Bringing Your Partner or Family to the UK
UK Partner and Family Visas: Spouse, Dependant & Unmarried Partner
Expert guidance on UK family visas. Work Permit Cloud assists with Spouse Visa applications, dependent visa rules, and the Unmarried Partner Visa, all under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
IAA-regulated guidance on UK partner and family visas under Appendix FM, including the Spouse Visa, Dependent Visa, and Unmarried Partner Visa. Getting the application right first time matters; the fee is non-refundable and a refusal creates an adverse immigration history.
Book an AppointmentUK Family Visa Routes
Spouse, dependent, and unmarried partner visa services under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules
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What Are the UK Partner and Family Visas?
Bringing a partner, spouse, or family member to the UK to live together permanently is one of the most significant immigration applications a person will make. UK family visas sit under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and are assessed against a strict set of requirements around financial support, relationship genuineness, accommodation, and English language ability. Getting the application right first time matters: fees are non-refundable and a refusal creates a gap in immigration history that must be explained in every future application.
The UK Spouse Visa, formally the partner visa under Appendix FM, allows a British citizen or person settled in the UK to sponsor their non-British spouse or civil partner to live in the UK. The sponsoring partner must currently earn at least £29,000 gross per year (since April 2024). The visa is initially granted for 33 months when applying from overseas, or 30 months when extending in-country, leading to ILR after five years on the route.
For the partners of Skilled Workers and other visa holders, a Dependent Visa allows a spouse, partner, or children under 18 to join the main visa holder in the UK. Since July 2025, there is a key restriction: Skilled Worker dependant rights are now limited to workers in roles at RQF Level 6 or above. Workers in medium-skilled roles (RQF Level 3–5) who received their sponsorship on or after 22 July 2025 generally cannot bring dependants. Existing arrangements before that date are protected by transitional provisions.
The Unmarried Partner Visa is part of the same Appendix FM family route as the Spouse Visa and leads to ILR by the same five-year path. The key difference is the evidence standard: instead of a marriage certificate, applicants must demonstrate a genuine relationship similar to marriage for at least two years. Since January 2024, strict cohabitation for two years is no longer a mandatory requirement. A couple who have been in a genuine two-year relationship but lived apart for documented reasons can now apply, provided they can evidence the genuine and subsisting nature of their relationship throughout.
Work Permit Cloud's IAA-regulated advisors provide expert support across all partner and family visa routes. Select the relevant service below. You can also view the UK Family Visa rules on GOV.UK.
Getting the Application Right Is Critical
UK family visa application fees are non-refundable on refusal. A refused application also creates an adverse immigration history that must be disclosed in every future UK visa application. Work Permit Cloud prepares complete, evidenced applications designed to meet the Home Office's specified requirements first time.
Dependent Visa Rules Changed in July 2025
Since 22 July 2025, only Skilled Worker visa holders in roles at RQF Level 6 or above can bring new dependants to the UK. Workers in roles at RQF Levels 3–5 with Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after that date generally cannot bring new dependants. Existing arrangements before 22 July 2025 are protected by transitional provisions. See our Dependent Visa page for full detail.
Unmarried Partner Cohabitation No Longer Mandatory
Since January 2024, the strict two-year cohabitation requirement for the Unmarried Partner Visa has been removed. The route now requires a genuine relationship similar to marriage for at least two years. Couples who have been together for two years but lived apart for documented reasons — work, legal restrictions, or cultural factors — can now apply. Cohabitation remains the strongest evidence but is no longer legally mandatory.
Explore our three Partner and Family Visa services below. Our Spouse Visa service covers the financial requirement (£29,000), relationship evidence, English language progression (A1 to B1), and the full five-year route to ILR and then British citizenship. Our Dependent Visa service advises on who can bring dependants under current rules, covering the July 2025 Skilled Worker restriction, the March 2024 care worker ban, and the January 2024 student restriction. Our Unmarried Partner Visa service assists couples building a relationship evidence bundle under the updated Appendix FM rules. All three routes may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain and then British citizenship for eligible applicants.
Our Services
Our Partner and Family Visa Services
Three specialist services covering the Spouse Visa, Dependent Visa, and Unmarried Partner Visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules
01
Unmarried Partner Visa
Couples who are not married or in a civil partnership can apply under the same Appendix FM family route as the Spouse Visa, provided they have been in a genuine relationship for at least two years. Since January 2024, strict cohabitation is no longer mandatory. The route leads to ILR after five years. We help you gather the right relationship evidence and build a strong application.
Find Out More02
Spouse Visa
The Spouse Visa allows a British citizen or settled person to bring their non-British spouse or civil partner to the UK under Appendix FM. The sponsor must earn at least £29,000 gross per year (since April 2024). The visa is granted for 33 months initially, leading to ILR after five years. We guide you through the financial requirement, relationship evidence, English language progression (A1 to B1), and the full application process.
Find Out More03
Dependent Visa
Visa holders on work, study, or family routes can bring eligible family members — spouses, partners, and children under 18 — to the UK as dependants. The rules changed significantly in July 2025: only Skilled Workers in degree-level roles (RQF Level 6+) can now bring new dependants. Additional restrictions apply to care workers (since March 2024) and students (since January 2024). We advise on eligibility, transitional protections, and complete dependant applications.
Find Out MoreNot sure which family visa route applies to your situation?
Our IAA-regulated advisers will assess your eligibility, review your financial evidence, and confirm which route applies before you commit to a non-refundable fee.
Our Process
How Our Partner and Family Visa Service Works
From eligibility assessment to visa approval and onwards to ILR, we manage every stage of the process
01
Eligibility and Route Assessment
We confirm which route applies to your situation and whether you currently meet the key requirements: financial threshold, relationship evidence standard, English language level, and for dependent applications, whether your visa category and role currently permit dependants under the July 2025 rules. We identify any issues before you commit to a non-refundable application fee.
02
Prepare Your Evidence Bundle
We advise on the full evidence package required for your specific route. For Spouse and Unmarried Partner applications, this includes financial evidence, relationship evidence, accommodation, and English language documentation. For Dependent applications, we prepare the relevant supporting documents for the main applicant's visa category. We structure the bundle to meet the Home Office's specified requirements clearly.
03
Submit and Track Your Application
We guide you prepare and submit your complete application online, advise on the biometrics process, and remain available throughout the processing period. For overseas applications, we advise on attending the visa application centre. For in-country extensions, we guide you on the further leave to remain process and maintaining lawful status throughout.
04
Extensions, ILR, and Onwards
Family visa routes are multi-stage. We stay with you through extensions, the ILR application after five years, and where applicable, the British citizenship application. We carry out absence calculations, confirm the financial requirement continues to be met at each stage, and prepare the Life in the UK Test evidence for the ILR application.
Ready to start your family visa application?
Get in touch today. Our advisers will confirm your eligibility and explain the process before any commitment.
What Our Client Saying
MD Abdul Khalik Shahib
Google review · 5★
I'm very happy to share that I received my visa approval today for a 2-year extension. A huge thank you to my solicitor for the excellent support, professionalism, and guidance throughout the entire process. Everything was handled smoothly, and I truly appreciated the clear communication and dedication from start to finish. I highly recommend their service to anyone looking for reliable and professional immigration support.
Ahsane Elahi
Google review · 5★
I am incredibly grateful to Work Permit Cloud for their outstanding assistance with my visa process. A massive thank you to Mamun, who was an absolute lifesaver. He tolerated me over the weeks with unmatched patience, calmly and warmly answering every single one of my calls and messages. Highly recommend this company and their phenomenal team!
Im-mr Zakaria
Trustpilot · 5★
Alhamdulillah i got my visa extension thank you very much WPC for helped me and with me throughout this journey. My visa was about to expired before getting an additional cos but you guys took the responsibility and did all the paper work and take the risk and eventually got succeed. Thanks a bunch guys.
FAQ
Common questions
What UK visas allow me to bring my family?
There are two main frameworks. Under Appendix FM, you can bring a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner to the UK if you are a British citizen, settled person, or recognised refugee. This is the route covered by our Spouse Visa and Unmarried Partner Visa services. Under the Dependant route, work and study visa holders can bring eligible family members, but significant restrictions have applied since 2024 and 2025. See our Dependent Visa page for current eligibility.
What is the financial requirement for a UK family visa?
For the Spouse Visa and Unmarried Partner Visa under Appendix FM, the UK-based sponsor must earn at least £29,000 gross per year (since April 2024). If the sponsor's income fell below this threshold before April 2024, a lower transitional figure of £18,600 may still apply for extensions. Savings can supplement or partially replace income under a specific formula, as set out in the financial requirements guidance on GOV.UK. For Dependent Visas, the financial requirement varies by route and how long the parties have been lawfully resident in the UK.
Can I bring my family if I am on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Your family members can apply as dependants on your Skilled Worker Visa, but since July 2025 there is a key restriction: only Skilled Workers in roles at RQF Level 6 (degree level) or above can bring new dependants. Workers in lower-skilled roles (RQF Levels 3–5) who received their Certificate of Sponsorship on or after 22 July 2025 generally cannot bring new dependants. Existing arrangements made before that date are protected by transitional provisions. See our Dependent Visa page for full detail on all transitional protections and other route restrictions.
What is the difference between the Spouse Visa and the Unmarried Partner Visa?
Both sit under Appendix FM and lead to ILR after five years by the same pathway. The Spouse Visa is for married or civil partner couples and requires a marriage or civil partnership certificate as the core relationship evidence. The Unmarried Partner Visa is for couples in a genuine relationship for at least two years who are not married. Since January 2024, strict cohabitation is no longer mandatory for the unmarried partner route. Both require the same £29,000 financial threshold (since April 2024), English language evidence, and accommodation requirement. Both carry a right of appeal to the Tribunal if refused.
Does a UK family visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. The Spouse Visa and Unmarried Partner Visa both lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous qualifying residence on the family route, comprising a 33-month initial visa and a 30-month extension. Following ILR, British citizenship by naturalisation is available after 12 months. Dependent visa holders whose main applicant reaches ILR can generally apply for settlement at the same time. See our UK Settlement Scheme page for full detail on the ILR process.
Have more questions about UK family visas?
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