The provisions for family visit visas are contained within paragraphs 40 and 41 of the Immigration Rules. In order to qualify, entry clearance officers must be satisfied that

·       The applicant is giving a true account of what he or she intends to do in the UK and as to the length of time he or she will spend here

·       The applicant will not undertake any activity which is not allowed under the rules

·       The applicant has sufficient funds to maintain herself/himself for the duration of the stay in the UK along with funds for an onward or return journey

Family visitors are defined under the Immigration Appeals (Family Visitor) Regulation 2003. They are persons who are seeking to visit someone in the UK who is related to them as follows:

1.       The applicants spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece or first cousin

2.       The father, mother, brother or sister of the applicant’s spouse

3.       The spouse of the applicant’s son or daughter

4.       The applicant’s stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother or stepsister

5.       A person with whom the applicant has lived as a member of an unmarried couple for at least two of the three years before the day on which his application for entry clearance was made

There are also provisions for adopted children. Civil partners are considered in the same way as spouses.

Visas are usually granted for a maximum of up to 6 months.  Where applicants are denied entry clearance, a full right of appeal is available provided:

-          The application falls to be assessed under all the requirements of the relevant paragraphs

-          The intention is to visit a family member in the UK as defined above

-          The main purpose of the visit is to visit a qualifying family member