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FAMILY IMMIGRATION
Family  Immigration)

People who have a close family member—usually a partner— living and working in a foreign country can apply for a family reunification visa. Family visas are usually long-term, and the qualification requirements can change based on which family member is sponsoring you. 

What Is a Family Visa?

A family visa is a document issued for family reunification purposes in a foreign country. Usually, to qualify for a family visa, you need to have a family member, i.e., a spouse/partner, parent, sibling, or child who is settled in a foreign country and you want to join them. 

How to Get a Family Visa?

To get a family visa, follow the application process listed below:

(a) Fill Out The Application Form

First; you need to fill out the family visa application form. You may find a copy of the form in the relevant visa office, or it might be available online; either way, you must fill out the form and sign it. Please fill out the form with up-to-date and honest information. 

(b) Locate a Visa Application Center

You need to submit your family visa application to a corresponding visa office. This can be an embassy or consulate, a Okamoto Immigration law office, or even an application center in a neighboring country. Once you find the correct application center, you need to make an appointment to attend your visa interview and submit your application. 

(c) Get Your Documents Ready 

To complete your application, you need to assemble the required documents and prepare them as required. Some of your documents (marriage certificate, divorce certificate, birth certificate, etc.) may need to be translated or verified with an apostille stamp as per the visa office’s instructions. 

(d) Attend the Visa Interview 

After collecting your documents, you must attend the visa interview and submit your application. You will most likely need to attend the interview with your partner and answer questions regarding your relationship to verify your intentions for applying for a family visa. 

Some visa centers will also ask you to pay the application fee the day of your interview, while others need you to pay beforehand and bring a receipt with your documents— they will let you know in advance. 

Family Visa Requirements

For a family visa application, you must prepare the following documents: 

  • Family visa application form. 

  • Six-month valid passport. 

  • Passport pictures. 

  • Proof of relationship: 

    • Marriage certificate

    • Certificate of registration (for registered partnerships) 

    • Proof of co-habitation (joint bank accounts, rental agreements, etc.) 

    • Shared child custody

  • Police certificate. 

  • Proof of accommodation. 

  • Biometric details. 

  • Paid visa fee (if required).

  • Health insurance. 

 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Family Visa?

A family visa takes between one to two years to finish processing. Some countries like Australia may allow you to stay in the country while your visa is being processed— but this depends on your family visa type. 

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How Much Does a Family Visa Cost? 

Your family visa fees may go from $160 to $1,500. The fees will vary depending on the visa type and the additional administrative costs. 

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How Long Does a Family Visa Last?

Your family visa is usually issued for the same duration as your partner’s initial visa— between five and ten years— then if your partner qualifies for citizenship, so do you.

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Can You Work on a Family Visa?

You can work and study under a family visa. But, you have to keep in mind that some countries may restrict the number of working hours and what study programs you can follow while on a family visa. 

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