You may be eligible to sponsor your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner for UK permanent residence, whether they are living in UK with a valid temporary visa or residing abroad. Applicants who are living in UK may also qualify for an open work permit, giving couples the chance to relieve some of their financial burdens.

A spousal open work permit gives sponsored individuals the ability to work in UK while their sponsorship application is being processed. Since UK recognizes common-law partnerships, you may be eligible to apply for spousal sponsorship if you and your partner are not married but have been living together for a period of at least one year.

Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship

UK commitment to family reunification extends to parents and grandparents of UK citizens and permanent residents through the parent and grandparent sponsorship program. In order to sponsor a parent or grandparent, citizens and permanent residents will be required to demonstrate that they can financially support their family by meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the size of their family unit. They must also agree to financially support their sponsored family members if needed. Sponsors who are unable to permanently support their parent or grandparent may be eligible for a Super Visa, a long term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of UK citizens and permanent residents.

Child or Other Dependant Sponsorship

If you are immigrating to UK, you can choose to include your children as accompanying dependents on your application for permanent residence. However, if you choose not to include them, or are otherwise unable to do so, they may still be able to join you in UK later. UK’s child sponsorship program allows UK citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted children under the age of 22 for permanent residence, as long as they are unmarried and have no children of their own. A child over the age of 22 may be considered a dependent if they suffer from a physical or mental condition that prevents them from being able to support themselves.

How can I be eligible to sponsor a family member?

To sponsor a family member, you must meet minimum eligibility requirements. Eligible sponsors must:

1. be a UK citizen or permanent resident
2. be at least 18 years old
3. live in UK, or plan to return to UK once your spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident of UK
4. be able and willing to provide for the basic financial needs of your family member for three years