Joint commitments, (such as joint bank accounts, investments, rent agreements, mortgage, death benefit etc)

If there are children of the relationship, a record of their birth entry

Correspondence which links them to the same address

Any official records of their address (ex. Doctors records, DWP record, national insurance record etc)

Letters from third parties may be of evidential value but should not of themselves form the sole basis of a claim

Any other evidence that adequately demonstrates their commitment to each other. The Home Office are looking for sufficient, conclusive evidence of the relationship

The applicant has failed to attend an interview, provide information, provide physical data or undergo a medical examination or provide a medical report

It is undesirable to grant entry clearance to the applicant for medical reasons

The applicant’s parent or parent’s partner poses a risk to the applicant

The applicant has failed to pay litigation costs awarded to the Home Office or one or more relevant NHS bodies notified the Secretary of State that the applicant has failed to pay charges in accordance with the relevant NHS regulations to overseas visitors and the outstanding charges have a total value of at least £500.

an additional £3,800 for the first child

an additional £2,400 for each additional child; alone or in combination with.

By passing an English language test from the list of providers approved by the Home Office

Being a national of a majority English speaking country

Having a university degree which was taught or researched in English awarded by an educational establishment in the UK or if awarded by an educational establishment outside the UK is deemed by UK NARIC to meet the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s, Master’s degree or PhD in the UK

Being exempt as the applicant is aged 65 or over, has a disability which prevents the applicant from meeting the requirement or there are exceptional circumstances which prevent the applicant from being able to meet the requirement prior to entry to the UK

Proof that the applicant continues to meet the financial requirement (this can be income from salaried or non-salaried employment of the partner and/or the applicant since the applicant is in the UK with permission to work)

Applicants must show that they understand English at CEFR level A2 for the second period of leave and at CEFR level B1 (speaking and listening) for the indefinite leave to remain application

Evidence of cohabitation will need to include documents covering the last 24 months showing the couple’s mutual address(es)

Under 18 on the date you apply

Under 18 when you were first granted leave and does not live an independent life

Living in the UK

Is a British citizen or

Is settled in the UK – has indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof or permanent residence

If you are applying in the UK, your child must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously and it would not be reasonable for him/her to leave

Not be your partner

Be either a British citizen or settled in the UK

You need to prove that you are taking an active role in your child’s upbringing and you will continue to do so after you apply

Have a good knowledge of English:

you have a degree or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English and your qualification is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher

or you have taken an approved English language test, a CEFR A2 test

can financially support yourself and your child without claiming public funds

an additional £3,800 for the first child

an additional £2,400 for each additional child; alone or in combination with.

Initial Family Life visa applications for overseas can take up to 6 months!

Remember, if you are relying purely on savings to make up the financial requirement, it is the amount ABOVE £16,000 plus the difference between the gross annual income and the total required multiplied by 2.5. Only children who are not British, Europeans or settled are counted for the purpose of the financial requirement. The financial requirement may be met through employment income; self-employment income; savings; non-employment income (e.g. rental income); pension; or complex combinations of the above. There are some exceptions for applicants whose family member is in receipt of certain benefits, in which case they need to show “adequate maintenance”.

Take the highest-level English language test from the outset to avoid extra fees for taking higher levels for the extension application. CEFR Level A1 for initial & A2 for the extension. These must include the four elements of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Please note that Level B1 in speaking and listening only is required for ILR applications.

For extension and settlement applications, your finances over the previous 6 months will be required again, so plan well in advance.

Once in the UK under this status, you will need to prove you are in a genuine subsisting and cohabiting relationship. Please keep documentation to prove this e.g. utility bills, bank statements, mortgage or tenancy agreements, addressed pay slips, insurance documents.

Even if you are married, for the initial visa stage, show cohabitation where possible.

According to section 9 of the Maintenance and Accommodation rules the Entry Clearance Officer should be satisfied that the couple’s accommodation is owned or legally occupied for their exclusive use and it is capable of accommodating the couple, and any children without overcrowding as defined in the Housing Act 1985.