Are you hoping to bring over a family member to the UK with the intention of helping provide care for you? The visa process can be quite complicated, but do not fret — I am here to guide you! This article will feature exclusively the Family Carer Visa in the UK and everything you need to know about it. If you are applying for the visa or someone else is applying and you are supporting their application, I will take you through the process in the proper sequence. Likewise, I'll also inform you how Legal Assist, my preferred brand, will assist you in all stages of the application.

What is the Family Carer Visa?

The Family Carer Visa is also commonly known as the Adult Dependent Relative Visa, and it enables non-EEA family members to come to the UK to be looked after because there is no one to look after them in their country of origin. This is meant for people who are bio geographic or indigent and have a close relative who is a British national or permanent resident or has refugee status in the UK.

Eligibility for the Family Carer Visa

Who Can Apply?

This visa is meant for:

Parents or grandparents who have attained the age of eighteen and above.

Siblings who also have attained the age of eighteen and above.

This also applies to raised children of the UK resident.

What Are the Requirements?

Several conditions must be satisfied in order to be able to qualify:

Need for Long-Term Care

The applicant must be of such a condition that requires them to be taken care of due to age or due to illness or due to some structural defect.

Availability of Care in Home Country

There should be no care or support available to that applicant in the country from which he or she comes.

Financial Sponsorship

The relative residing in the UK must demonstrate that they are able to sustain the husband or wife with no public funds required and that their husband or wife will be sheltered.

Relationship Proof

Documents proving the relationship between the applicant with the family member in the UK such as birth or adoption certificates need to be provided.

How to Apply for the Family Carer Visa

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

The first stage in the process is indeed the filling out of the online visa form. There is a necessity to make provision for providing information regarding the applicant and his or her situation. Submitting some incorrect information is easy, but it may cause some delays so be very careful.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Application supporting documents are simply essential when one is processing for an appointment. These documents include the following: Medical records endorsing long-term care needs. Proof of the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor. Evidence of the financial situation of the sponsor.

Step 3: Submit Biometrics

An applicant needs to go to a visa application center to undertake biometric capture which involves fingerprints and a photograph.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

As with most of the UK visas, the Family Carer Visa application is not without its costs. These might include of:

Applications fees

Visa application fee

There is an immigration health surcharge (for NHS services whilst in the UK)

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Once submitted, the processing time for the Family Carer Visa may take from a few weeks up to several months. Such timelines depend on the particularities of the case.

Financial Requirements for the Family Carer Visa

The family member that resides within the UK, that is, the sponsor, is the person that bears the financial obligation to provide support to the applicant. These include:

Sufficient Income

The applicant needs to show that they have enough income or a good amount of savings such that support from seeking public funds is not necessary. Normally this implies earning above a specified minimum level or having enough savings.

Adequate Accommodation

The applicant has to show that proper accommodation can be given such as a spare room at the applicant's home.

What If the Visa Gets Refused on The Basis Of The Application?

There are times when visa applications are unsuccessful. This is the area that you should address: if your Family Carer Visa is turned down, here’s what to do next:

Reasons for Refusal

As a rule, the reasons are:

Provided documents are insufficient or incorrect.

Evidence of a relationship being provided is inadequate.

The sponsor has not had enough resources for the support.

Appeal Process

Whenever a visa is denied, the applicant has the option of seeking an appeal. This is a lengthy affair which you can overturn with the right legal representation when you seek out the right legal counsel. Legal Assist is one of those organizations that can be around such times. We assist people with their visa appeals, and we further make sure that the case is strong enough to obtain approval of the case.

Alternatives to the Family Carer Visa

But if you or any family member do not meet the strict requirements for the Family Carer Visa other options are recommended formalities for visa applications and approval processes may be pursued:

Visitor Visa

This is a medium term option that permits a maximum of six months of stay to the family member so it does not provide a permanent residency option.

Other Family Visas

In such a case, a spouse or partner visa may be suitable because you may be married and not in a long-term partnership with a British citizen.

Advantages of the Family Carer Visa

So, what’s the point of going through all this hassle? Here are the advantages of gaining a Family Carer Visa:

Permanent Residence Status

Previously gaining temporary visas, the Family Visa allows the applicant permanent residence in the UK providing them with an opportunity for long term settlement in the country.

National Health Services Coverage

Upon approval, the applicant will be entitled to the care available through the National Health System in the United Kingdom.

Being United with Loved Ones

No one wants to be too far from their family when in sickness or old age. This visa allows you to be with family members when they require you the most.

Difficulties Faced While Applying for Family Carer Visa

The reason why this visa can be applied for, is granted the most often is a direct relation to its strict requisitions. Here are a few of the common hurdles:

Proof of Medical Reports

Submitting evidence that can help prove that the applicant needs medical care for an extended period of time can be quite challenging. Medical documents from practitioners will be necessary.

Satisfaction of Employment Obligation

Providing adequately, in terms of, either the applicant or UK family member in most cases becomes hard, especially to low-income earners, is a huge mission.

Time to Respond to Applications

As always, these cases have a lot of complexities, hence response is usually slow. This waiting time may be an added stress to what’s already an unfortunate situation.

Why Choose Legal Assist for Your Family Carer Visa Application?

The process of applying for a visa can be overwhelming and complicated. That’s where Legal Assist comes in! Having dealt with Visa Applications for years and being able to help Central Australian clients, we can guarantee that your application is correct and complete when it is submitted and help you every step of the way.

Expert Advice

The members of our legal team are experienced immigration lawyers who understand how the Family Carer Visa application works in practice.

Personalized Support

No two cases can be alike, and that is the reason why we give valuable and individual advice according to each person’s case nature. We will evaluate your case and assist you with the submission of necessary documents.

Appeals Assistance

In case your application was not successful, we will assist you in making an appeal and fighting for your right to have your partner reside in the UK.

How to Avoid Delays in Your Family Carer Visa Application

Interested in avoiding extra delays? Then implement the following tips:

Make Sure All Documentation is Submitted

It’s necessary to provide all required documents and evidence. If paperwork is missing, the processing of these types of applications can take a long time.

Be Proactive: Don’t Hesitate to Call if You Feel There are Unreasonable Delays

Be proactive in monitoring your application and correspondence with UKVI in case there is a reasonable delay apprising them of the situation.

Legal Assist Consultation

Engaging with Legal Assist will assist you to mitigate unavoidable errors and enhance the chances of smooth and timely progress.

What follows After the Visa is Issued?

After the approval of the Family Carer visa what is next? Here is an outline of what the future has in store for applicants:

Reaching the UK

After an applicant has followed the steps in order to be granted the visa and has traveled to the United Kingdom, the applicant’s next step will be to pick up the Biometric Residence Permit which offers proof of their right to abide in the UK.

Further care and support through the NHS

Once approved, the applicant will become a member of the NHS, which means he will be entitled to the healthcare and personal care services that are deemed necessary.

Long term residents in the UK

The applicant will be settled in the United Kingdom on an Indefinite Leave to Remain status. That means he can stay in the UK for good without applying for visa extension time and again.

Conclusion

For families yearning to reunite and give care to their family members who are in need of such care, the Family Carer Visa serves as a savior. As much as the application procedures involved are not that simple, there are plenty of advantages which one will get upon obtaining this visa. It will not only bring your loved one closer but also offer them twenty four hour care and assistance in the United Kingdom. Thanks to Legal Assist, your chances of success go up significantly making it possible for your family to be together during important times.

FAQs

Can a Family Carer Visa be refused?

Yes, it can be denied on grounds of lack of evidence, financial reasons, or lack of documentation. But in such circumstances, there is always the option to appeal with proper legal guidance.

How long does it take to process the stuff you submitted in order to be granted a Family Carer Visa?

This also differs, but it can take several months in any case. Again, such time frames can be significantly prolonged if documents are submitted late or if additional documents have to be furnished.

Do I need a lawyer to submit a Family Carer Visa application?

It is not a requirement, however, soliciting a legal expert from Legal Assist will drastically improve your chances.

What is the application for Family Carer Visa fee charges?

Different registration fees are applicable but in addition one has to pay the immigration health surcharge also.

Is the visa able to be extended?

It cannot be extended, however, upon being granted, it respectfully entitles the holder to indefinite leave to remain meaning that the applicant’s residency does not require any further extensions.