If you’re a Pakistani citizen who wants to bring your family to the United Kingdom, applying for a UK Family Visa is the most straightforward pathway. Whether you’re a British citizen, settled in the UK, or hold another type of visa, bringing your spouse, children, parents, or other family members to join you in the UK is a possibility. This guide will walk you through the UK Family Visa application process, requirements, and eligibility for 2025.

Step 1: Understand the Different Types of UK Family Visas

The UK offers various family visa routes to help Pakistani citizens reunite with their loved ones. The specific type of family visa you’ll need depends on the family member you want to bring. Here are some common types:

1. Spouse or Partner Visa

The Spouse or Partner Visa is for Pakistani citizens who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. It also applies to unmarried partners who have been in a genuine relationship for at least two years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a settled person in the UK, or be in a long-term relationship.
• Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
• You must meet the minimum income requirement, which is typically £18,600 per year (higher thresholds apply for additional dependents).
• You must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved English test or proving your knowledge through previous qualifications.

2. Parent Visa

The Parent Visa is for parents of children who are British citizens or settled in the UK. The child must be under the age of 18 and living in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must be the biological or adoptive parent of a child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
• You need to show that you can financially support yourself without relying on public funds.
• You must meet the language requirements and show you have a genuine relationship with your child.

3. Child Visa

The Child Visa allows children under the age of 18 to join their parents who are living in the UK. It is often used for situations where children are living in Pakistan and need to reunite with their parent(s) in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The child must be under 18 years old.
• The parent must be a British citizen, settled in the UK, or hold an eligible visa category.
• The child must not have any serious criminal convictions.

4. Adult Dependent Relative Visa

This visa allows Pakistani citizens to bring adult relatives, such as parents, grandparents, or siblings, to the UK if they are dependent on the UK sponsor for care.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The relative must be over the age of 18 and require long-term care.
• The applicant must be able to financially support the dependent relative without using public funds.

Step 2: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Each type of UK family visa has its own set of eligibility criteria, but there are some general requirements you should meet:

1. Proof of Relationship: For most family visa applications, you need to provide evidence of your relationship with the family member you are sponsoring. This can include marriage certificates, birth certificates, photographs, and communications that show a genuine, ongoing relationship.
2. Financial Requirement: One of the most critical requirements is proving that you can financially support your family members. This usually means meeting the minimum income threshold. For a spouse or partner, you typically need to show that you earn at least £18,600 a year, with additional amounts required for each child.
3. English Language Requirement: You will need to prove that you meet the English language requirement by passing a test or showing that you have a degree taught in English. Some applicants may be exempt based on age or nationality.
4. Accommodation: You must have adequate accommodation for your family members. This could be a rented property or your own home, but you need to demonstrate that the accommodation is suitable for the number of people you plan to bring.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

The documents you submit with your application depend on the family visa category. However, some common documents include:

• Valid Passport: A passport valid for at least six months from your planned travel date.
• Proof of Relationship: Evidence such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and photographs proving your relationship.
• Financial Documents: Payslips, bank statements, and evidence of income to meet the financial requirement.
• Accommodation Details: Proof of your living arrangements in the UK.
• English Language Test Results: If required, your test results or evidence of your English language proficiency.
• Child’s Birth Certificate: If applying for a child visa, provide the child’s birth certificate and proof of your relationship with the child.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

To apply for a UK family visa, you need to complete the appropriate online application form. The application forms are available on the official UK government website. Depending on the type of family visa you are applying for, you will fill out the corresponding form, upload documents, and pay the required fees.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

Along with your visa application, you will need to pay the application fee, which varies based on the type of visa you are applying for. Additionally, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

The fee and surcharge must be paid as part of the application process. Fees typically range from £1,523 to £3,250 depending on your family size and visa category.

Step 6: Attend the Biometrics Appointment

Once you submit your application, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Pakistan. During this appointment, you will provide fingerprints and a photograph for your visa application.

Step 7: Wait for the Decision

After submitting your application and attending your biometrics appointment, the Home Office will process your application. Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the visa type. On average, the processing time for UK family visa applications can take 2 to 12 weeks.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa and Travel to the UK

If your family visa is approved, you will receive a vignette (a sticker in your passport) to enter the UK. You will also receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) once you arrive in the UK. This card confirms your immigration status and the conditions of your stay.

Conclusion

Bringing your family to the UK can be a complex but rewarding process. By understanding the different family visa types, meeting the eligibility criteria, and submitting the required documents, you can successfully reunite with your loved ones in the UK. The process may seem overwhelming at first, but careful preparation and attention to detail can help ensure a smooth application process.