Family visit visa for the UK or the USA

Family visit visa for the UK or the USA

Family visit visa for the UK or the USA

Family visit visa for the UK or the USA

Acquiring any family visit visa for the UK/USA options, including tourism and sightseeing, enables you to apply for a visit visa for the sole purpose of family visiting or any other available reasons. Whatever experiences you seek while travelling abroad, focus on reconnecting with friends or family; guides available online help in better navigation and streamlining the processes involved in the application

In this post, we have prepared a guide that will make it much simpler for you to get a family visit visa for the UK or a family visit visa for the USA. With my guide, wishing for your dream trip is more possible than you ever expected. You will be amazed how deciding whether to apply first for a US visit visa or a UK visit visa chooses automation rather than tedious file work to streamline the application

In the following section, we will provide you with an overview of the family visit visa. A Family Visit Visa is a subclass of Temporary Visa. It allows foreign citizens to visit a foreign country for a limited period of time to see their family members. It, similar to a dependent or immigrant visa, doesn’t permit employment, studying, or permanently settling in the country. 

1.1 Overview of Family Visit Visa for the UK 

In the United Kingdom, a family visit visa is covered within the standard visitor ISBN UK family visa. It is a type of visa that enables an individual to visit family or other relatives as well as undertake work-related activities such as providing temporary assistance to family members.

Key features: 

  • For a maximum of 6 months
  • No work or claiming of public funds 
  • Funds are not allowed 
  • Compulsory intention to return to the home country 
1.2 Overview of Family Visit Visa for the USA 

In the United States, you apply under the B-2 Tourist Visa category, which also encompasses family or medical visits. 

Key features: 

  • The approximate duration is half a year. 
  • Extensions may be granted under specific prerequisites. 
  • The home country’s connection is checked under high criteria. 
2: Who Can Apply? 

Fulfilling the minimum criteria for eligibility allows applying for a family visit visa for the US or the UK

2.1 Eligibility Criteria for Requirements for Family Visit Visa for the UK. 

Proof of relationship is required to be submitted. 

Financial obligation must be proved by either the visitor or the host. 

After the visit, there are no lawful extensions of stay in the United Kingdom. Evidence of planning to visit family members (like parents, siblings, or children, as well as grandparents) needs to be submitted. 

2.2 Eligibility Criteria for US Family Visit Visa 

    Evidence of plans for family connections during the visit is required for the USA. Documentation for owning a business, being employed, and having family relations is required. 

    It is necessary to submit a financial declaration ensuring coverage of expenses related to the visit. 

    Convincing explanations to the consular officer attending regarding the visit’s purpose need to be provided to justify not returning after the visit. 

    3: Documents Required 

    Any submitted documentation that is inaccurate and inconsistent is very critical. Inconsistencies and inadequate documentation are responsible for almost all visa refusals. 

    3.1 Documents for the UK Family Visit Visa 

    A valid passport is a must. 

    Submission of a UK visa application in electronic format is mandatory. 

    One passport photograph. 

    Proof of relative’s connection – birth certificates, letters of invitation, etc. Proof of travel and accommodation booking, confirmed reservations. 

    Financial documentation (bank statements, payslips) 

    Invitation letter from relatives/friends in the UK

    Documentation validating return intentions (employment letter, documents, land title deeds, etc.). 

    3.2 Documents for the US Family Visit Visa 

    A valid passport is a must. 

    Visa Application Form DS-160

    MRV Fee Receipt validated. 

    Appointment confirmation

    Invitation letter from relatives/friends currently staying in the USA

    Proof of citizenship from the foreign country.

    Supplemental… 

    Travel and accommodation documents were submitted alongside the application. Note: Translations from non-English documents must be arranged in advance if English is required. 

    4: Applying Procedure – From A to Z 
    4.1 Application Procedure For A Visa To The United Kingdom 

    Step 1: Attend To The Initial Requirements Of A UK Tourist Visa 

    The application process for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland entails submission of applications through the visa portal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The initial stage needs you to navigate to this link. www.gov.uk 

    Step 2: Payment Of Required Fees 

    As of April, 115 English pounds is levied as charges for a six-month visit visa. This fee will change starting in 2025. 

    Step 3: Schedule an Appointment for Biometric Collection 

    Book an appointment for one of the Visa Application Centres in your country.

    Step 4: Document Submission and Biometrics Capture 

    On the appointment day, remember to carry all the necessary documentation required for the appointment. Fingerprints and photographs will also be captured. 

    step 5 – Waiting Period for Making the Decision 

    You may choose to have it processed within *15 working days using the priority service for decision-making. 

    Step 6 – Travel and Visa Receipt 

    The affixing of the visa to your passport will be done post approval and will be stamped on the passport. 

    4.2 Application Procedure For A US Family Visit Visa 

    Step 1 – Complete the DS-160 Form

    Can be found on the following link: ceac.state.gov/CEAC. 

    Step 2: Settle the Visa Fees 

    The current one stands at $185 and is non-refundable, though this may change.

    Step 3 – Create the Appointments 

    You should set two of the appointments: 

    Fingerprints Prophetic appointment. 

    A Visa Interview at the US Embassy or Consulate

    Step 4: Prepare for the Interview 

    You should dress appropriately and ensure all documents are accessible…

    Step 5: Engage in the Interview 

    Take a deep breath. Walk in calm, cool, and collected. Describe the nature of the visit and

    describe the work you will perform to make sure you can present clear indications that, for all intents and purposes, you will submit everything that proves you are returning without delay. If the visa stamp is issued, your passport should be ready to pick up a few days later, but this is not guaranteed. 

    5: Usually, the Underlying Reasons Why People Get Refused 

    Pay close attention to the details, as sometimes, even the most meticulously crafted applications can face unnecessary rejection. Understanding these areas of focus can eliminate some headaches. In this case, those pesky UK Visa Rejection Reasons 

    • Insufficient documentation to prove access to necessary funds. 
    • Insufficient social and familial connections to the place of residence.
    • Failure to supply required documents or supplying fraudulent documentation.
    • Breaching previously set conditions on a visa
    • Failure to construct reliable family ties
    US Visa Rejection Reasons 
    • Absence of supporting documentation indicating substantial ties to the applicant’s home country or other overseas region after a particular period. (Will fail the 214(b) test) 
    • Suspicious travel itinerary. 
    • Lack of sufficient documentation, incomplete documents. 
    • Prior overstay on a visa
    • Inconsistent or untrue information given during an interview

    Tip: Applications may be submitted multiple times as long as the concerns have been addressed. 

    6: Recommendations for a Successful Application 

    Both for the UK family visit visa and the US family visit visa, these particular suggestions stand to enhance the acceptance rate: 

    • Do not present any untruths: any misleading information may result in immediate disqualification and denial. 
    • Provide sufficient socio-economic factors: Strength is indexed through the employer’s reference letters, family commitments, or documents pertaining to property ownership. 
    • Explain further the specifics of the partnership and sponsorship agreements. Assume the financial responsibility for the excursion. Fund the trip with a broad, open invitation outlining the stay duration, reason for the visit, and the primary sponsor of the trip. 
    • Remember not to overpush the application deadline. Applications can be made from a month prior to the trip, within a 4 to 6-week frame from the travel date. 
    • Present the documents in an orderly manner: Make your application as simple as possible for the visa officer
    • Practice for the interview: every answer counts and is crucial for US applicants
    7: Closed – Family Visit Visa Questions 

    Q1: Family visit visa duration? 

    UK – Up to 6 months. 

    US – Usually 6 months or less, but open. 

    Q2: Working or studying on a family visit visa? 

    Nay. As with the visit family visa for both the UK and the US does not permit any form of work or study engagements. 

    Q3: Application for visa, how early? 

    The optimal time for applying is 1-2 months before the intended date of travel. There may be holdups at the embassies. 

    Q4: Is travel insurance required? 

    It’s not obligatory, but still highly advised by both countries. 

    Q5: Can a permanent resident of the country who is not a citizen be my sponsor? Yes, security can do this if the sponsor legally resides in the host country and is capable of supporting your travel. 


    Obtaining family visit visas for both the US and the UK can be tedious and challenging, just like other family visit visas. However, as with other family visit standard visas, possessing the right documentation makes the process a lot easier. Visa officers do not ‘dislike’ applicants;

    all they wish to ascertain is that they indeed have a family that they can visit and if indeed the applicant has the means to support themselves without really not following up on the instructions given for the visit concerning the time frame mentioned. 

    To create and control your own travel itinerary way ahead of time and ensure all required documents are fully prepared. With the information provided within this guide, the prerequisites needed for applying for family visit visas to the USA and UK can be anyone’s desire. Would you like to circumvent the consequences of avoidable delays or even denial? Each application is treated with special care from the beginning to the end. Salford Visa customises consultations specifically for your application. Be it a US family visit visa or a UK family visit visa, Salford strives to make the entire process seamless for you by working tirelessly around the clock.