Family visas: apply, extend or switch

You need a family visa to live with a family member in the UK for more than 6 months.

If you are outside the UK

You can apply for a family visa to live with your:

spouse or partner
fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner
child
parent
relative who will provide long-term care for you

If you are in the UK

You can apply to extend your stay with your family member if you are already in the UK on a family visa. If you came to the UK on a different visa, you might be able to switch to a family visa to stay with your:

spouse or partner
child
parent

You might be able to apply to stay on the basis of your private life if you have lived in the UK for many years already. If you do not meet the rules to enter or remain in the UK because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you might still be able to apply to extend your stay or switch to a family visa.