Complete Guide: Sponsoring Your Bangladeshi Family Member to the UK
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Family Member
Before sponsoring a family member from Bangladesh to the UK, you must ensure that both you and your relative meet specific eligibility criteria set by the UK government. As a sponsor, you need to be either a British citizen or settled in the UK with indefinite leave to remain, refugee status, or humanitarian protection. The family member you want to sponsor must also belong to an eligible family category—such as a spouse, child, parent, or other dependent relatives.
Types of Family Visas Available
Family visas are essential for bringing relatives to the UK for more than six months. Different visa categories apply depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the family member. The most common categories include the Spouse Visa, Child Visa, Parent Visa, and Adult Dependent Relative Visa. Each type has its own set of requirements, and understanding which visa applies to your situation is important to avoid delays or complications.
Financial Requirements for Family Visas
One of the key aspects of sponsoring a family member is meeting the financial requirement. You, the sponsor, must demonstrate that you can support your family member without relying on public funds. For instance, if you’re sponsoring a spouse or child, you must show a gross annual income of at least £18,600, and this amount increases if you’re sponsoring more than one dependent. Savings and certain benefits may also contribute to meeting this threshold if your income falls short.
English Language Requirements
Another significant requirement for family visas is demonstrating English language proficiency. If you’re sponsoring an adult like a spouse or parent, they need to prove their knowledge of English by passing an approved English Language test unless they are from an English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English. This requirement does not apply to children or elderly parents.
Application Process for Family Members from Bangladesh
To begin the sponsorship process, your Bangladeshi family member will need to apply online for the relevant family visa from the GOV.UK website. They will be required to attend a biometric appointment at the nearest visa application centre in Bangladesh to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Supporting documents such as proof of relationship, bank statements, English language test results, and accommodation details must also be submitted during the application process.
Processing Times and Fees
Sponsoring a family member from Bangladesh involves certain fees, which depend on the type of visa being applied for. For example, the fee for a Spouse Visa can be approximately £1,523, with additional charges like the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Processing times typically range between 12 weeks and six months, although priority services may speed up the process at an additional cost. Ensure you plan ahead, given that visa processing can take time, especially during busy periods.
Additional Considerations for Long-Term Settlement
Once a family member arrives in the UK, it’s essential to consider their long-term settlement options. Initially, family visas are usually granted for two and a half years, after which renewals may be required. After five years of residency under a family visa, your relative can generally apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), provided they meet all the necessary conditions. Achieving ILR is a big step toward permanent settlement and eventually applying for British citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process: UK Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi Nationals
Understanding the Type of Visa Required
The first step to bringing someone from Bangladesh to the UK is determining which visa they need. Depending on their relationship to the sponsoring person, relevant visas could include a Family Visa (for spouses, parents, or dependent children), Student Visa, or Skilled Worker Visa. Each visa type has specific requirements, so it’s vital to select the correct visa category to avoid delays or even denial of the application.
Gathering Required Documents
For any UK visa, applicants from Bangladesh must gather specific documentation to support their application. Common documents include a valid passport, proof of relationship with the sponsor (for family visas), bank statements showing financial capability, details of accommodation in the UK, and an English language proficiency certificate. Make sure all documents are translated into English if originally in Bengali or any other language.
Meeting Financial Requirements
Most UK visa categories require that you demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself or your family member without relying on public funds. For instance, a sponsor must meet a minimum income threshold to bring over a spouse or child under a Family Visa. Additionally, applicants may need to show that they have enough personal savings if they’re applying for a work or study visa. It’s important to check the specific financial requirements for the visa category being applied for.
English Language Test Requirement
Applicants from Bangladesh may be required to prove their knowledge of the English language, depending on the visa they are applying for. This is typically done by passing an approved English language test such as IELTS. However, individuals applying for a visa as a dependent child or over the age of 65 may be exempt from this requirement. Be sure to check and prepare for the applicable language tests well in advance of your application submission.
Filling Out the Application Form Online
Visa applications must be submitted online through the UK government website. Applicants will need to create an account, fill out the visa application form, and upload required documents electronically. Make sure to double-check the information entered, as errors or inconsistencies can lead to delays or rejection. Once the form is completed, payment of the visa fee will also need to be made online.
Biometric Appointment
After submitting the online application, the Bangladeshi applicant will need to attend a biometric appointment at one of the visa application centres in Bangladesh, such as in Dhaka or Sylhet. During this appointment, the applicant will have their fingerprints and photograph taken, which will be used for identification purposes. Missing this appointment could significantly delay or jeopardize the visa process, so it’s important to book and attend promptly.
Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Most UK visas require applicants to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows them access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The amount depends on the length of the visa but typically costs £624 per year for adults and £470 for children. Payment of this surcharge is essential before the visa can be granted, so it should be factored into the visa application budget.
Submitting the Application and Waiting for Approval
Once all forms, fees, and biometrics have been completed, the final step is to submit the application. Standard processing times for UK visas can vary, with Family Visas typically taking up to 12 weeks or more, while other categories, like student or work visas, may have different timelines. Applicants should receive updates on their application status via email, but they can also track their application through their online account.
Receiving the Decision and Preparing for Travel
If the visa is approved, the applicant will receive a decision letter and their biometric residence permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK. It’s crucial to prepare for travel, ensuring that all documentation is in order, including the decision letter, passport, and entry clearance visa. If the visa is denied, applicants generally have the right to appeal, though they will need to understand why the refusal occurred and consider seeking professional legal advice to move forward.
Understanding UK Immigration Rules for Bringing Relatives from Bangladesh
Eligibility for Family Members to Join You in the UK
To bring a relative from Bangladesh to the UK, both the UK sponsor and the family member must meet specific eligibility requirements. Generally, the sponsor must either be a British citizen, settled in the UK (with indefinite leave to remain), or have refugee status or humanitarian protection. The family member you wish to bring must fall under an eligible category, such as a spouse, unmarried partner, child, parent, or other dependent relatives.
The Dependent Relative Visa
One important route for bringing certain relatives to the UK is by applying for an Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa. This visa allows parents, grandparents, or other dependent relatives who need long-term care to join their family members in the UK. However, strict criteria apply, including proving that the relative needs care that can only be provided in the UK by the sponsoring family member, and that adequate financial arrangements are in place to support them without relying on public funds.
Financial Requirements for Adult Dependent Relative Visas
For the ADR visa, there are stringent financial conditions because the UK sponsor must demonstrate they can fully support their dependent relative. There must be evidence of sufficient financial resources to accommodate and maintain the dependent relative without using public assistance. This usually involves showing proof of income, savings, and accommodation arrangements, which will be evaluated during the application process.
Other Family Visas for Spouses, Children, and Parents
In addition to the ADR route, other family visas like the Spouse Visa, Child Visa, and Parent Visa may also apply if you’re bringing over immediate family members from Bangladesh. Each of these visas has its own distinct requirements. For example, spouses need to show that their relationship is genuine and that they meet income thresholds, while children must typically be under 18 years old and financially dependent on their parents.
English Language Requirement for Your Relative
Most adult applicants from Bangladesh, such as those applying for a Spouse Visa or a Parent Visa, need to prove their knowledge of English before being granted a visa. This can be done by passing an approved English language test, such as IELTS, at a secure testing centre. However, exemptions may apply for individuals over a certain age or those with medical conditions that prevent learning English.
Proving Genuine Relationships
When applying for family visas, especially Spouse and Parent Visas, it’s critical to prove that the relationship is genuine. Supporting documentation, such as marriage certificates, correspondence records, photographs, and evidence of shared living arrangements, can help establish this. Providing accurate and thorough evidence is essential, as insufficient proof can result in visa denial.
How Long Can Relatives Stay in the UK?
Once your relative is granted a family visa, it is typically valid for 2.5 years, after which they may need to renew it. After five years of continuous residence under a family visa, they become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which allows them to live in the UK permanently. Holding ILR enables relatives to work, study, and eventually apply for British citizenship.
Appealing a Refused Application
If your relative’s visa application is refused, they may have the right to appeal the decision to the First-tier Tribunal. The appeal process can be lengthy and complex, requiring detailed legal arguments and additional evidence. It’s advisable to seek legal assistance for the appeal, as understanding the reason for refusal and properly addressing it is key to a successful outcome.
Essential Documents Needed to Bring Your Spouse from Bangladesh to the UK
Valid Passport for Both Sponsor and Applicant
You will need to provide a valid passport for both the UK-based sponsor and the spouse applying from Bangladesh. The applicant’s passport should have enough validity left for the duration of the visa processing, as well as several blank pages for the visa and entry stamps. The sponsor’s passport serves as proof of their status in the UK, whether they are a British citizen or hold indefinite leave to remain.
Proof of Relationship
To demonstrate that your marriage is genuine, you must submit evidence such as your marriage certificate from Bangladesh, photographs of your wedding and any other family events you may have attended together, and copies of correspondence (such as emails or chat logs) that show regular communication between you and your spouse. If you’ve lived together before or have joint financial commitments, this information should also be included.
Financial Evidence to Meet the Income Requirement
To bring your spouse to the UK, you must meet a minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year. You will need to provide documents such as payslips for the last six months, tax returns, bank statements showing regular monthly deposits, and an employer letter confirming your job role and salary. If you cannot meet the income requirement through salary alone, you may supplement it using savings or other income sources.
English Language Certificate
Your spouse will need to prove their knowledge of English by submitting the results of an approved English language test, such as IELTS, taken at an authorized centre in Bangladesh. They must at least meet level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Exceptions apply if they hold a degree taught in English or are over 65 years old, but supporting documentation will be required for these exemptions.
Accommodation Details
The UK government requires proof that you have adequate accommodation for your spouse upon their arrival. This can include rental agreements or mortgage statements, and in some cases, a property inspection report proving that your home meets the necessary living standards. If your accommodation is shared with others, you must provide consent from all adults living at the property.
Completed Visa Application Form
Once all required documents are gathered, your Bangladeshi spouse must complete the online Spouse Visa application form. It’s important that all sections of the form are filled out accurately, as any discrepancies could delay or negatively affect the approval process. After submission, the visa fee must also be paid, and a biometric appointment will need to be scheduled at the nearest visa application centre.
Proof of Payment for Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
When applying for a visa to bring your spouse to the UK, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS). Ensure that you retain proof of payment, as this document will need to be submitted along with other supporting materials.
UK Settlement Visa Guide: Reuniting with Your Bangladeshi Family Members
Understanding the UK Settlement Visa
A UK Settlement Visa, often referred to as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows non-UK nationals to live in the UK permanently. For individuals from Bangladesh seeking to join family members settled in the UK, a family visa is usually the first step leading to settlement. After living in the UK for a certain period under a family visa, individuals may apply for ILR if they meet residency, financial, and language requirements. Once granted, ILR removes time limits on their stay and grants access to benefits like healthcare and education.
Sponsoring Family from Bangladesh for Settlement
To help your family member from Bangladesh achieve settlement in the UK, you must sponsor their application. You, as the sponsor, need to be either a British citizen or hold settled status, such as indefinite leave to remain or refugee protection. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you can financially support the person you’re sponsoring without relying on public funds. The most common relationships sponsored under this visa category include spouses, children, parents, and adult dependent relatives.
Eligibility Criteria for the Settlement Visa
For your Bangladeshi family member to qualify for settlement, they typically need to have lived in the UK for five continuous years on a valid family visa. Exceptions may apply for parents of British children or those applying under the Adult Dependent Relative Visa. They must also meet specific criteria, including a clean immigration history, passing the Life in the UK test, and demonstrating knowledge of the English language. Any gaps in residency or issues related to immigration violations can result in delays or denial of settlement rights.
Financial Requirements for Sponsorship
When helping your Bangladeshi family member apply for ILR, proving that you meet the financial requirements remains critical. As a sponsor, you must show sufficient income or savings to cover living costs for the applicant without recourse to public funds. This generally means meeting an income threshold of £18,600 per year if you are bringing over a spouse, which increases with additional dependents. You can use salary income, self-employment income, pension funds, and savings to meet this requirement. Failure to meet these financial obligations may impact the application.
The English Language Requirement for Settlement
In addition to meeting other criteria, most adult applicants must prove their knowledge of English when applying for settlement. This can be done by passing an approved test like IELTS Life Skills or providing a degree taught in English. Certain applicants might be exempt from this requirement, such as elderly parents or individuals with long-term illnesses, but documentation proving their exemption will be necessary. Understanding the English language requirement is vital in the preparation process since test results take time and missing documentation can delay the visa.
Application Process for UK Settlement Visa
The application process for a settlement visa begins online via the GOV.UK website. Your Bangladeshi family member must complete the application form, submit required documentation like proof of relationship, financial evidence, and language test results, and pay the relevant fees. Biometric information (fingerprints and photo) must also be provided at a visa center. After submission, applicants will wait for a decision—processing times can range from several weeks to months depending on the case’s complexity and whether additional documentation is requested.
Life in the UK Test
One critical component of the settlement application is passing the Life in the UK test, designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge of British history, culture, and laws. This test applies to most adult applicants unless they are exempt due to age or medical conditions. Preparing for this exam involves studying material provided by the UK government, and getting a passing mark is essential for securing indefinite leave to remain. Scheduling the test early ensures there are no last-minute setbacks.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Approval and Next Steps
Once your Bangladeshi family member’s ILR application is approved, they will receive a biometric residence permit (BRP) within a few weeks, which confirms their settlement status. With ILR, they are free to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. ILR holders can also access public services like healthcare through the NHS. After holding ILR for 12 months, they may become eligible to apply for British citizenship, marking the final step in their immigration journey toward full integration into UK society.
Appealing a Refused Settlement Application
If your family member’s application for UK settlement is rejected, they may have the right to appeal the decision. A refusal could occur due to insufficient evidence, failure to meet financial or language requirements, or missed deadlines. However, the UK immigration system provides avenues for appeal, usually through the First-tier Tribunal. Engaging legal assistance can improve the chances of mounting a successful appeal, especially if complex matters need to be addressed, such as refused documents or disputed eligibility.
