UK Family Visitor Visa
Visit Family or Close Relatives in the United Kingdom
Apply for a Family Visitor Visa through Legate Hub | Practical guidance for visiting relatives, dependants and carers
Overview
The Family Visitor Visa is a Standard Visitor category permitting individuals to visit close family members in the UK — including parents, children, spouses, civil partners, and other dependent relatives — for a short period (typically up to six months). Legate Hub assists applicants by ensuring invitation letters, supporting evidence and application forms are prepared to Home Office standards to demonstrate genuine intent to visit and return.
Eligibility Requirements
- The visit must be for a permitted purpose: family visit, short-term care for a relative, or to accompany a relative during medical treatment.
- You must intend to leave the UK at the end of the authorised visit and demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
- You must be able to cover all costs for the trip or have confirmed sponsorship by your UK family member.
- You must not intend to undertake paid or long-term work, study, or live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- You must not have a recent history of overstaying or breaching immigration rules that would make you ineligible.
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (with at least one blank page) and any previous travel documents.
- Completed Standard Visitor visa application form (online) and application fee payment proof.
- Letter of invitation from the UK relative detailing relationship, purpose, duration and accommodation arrangements.
- Evidence of accommodation in the UK (host’s tenancy/mortgage, hospitality letter or hotel booking).
- Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, or sponsor’s financial documents) demonstrating ability to fund the visit.
- Proof of ties to home country (employment letter, student enrolment, property ownership, or family commitments).
- For care visits: medical appointment letters for the UK relative and any supporting medical reports.
- Previous UK visas and travel history, if applicable.
- Certified translations for any non-English/Welsh documents.
Application Process
- Step 1 – Eligibility Check: Book a consultation with Legate Hub to confirm the correct visitor category and list of needed evidence.
- Step 2 – Invitation & Evidence Preparation: Download the Family Visitor Checklist from our Document Centre below. Legate Hub will draft or review the invitation letter and assemble supporting evidence to Home Office standards.
- Step 3 – Online Application & Payment: We complete and submit the online application, arrange fee payment, and schedule your biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
- Step 4 – Biometrics & Decision: Attend the VAC for biometrics. Legate Hub monitors the application and handles any requests for further information from UKVI.
- Step 5 – Visa Collection & Travel Advice: After a decision, Legate Hub provides guidance on travel documentation, permitted activities and entry requirements to ensure a smooth visit.
Typical Processing Timeline
| Service | Typical Timeframe* |
|---|---|
| Standard Family Visitor Application | Approximately 3 weeks from biometric appointment (varies by country). |
| Priority Service (where available) | Approximately 5 working days (additional fee applies). |
Note: Timings differ by Visa Application Centre and seasonality. Complete documentary evidence reduces the risk of delay or refusal.
Download Application Forms
- Family Visitor Visa Checklist (PDF)
- Invitation Letter Template — Family (PDF)
- Family Visitor Financial Evidence Guide (PDF)
Download the templates, complete the materials and return them to Legate Hub for verification and submission support.
Why Choose Legate Hub
Legate Hub’s immigration team prepares visitor applications with precision, ensuring invitation letters and supporting evidence meet Home Office expectations. We mitigate common refusal grounds and provide clear, practical guidance to maximise the likelihood of a successful short-term family visit.
Book a Consultation
Arrange your family visit with confidence. Contact Legate Hub today to begin your Family Visitor Visa application.