UK Ancestry visa

Overview

You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if all of the following are true:

you’re a Commonwealth citizen

you can prove one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

you’re able and planning to work in the UK

you meet the other eligibility requirements

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

You should get a decision on your visa (a UK Ancestry visa) within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fees

A UK Ancestry visa costs £516.

Healthcare surcharge

You may also have to pay the healthcare surcharge (Healthcare surcharge) as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK for 5 years on this visa (a UK Ancestry visa).

Applying to stay longer in the UK

If you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on this visa (a UK Ancestry visa), you may be able to either:

apply to extend your visa (a UK Ancestry visa) for a further 5 years

apply to settle permanently in the UK (apply for ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work

study

bring your partner or child

You cannot:

change (‘switch’) into this visa (a UK Ancestry visa) if you came to the UK on a different visa

get public funds

Eligibility

You must prove that you:

are 17 or over

have enough money without help from public funds to support and house yourself and any dependants

can and plan to work in the UK

Your ancestry

You must show that you have a grandparent born in one of the following circumstances:

in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland

on a ship or aircraft that was either registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government

You can claim ancestry if:

you or your parent were adopted

your parents or grandparents were not married

You cannot claim UK ancestry through step-parents.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your partner

your child under 18

your child aged 18 or over who was previously on your or your partner’s visa as a dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove one of the following:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

Your child

They (Your partner and children) must:

live with you (unless they (Your partner and children)’re in full time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be supported by you without using public funds

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner or child must apply online.

They (Your partner or child)’ll need to have their (Your partner or child) fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of their (Your partner or child) application.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on where you’re applying from. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their (Your partner and children) visa)

Your partner and children may be able to extend their visa or switch to a UK Ancestry visa to stay with you in the UK.

You can add your partner or children to your application when you extend your visa. They do not need to apply separately.

Switch to an Ancestry visa

Your partner or child can apply to switch their visa online.

They (Your partner or child) cannot apply to switch if they (Your partner or child)’re currently in the UK:

on a visitor visa

on a Short-term study visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a Seasonal Worker visa

on a Domestic Workers in a Private Household visa

on immigration bail

because they (Your partner or child) were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

If they (Your partner or child)’re in one of those categories, they (Your partner or child) must leave the UK and apply for a UK Ancestry visa from abroad.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

Children born while you’re in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You must apply for their (a child) dependant visa before they (a child) turn 18 if they (a child) want to stay in the UK.

You can apply online for their (a child) dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport (with a blank page for your visa) or another valid travel document

your full birth certificate

the full birth certificates of the parent and grandparent your ancestry claim is based on

evidence that you’re planning to work in the UK, for example job offers you’ve received or a business plan if you’re self-employed

evidence, such as bank statements, that prove you can support yourself and any dependants in the UK - it must be dated within 31 days from when you submit your application

Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide:

evidence that your parents or grandparents have changed their name since birth, for example marriage or civil partnership certificates or a deed poll

legal adoption papers if you or your parents are adopted

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take a TB test

your marriage certificate or civil partnership registration document if your spouse or civil partner wants to join you in the UK

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a UK Ancestry visa before you travel to the UK.

Applying with your family

Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK. Each family member will need to make their own application to come to the UK as your ‘dependant’.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel to the UK.

Apply online

As part of your online application, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to prove your identity. You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at your appointment.

The visa application centre (a visa application centre) may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply online

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your visa and stay in the UK for a further 5 years. You must apply before your current visa expires.

You can extend this visa (your visa) as many times as you like, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

You can also apply to settle in the UK permanently if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on this visa (your visa).

Extending with your partner or children

You should include any dependants (your partner or children) who are on your current visa on your application to extend. This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay. They do not need to apply separately.

Fees

For each person applying you’ll need to pay:

the £1,033 application fee

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply online, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) (biometric information).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

Extend your visa online

You must apply online to extend your visa.

Apply online

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service (the online service) if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service (the online service).

After you apply

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents (supporting documents) need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.


Representative of an Overseas Business visa

Overview

You can apply as a representative of an overseas business if you’re either:

the sole representative of an overseas business planning to set up either a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary

an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK (UK)

You must also meet the other eligibility requirements.

How long it will take

If you apply from outside the UK (UK), the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK (UK).

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

If you apply from inside the UK (UK)

You will get a decision within 8 weeks.

UKVI will contact you if your application will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances (for example, if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK (UK) until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expires.

Fees

If you apply from outside the UK (UK), a Representative of an Overseas Business visa costs £610.

If you apply from inside the UK (UK), you’ll need to pay:

£704 for the visa (your visa)

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

Healthcare surcharge

You must pay the healthcare surcharge (Healthcare surcharge) as part of your application. Check how much you need to pay before you apply.

How long you can stay

The visa (your visa) lets you stay in the UK (UK) for an initial period of 3 years.

You may be able to extend your visa for another 2 years.

After you’ve been in the UK (UK) for 5 years, you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK (UK).

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work for your employer, full time

bring your family (‘dependants’) with you to the UK (UK)

apply to extend your visa

apply to settle in the UK (UK) after you’ve been here for 5 years

You cannot:

work for yourself or any other business

stay in the UK (UK) if the sole representative arrangement is ended by your employer

switch to this visa (your visa) from any other visa category

get public funds

Eligibility

To be eligible for this visa (your visa) you must:

have enough money to support yourself without help from public funds

meet the English requirement

Sole representatives

To apply as a sole representative you must:

be recruited and employed outside the UK (UK) by an active and trading business (whose headquarters and principal place of business are, and will remain, outside the UK (UK))

have the skills, experience and knowledge to do the role

hold a senior position within the business (but do not own or control the majority of it) and have full authority to make decisions on its behalf

intend to establish the overseas business’s (the business) first commercial presence in the UK (UK), either as a registered branch or a wholly owned subsidiary

You may also be eligible if the business has a legal entity in the UK (UK) that does not employ staff or do any business.

If your employer has been working to establish a UK branch or subsidiary, but it is not yet set up, you can replace a previous sole representative.

Newspaper, news agency or broadcast employees

As an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation, you can come to the UK (UK) if you’re being posted here on a long-term assignment.

Knowledge of English

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language (English) when you apply.

You can prove your knowledge of English by either:

passing an approved English language (English) test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening

having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the visa guidance (the full visa guidance).

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport or other valid travel identification

evidence that you can support yourself and any dependants during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months

proof that you meet the English requirement (the English language requirement)

If you’re applying from overseas, you’ll also need to provide:

details of where you’ll be staying during your stay

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

If you’re applying from overseas, you’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa.

All applicants need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guide for a list of documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Sole representatives

When applying as a sole representative of an overseas business you’ll need to provide:

a full description of the business’s (an overseas business) activities, including details of assets and accounts

a letter confirming the overseas business (an overseas business) will set up a wholly owned subsidiary or register a branch in the UK in the same business activity as it (an overseas business) runs overseas

your job description, employment contract and salary details

a letter confirming you’re familiar with the business (an overseas business) and have the power to take operational decisions

You should also provide evidence that you:

are directly employed by the business (an overseas business) and are not acting as a sales agent (for example, hired by a business to sell or distribute their products within the UK, but working for yourself and providing your services for a fee)

were recruited to the business (an overseas business) outside of the UK

hold a senior position in the business (an overseas business), with the authority to make decisions on its (an overseas business) behalf and set up and run a registered branch or wholly owned subsidiary

will be working full time for the business or subsidiary (an overseas business) for the duration of your stay and will not carry out any other work

do not own or control a majority of the overseas business

Newspaper, news agency or broadcast employees

As an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation you must also provide:

a full description of the parent company’s activities, including details of assets and accounts

confirmation that you will be representing them (the parent company’s) in the UK in a long term, full-time role

Apply

Read the Representative of an Overseas Business guidance before you apply.

Apply outside the UK

You must apply online for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

Apply now

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply inside the UK

You must apply online.

Apply now

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them (your supporting documents) into the online service

have them (your supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Representative of an Overseas Business visa.

You should include any dependants who are on your current visa (your visa) on your application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa (your visa) expires.

Eligibility

You must already have this visa (your visa) as either:

a representative of an overseas business

an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation

You must also meet the following conditions:

you’re still working for the same employer as when you were issued your previous visa

you’ve established, and are supervising, a UK branch or subsidiary of the overseas business (an overseas business)

your employer’s (an overseas business) principal place of business is still outside the UK

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

A Representative of an Overseas Business visa can be extended for up to 2 years after the original visa duration of 3 years.

Your visa can be extended for 3 years if your previous Representative of an Overseas Business visa was issued before 1 October 2009.

You can apply to settle once you have been in the UK for 5 years and you have an ongoing job with the same company.

Fees

For each person applying, you’ll need to pay:

£704 to extend this visa (your visa)

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

How to extend your visa

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) (biometric information).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them (your supporting documents) into the online service

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service (the online service) if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service (the online service).

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Family members

Your family members (‘dependants’) can come with you when you come to the UK on this visa.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your husband, wife or partner

your child under 18

Your husband, wife or partner cannot come to the UK as your dependant if they own or control a majority of the overseas business you will be representing.

Dependants applying from outside the UK

Your family members must apply online.

They (Your family members)’ll need to have their (Your family members) fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of their (Your family members) application.

They (Your family members) may be able to get their (Your family members) visa faster or other services depending on what country they (Your family members)’re in - check with the visa application centre.

Dependants applying from inside the UK

Your dependants can apply to extend or switch their visas to stay with you if they’re already in the UK. They must apply online.

It’s best to submit your dependants’ applications at the same time as yours.

Members of your family cannot apply in the UK as your dependant if they hold a visitor visa.

Get help to apply online

Your family can get help with completing the online form if they:

do not have internet access

Your family can only use this service if they (Your family)’re applying to extend or switch to your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

Children born while you’re in the UK

If you have children while you’re in the UK, you can apply online to add them to your visa as your dependant.

You must do this (apply) if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them (children).

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

Using a solicitor or an agent

You can use a solicitor or other agent to help with your application or extension.

They (a solicitor or other agent) must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), unless they (a solicitor or other agent) are exempt.

Application decisions will be sent to your representative, provided they are registered or permitted to give immigration advice.

Exemptions from OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)) registration

An adviser who is a member of one of the following professional bodies (or working under their supervision) does not need to be registered with the OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)):

Law Society

Law Society in Scotland

Law Society in Northern Ireland

Institute of Legal Executives

Faculty of Advocates

General Council of the Bar

General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland

Members of the following UK (the UK) bodies (or advisers working under their supervision) are also exempt:

state education institutions and their student unions

health sector bodies

employers giving immigration advice to their employees or prospective employees only

Advisers from outside the UK

You can use an adviser who is not in the UK. They do not need to be registered with the OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)).

Passports or other travel documents cannot be sent or returned to advisers outside the UK.


Student visa

Overview

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor

have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course (a course) - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances

can speak, read, write and understand English

have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

This visa (a Child Student visa) has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline is 30 June 2021.

Otherwise you need a visa to study in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme (the free EU Settlement Scheme).

When to apply

When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applying from outside the UK

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Applying from inside the UK

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course (your course) must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed.

If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it (your course)’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

Read the guidance to find out exactly how long you can stay.

Staying longer in the UK

You may be able to:

extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK

switch to a Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK

When you can travel to the UK

You can arrive in the UK before your course starts. This can be either:

up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less

up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months

Fees

It costs:

£348 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK

£475 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge (Healthcare surcharge) as part of your application.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Your partner and children

You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’).

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study

work as a student union sabbatical officer

You may be able to work - how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time.

You cannot:

claim public funds (benefits) and pensions

work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach

be self-employed

study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)

If your application is successful, you’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.

Your course

You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.

To prove this, your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) once they’ve offered you a place on the course (a course). You need a CAS before you can apply for your visa.

Courses you can study

You can do one of the following courses:

a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s below degree level (RQF level 3, 4 or 5) with at least 15 hours a week of organised daytime study

a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8)

a full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7 or 8) that’s equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas

a part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)

a recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists

an English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

You may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you’re studying or researching sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above.

The qualification levels are different in Scotland.

You can also apply for this visa if you’re:

taking up a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer

applying to extend your stay on the Doctorate Extension Scheme - you must currently have permission to be in the UK on a Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) student visa) and your course must lead to a PhD

Postgraduate doctors and dentists

You can apply for this visa if you’re sponsored to do a recognised foundation programme and you’ve:

finished a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry

received that degree (a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry) from a registered student sponsor

spent your final year and at least 1 other year of studies leading to that degree (a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry) in the UK

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Once they (your education provider)’ve offered you a place on the course (a course), your education provider will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

You must enter this reference number (a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) on your visa application.

You must apply for your visa (this visa) within 6 months of receiving your CAS (a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).

Money you need

You must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK.

How much money you need depends on your circumstances and what you’re applying for.

Course fee

You need enough money to pay for your course (a course) for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The amount you need to pay will be on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) (a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).

If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to prove you have this money for your visa application.

Money to support yourself (‘financial requirement’)

You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself - unless you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application.

How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You’ll need either:

£1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London

£1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

If you’re applying for the Doctorate Extension Scheme, and you’ve been in the UK for less than 12 months, you need to prove you have a total of £2,668 for courses in London, or a total of £2,046 for courses outside London.

If you’re boarding at a residential independent school, you’ll need to pay boarding fees instead. The amount you need to pay will be on your CAS.

London means the City of London (London) and the 32 London boroughs.

You’ll need to prove you have extra money for each family member you bring with you.

You must have this money (extra money for each family member you bring with you) for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company.

Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

When you do not need to prove you have money to support yourself

You do not need to prove the financial requirement if:

you’ve had a UK visa for 12 months prior to the date of your Student visa application (the date you apply for your visa) - you must currently be in the UK

you’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer

you’re applying as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised foundation programme

If you’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’

You do not need to prove you have enough money to support yourself if you’re a British national overseas or from one of the following countries or territories:

Australia

Austria

Bahrain

Barbados

Belgium

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Cambodia

Canada

Chile

China

Croatia

Republic of Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

The Dominican Republic

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

Indonesia

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kuwait

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macao

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritius

Mexico

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Oman

Peru

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Tunisia

United Arab Emirates

United States of America

However, you might be asked to provide this evidence before you get a decision on your application.

If you do need to provide it (this evidence), you’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after you’ve submitted your application.

Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need and how to prove it (this evidence).

Knowledge of English

You must prove your knowledge of the English language (English) when you apply.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider

having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18

Level of English

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

What you’re studying | Level

Degree level or above | Equivalent to CEFR level B2

Below degree level | CEFR level B1

If you’re studying with a Higher Education Provider

If you’re studying at degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test.

This (a different test) must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.

Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the following countries, or are from one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Ireland

Jamaica

Malta

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

UK

USA

You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies:

you’re a national of Canada

you’re applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA

you proved your level of English in a previous visa application

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply for your Student visa you must provide:

a current passport or other valid travel documentation

a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

You may also need to provide:

proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances

a valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it

proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18

proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18

your tuberculosis test results

written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide.

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply.

If you’re under 18

If you’re under 18 you’ll need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility).

This must include their consent for:

your visa application

your living and care arrangements in the UK

your travel to the UK

You’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that shows the names of your parents.

Apply

You must apply online for a Student visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Apply outside the UK

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

If you need to give your biometric information at a visa application centre, you may be able to pay to get a faster decision. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply inside the UK

You may be able to apply to:

extend your Student visa

switch to a Student visa from another type of visa

After you apply

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)). Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application.

After you get a decision

If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a visa application centre

a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

Find out what happens after you get your decision.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK.

You must be one of the following:

a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer

a new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months

a Doctorate Extension Scheme student

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is one of the following:

your husband, wife or civil partner

your unmarried partner

your child under 18 years old - including if they (A dependant partner or child) were born in the UK during your stay

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply, for example:

a marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner

a birth certificate for your child

Find out what other documents you can use to prove your relationship.

If your child is 16 or 17

If your child is 16 or 17 on the date you apply you’ll need to prove they are not living an independent life, for example they’re not married or in a civil partnership.

You’ll need to prove:

where they live - if they do not live with you, you’ll need to explain why

any rent or upkeep they pay you each month

that you support them financially if they do not live with you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide 2 of the following documents confirming their address:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner and child must each have a certain amount of money available to them. This is in addition to the money you must have to support yourself.

How much money they need depends on where you will be studying. They must have either:

£845 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London

£680 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

If you’re applying at the same time as your partner or child (you’re applying together as a family), you’ll need to prove you have both money to pay for your course and to support yourself and additional money for each of them.

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you (they’re applying separately) they only need to prove they have money to support themselves.

You (or your partner or child) must have this money (money to support themselves) for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date they (your partner or child) apply for their (your partner or child) visa.

If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company. If your loan does not cover your partner or child, you’ll need to prove you have money to support them instead.

When they (your partner or child) do not need to prove they (your partner or child) have money to support themselves (your partner or child)

Your partner or child does not need to prove they (your partner or child) have this money if they (your partner or child)’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.

If you and your partner or child are from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’ and you’re applying at the same time, they do not need to prove they have money to support themselves.

However, they (you and your partner or child) might be asked to provide this evidence before they (you and your partner or child) get a decision on their (you and your partner or child) application.

If they (you and your partner or child) do need to provide it (this evidence), they (you and your partner or child)’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after they (you and your partner or child)’ve submitted their (you and your partner or child) application.

Apply outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

apply online as your partner

apply online as your child

They (your partner or child)’ll need your application number - you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, they’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit).

They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit (a biometric residence permit) within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re in - check with the visa application centre (a visa application centre).

How long they can stay

If their application is successful, their visa (a biometric residence permit) will end on the same date as yours.

Apply inside the UK to extend or switch

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you extend or switch your own visa.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date - this must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or child cannot apply to switch in the UK if they have one of the following visas:

a visit visa

a short-term student visa

a Parent of a Child Student visa

a seasonal worker visa

a domestic worker in a private household visa

Fees

Each person will need to pay:

£475 for the visa

the healthcare surcharge - check how much they’ll have to pay

They may need to pay £19.20 to have their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

How to apply

Your partner and child must apply online. They (your partner or child) must either:

apply as a partner

apply as a child

As part of their (your partner or child) application, they (your partner or child)’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their (your partner or child) biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

They (your partner or child)’ll also need to submit their (your partner or child) supporting documents. They (your partner or child) can:

upload them (your partner or child) into the online service

have them (your partner or child) scanned at their (your partner or child) UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

They (your partner or child) must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they (your partner or child) get a decision. Their (your partner or child) application will be withdrawn if they (your partner or child) do.

Getting a faster decision

They (your partner or child) may be able to pay to get a faster decision  - they (your partner or child)’ll be told if they (your partner or child) can when they (your partner or child) apply.

Children born in the UK

Apply online for any children you have while in the UK.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child.

Extend your visa

You may be able to extend your Student visa to stay longer and continue your course or study a new course. This includes if you currently have a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

To extend your visa you must:

be in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa

have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

show that your studies are at a higher academic level than your current course (called the ‘academic progress requirement’) - there are some exceptions

If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK.

Apply to extend your dependants’ visas at the same time as you extend your own visa. If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can extend their visas at a later date - this must be before their current visa expires.

Showing academic progress

If you’re currently studying in the UK, you’ll usually need to show your studies will be at a higher academic level than your current course.

Your new course (your studies) must be one of the following:

at a higher academic level than your current course

at the same level and related to your previous course or career aspirations - it (your studies) must be degree level or above at a Higher Education Provider (HEP)

intercalated to a medicine, dentistry or medical science course you started studying under your Student visa (including a Tier 4 (General) student visa)

You do not need to show your studies are at a higher level if you’re doing one of the following:

resitting exams or repeating modules

applying for the first time to a new institution to complete a course you started at an institution that lost its student sponsorship licence

applying after working as a student union sabbatical officer to complete a qualification you started studying under your last Student visa (including a Tier 4 (General) student visa)

completing a PhD or other doctorate that you started studying under your last Student visa (including a Tier 4 (General) student visa)

continuing your medical, dentistry or medical science degree after completing an intercalated course

applying to extend your stay to complete your studies because you’ve done (or want to do) a work placement or study abroad programme

Read the guidance for more information about when you need to prove your studies are at a higher level.

If you’re applying to work in the UK

You can get a CAS if you’re:

applying to work as a student union sabbatical officer

applying to stay in the UK to look for work after you’ve finished your PhD or doctorate - the ‘Doctorate Extension Scheme’ (DES)

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course (your studies) starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course (your studies) must begin with 28 days of your current visa expiring.

For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course (your studies) must begin by 29 December.

You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision.

Fees

For each person, you’ll need to pay:

£475 to extend this visa

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Apply

You must apply online.

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this (prove) depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Start now

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)).

You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)). Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application.

If your application is successful

If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a UKVCAS centre

a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

Switch to this visa

You may be able to switch to a Student visa if you already have permission to be in the UK.

You cannot switch to this visa (a Student visa) if you have one of the following visas:

a visit visa

a short-term student visa

a Parent of a Child Student visa

a seasonal worker visa

a domestic worker in a private household visa

leave outside the immigration rules

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need to apply for a visa.

Eligibility

To switch to a Student visa you must:

be in the UK

have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK.

Apply to switch your dependants’ visas at the same time as you switch your own visa. If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can switch their visas at a later date - this must be before their current visa expires.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course (your course) must begin with 28 days of your current visa expiring.

For example, if your visa (your current visa) expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course (your course) must begin by 29 December.

You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision.

Fees

For each person, you’ll need to pay:

£475 to extend this visa

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Apply

You must apply online.

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this (prove) depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Start now

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision -  you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

If your application is successful

If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a UKVCAS centre

a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app


Apply for a permit to join your EU or EEA family member in the UK

Overview

You may be able to get a permit to come to the UK if you’re the family member of either:

an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

a ‘person of Northern Ireland’

The EEA (EEA) includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

The family of some British citizens can also get a permit.

You must be outside the UK to apply.

There are 2 different family permits:

the EU Settlement Scheme family permit

the EEA family permit

What family permits are for

A family permit makes it easier to travel with your family member to the UK or to join them there.

It (the EU Settlement Scheme family permit) lets you come to the UK for up to 6 months. You can work and study, and come and go as many times as you want.

Without one, you might not get a boarding pass or may be refused entry into the UK.

You can stay longer in the UK if you’re eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme (EU Settlement Scheme). You can either:

apply for a family permit before you come to the UK, and then apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EU Settlement Scheme) once you’re here

apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EU Settlement Scheme) from outside the UK, if you’re eligible to do so

EU Settlement Scheme family permit

You can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit if you’re the close family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020.

Find out more about applying for an EUSS family permit to join an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

You can also apply:

if you’ve lived in the EU, EEA or Switzerland with an eligible family member who’s a British citizen

if you have the right to stay in the UK as the family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who has died, left the UK, is no longer your spouse or civil partner or with whom the family relationship has broken down - this is called ‘retained right of residence’

EEA family permit

The EEA family permit (EEA family permit) is ending on 30 June 2021. You will not be able to apply for one or use it (EEA family permit) to travel to the UK after then, even if the expiry date on it (EEA family permit) is later. To come to the UK after 30 June 2021, you might be able to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.

You can apply for an EEA family permit if you’re the close family member or unmarried partner of a person from the EU, EEA (EU) or Switzerland. Your family relationship must have started by 31 December 2020.

If you apply for an EEA family permit and do not get a decision by 30 June 2021, you’ll need to apply for a different way to travel to the UK, such as an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.

Find out more about applying for the EEA family permit to join an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen.

You may also be eligible for an EEA family permit:

with a ‘derivative right of residence’ - you might have this (EEA family permit) if you’re the primary carer of a British, EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss dependant, the primary carer’s child, or the child of an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen who previously worked in the UK

if you can make a ‘Surinder Singh’ application after living in an EEA country or Switzerland with a British family member

with a ‘retained right of residence’ - you might have this (EEA family permit) if you have the right to stay in the UK as the family member of an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen who has died, left the UK or is no longer your spouse or civil partner

Fees

Both family permits are free.

After you’ve applied

If your application is successful, check how long your permit (EEA family permit) lasts and when you can apply to stay longer in the UK.

EU Settlement Scheme family permit: join an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen

You can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK if all of the following are true:

you’re the eligible family member of an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen, or a ‘person of Northern Ireland’

your family relationship began by 31 December 2020

your family member was living in the UK by 31 December 2020

your family member is in the UK already or traveling with you to the UK within 6 months of your application

The EEA (EU) includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Children who were born or adopted after 31 December 2020 may also be eligible, if they’re the child of either:

an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen

an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen’s spouse or civil partner

Eligible family members

You can join your:

spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner

child or grandchild aged under 21

dependent child or grandchild of any age

dependent parent or grandparent

This includes family members who were adopted under an adoption order that’s recognised in UK law.

Spouses and civil partners of Swiss citizens

If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with an eligible Swiss citizen, the rules are different.

You’ll still be eligible if:

you got engaged or formed your partnership after 31 December 2020

you’re still together when you apply

Who you can join

The person you’re joining must be one of the following:

an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen

a person of Northern Ireland

someone who lived in the UK as an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen before also getting British citizenship

an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen who is exempt from immigration control

an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who travels regularly to work in the UK but lives outside of the UK (also known as a ‘frontier worker’)

a British citizen who also has dual EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss nationality and was settled in the UK before 16 July 2012 without using their free movement rights (also known as a ‘McCarthy’ case)

Your family member must meet the eligibility criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme even if they have not applied or cannot apply. This means that they:

were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020

pass criminal record checks

If you’re joining a person of Northern Ireland

To be an eligible person of Northern Ireland, the person you’re joining (a person of Northern Ireland) must:

have been born in Northern Ireland

have British, Irish or dual British and Irish citizenship

At the time of your family member’s birth, one of their parents must have been:

a British citizen

a Irish citizen

a dual British and Irish citizen

entitled to reside in Northern Ireland with no restriction on their (Your family member) period of residence

If you’re joining an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen who lived in the UK before getting British citizenship

To be eligible the person you’re joining (a person of Northern Ireland) must:

be an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

have become a naturalised British citizen after working, studying or being self-sufficient in the UK

If you’re joining an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen who is exempt from immigration control

The person you’re joining (a person of Northern Ireland) must be:

an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen

exempt from immigration control

They (a person of Northern Ireland) cannot also be a British citizen.

If you’re joining a frontier worker

The person you’re joining (a person of Northern Ireland) must:

be an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen

have been working in the UK by 31 December 2020 as an employee or self-employed person

be primarily resident in another country that is not the UK

have been a frontier worker continuously since 1 January 2021

Documents you must provide

You must provide:

a valid passport

evidence of your relationship to your EEA (EU) family member, for example a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or birth certificate

You can provide a valid national identity card instead of your passport if you’re an EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen.

If the EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen family member you are joining has applied to the EU Settlement Scheme you must provide their application number.

If they have not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme you must provide both:

their valid EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss passport or national identity card

evidence that they would be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme if they had applied

You’ll have to show that they meet the other eligibility criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme even if they cannot apply - for example, if they have British as well as EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizenship.

Evidence if you’re a spouse or civil partner

If you’re a spouse or civil partner, you must show that you were engaged or formed a civil partnership  by 31 December 2020.

To do this (show), you must provide either:

a marriage or civil partnership certificate

a document issued under the EEA (EU) regulations as the spouse or civil partner of the EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss citizen - for example a family permit or residence card

If you’re married to or in civil partnership with a Swiss citizen who was resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, the rules are different. You may be eligible if you got married or entered into your partnership any time before 1 January 2026, and the relationship still exists when you apply.

Evidence if you’re an unmarried partner

If you’re an unmarried partner you’ll need to provide evidence that you were in your long-term relationship by 31 December 2020.

This (show) usually means showing that you had been living together for 2 years. Evidence could include:

bank statements, utility bills or official correspondence that shows you and your partner at the same address

documents showing joint finances, like a tax return

birth certificates or custody agreements showing that you shared responsibility for children while living together

You’ll also need to provide evidence that:

you’re still together when you apply

if you were resident in the UK before 1 January 2021, evidence that you were legally resident during that time

Evidence if you’re a dependent child, grandchild, parent or grandparent

You’ll have to provide evidence that you’re related to your EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss family member, such as a birth certificate.

You’ll also have to show that you are dependent on them (your EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss family member) if:

you’re over 21 and a dependent child or grandchild of your family member

your family member (your EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss family member) is under 18 and you’re their (your EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss family member) dependent parent or grandparent

Examples of the evidence you can provide include:

bank statements or money transfers that show you depend on them (your EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss family member) financially

evidence that you depend on them (your EU, EEA (EU) or Swiss family member) for health care, for example a letter from a hospital consultant

If you’re a dependent parent or grandparent, you will not need to show dependency if your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner has successfully applied for either:

an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

the EU Settlement Scheme (EU Settlement Scheme) as the dependent parent of your EEA (EU) family member

Evidence if you’re the family member of a person of Northern Ireland

You’ll need to provide a birth certificate or passport showing that your family member (a person of Northern Ireland) was born in Northern Ireland.

If they (a person of Northern Ireland) qualify as an Irish citizen alone, you must provide their (a person of Northern Ireland) original passport or national identity card and not a copy.

You must also provide evidence that, at the time of your family member’s (a person of Northern Ireland) birth, one of their (a person of Northern Ireland) parents was:

a British citizen

a Irish citizen

a dual British and Irish citizen

entitled to reside in Northern Ireland with no restriction on their period of residence

Evidence if you’re joining a person who is exempt from immigration control

You’ll need to provide evidence showing that:

they (a person who is exempt from immigration control) are exempt from immigration controls, for example a letter from a UK or foreign ministry

they (a person who is exempt from immigration control)’d meet the other eligibility criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme (EU Settlement Scheme) if they (a person who is exempt from immigration control) made an application before 1 July 2021 (even though they (a person who is exempt from immigration control) cannot actually apply)

Evidence if you’re joining a frontier worker

You’ll need to provide their (a person who is exempt from immigration control) frontier worker permit, or evidence that shows that they (a person who is exempt from immigration control) would be issued one if they (a person who is exempt from immigration control) applied.

Evidence if you’re joining a person with dual citizenship

You’ll need to provide evidence that shows:

your family member is a British citizen - for example a copy of their passport

they (your family member)’d meet the other eligibility criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme (EU Settlement Scheme) if they (your family member) made an application before 1 July 2021, even though they (your family member) cannot apply

If you’re applying on the grounds that your family member was settled in the UK before 16 July 2012
without using their free movement rights (also known as a ‘McCarthy’ case), you’ll have to show that on 16 July 2012 you had either:

a right of permanent residence in the UK

a document issued under EEA regulations, for example a residence card

Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

You must apply online for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.

You must be outside the UK to apply.

There’s no deadline for applications.

EU Settlement Scheme family permit: join a British citizen

You can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK before 29 March 2022 if you’ve lived in an EU (EEA) or EEA country or Switzerland with an eligible family member who’s a British citizen.

The EEA (EEA) includes the EU (EEA) countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

You must have lived with them (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) in that country (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) before 1 January 2021 (1 July 2021), and be:

their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner

under 21 years old, and are their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) child or grandchild

21 years or older, and are their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) dependent child or grandchild

their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) dependent parent or grandparent

another dependent relative

This includes family members who were adopted under an adoption order that’s recognised in UK law.

The country that you lived in together (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) must have been your main residence. Your British family member (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) must also have been working (including on a posting with HM Armed Forces), studying or self-sufficient in the country (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) while there.

The relationship with your family member (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) must have existed before 1 February 2020 for you to be eligible to apply, unless you have reasonable grounds for not returning to the UK before 1 January 2021 (1 July 2021).

Documents you must provide

You must provide:

your valid passport (or ID card if you are an EU (EEA), EEA or Swiss citizen)

your British family member’s valid passport

evidence of your relationship to your British family member (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen), such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or birth certificate

Both you and your British family member (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) must provide documents proving that you lived in an EU (EEA) or EEA country (or Switzerland (Swiss)) as your main residence. The documents must show:

that you’ve lived together in that country (an EU (EEA) or EEA country (or Switzerland (Swiss)))

your addresses

time spent living at each address

any proof of renting or buying a home

You must also provide proof that your British family member (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) was working, self-employed, self-sufficient or studying in the country where you’ve lived together (an EU (EEA) or EEA country (or Switzerland (Swiss))).

Examples of proof include employer’s letters, wage slips, contracts, bank statements, proof of tax registration, or proof of enrolment and attendance for study.

If you’re a dependent child, grandchild, parent or grandparent or relative

You’ll also need to provide proof of your dependency if you’re:

a dependent child or grandchild of your British family member (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen), or their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) spouse or civil partner, and you’re over 21

a dependent parent or grandparent of your British family member (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen), or their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) spouse or civil partner, and they (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) are under 18

another relative and you are dependent on your British family member (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen), or their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) spouse or civil partner

Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

You must apply online for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.

You must be outside the UK to apply.

There’s no deadline for applications.

EU Settlement Scheme family permit: retained right of residence

You may be able to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit if you previously had a right to reside in the UK either:

as the family member of an EU (EEA), EEA, Swiss citizen

from living in the EU (EEA), EEA or Switzerland with a British citizen

This (retained right of residence) is called a ‘retained right of residence’. You may have it (retained right of residence) if:

your eligible family member died

you’re their (your eligible family member) child, they (your eligible family member) died or left the UK, and you are in education in the UK

you’ve had a child with them (your eligible family member), they (your eligible family member) died or left the UK, and the child is in education in the UK

they (your eligible family member) divorced you or a member of your family

the relationship has broken down because of domestic abuse or violence

You must also meet other requirements to be eligible for a retained right of residence (retained right of residence) - read how applications are decided.

If your family member has died

You can apply if you lived continuously in the UK as their (your family member) family member for at least one year immediately before their (your family member) death.

You can also apply if:

you lived in the UK as their (your family member) family member immediately before their (your family member) death

they (your family member) were resident in the UK as a worker or self employed person at the time of their (your family member) death

they (your family member)’d been resident as a worker or self employed person for at least two years

If they (your family member) died as the result of an accident at work or occupational disease, they (your family member) do not have to have been resident for 2 years.

If you’re in education in the UK

You can apply if you’re in education in the UK and one of the following is true:

you’re the child of an eligible EU, EEA, Swiss or British citizen who has left the UK or died

one of your parents is the spouse or civil partner of an eligible EU, EEA, Swiss or British citizen who has left the UK or died

one of your parents was previously the spouse or civil partner of an eligible EU, EEA, Swiss or British citizen who has left the UK or died

If you qualify through any of these circumstances, your parent may also be eligible if they have custody of you.

If you or a member of your family was previously married or in a civil partnership

You can apply if you stopped being the family member of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen after their marriage or civil partnership ended with a divorce, annulment or dissolution, and you lived in the UK when it ended.

One of the following must also apply:

the marriage or civil partnership (their marriage or civil partnership) lasted for at least 3 years and the couple (the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen) had both been living in the UK for at least one year during that time

you have custody of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s (the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen) child

you have been given right of access in the UK to the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s (the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen) child and the child is under 18

you or another family member was the victim of domestic violence or abuse in the marriage or civil partnership (their marriage or civil partnership)

You can also apply if a family member had an eligible marriage or civil partnership and you lived in the UK when it ended. You must be their:

child or grandchild under 21 years old

dependent child or grandchild over the age of 21

dependent parent or grandparent

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or violence

You can apply if your family relationship with an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen has broken down permanently because of domestic abuse or violence.

You can apply if you are or were their (a family member):

spouse or civil partner

unmarried partner

child or grandchild under 21 years old

dependent parent or grandparent

Documents you must provide

You must provide:

your family member’s valid passport

evidence of your relationship to them (your family member’s), for example a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or birth certificate

evidence that you have been continuously resident in the UK

You can provide a valid national identity card instead of their (your family member’s) passport if they (your family member’s)’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

You must also provide evidence that your family member (a family member) meets the eligibility criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme, even if they (a family member) cannot apply.

Evidence if your family member has died

You’ll also have to provide:

their (a family member) death certificate and cause of death

evidence of your and your family member’s residence in the UK

evidence of their (your and your family member’s) employment, if they (your and your family member’s) were employed

Evidence if you’re in education in the UK

Where appropriate, you will have to provide evidence that:

your family member died - for example,  a death certificate

you were in education in the UK at the time your family member died or left the UK, and that you still are

your family member left the UK

you have custody of the child of the family member who died or left the UK (a family member)

Evidence if you or a member of your family was previously married or in a civil partnership

the marriage or civil partnership ended in divorce, annulment or dissolution

you’d been living together in the UK for at least a year

you have custody of or the right of access to the child of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen (a family member)

domestic violence or abuse took place

Evidence if you are a victim of domestic abuse or violence

You will have to provide evidence that:

the family relationship has broken down permanently as a result of domestic violence or abuse

you were resident in the UK when that family relationship (the family relationship) broke down

Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

You must apply online for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.

You must be outside the UK to apply.

There’s no deadline for applications.

EEA family permit

You can still apply for an EEA family permit if you’re the close family member or unmarried partner of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who is a qualified person or has a right of permanent residence in the UK.

The EEA (EEA) includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme family permit instead if your family member has or is eligible for ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Family members you can join

You must be their:

spouse or civil partner

unmarried partner in a lasting relationship

child or grandchild aged under 21

dependent child or grandchild of any age

dependent parent or grandparent

This includes family members who were adopted under an adoption order that’s recognised in UK law.

Your family relationship must have started by 31 December 2020.

The family member you’re joining (your family member) must:

have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020

have been working, looking for work, studying or self-sufficient while living here

have a right of permanent residence in the UK

Extended family members

You can no longer apply for an EEA family permit if you are the extended family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, for example their:

brother or sister

aunt or uncle

cousin

niece or nephew

Unmarried partners in a lasting relationship (‘durable partners’) can continue to apply for EEA family permits until 30 June 2021. The permit (EEA family permit) will not be valid after 30 June 2021, even if the expiry date on it (EEA family permit) is later.

Other ways to get an EEA family permit

You may also be eligible:

with a ‘derivative right of residence’ -  you might have this if you’re the primary carer of a British, EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, the primary carer’s child, or the child of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who previously worked in the UK

if you can make a ‘Surinder Singh’ application after living in an EU, EEA country or Switzerland with a British family member

with a ‘retained right of residence’ - you might have this (a ‘derivative right of residence’) if you have the right to stay in the UK as the family member of EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who has died, left the UK or is no longer your spouse or civil partner

You must also have had the right to reside in the UK by 31 December 2020.

Documents you must provide

You must provide:

a valid passport

2 passport size colour photographs

evidence of your relationship to your family member – for example a birth certificate, marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or proof that you’ve lived together for 2 years

your family member’s (your family member) valid passport or national identity card (or a certified copy if you cannot provide the original)

evidence that your EU, EEA or Swiss citizen family member was resident in the UK by 31 December 2020
If your family member has been in the UK for more than 3 months, you must show that they (your family member) have a permanent residence document or provide evidence that they (your family member) are:

working - for example an employment contract, wage slips or a letter from an employer

self-employed - for example contracts, invoices or audited accounts with bank statements

studying - for example a letter from the school, college or university

financially independent (‘self-sufficient’) - for example bank statements

Your partner must have full health insurance (comprehensive sickness insurance) if they’re studying or self-sufficient.

Evidence if you’re a dependent relative

You’ll have to provide evidence that you’re related to your family member, such as a birth certificate.

You’ll also have to show that you are dependent on them (your family member), for example:

bank statements or money transfers that show you depend on them (your family member) financially

evidence that you depend on them (your family member) for health care, for example a letter from a hospital consultant

See more examples of each type of evidence.

Apply for an EEA family permit

You must apply online for an EEA family permit.

You must be outside the UK to apply.

EEA family permit: Surinder Singh

The EEA family permit (an EEA family permit) is ending on 30 June 2021. You will not be able to apply for one or use it (an EEA family permit) to travel to the UK after then, even if the expiry date on it (an EEA family permit) is later. To come to the UK after 30 June 2021, you might be able to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.

You can apply for an EEA family permit if you’ve lived in an EU or EEA country or Switzerland with an eligible family member who’s a British citizen. This is also known as a ‘Surinder Singh’ application.

You must have lived with them (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) in that country (an EU or EEA country or Switzerland) before 1 January 2021, and be:

their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner (‘durable partner’)

under 21 years old, and are their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) child or grandchild

21 years or older, and are their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) dependent child or grandchild

their (an eligible family member who’s a British citizen) dependent parent or grandparent

This includes family members who were adopted under an adoption order that’s recognised in UK law.

The country that you lived in together (an EU or EEA country or Switzerland) must have been your main residence. Your British family member must also have been working, studying or self-sufficient in the country (an EU or EEA country or Switzerland) while there.

To be eligible for an EEA family permit you must prove that:

your British family member was resident in an EU or EEA country or Switzerland and was either a worker, a self-employed person, a self-sufficient person, a student, or a person with a right of permanent residence in that country

you were lawfully resident in that EEA country or Switzerland with your British family member

your family member (Your British family member) returned to the UK by 31 December 2020

Documents you must provide

You must provide:

your valid passport (or ID card if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen)

your British family member’s (Your British family member) valid passport

evidence of your relationship to your British family member, such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or birth certificate

You must also provide proof that your British family member was working, self-employed, self-sufficient or studying in the EEA country where you’ve lived together (an EU or EEA country or Switzerland).

Check the other evidence you usually need for an EEA family permit.

Make a ‘Surinder Singh’ application for an EEA family permit

You must apply online for an EEA family permit.

You must be outside the UK to apply.

EEA family permit: retained right of residence

The EEA family permit is ending on 30 June 2021. You will not be able to apply for one or use it to travel to the UK after then, even if the expiry date on it is later. To come to the UK after 30 June 2021, you might be able to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.

You may be able to apply for an EEA family permit if you previously had a right to reside in the UK either:

as the family member of an EU, EEA, Swiss citizen

from living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland with a British citizen

This (a right to reside in the UK) is called a ‘retained right of residence’. You may have it (The EEA family permit) if:

your eligible family member died

you’re their (your eligible family member) child, they (your eligible family member) died or left the UK, and you are in education in the UK

you’ve had a child with them (your eligible family member), they (your eligible family member) died or left the UK, and the child is in education in the UK

they (your eligible family member) divorced you or a member of your family

the relationship has broken down because of domestic abuse or violence

You must also meet other requirements to be eligible for a retained right of residence (The EEA family permit) - read how applications are decided.

If your family member has died

If you’re in education in the UK

You can apply if you’re in education in the UK and one of the following is true:

you’re the child of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who has left the UK or died

one of your parents is the spouse or civil partner of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who has left the UK or died

one of your parents was previously the spouse or civil partner of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who has left the UK or died

If you qualify through any of these circumstances, your parent is also eligible for retained right of residence (The EEA family permit) if they have custody of you.

If you or a member of your family was previously married or in a civil partnership

You can apply if your marriage or civil partnership to an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen ended with a divorce, annulment or dissolution, and you lived in the UK when it ended.

One of the following must also apply:

the marriage or civil partnership (a divorce, annulment or dissolution) lasted for at least 3 years and you’d both been living in the UK for at least one year during that time

you have custody of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s (an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen) child

you have been given right of access in the UK to the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s (an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen) child - the child must be under 18

you or another family member was the victim of domestic abuse in the marriage or civil partnership (a divorce, annulment or dissolution)

You can also apply if a family member had an eligible marriage or civil partnership and you lived in the UK when it ended. You must be their:

child or grandchild under 21 years old

dependent child or grandchild over the age of 21

dependent parent or grandparent

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or violence

You can apply if your family relationship with an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen has broken down permanently because of domestic abuse or violence.

You can apply if you are or were their (a family member):

husband, wife or civil partner

unmarried partner (‘durable partner’)

child or grandchild under 21 years old

dependent parent or grandparent

Documents you must provide

You will need to provide evidence proving:

your eligibility

your family member’s eligibility

your relationship

Check the evidence you usually need for an EEA family permit.

You’ll also need to provide extra evidence depending on how you’re claiming your retained right of residence.

Evidence if your family member has died

Where appropriate, you’ll also have to provide:

their death certificate and cause of death

evidence that you and your family member were living in the UK for a year before their death

evidence of their (you and your family member) employment, if they (you and your family member) were employed

Evidence if you’re in education in the UK

Where appropriate, you’ll also have to provide evidence that:

your family member died

your family member (your family member’s) left the UK

you were in education in the UK at the time your family member died or left the UK, and that you still are

you have custody of the child of the family member who died or left the UK

Evidence if you or a member of your family was previously married or in a civil partnership

the marriage or civil partnership ended in divorce, annulment or dissolution

you’d been living together in the UK for at least a year

you have custody of or the right of access to the child of the EU (EEA), EEA or Swiss citizen

domestic violence or abuse took place

Evidence if you are a victim of domestic abuse or violence

You will have to provide evidence that:

the relevant family relationship has broken down permanently as a result of domestic violence or abuse

you were resident in the UK when that family relationship (the relevant family relationship) broke down

Make a retained right of residence application for a family permit

You must apply online for an EEA family permit.

You must be outside the UK to apply.

EEA family permit: derivative right of residence

You can apply for a family permit if you have a ‘derivative right of residence’ as the:

primary carer of an EU (EEA), EEA or Swiss child in the UK who is financially independent (‘self-sufficient’)

child of an EU (EEA), EEA or Swiss former worker and you’re currently in education in the UK

primary carer of a child of an EU (EEA), EEA or Swiss former worker and the child (the child of the EU (EEA), EEA or Swiss citizen) is currently in education in the UK

primary carer of a British child who is residing in the UK and would be forced to leave if their primary carer wasn’t in the UK

primary carer of a British dependent adult who is residing in the UK and would be forced to leave if their primary carer wasn’t in the UK

child of a primary carer who qualifies through one of these categories

The EEA (EEA) includes the EU (EEA) countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

As a ‘primary carer’, you have responsibility for the day to day care of a person, including making decisions about their education, health, and finances. You must be a family member or their legal guardian, and can be their main carer or share that responsibility with someone else.

Find out more about derivative rights of residence in the caseworker guidance:

Ibrahim-Teixeira cases

Ruiz Zambrano cases

Chen cases

Documents you must provide

You will need to provide evidence proving:

your eligibility

your family member’s eligibility

your relationship

You’ll also need to provide information about the person you care for, including proof:

that they (the person you care for)’re dependent on you, and were before 1 January 2021, such as court orders or details of care responsibilities

that they (the person you care for)’re living in the UK, such as tenancy agreements, utility bills or bank statements

that children who are EU (EEA), EEA or Swiss citizens are financially independent (‘self-sufficient’) and have full health insurance (‘comprehensive sickness insurance’) in the UK

You may also need to provide extra evidence depending on how you’re claiming your derivative right of residence.

Children of an EU (EEA), EEA or Swiss citizens who used to work in the UK

You must show that:

you’re in education in the UK, for example a letter from the school

you were in the UK when your EU, EEA or Swiss parent was working in the UK

you were in education in the UK at a time when your EU, EEA or Swiss parent was also present in the UK

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Make a derivative right of residence application for a family permit

You must apply online for an EEA family permit.

You must be outside the UK to apply.

After you get a family permit

You’ll be able to use your EUSS family permit to come and go from the UK as many times as you want. It also allows you to work or study in the UK.

If you get an EEA family permit you can only use it until 30 June 2021, even if the expiry date on it is later.

When you arrive in the UK

You can use an automatic ePassport gate if you have a family permit and you’re from:

Australia

Canada

the EEA

Japan

New Zealand

Singapore

South Korea

Switzerland

Otherwise, see a border control officer instead. They will check your permit.

How long you can stay

If you applied for an EEA family permit on or before 30 December 2020, it will be valid for 6 months. If you applied after that, it will stop being valid on 30 June 2021, even if the expiry date on it (an EEA family permit) is later.

An EUSS family permit is valid for 6 months, unless:

you plan to arrive in the UK on or after 1 April 2021

your application is approved more than three months ahead of your planned arrival date

In this case, it (An EUSS family permit)’s valid for 4 months from your planned arrival date.

Staying in the UK after your family permit expires

There will be no change to the residence rights and status of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, and their family members, until 30 June 2021.

You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after your family permit expires. You must apply on or before 30 June 2021, or within 3 months of when you first arrive in the UK, whichever is later.

You might be able to apply later if you can show ‘reasonable grounds’ (such as medical reasons, or being the victim of domestic abuse) for why you could not apply by the deadline.