RETURNING BRITISH CITIZENS
Returning to the UK with your family
Specialist immigration advice for British citizens planning a return with a partner or children abroad.
After building a life overseas, returning to the UK can mean coordinating family immigration, work and a new home. We help you understand your family’s position and plan the evidence around your move.
YOUR FAMILY’S POSITION
Consider each family member’s circumstances
Your own position as a British citizen and the position of your partner or children may be different. A non-British partner may need a family visa to live in the UK with you. Children’s nationality and eligibility need to be checked individually; some children born abroad may already be British.
We help you identify the relevant route and consider how your family’s applications and relocation plans fit together.
FINANCES AND FUTURE WORK
Plan the evidence before you return
Returning from overseas can raise specific questions about the financial requirements. The evidence may depend on overseas employment, a new UK role, self-employment, company income, savings or other permitted sources.
Where a UK job offer forms part of the evidence, its terms and start date matter. Where you are self-employed or run a company, the documents required can be more involved. We assess the sources you can rely on and explain the evidence needed for your circumstances.
- Your current income and employment position abroad.
- Plans for work or self-employment after returning.
- Savings and other permitted financial sources.
- Accommodation and the intended application timetable.
RELOCATION PLANNING
Bring the practical and legal steps together
Before fixing your move, it helps to understand when an application can be made, which documents must be obtained and how the application relates to your planned return.
Your plans may include starting a job, arranging accommodation or moving with children. We consider those circumstances when advising on the immigration steps. Tell us about any existing visa expiry, previous refusal or other deadline at the outset.
ONLINE CONSULTATIONS
Advice from wherever you are living
You do not need to be in the UK to arrange initial advice. We offer consultations by video or telephone, so you can discuss your plans while you are still abroad.
A consultation can help clarify the route, identify evidence gaps and establish the next steps. If you ask us to prepare an application, we will explain the proposed work and agree a fixed fee after discussing your circumstances.
TALK 30
30 minutes · £150–£250
A focused advice appointment.
TALK 60
60 minutes · £180–£300
A longer appointment with a written letter of advice.
The consultation fee depends on who you meet, from trainee solicitor to partner, and is confirmed before you book. Application work ranges from £1,250 to £2,000, with a fixed fee agreed after your consultation. We will confirm the scope, VAT treatment and any separate government fees or other costs. VAT depends on the case.
Enquire about a consultationCOMMON QUESTIONS
Before you take
the next step
Do I have to return before my partner applies?
The family rules can allow a British citizen to return with their partner. Whether you can plan a joint move depends on meeting the relevant requirements, including the financial evidence. We can assess the position before you decide on the sequence.
Must I have a job offer in the UK?
A job offer may be relevant where you rely on employment as part of the financial evidence, but it is not the only possible approach. We assess the permitted income or savings available in your circumstances.
Will my children need visas?
That depends on each child’s nationality and circumstances. Some children may already be British; others may need an immigration application. We can advise on what needs to be checked.
When should I seek advice?
Contact us while your plans are taking shape, especially before committing to a relocation timetable. Early advice gives you time to understand the evidence and address any gaps.
FAMILY VISA CONSULTATIONS
Discuss your return to the UK
Tell us where your family is living now, where you intend to move and any dates you are working towards. We will help you arrange an online or telephone consultation.
Email to arrange a consultation5/1, 146 Argyle Street
Glasgow G2 8BL