Appendix FM –Family Visas
Amicis Legal Services Ltd | UK Family Visa: Navigating Appendix FM
Appendix FM serves as the official guidelines from the Home Office for applying for a UK Family visa based on private and family life. It outlines the immigration rules for applicants seeking to join or remain with family members in the UK, while ensuring a balance with the rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Who Can Apply under Appendix FM?
Generally, individuals related to or in a relationship with the following can apply under Appendix FM:
– British or Irish citizens
– Those with settled status in the UK (e.g., indefinite leave to remain or EU Settlement Scheme)
– Individuals with a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa
– Individuals with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK Applicants usually require sponsorship from someone with one of the above statuses to apply under Appendix FM.
Requirements for Spouses and Partners
To apply for a family visa as a partner of someone in the UK, you must meet these criteria:
- Both you and your partner must be over 18
- Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing
- Any previous relationship must have permanently broken down.
- If you are married or in a civil partnership, it must be valid
- If a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, you must intend to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK
- You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
To apply for a family visa as a partner of someone in the UK, you must meet these criteria:
Both you and your partner must be over 18 Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing Any previous relationship must have permanently broken down If married or in a civil partnership, it must be valid If a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, you must intend to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK You must intend to live together permanently in the UK. Requirements for Children
Requirements for Children
Children applying as dependents of someone in the UK must:
- Be under 18 at the time of application
- Not be married or in a civil partnership, the child must not have formed an independent family unit or leading an independent life.
- Have one parent with limited leave in the UK or being granted entry clearance as a partner or parent under a family visa.
Requirements for Parents
To apply as a parent of a child living in the UK, you must:
- Be aged 18 or above
- Your child must be under 18, the child must be living in the UK and be a British Citizen, settled in the UK, or lived in the UK for at least seven years preceding the application
- Have sole parental responsibility for the child or the child normally lives with you, or you have access rights and actively involved in the child’s upbringing
Requirements for Adult Dependent Relatives
If applying as an adult dependent relative, the UK-based family member must be over 18, and you must be:
- A parent, grandparent, sibling, son, or daughter aged 18 or over
- Requiring long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability, and unable to obtain the required care in your home country.
Financial and English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, along with English language proficiency in certain cases. The financial requirement varies based on the applicant’s relationship and can be met through various sources.
The English language requirement may apply to partners and parents of UK family members, but exemptions are available for age, disabilities, or exceptional circumstances.
Commitment to the UK (KoLL) Requirement
The English language requirement may apply to partners and parents of UK family members, but exemptions are available for age, disabilities, or exceptional circumstances.
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For those applying for indefinite leave to remain, the commitment to respect UK laws, values, and traditions (KoLL) is crucial. Passing a ‘Life in the UK’ test and demonstrating English proficiency are part of meeting this requirement.
At Amicis Legal Services Ltd, we assist applicants in navigating Appendix FM and the Family visa process. For expert guidance,
