People who have a close family member living and working abroad can apply for a family visa. Learn more about the rules for issuing a document for family reunification, types of family visas and features

Order a legal consultation from a local specialist in visa and migration issues

MAKE AN ORDER

On the basis of a family visa, people whose relatives live and work abroad can move to another country for permanent or temporary residence. Most often, it extends to close relatives: husband, wife, children, parents, brothers, sisters, etc. A family reunification visa is usually long-term, and eligibility requirements may vary depending on which family member is sponsoring you.

You can apply for a family visa in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Australia, Germany or Austria.

What are the types of family visas?

Depending on the circumstances of the country, different types of family visas are issued:

- Spouse visa – a husband or wife who is in an officially registered partnership with an expat or citizen of a foreign country can apply for this type of family visa.

- Parent visa – this type of family visa is suitable for those who have a child who can act as a guardian in another country. However, not all countries issue this type of visa.

- Child visa - the applicant is entitled to this type of visa if one of his parents lives in another country. Usually, you must be a minor to get this visa, but there are exceptions in some countries.

- Another type of family visa is a visa for immediate relatives: a brother, sister, grandparent or other close relative who can sponsor the applicant. However, this type of visa is rarely issued — only some individual countries issue it.

How to issue a family visa?

The procedure for obtaining a visa for family reunification has several stages:

Step 1 – Find a suitable visa center

The application for a family visa must be submitted to the appropriate visa office – this could be an embassy or consulate or even an application center in a neighboring country. When you find the right application center, you need to make an appointment for a visa interview to process the documents.

Step 2 – Prepare a package of documents

To fill out the application, you need to collect a certain list of documents, an approximate list:

- foreign passport valid for 6 months;

- photo;

- confirmation of family ties: marriage certificate, birth certificate, confirmation of joint residence (joint bank accounts, lease agreements), joint custody document, etc.;

- a certificate of no criminal record;

- registration data;

- biometric data;

- paid visa fee (if necessary);

- medical Insurance.

Feel at home in any country in the world! Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses and situations during your trip by taking out reliable insurance.

Importantly! Some of your documents (marriage certificate, divorce certificate, birth certificate, etc.) may require a translation or an apostille certified according to the instructions of the visa department.

Visa centers may ask you to pay the visa fee on the day of the interview or require you to pay in advance and bring the receipt together with the documents - you will be informed about this in advance.

Step 3 – Fill out the family visa application form

You can find the application form in the relevant visa department or on the Internet. In the questionnaire, it is necessary to indicate relevant and true information and certify it with your own signature.

Step 4 – Attend a visa interview

After collecting the documents, the applicant must undergo a visa interview and submit an application. Most often, the interview must be attended together with a family member who will act as a sponsor. The representative of the diplomatic institution may ask questions about your family relationship in order to confirm your intention to apply for a family visa.

How long does it take to process a family visa?

The process of issuing a family visa lasts from one to two years. Some countries, such as Australia, may allow the applicant to stay in the country while the visa is being processed, but this depends on the type of family visa.

Visa fee for issuing a family visa in different countries of the world

- USA - $325 + additional fees

- Great Britain - £1,464 ($1,756)

- Australia – 7,850 Australian dollars ($5,425)

- Canada – 1040 Canadian dollars ($770)

- Germany - 75 euros ($80)

Fees vary depending on the type of visa and additional administrative costs.

How long is a family visa issued for?

Usually, a family visa is issued for the same period as the initial sponsor visa - from five to ten years. If a family member qualifies for citizenship, you are also eligible for citizenship.

Is it possible to work on the basis of a family visa?

You can study and work on the basis of a family visa. However, in some countries the number of working hours and educational programs that can be attended on the basis of a family visa may be limited.

When can a family visa be refused?

Your application for a family visa may be rejected if:

- You do not have a valid relationship with a member of your family.

- You and your family member do not have enough money to finance your stay.

- You lied on your application.

- You have committed a crime.