1. What is the UK Family Carer Visa?
The UK Family Carer Visa allows non-UK residents to come to the UK to provide long-term care for a family member who requires support due to age, disability, or a medical condition. This visa is typically sought by individuals outside the UK who need to join and care for a dependent relative who cannot look after themselves without personal care.
While the UK does not have a specific visa called a “Family Carer Visa,” individuals looking to care for a family member in the UK may be eligible under the Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa or other family visa routes. This visa provides the carer with the ability to live in the UK with their family member permanently, provided they meet strict eligibility requirements.
2. Who Can Apply for the UK Family Carer Visa?
The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa, which acts as the Family Carer Visa, is intended for family members who require long-term care from a relative in the UK. Eligible individuals include:
- Parents or grandparents who need care due to age, illness, or disability.
- Siblings or adult children who require long-term personal care due to serious health issues.
The family member providing care must either be:
- A British citizen.
- A person settled in the UK (holding Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
This visa route is primarily intended for family members who are unable to live independently and cannot access the necessary care in their home country.
3. UK Family Carer Visa New Rules for 2024
The UK Family Carer Visa or Adult Dependent Relative Visa has strict rules regarding eligibility, making it one of the more challenging family visas to obtain. Here are the key new rules for 2024:
- High dependency requirement: The applicant must prove that they are entirely dependent on the care of their UK-based relative, and no alternative care is available in their home country.
- No adequate care available locally: The applicant must provide evidence that there are no care facilities or support available in their home country, making it essential for them to move to the UK for care.
- Long-term care: The visa is only available to relatives who need long-term personal care for everyday activities such as washing, dressing, or eating.
- Financial support requirement: The sponsoring family member in the UK must prove that they can financially support and accommodate the dependent relative without relying on public funds. The sponsor must show sufficient income and provide evidence of their accommodation arrangements.
- Permanent move: This visa is intended for those planning to move to the UK permanently. Once approved, the applicant will be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) immediately upon arrival.
4. Eligibility Criteria for UK Family Carer Visa
To be eligible for the UK Family Carer Visa (Adult Dependent Relative Visa), you must meet several strict criteria:
- Relationship: You must be a parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child of the UK-based relative.
- Care needs: You must demonstrate that you need long-term personal care for your basic daily needs due to age, illness, or disability.
- No alternative care: You must show that there is no one else in your home country who can provide the necessary care, nor are there any suitable care facilities available.
- Financial independence: The UK-based sponsor must provide evidence that they can financially support you, including providing accommodation, without needing public funds.
- Long-term commitment: You must be prepared to live in the UK permanently, as this visa does not allow for temporary visits or short-term care arrangements.
5. Documents Required for UK Family Carer Visa
Applicants for the Family Carer Visa UK must submit a variety of documents to support their application. These include:
- Valid passport: A passport that covers the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of relationship: Documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers to confirm your family relationship with the UK sponsor.
- Medical evidence: Reports from a doctor or medical professional proving that the applicant requires long-term personal care.
- Evidence of care needs: Documentation showing that no adequate care is available in the home country, such as statements from local medical facilities or social services.
- Financial support evidence: The UK sponsor must provide evidence of their financial capability, such as bank statements, payslips, and tax returns.
- Accommodation proof: The sponsor must also provide proof of available accommodation for the applicant, such as rental agreements or property ownership documents.
All documents must be submitted in English or with a certified translation if in another language.
6. Application Process for UK Family Carer Visa
Here’s how you can apply for the UK Family Carer Visa (Adult Dependent Relative Visa):
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents, including proof of relationship, medical reports, and evidence of financial and accommodation arrangements.
Step 2: Apply Online
Submit your application through the UK government visa application portal. You will need to select the appropriate visa category (Adult Dependent Relative Visa) and complete the online forms.
Step 3: Pay Visa Fees
The application fee for the UK Family Carer Visa is £3,250 as of 2024. This is a substantial fee, but it covers permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if the visa is granted.
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
Once your application is submitted, you will be required to attend a biometric appointment at a local visa application center, where your fingerprints and photo will be taken.
Step 5: Wait for Decision
The processing time for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa can take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case. You may receive requests for additional documentation during this period.
7. Financial Support Requirement for UK Family Carer Visa
One of the most important requirements for the UK Family Carer Visa is demonstrating that the UK-based sponsor has the financial means to support the applicant. This includes:
- Income threshold: There is no specific minimum income level, but the sponsor must show that they have sufficient funds to cover the dependent relative’s living and accommodation expenses.
- Accommodation: The sponsor must provide proof of accommodation for the applicant, ensuring that the dependent has adequate housing in the UK.
The UK government requires that sponsors show that the dependent relative will not require access to public funds (e.g., benefits or housing assistance), and that the family can cover all financial needs privately.
8. Can You Work on a Family Carer Visa in the UK?
The UK Family Carer Visa (Adult Dependent Relative Visa) is granted to individuals who require personal care and are therefore not expected to work. The visa is intended for dependents who are unable to look after themselves, and as such, visa holders do not typically have the right to work in the UK. However, they are allowed to access NHS services, and in most cases, they can study if they are able.
9. Can You Switch to the Family Carer Visa from Another Visa?
Switching to the Family Carer Visa (Adult Dependent Relative Visa) from another visa category while inside the UK is generally not allowed. This visa is designed for those applying from outside the UK to join a relative in need of care. If the applicant is already in the UK on a different visa (such as a visitor visa), they would need to return to their home country to apply.
10. Benefits of the UK Family Carer Visa
The Family Carer Visa UK offers several benefits for eligible family members:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain: The visa provides immediate settlement upon approval, meaning the holder can live in the UK indefinitely.
- Access to healthcare: Visa holders are eligible for free healthcare through the NHS.
- Family reunification: This visa enables families to stay together in the UK when a family member requires long-term care.
However, the strict requirements for this visa mean that only those with serious care needs and no alternative support options will qualify.
Conclusion
The UK Family Carer Visa, known as the Adult Dependent Relative Visa, offers a way for non-UK residents to join and care for relatives who need long-term assistance in the UK. Although the application process is rigorous and comes with high financial and eligibility barriers, it provides a path to permanent residency for those who qualify. By understanding the new rules, eligibility criteria, and document requirements, you can improve your chances of a successful visa application.