UK Family Visa Solicitors

Join your loved ones in the UK with expert help from Gentili Stark Solicitors. For more than 20 years we’ve guided families through complex Home Office rules, helping partners, parents, and children secure their right to live together in the UK.

Discreet, high-level Appendix FM representation for families who cannot afford mistakes.

Your family life is not a formality. At Gentili Stark Solicitors, we prepare UK family visa applications to an elite standard — strategically structured, meticulously evidenced and handled with absolute discretion.

Who Needs a UK Family Visa

If you are a non-UK national and wish to live in the UK with a British citizen, a settled partner, a refugee or someone with humanitarian protection, you will usually need a UK Family Visa under Appendix FM.
This includes spouses, civil partners, fiancé(e)s, unmarried partners, parents, children, and adult dependent relatives.

Is This You?

You are likely our ideal client if you:

• Want your spouse, partner, child or parent to join you in the UK
• Have demanding professional or personal commitments
• Prefer solicitor-led, fully managed service
• Understand the consequences of refusal
• Expect clarity, strategy and discretion

Why Family Visa Applications Feel Overwhelming

The UK’s family routes under Appendix FM are complex and unforgiving:

• Strict financial documentation
• Technical Minimum Income Requirement rules
• High thresholds for relationship and parental evidence
• ADR applications face intense scrutiny
• Domestic violence and bereavement routes require sensitive handling
• Frequent changes to rules and guidance

Our clients come to us to move from anxious and overloaded to informed, organised and represented.

Understanding Appendix FM

Appendix FM sets the rules for:

• Spouses & partners
• Fiancé(e)s
• Unmarried partners
• Parents
• Children
• Adult dependent relatives
• Domestic abuse applicants
• Bereaved partners

It covers suitability, eligibility, financial requirements, English language, accommodation, documentation and settlement timelines under Article 8 ECHR.

Spouse & Partner Visa

To qualify under Appendix FM, both partners must be 18+, in a genuine and subsisting relationship, meet English-language and accommodation requirements, and satisfy the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR). For new applications lodged on or after 11 April 2024, the MIR is £29,000 gross annual income.

Fiancé Visa

For couples planning to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK within six months. After marriage, switch to a Partner Visa (FLR M). Must meet relationship, accommodation, English and financial requirements. Work is not permitted until the Partner Visa is granted.

Unmarried Partner Visa

Applies to partners in a durable relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership. Two years’ cohabitation is strong evidence but not mandatory if you can prove durability by other means.

Parent Visa

If your child is British or settled in the UK, you may apply to live with or care for them. You must show a genuine parental role, adequate maintenance, and accommodation. Parents of children who have lived in the UK for seven years may also qualify under the reasonableness test.

Child Visa

Children under 18 can join a parent who is British, settled or on a qualifying visa, provided they are not married or independent. We prepare applications showing dependency, care arrangements, and best interests of the child.

Adult Dependent Relative Visa

For parents, grandparents, adult children, or siblings abroad who need long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability, and where such care is unavailable or unaffordable in their home country. Usually applied for from outside the UK.

Domestic Violence (SET DV)

If your relationship has broken down due to domestic abuse while on a partner visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain immediately. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, or financial. Fee waivers may apply for applicants unable to afford the fee.

Processing Times & Priority Services

• Outside UK: up to 24 weeks
• Inside UK: 8–12 weeks
• Priority & Super Priority may be available

Government Fees & IHS

• Family/Partner Visa (outside UK): £1,938
• Family/Partner Visa (in-country): £1,321
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year

How Our UK Spouse Visa Service Works

A structured, solicitor-led process designed to reduce risk and provide clarity at every stage.

Step 1 — Consultation & Eligibility Review
We diagnose route, eligibility, risks and timing.

Step 2 — Strategy & Timeline Design
A bespoke Appendix FM plan tailored to your circumstances.

Step 3 — Evidence Gathering & Curation
We curate documents, liaise with employers & accountants, and ensure compliance.

Step 4 — Application Preparation
Forms, legal representations and full submission bundle drafted to a high standard.

Step 5 — Submission & Biometrics
Full support through booking, uploading, scanning and biometric enrolment.

Step 6 — Decision & Ongoing Support
We remain your point of contact until the Home Office decision is issued.

Our Process & Fixed Fees

Our professional fees are fixed, transparent and based on complexity.
For our full-service Appendix FM representation, please refer to our dedicated Fee Section.

Home Office fees, IHS and disbursements are separate.

FAQs

Can I apply from within the UK?
Often yes — if your visa allows switching. Some categories do not. We confirm the correct route during consultation.

What is the Minimum Income Requirement?
For applications from 11 April 2024, the MIR is £29,000.
Income can be combined from approved sources.

Is two years’ cohabitation mandatory?
No — durable relationships may qualify without continuous cohabitation.

When can I obtain ILR?
Most applicants settle after 5 years.
Domestic violence and bereaved partner applicants may qualify immediately.

What if my application is refused?
Options include Administrative Review, appeal or re-application.

Do you guarantee success?
No solicitor can guarantee outcomes.
We guarantee meticulous preparation and honest, specialist advice.