Family Visitor Visa UK: A Complete Guide by Legal Assist

If you want to visit your family in the UK for a short time, you’ll need the Family Visitor Visa UK. Whether you're a parent, sibling, or grandparent, this visa allows non-UK residents to reunite with their loved ones for up to six months. At Legal Assist, we specialise in helping families understand the requirements and successfully apply for their visitor visas. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility and documents to application tips.

What is a Family Visitor Visa UK?

The Family Visitor Visa UK is a type of Standard Visitor Visa that allows people from outside the UK to enter for a short-term visit to spend time with family members. This visa is usually granted for up to 6 months and cannot be extended beyond that timeframe. It is ideal for family reunions, attending weddings, or spending holidays with loved ones.

At Legal Assist, we understand how important these moments are, and we’re here to support your application from start to finish.

Who Can You Visit on a Family Visitor Visa?

The visa is intended for those who want to visit the following family members in the UK:

• Spouse or partner

• Parents or grandparents

• Children or grandchildren

• Siblings (including step-siblings)

• Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews

• In-laws and other close relatives

Even if your relative is not a British citizen but is settled in the UK (e.g. holding Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme), you may still qualify.

Family Visitor Visa Requirements

To qualify for the Family Visitor Visa UK, you must show:

• Purpose of Visit: You are visiting a family member for a temporary stay.

• Strong Ties to Home Country: You plan to return home after your visit.

• Financial Proof: You can fund your trip, or your relative in the UK will support you.

• Accommodation: You have somewhere to stay during your visit.

• No Intention to Work: You will not work or access public funds in the UK.

At Legal Assist, we help applicants gather strong evidence to meet these requirements, increasing their chances of visa approval.

Documents Required

Here is a checklist of the documents typically required:

1. Valid passport with at least one blank page.

2. Visa application form (online).

3. Proof of relationship with your UK-based family member (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).

4. Financial documents – bank statements, payslips, or sponsor’s financial information.

5. Letter of invitation from your family member, detailing their relationship to you, purpose of visit, and accommodation plans.

6. Travel itinerary, including dates, return ticket, and travel bookings.

7. Proof of employment or studies in your home country.

8. Accommodation details – where you will stay during the visit.

If you are unsure about the documents, Legal Assist can provide tailored document checklists based on your situation.

How to Apply for the Family Visitor Visa

The application process is done online. Here are the main steps:

1. Online Application

Start by filling out the Standard Visitor Visa application form on the UK government’s website. Be clear about the purpose of your visit and ensure consistency in your information.

2. Pay the Visa Fee

The current fee for a 6-month Family Visitor Visa UK is £115 (as of 2025). Payment is made online.

3. Book a Biometrics Appointment

You’ll need to attend a local visa application centre in your country to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

4. Submit Your Documents

Some documents can be uploaded online, while others may need to be submitted in person at the visa centre.

5. Wait for a Decision

The standard processing time is three weeks, although this may vary depending on your country. At Legal Assist, we offer fast-track options and application tracking services for urgent visits.

Why Choose Legal Assist?

At Legal Assist, we’ve helped hundreds of clients reunite with family members in the UK by assisting with their visitor visa applications. Here's how we support you:

• Personalised Advice: We review your circumstances and advise the best strategy.

• Document Preparation: We help you compile a strong, clear application.

• Application Review: We check for consistency and compliance with Home Office standards.

• Appeals Support: If your visa is refused, we guide you through the appeal or re-application process.

With immigration rules constantly changing, our expertise ensures that your application is accurate, complete, and compliant.

Can I Extend My Family Visitor Visa?

Unfortunately, you cannot extend a Family Visitor Visa UK beyond 6 months. If you wish to stay longer or settle in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a different visa type (e.g. family visa or spouse visa). Our team at Legal Assist can help you explore alternative options suited to your needs.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusals

Many family visitor visa applications are refused due to:

• Lack of proof of return to home country

• Insufficient financial documents

• Incomplete or inconsistent application details

• Weak invitation letter or unclear purpose of visit

At Legal Assist, we help you avoid these pitfalls by ensuring your application meets the Home Office’s high standards from the outset.

Can I Visit Friends on This Visa?

No, the Family Visitor Visa is only for visiting family members. If you're visiting a friend, you should apply for a General Visitor Visa (also under the Standard Visitor category), with different documentation requirements. Legal Assist can help you apply under the correct category to avoid refusal.

What Happens If My Visa is Refused?

If your visa is refused, don’t worry. You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. At Legal Assist, we can:

• Review your refusal and identify errors

• Prepare a stronger re-application

• Assist with a legal appeal or administrative review (if applicable)

Our expert solicitors ensure your case is handled professionally and with care.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Family Visitor Visa UK can be a smooth process with the right guidance. At Legal Assist, we take the stress out of the application by offering expert, personalised support to help you reunite with your loved ones in the UK. Whether you’re applying for the first time or have faced a refusal, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Need Help with Your Visa Application?

Contact Legal Assist today for a free initial consultation. Our experienced immigration advisors are ready to support your journey to the UK. Don’t leave your family reunion to chance – trust the experts at Legal Assist.