Family Applications

At SMK Solicitors, we take pride in our commitment to reuniting family members with their loved ones.

Whether it’s through entry clearance or securing a partner/parent visa from within the United Kingdom, our primary goal is to provide the best advice to ensure successful results. Throughout this process, we consistently strive to identify the shortest possible route to settlement for our clients.

What are family visas?

Understanding the complexities and nuances of family visas is crucial. The legal framework surrounding family visas is complex and often involves the application of complicated human rights law.

The initial step, as per the Immigration Rules, typically entails the submission of family visa applications from outside the United Kingdom. This involves meeting specific requirements, such as the minimum earnings threshold, English language proficiency, relationship criteria, suitability assessments and more.

Upon a successful application, the applicant would typically be granted “entry clearance” or “permission to enter” the United Kingdom to join their family member, whether it’s a partner, child, or parent (for applicants under 18 years of age) under the 5-year route to settlement. In such circumstances, a person would be expected to remain lawfully resident in the United Kingdom for a period of 5 years, following which they would be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

The Immigration Rules do recognise situations where it may not be feasible for a person to return to their country to apply for entry clearance. These circumstances include, for instance, a parent of a British child born in the United Kingdom and is unable to be separated, or an applicant whose spouse is undergoing serious medical treatment, thus encountering “insurmountable obstacles” preventing them from experiencing family life in the UK. If successful, leave would be granted under the 10-year route to settlement, whereby a person would be expected to remain lawfully resident in the United Kingdom for a period of 10 years, following which they would be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

How can we help?

At SMK Solicitors, we offer valuable assistance in navigating these intricate processes. We specialise in all types of family visa applications from outside and inside the UK including:

1. Fiancé(e) visas.
2. Spouse and partner visas.
3. Skilled Worker Dependent visas.
4. Parent and children visas.

If you are currently facing separation from a partner, child, or parent overseas and seek impartial advice on sponsoring a family member to join you in the UK, we are here to help with free and no-obligation advice.

Similarly, if you are concerned about the immigration status of yourself or a loved one within the United Kingdom, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to explore your options from within the UK.