If you are a US citizen planning to move to the UK, and you want to bring your family with you, it is important to understand the visa options and requirements in the UK. The UK immigration system offers various routes depending on your circumstances and relationship with your family members. This guide covers key options for US citizens seeking to bring their family to the UK.
1. Family Visa for Spouses, Partners and Children
A common route is the Family Visa, allowing you to bring your spouse, partner or dependent children to the UK. As a US national, you must either have British nationality, have indefinite leave to remain in the UK or be settled in the UK in order for your family to enter the UK under this route.
The visa is valid for 2.5 years, and after five years, your family members may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
2. PBS Dependant Visa
PBS stands for points-based system. It refers to the UK’s system for assessing immigration applications using points based on applicants meeting the relevant visa category eligibility criteria. As a US national, if you are coming to the UK under a specific visa route, such as the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, etc., your spouse or children may be eligible to join you as your dependants.
Most PBS Dependant Visa holders can work; however, restrictions apply to PBS dependants of UK Student visa holders.
3. Ancestry Visa for Family Members
While Ancestry Visas are available for those with UK-born grandparents, US citizens do not qualify for this visa unless they also hold a Commonwealth country nationality. If you qualify for the Ancestry Visa, you can bring your spouse, civil partner and children with you to the UK. After five years, family members may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Conclusion
Bringing family members to the UK as a US citizen is possible, but the visa process can be complex. Make sure to submit the correct documents and meet financial and relationship requirements.
For detailed advice, it is wise to consult our immigration specialist or check the UK GOV website for the latest legislation updates.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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