understand your circumstances
Review the relationship, current immigration status,
previous applications, intended outcome and relevant dates.
02
Route Assessment
Identify the relevant application
Consider which family or partner route most closely
reflects the relationship and immigration outcome sought.
03
Evidence Preparation
Organise supporting information
Gather documents concerning identity, status, the
relationship, finances, accommodation and other
relevant matters.
04
Application Review
Check the information presented
Review the application details and supporting explanations
for gaps, inconsistencies or matters requiring clarification.
05
Next Steps
Plan submission and follow-up
Consider submission timing, appointment requirements,
document retention and any later request for information.
Begin with a clear summary of your family circumstances
Include the relationship type, current immigration status,
previous applications, intended outcome and any visa expiry
or other important deadline.
The route depends on the nature of
the relationship, whether you are
married, in a civil partnership,
planning to marry or applying as an
unmarried partner. Your current
immigration status and intended
outcome should also be considered.
Evidence may include documents
concerning the history and continuity
of the relationship, communication,
time spent together, shared
responsibilities, living arrangements
and future plans.
The relevant evidence depends on the
application route and the couple’s
individual circumstances.
A previous refusal should be reviewed
carefully. The reasons given, the
information previously submitted and
any change in circumstances may be
relevant when preparing a later
application.
Family applications may require
information about finances,
accommodation and proposed living
arrangements. The evidence needed
depends on the selected route and the
applicant’s and sponsor’s circumstances.
Whether an application can be made
from inside the UK depends on the
immigration route, current permission
and individual immigration history.
These matters should be reviewed before
deciding how and where to apply.
Preparation should begin early enough
to identify the route, review the
relationship and immigration history,
gather supporting evidence and address
any gaps or inconsistencies.
Visa expiry dates, travel plans and
other important deadlines should also
be considered.
Start Your Family Visa Enquiry
Discuss your family or partner visa circumstances
Provide a brief summary of your relationship, current
immigration position, previous applications and the
outcome you are seeking in the United Kingdom.
