Family of British citizens and settled persons

This category covers individuals who are permitted to take up residence in the United Kingdom under the status of family member of a British National or permanent resident (an individual who holds an Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Family members of a British citizen or a Permanent Resident: Application Categories

1. 
   Application as Partner of a British Citizen or an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holder: In this classification, a partner who might either be a spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner can make an application under this class. You are expected to abide by the Immigration Rules as contained in paragraph 277-289 which concerns spouses and civil partners.
2. Application as Unmarried or Same Sex Partner of a British Citizen or an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holder:
   To be qualified for entry as an unmarried or same-sex partner of a British National or Permanent Resident you must be liable to immigration control and must either be in a heterosexual relationship or same-sex relationship with the settled person whom you are not expected to be blood relatives with. You are expected to abide by the Immigration Rules as contained in paragraph 277-289 as well as those contained in paragraph 295 concerning unmarried and same-sex partners.
3. Application as Fiancé (e) or Proposed Civil Partner of a British Citizen or an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holder:
   You might be granted entry clearance if you are the Fiancé (e) or Proposed Civil Partner of a British National or Permanent Resident. You are required to be liable to Immigration control as well as have the intention for marriage/civil partnership registration and permanent residence in the United Kingdom within six months subsequent to your United Kingdom entry. You are expected to adhere to the Immigration Rules as contained in paragraph 289-289.
4. Application as Children of a British Citizen or an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holder:
   A child might be granted entry clearance to join parent who is a British National or Permanent Resident if they are under the age of 18 and their parents are either settled or have been issued authorization to reside permanently in the United Kingdom. The child might be considered differently if:
   • He/she have lost one of his/her parents to death and the other parent is either coming to settle or is resided permanently in the United Kingdom;
   • His/her parent who seeks permanent residence in the United Kingdom has the sole responsibility of training the child;
   • One of the parents is coming to reside in the United Kingdom permanently and there are legitimate reasons as to why the child should be permitted to enter the United Kingdom as well;
   Please note that parents in this context could be:
   • Stepparent if the child’s birthparents are deceased;
   • Birthparents if the child was born outside marriage;
   • Adopted parents in certain situations.
   (If the child was adopted, additional conditions will be required from him/her).
   The child is expected to evince that:
   • He/she is not living independently
   • He/she is not in a civil partnership or married
   • He/she is under the age if 18
   If any one of the child’s parent is making an application for entry clearance, Indefinite leave to Remain or is a holder of a limited Leave as a partner or parent in any case, he/she will be required to evince that they:
   • Have an accommodation where they can reside
   • Have the financial capability to meet the cost of bring the child to the United Kingdom as well as maintenance without recourse to public fund.
5. Application as Adult Dependant Relatives of a British Citizen or an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holder:
   An Adult Dependant Relative of an Individual who is settled in the United Kingdom or is a British National is authorized to make an application for permanent residence in the United Kingdom on the condition that:
   • He/she is over the age of 18
   • He/she is a parent, grandparent, sibling, or child of the individual in the United Kingdom as a Permanent Resident or a British National.
   Furthermore, the adult dependant may be considered for application if he/she can show that:
   • They require personal care over a long period of time to be able to carry out daily household chores
   • The care that he/she requires is either not available in the home country, nobody is available in the home country to provide it or it cannot be afforded.
   In this situation, the sponsor is required to evince that:
   • He/she can meet the required maintenance need without seeking help from public fund
   • He/she can provide accommodation
The sponsor will be required to endorse (sign) an undertaken form agreeing to assume responsibility for the applicant without seeking help from public fund for a minimum of 5 years.
6. Application as Parent of a Child in the United Kingdom:
   Parent of a Child in the United Kingdom are permitted to make an application for permanent residence in the United Kingdom on the condition that the child is:
   • Is below 18 years of age on the day the application was made
   • Resident in the United Kingdom
   • A British national or a permanent resident in the United Kingdom.
   The parent is permitted to make the application in this category if:
   • He/she is exclusively responsible for the child
   • The individual (Parent or caregiver) the child is resided with in the United Kingdom is not a partner to the applicant and as such the applicant is not qualified for a spouse/partner visa.

Application Forms and Guidance

Bear in mind that majority of the applicants will be required to fill an online form. You will however be informed by the Home Office’s country finder tool if you are required to lodge in an online form or a manual hand written form. Note that you will be required to print and sign and date the form if you are to fill the online form.

Family of British citizens and settled persons Frequently asked questions (FAQ)