Family Member or Primary Carer of a British Citizen Visa
Stay in the UK lawfully with your British family member or the person you care for.
If you are a non-British citizen and a family member or the primary carer of a British citizen, you may be able to apply for permission to stay in the UK under this route. This visa allows you to live with, or continue providing care for, your British family member when you are both dependent on each other.
How We Can Help
Legal advice on eligibility
We can assess whether you qualify to apply as a family member or primary carer of a British citizen under UK immigration and human rights law.
Application preparation and representation
We help you gather the correct supporting documents, prepare your legal representations, and submit your application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Support throughout the process
We stay in contact with the Home Office on your behalf and assist if there are delays, requests for further evidence, or a refusal.
We understand how important these applications are for family life and continuity of care. Every case is handled with care, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Book your FREE consultation today!
Suppose you are a non-British individual and a family member or the primary carer of a British citizen; in that case, you might qualify to apply for a visa under the Family Member or Primary Carer of a British Citizen UK Visa Scheme. This route opens up a lawful way for you to stay with or be with your British family member in the UK, particularly when you or your dependents are mutually reliant.
About the Family Member or Primary Carer of a British Citizen Scheme
This route exists to protect family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It allows certain non-British citizens to remain in the UK where removing them would mean a British citizen, usually a child or a vulnerable adult, would be forced to leave the UK.
You can apply if you are:
- A close family member of a British citizen (spouse, civil partner, child, parent, or dependent relative), or
- The primary carer of a British citizen, such as a child or vulnerable adult, who depends on you for their daily care.
Applications must be made from within the UK, not from abroad.
The Application Process
Step 1: Limited Leave to Remain
If your application is successful, you will usually be granted permission to stay for 30 months. You must continue living with or providing care for the British citizen and follow all immigration conditions.
Step 2: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years of lawful residence under this route, you may apply for ILR. You’ll need to meet the English language and Life in the UK requirements and must not have breached immigration laws during your stay.
Step 3: British Citizenship
Once you’ve held ILR for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, provided you meet all the requirements such as good character, residence, and language.
Children may be eligible for registration as British citizens depending on their circumstances.
Applications under this route must be made from within the UK. You cannot apply from overseas.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
You’ll need to complete the correct online form for your circumstances and pay the Home Office application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 2: Provide Your Biometric Information
After submitting your form, you’ll be asked to book an appointment to give your fingerprints and photograph at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
You must upload or provide all supporting evidence to show your relationship or caring responsibilities, and that removing you from the UK would breach the British citizen’s right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Most applications are decided within 8 to 12 weeks after your biometrics appointment, although complex cases can take longer.
You should not travel outside the UK while your application is being considered, as doing so will usually withdraw your application.
Step 5: Receive Your Visa
If your application is approved, you’ll be granted limited leave to remain, normally for 30 months. This can later be extended and can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British citizenship if you meet all the requirements.
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We provide legal advice and offer comprehensive application assistance to individuals who apply as family members or primary carers of British citizens. The following are our services:
- Checking your eligibility under derivative rights or family-based routes
- Supporting you in collecting and getting evidence that complies with UKVI standards
- Preparing legal representations, your circumstances form the basis of
- Carrying out your application submission and keeping in touch with UKVI on your behalf
- Giving you follow-up assistance if there are difficulties or if your application is not accepted
We understand the emotional and practical importance of these applications and treat each case with the attention it deserves.
Applications for this scheme must be made from within the UK. It is not allowed to apply from overseas. You must fill out the corresponding application form electronically, pay the fee, and provide your biometrics.
The Home Office will investigate whether the removal of the applicant will result in a violation of the rights of the British citizen concerned. Essentially, a case typically revolves around the principle that a British citizen would be obliged to return if their family member or carer were removed from the country.
We recommend seeking legal advice before applying.
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You must show that you are either a primary carer or a family member of a British citizen and that your removal from the UK would breach their rights under Article 8 ECHR.
Primary Carer Route
You will need to show evidence that:
- The British citizen relies on you for daily care and support.
- No other care is reasonably available in the UK.
- Your removal would result in the British citizen being forced to leave the UK.
Family Member Route
You must prove that:
- You have a genuine and ongoing relationship with the British citizen.
- Your removal would seriously disrupt family life.
- If you are a dependent relative, you require long-term care that is not available or affordable in your home country.
Additional general conditions:
- You must already be in the UK legally.
- You should not be an overstayer unless there are exceptional reasons.
- English language and financial requirements may apply, depending on your route.
If you are applying on human rights grounds, there is generally no financial requirement, although providing proof of how you support yourself can strengthen your case.
Examples of supporting documents include:
- Birth, marriage, or civil partnership certificates
- Proof of shared residence (utility bills, tenancy agreements)
- Medical or social care evidence (if applying as a carer)
- Statements explaining your caregiving responsibilities
- Proof that the British citizen would be affected by your removal
All documents not in English must be translated and certified.
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If you are a family member or primary carer of a person from Northern Ireland, you may also be eligible for a permit under this route, but with some modifications.
Eligible Relationships
You may also qualify if your family member or the person you care for is a British citizen from Northern Ireland.
They must:
- Have been born in Northern Ireland, and
- Continue to live in Northern Ireland.
Eligible relationships include spouses, partners, parents, children, and dependent relatives. The same human rights considerations apply.
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This route can also apply to dependent relatives such as parents, grandparents, or siblings, but the criteria are very strict.
You must show that:
- You need ongoing care because of age, illness, or disability.
- Suitable care is not available or affordable in your home country.
- No close family members can provide that care.
Most applications in this category are carefully scrutinised, so legal advice is essential.
Applications are usually decided within 8 to 12 weeks after biometric enrolment, though complex cases can take longer.
You should not leave the UK while your application is pending, as doing so may be treated as a withdrawal.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
Fees and Funding
Our fees are transparent and depend on the complexity of your case. We’ll explain all costs, including Home Office fees and any additional disbursements, before we start work.
For some cases, fixed-fee options may be available.
Get in Touch
If you’re a family member or primary carer of a British citizen and want to understand your options, our immigration solicitors can guide you through the process.
Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation and discuss your next steps.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply from outside the UK?
No, applications under this scheme must be made from within the UK.
Do I need to meet a financial requirement?
Not necessarily. If you’re applying on human rights grounds, the financial requirement may not apply.
Can I work while holding this visa?
Yes, you are usually allowed to work while you have limited leave to remain.
Should I get legal help?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Many applications are refused due to missing evidence or incorrect forms.
What if my application is refused?
You may have a right to appeal, especially if you believe your Article 8 rights have been breached.
Can my children be included in my application?
Yes, but you must show they are dependent and part of your family unit.
