Family Settlement Visa
The UK Family Settlement Visa allows British citizens and individuals with settled status to bring their spouse, partner, or child to the United Kingdom. This route is one of the most important family immigration pathways and provides long‑term residence rights and a clear route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
This article explains the requirements for both the UK Spousal Settlement Visa and the UK Child Dependent Visa, including financial rules, health requirements, documents, and fees.
What Is a UK Family Settlement Visa?
A UK Family Settlement Visa enables a non‑British family member to join their spouse, partner, or parent in the United Kingdom. Successful applicants receive an initial 2.5‑year visa, after which they may extend and later qualify for permanent residence.
Applicants must meet strict relationship, financial, accommodation, and health requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).
Official guidance can be viewed here: UK Family Visa – GOV.UK.
UK Spousal Settlement Visa Requirements
A UK Spousal Visa applies to legally married couples where one partner is a British citizen, holds indefinite leave to remain, or has another form of settled status.
Below are the standard requirements for 2026.
1. Health Requirement
Applicants must complete a UK‑approved tuberculosis (TB) test before applying.
This applies to all long‑term applications from South Africa.
2. Financial Requirement for Spousal Visas
The sponsor must meet one of the following UKVI financial thresholds:
A. Salary Route
The sponsor must:
- Earn at least £29,000 per year
- Have been in this employment for at least 6 months, and
- Hold a contract extending at least 12 months ahead
B. Savings Route
Where income is insufficient, the couple may rely on savings.
The Home Office requires £88,500 in savings, held for six consecutive months.
C. Other Routes
UKVI also allows:
- Self‑employment income
- Non‑employment income
- Combined income categories
These can be reviewed where applicable.
3. Spousal Visa Costs
Fees are paid directly to UKVI during submission:
- £1,938 – Spousal Visa application fee (outside the UK)
- £2,587.50 – NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for 2.5 years
- Our facilitation fee: R7,500
Total UKVI fee: approximately £4,525.50
4. Required Documents for a Spousal Visa
To prepare the application, you will need:
- Applicant’s South African passport and ID
- Unabridged marriage certificate
- Completed application forms (Word form + Appendix 2)
- Proof of ongoing genuine relationship
- Evidence of UK accommodation
- Sponsor’s financial documents
Once compiled, all documents are uploaded to UKVI’s digital portal. You will pay online, after which we schedule the VFS biometric appointment.
More information is available on our dedicated page:
https://emigrationassist.co.za/uk-services/uk-spousal-settlement-visa/
UK Child Dependent Family Settlement Visa Requirements
A child under 18 may apply to join a parent who is British or settled in the UK. A separate application is required for each child.
1. Health Requirement for Children
Children must undergo a TB test at a UKVI‑approved medical centre before applying.
The certificate is compulsory and must be uploaded with the application.
2. Financial Requirement for Children
The financial requirement mirrors the spousal threshold.
The sponsoring parent must show:
- A UK employment income of £29,000 or more,
- Six months of continuous employment, and
- A contract extending 12 months beyond the application date.
Alternate financial categories (such as savings) may apply depending on the case.
3. Child Visa Costs
Each child requires the following fees:
- £1,938 – UKVI visa fee
- £776 per year – NHS Immigration Health Surcharge
- Our facilitation fee: R5,500 per child
The exact total varies depending on the visa duration.
4. Relationship Evidence for Child Applicants
You must prove the biological or legal parental relationship.
Common documents include:
- Full, unabridged birth certificates
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of sole or shared parental responsibility
- Any additional documents required by the Home Office depending on family circumstances
Once submitted, we prepare the full application, upload all evidence, and arrange the biometrics appointment.
How We Assist With UK Family Settlement Visas
Our service includes:
- Review of all supporting documents
- Completion and preparation of the online UKVI application
- Uploading evidence to the Home Office digital portal
- Booking VFS biometric appointments
- Full guidance throughout the entire process
- Ensuring compliance with current UK immigration rules
We also assist with British passports, first‑time British citizenship claims, and renewals.
Related services:
• British Passport Renewals:
• UK Spousal Settlement Visa:
• First‑Time British Passport Applications:
Contact Us for Assistance
If you are ready to begin the process for your spouse or child, or if you have additional questions, you are welcome to reach out.
Contact page:
Call / WhatsApp: 082 973 0454
Email: info@emigrationassist.co.za
We look forward to assisting you with a smooth, compliant, and professionally prepared UK Family Settlement Visa application.
