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 Fiance 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 UK within six months subsequent to your entry into the country. 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 a 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 UK. The child might be considered differently if:
   • They have lost one of their parents to death and the other parent is either coming to settle or is residing permanently in the UK
   • Their parent who seeks permanent residence in the UK has the sole responsibility of training the child
   • One of the parents is coming to reside in the UK permanently and there are legitimate reasons as to why the child should be permitted to enter the country as well

Please note that the parents in this context could be:

4. Step-parent if the child's birth parents are deceased
5. Birth parents if the child was born outside marriage
6. Adopted parents in certain situations

(If the child was adopted, additional conditions will be required of them).

The child is expected to showcase that:

4. They are not living independently
5. They are not in a civil partnership or married
6. They are under the age of 18

If any one of the child's parent is making an application for entry clearance, ILR or is a holder of a limited Leave as a partner or parent in any case, they will be required to show that they:

4. Have an accommodation where they can reside
5. Have the financial capability to meet the cost of bringing the child to the UK, as well as maintenance without recourse to public funds
   
   
6. 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 UK or is a British National is authorized to make an application for permanent residence in the country on the condition that:
   • They are over the age of 18
   • They are a parent, grandparent, sibling, or child of the individual in the UK as a Permanent Resident or a British National

Furthermore, the adult dependant may be considered for application if they can show that:

5. They require personal care over a long period of time to be able to carry out daily household chores
6. The care they require 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 show that:

5. They can meet the required maintenance need without seeking help from public funds
6. They can provide accommodation

The sponsor will be required to endorse (sign) an undertaken form agreeing to assume responsibility for the applicant without seeking recourse to public funds for a minimum of 5 years.

6. Application as Parent of a Child in the United Kingdom:
   Parents of a child in the UK are permitted to make an application for permanent residence in the in the country on the condition that the child is:
   • Below 18 years of age on the day the application was made
   • A resident in the UK
   • A British national or a permanent resident in the UK

The parent is permitted to make the application in this category if:

6. They are exclusively responsible for the child
7. The individual (parent or caregiver) the child is residing with in the UK 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, the majority of applicants will be required to fill in an online form. You will, however, be informed by the Home Office's country finder tool if you are required to fill out an online or manual handwritten form. Note that you will be required to print, sign and date the form if you fill in the online form. If you have any further queries relating to the subject of British citizens and settled persons (or anything related to immigration), then do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert team of solicitors, who will be more than happy to assist you.

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