Family & Partner Visas UK
Reuniting families across borders with expert, compassionate immigration advice. We handle spouse visas, partner visas, parent visas and family reunion applications.
Spouse & Civil Partner Visa
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person (holding ILR or Settled Status), you may be eligible to join them in the UK on a spouse or civil partner visa. This is one of the most common and yet most frequently refused categories. The application requires clear evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship, financial sponsorship above the income threshold, suitable accommodation, and English language ability. ZAM Law Associates has extensive experience in preparing spouse visa applications that satisfy these demanding evidential requirements.
We understand that behind every application is a family separated by borders. Our approach is thorough and compassionate — we take the time to understand your relationship history and personal circumstances, and we build your evidence bundle accordingly. A well-prepared spouse visa application tells a coherent, well-documented story of your relationship, leaving the caseworker in no doubt about its genuineness.
Financial Requirement
From April 2024, the financial threshold for sponsor income increased to £29,000 per year (rising further to £34,500 and ultimately £38,700 in phases). The sponsor must demonstrate this income through payslips, P60, employment letter, or self-employed accounts. Certain benefits and third-party income may also be counted. We provide a detailed assessment of whether you meet the financial requirement and advise on lawful ways to meet it if you are borderline.
Note on thresholds: The financial threshold is increasing in stages. If your situation is close to the threshold, contact us before applying — we can help you time your application and present your financial evidence in the strongest possible way.
Unmarried Partner Visa
If you are not married but have been living together with your partner in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years, you may apply for an unmarried partner visa. This route requires compelling evidence of cohabitation and a genuine relationship — including shared addresses, joint bank statements, utility bills, and correspondence. The evidential threshold is high, and poorly prepared applications are frequently refused. We compile the documentary evidence methodically to create a persuasive application bundle.
The unmarried partner route is one of the most evidence-intensive immigration applications. The Home Office expects to see continuous cohabitation for two years, documented month by month. We advise on exactly what evidence is needed and how to present it chronologically and clearly, so that the application reads as persuasive from the first page to the last.
Fiancé(e) Visa
A fiancé(e) visa (entry clearance for the purpose of marriage) allows you to come to the UK to marry your British or settled partner within six months of arrival. You must marry before your visa expires and then apply to switch to a spouse visa. The relationship must be genuine and you must intend to live together permanently after marriage. The financial and accommodation requirements mirror the spouse visa.
Fiancé(e) visas require careful planning: you must demonstrate that you have not yet married (or entered a civil partnership) and that you intend to do so quickly after arrival. We advise on the evidence needed to establish relationship genuineness at this pre-marriage stage, and we prepare the initial application and the subsequent switching application as a single, coordinated process.
Parent of a Child in the UK
If your child is a British citizen or has settled status and lives in the UK, you may be able to apply for leave as a parent. This route requires that you have sole parental responsibility or direct access and play an active role in your child's upbringing. We advise on the evidence required and how to demonstrate parental involvement to the Home Office's satisfaction.
Parent applications are subject to the same financial threshold as spouse applications, unless the UK-based parent is the other party with parental responsibility. This is a complex area of immigration law, and the precise eligibility criteria differ depending on the child's status and age. We assess each case individually to identify the strongest basis for an application.
Family Reunion for Refugees
Individuals with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK are entitled to bring close family members (spouse and minor children) to join them. The family reunion must be applied for within five years of the grant of protection unless there are exceptional circumstances. Applications are free of the visa application fee. We help refugees navigate the reunification process with compassion and expertise.
Family reunion applications are among the most emotionally significant cases we handle. We understand the urgency families feel and we work efficiently to prepare strong applications, including where family members are in difficult situations abroad. We advise on sourcing civil documents from countries where record-keeping is unreliable and support clients through every stage of the process.
Our Family Visa Services at a Glance
Spouse Visas
Comprehensive preparation of spouse and civil partner visa applications
Unmarried Partners
Building a strong cohabitation evidence bundle for partner visas
Fiancé(e) Visa
Advice on pre-marriage entry clearance and switching to spouse visa
Family Reunion
Reuniting refugees with their spouses and children
How We Work
Relationship Assessment
We assess your relationship history and identify the most appropriate visa route
Financial Check
We verify sponsor income and advise on meeting the financial threshold
Evidence Compilation
We compile and organise all documentary evidence into a clear, persuasive bundle
Submission & Decision
We submit the application and advise on the biometric appointment and decision timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A previous refusal does not prevent reapplication. We thoroughly analyse the refusal letter, address the specific concerns raised, and prepare a significantly stronger application. Many clients have succeeded on reapplication after an initial refusal, particularly where the original application was prepared without professional advice.
No — only the UK-based sponsor (the British citizen or settled person) must meet the income threshold. The applicant's income abroad does not count. However, savings above £16,000 can be used to top up income shortfalls in certain circumstances. We calculate precisely whether savings can supplement income in your situation.
An initial spouse visa lasts 2.5 years. It can be extended for a further 2.5 years and then leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain after a total of 5 years in the UK, subject to continued eligibility. We advise on extension applications well in advance of the expiry date to ensure there is no gap in lawful status.
Related Services
Reunite Your Family — Get Expert Visa Advice Today
We handle every aspect of your family visa application with care and precision, building the strongest possible case so you and your loved ones can be together in the UK.