UK Family Visas:
Uniting Families in the UK

At Garth Coates Solicitors, we help families come together in the UK. Whether you are bringing a partner, a child or an elderly relative, our UK family visa service gives you clear, practical advice and a carefully prepared application, so that your family’s future is not left to guesswork or generic online guidance.

Specialist help with your UK Family Visa

The family Immigration Rules are detailed, and the evidence the Home Office expects is strict. Problems with income, relationship evidence, accommodation or paperwork are among the most common reasons a UK family visa is delayed or refused. Our team reviews your circumstances first, confirms the right route for your situation, and helps you build an application that meets the requirements from the very beginning. We assist with applications made from overseas and from inside the UK, including extensions and the later steps towards settlement, so you have consistent support at every stage of your family's journey.

Spouse or Partner Visa

Reunite with Your Loved One in the UK

The UK Spouse or Partner Visa allows non-UK nationals to join their British or settled partner in the UK. Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship, this visa provides the pathway to build your future together. At Garth Coates Solicitors, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful application.

Bank loan

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for a Spouse or Partner Visa if:
✔️ You are married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship (at least 2 years of cohabitation).
✔️ Your partner is British, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or has Refugee/ Humanitarian Protection status.
✔️ You both intend to live together permanently in the UK.
✔️ You must show suitable accommodation in the UK without overcrowding.
business approved stamp, permit document and certificate concept, Sponsor Licence Applications,

Financial Requirement

From 11 April 2024, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year. You do not need additional income for dependent children. The income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, pensions, rental income, or a combination. If your partner receives certain benefits, you may be exempt but must prove adequate maintenance.
Residence Permit BRP card in purse on Union Jack flag

Relationship Proof

If married or in a civil partnership, you must provide a valid marriage/civil partnership certificate. If unmarried partners, you must prove you have lived together for at least 2 years. Strong supporting evidence is crucial (joint finances, utility bills, messages, travel history, etc.).
Giving support at group business meeting

English Language Requirement

Applicants must pass an approved English test at A1 level (or A2 for extensions). If you have a degree taught in English or are from an English-speaking country, you may be exempt.

Child Dependent Visa – Sole Applicant

The Child Dependent Visa is a special subcategory for children of a British citizen or a settled person in the UK. In some cases, a child may need to apply alone from overseas to join their family in the UK. This visa category covers such applications.

Parental Requirement

Both parents must be settled in the UK as British citizens, ILR holders, or on a qualifying visa. If only one parent is in the UK, they must demonstrate either sole responsibility for the child or provide evidence of exceptional reasons why the child should join them.

Other Requirements

The maximum age for a child applying is below 18 years old. The minimum annual income requirement for the parents is £29,000, regardless of how many children apply, effective from 11 April 2024. The UK-based parent must also provide evidence of suitable housing, ensuring it meets UK housing standards and is not overcrowded.

Visa Condition

Unless both parents are British citizens or settled, a child’s visa will match the dependent parent’s immigration status. If both parents are either British citizens or settled, or if one parent is deceased or the settled/British citizen parent has sole custody, the child will be granted Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE), allowing immediate settlement upon arrival.

Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa

The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa allows individuals to bring an elderly or disabled family member to the UK for long-term care. This visa is designed for non-UK residents who require substantial assistance with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability, and whose care needs cannot be met in their home country.

Relationship to Sponsor

The applicant must be a parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child of a UK sponsor who is either a British citizen, settled in the UK, holds refugee status, or has humanitarian protection.

Care Requirements

The applicant must demonstrate a need for long-term personal care for everyday tasks, such as washing and cooking, due to age, illness, or disability. Additionally, it must be proven that such care is either unavailable or unaffordable in their home country.

Financial Assurance

The UK-based sponsor must provide evidence of adequate financial means to support, accommodate, and care for the applicant without relying on public funds. This includes a signed undertaking to be responsible for the applicant’s maintenance, accommodation, and care for at least five years.

Visa Condition

Successful applicants are typically granted ILE (Indefinite Leave to Enter), allowing them to live in the UK indefinitely. This status is granted if the sponsor is a British citizen or settled in the UK.

How We Support Your Application

Navigating the UK family visa application process can be complex, requiring precise documentation and adherence to strict Home Office requirements. Our experienced team ensures that your application is prepared correctly, reducing the risk of delays or refusals. We provide:
  • Eligibility Assessment – We evaluate your circumstances to determine the best visa category for you and your family.
  • Document Preparation & Legal Review – Our experts guide you in gathering all necessary documents, ensuring compliance with UKVI requirements.
  • Financial Requirement Support – Whether you need to meet the £29,000 income threshold or prove financial dependency, we help structure your evidence effectively.
  • Application Submission & Follow-up – We handle the submission process and communicate with the Home Office on your behalf.
  • Appeals & Complex Cases – If your application has been refused, we can advise on the best course of action, including reconsideration or appeal options.
Our team ensures your application is accurate, complete, and professionally presented, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Garth Coates Solicitors

Your Legal Partner

Garth Coates Solicitors is a leading immigration law firm in the UK, spearheaded by Garth Coates, who has a unique background as a former Immigration Officer before becoming a solicitor in 1994. With over 30 years of experience in the immigration sector, his and his team's comprehensive understanding of both the legal and administrative aspects of immigration provides an unparalleled advantage to our clients.

  • Specialist Expertise
  • High Success Rate
  • Outstanding Client Care
  • Proactive and Diligent Approach
  • Extensive Experience and Reliability
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Successful Applications and Still Counting
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Years of Experience in the UK Immigration Law
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Family visa routes we advise on

  • Partners who are married to, or in a genuine long-term relationship with, a British or settled person, through the spouse visa and unmarried partner routes
  • Couples who plan to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, and those applying as a civil partner of someone already living here
  • Bringing children, elderly relatives and family reunions together, including dependent children and adult dependent relatives who need long-term care that is not available to them abroad

Why families choose Garth Coates

Established in 2008, we are a boutique immigration firm based in central London.

Our founder, Garth Coates, qualified as a solicitor in 1994 and previously worked as a Home Office immigration officer, which gives our team real insight into how family applications are assessed.

We are a multilingual practice and support clients both in the UK and overseas, often speaking with them in their own language.

Because we are a specialist firm rather than a high volume processor, your case receives close, considered attention.

You can read more about our background and values on our about the firm page, and we would be glad to talk through your options whenever you are ready.

Contact Us for Eligibility Check

+44 (0)20 7799 1600

Mon to Fri: 09.30am - 17:30 pm (UK Time) - excluding public holidays