Relatives of British nationals, or individuals who are present and settled in the UK, may be eligible to apply to join that family member in the UK. However, due to the UK Government’s strict crackdown on immigration, figures highlight that the number of UK Family Member Visas that have been granted have significantly dropped over the past decade. This means that it is more important than ever to ensure that all UK Family Member Visa applications are prepared as strongly as possible, and it is advised that Applicants contact immigration specialists, such as LEXVISA’s Immigration Team, in order to prepare and submit such applications.
Decrease in the number of UK Family Member Visas granted
Family members including children, spouses, unmarried partners and other dependants can apply to join or remain in the UK with their British national relative or relative who is present and settled in the UK. Over the past decade, statistics have revealed that the number of entry clearance applications for UK Family Member Visas that are granted has dropped by 46%. Even more shocking is that the number of settlement applications for UK Family Member Visas that have been granted has fallen by 73% since 2006.
The Director of Migrant Voice has said that
“the sharp drop-off in grants of settlement and entry clearance visas appears to indicate yet another challenge to those trying to build a normal family life in Britain […] and we have seen the rise of a wider set of ‘hostile environment’ practices aimed at making life difficult […] Family life has been the first target in this Government’s pursuit of an arbitrary, unachievable migration cap”.
Policy changes such as the rise in the minimum income requirement as well as an increase in Home Office fees are two key examples of the Government’s Hostile Environment Policy, in an effort to drastically reduce the UK’s net migration figure to less than 100,000.
General Requirements for UK Family Member Visas
Each UK Family Member Visa has a different set of requirements which need to be satisfied in order for it to be granted as the purposes for each visa will vary. Ultimately, all dependants of British citizens or whose relative is present and settled in the UK will need to satisfy the following requirements:
- That they have a genuine connection to the British citizen or person who is present and settled in the UK;
- That they can meet the financial requirement;
- That they can be cared and accommodated for in the UK without recourse to public funds; and
- They can meet the appropriate English Language Requirement.
Family members will need to be aware of the specific requirements for the particular UK Family Member Visa that is appropriate before making any application to the Home Office.
It is therefore important that family members seek the appropriate legal advice before preparing and submitting their entry clearance or further leave to remain application in order to remain with their relative in the UK. LEXVISA has prepared and submitted a high number of successful applications for UK Family Visas so contact us today in order to book an initial consultation with one of our solicitors.
Using Legal Representation for UK Family Member Visas
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to make a UK Family Member visas application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully apply for UK Family Member Visas
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.