Spouse Visa
Expert UK Spouse Visa Application Guidance 2024
Expert guidance for 2024 UK Spouse Visa. Secure family visa, live with spouse/relative. Eligibility, proof, renewal, financial, and English requirements
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UK Spouse Visa
The UK Spouse Visa, also known as the UK Partner Visa, is meant for people over the age of 18 who are not UK residents but are engaged, married to, or have a prospective civil partner who is over the age of 18 and resides in the UK. The eligibility conditions for this visa category differ depending on the applicant’s partner’s circumstances.
People from outside the European Economic Area who intend to join their partners or spouses in the UK must apply for a UK Partner Visa. Spouse Visa holders in the UK have the same ability to work as British citizens. They are not, however, eligible for most benefits, such as public funds, housing allowances, or tax credits.
What is UK spouse visa requirements?
Below questions will explain what the requirements for UK Spouse visa are,
Who can apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
If you meet below eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for a Spouse Visa:
- You must be married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with settled status in the UK, or someone with refugee or humanitarian status in the UK.
- You must be 18 years and over.
- You must also be able to prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting, and that you intend to live together with your partner in the UK.
- Additionally, you must meet the financial, English language, and accommodation requirements.
- you must not have any criminal convictions or immigration violations.
You can apply for a UK spouse visa if you meet these requirements. However, since this application procedure can be complicated, it is critical to seek professional advice from a skilled immigration lawyer.
Global Law UK Legal Representatives are committed to give you a detailed assessment of your personal circumstances and ensure that you have the correct documentation to strengthen your case when applying for a Spouse Visa UK, to avoid rejection. We will go through with you in each of the above step and ensure that you are successful in getting a Marriage Visa UK.For 100% success rate, Get in touch with us today.
For immediate assistance to answer any questions you may have about Spouse visa / Family Visa UK, Get in touch with us today on 0207 504 1306 or make a Free Online Enquiry and we will be happy to assist you.
What documents are required for a Spouse Visa?
- Your UK visa application form.
- Your valid passport
- Two passport-sized photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.
- Proof of English language, financial means, relationship- requirements.
- Certificate of criminal record.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Biometric information.
- Proof of payment for spouse visa fees. You should submit the receipt that confirms you have paid the visa fee as required.
What is the English Language Test for Spouse Visa UK?
The English language test requirement forUK spouse visa is A1 English test. The test assesses the applicant’s capacity to communicate in English, as living in the UK requires a basic understanding of the language. You can prove by,
- Submitting a document or academic certificate that was taught or researched in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as equal to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher or
- Pass an approved English language exam with at least a CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening.An English Language test is not required if you are a native of an English-speaking country, if you are under the age of 18 or over the age of 65 and also if you are having a chronic physical or mental illness.
It is crucial to remember that the IELTS test score needed varies depending on the kind of visa and the unique circumstances of the applicant. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, Contact us at on 0207 504 1306 or make a Free Online Enquiry and we will be happy to assist you.
How long can I stay in UK with my Marriage Visa or UK Spouse Visa?
If you apply to join your spouse, you will be granted permission to stay in the UK for two years and six months, whereas if you apply as a fiancé or prospective civil partner, you will be granted permission to stay for six months. You will need to extend your stay after this time.
What are the accommodation requirements for the Spouse Visa?
The applicant and their spouse must have appropriate accommodation available and be able to accommodate any dependents without relying on public funds to meet the accommodation requirements for the UK Spouse Visa. The property must meet the UK government’s minimum space standards.
If the applicant’s accommodation is rented, they must present a tenancy document showing that the landlord has granted them permission to stay in the home. If the partner owns the property, the applicant must produce proof of ownership, such as a mortgage statement or property deeds. The accommodation must be safe, habitable, and not overcrowded in both circumstances.
A home visit may also be conducted by the Home Office to inspect the accommodation and confirm that it fits the standards. To minimize delays or refusal of the UK Spouse Visa application, it is critical to ensure that the accommodation requirements are completed.
How to apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
- When applying for the UK Spouse Visa, you must check that you meet the eligibility requirements as stated above.
- Gather required documents: You will need to provide various documents, such as your passport, marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate, proof of your relationship with your partner, evidence of your financial situation, and English language ability.
- Apply online: You can apply online for the UK Spouse Visa using the UK Visas and Immigration website. You will need to create an account and complete the application form, pay the application fee, and book an appointment at a visa application centre to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
- Attend appointment: Attend your appointment at the visa application centre to submit your biometrics and supporting documents.
- Wait for a decision: You will receive a decision on your visa application, which may take several weeks.
- Enter the UK: Once you have received your visa, you can travel to the UK and begin living with your partner. You will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within ten days of your arrival in the UK.
Please keep in mind that the process and requirements for the UK Spouse Visa may differ depending on your specific circumstances. Before applying, it is recommended that you get professional counsel.
For immediate assistance to answer any questions you may have about Spouse visa / Family Visa UK, Get in touch with us today on 0207 504 1306 or make a Free Online Enquiry and we will be happy to assist you.
What is Spouse Visa UK Processing Time in 2024?
The standard processing time for UK Spouse visa in 2024 is around 3 months for out-of-country applications, while in-country applications have an average processing time of 6-8 weeks.Priority out-of-country applications for existing applications has a processing time of approximately 15 working days and new applications under the priority service are typically processed within 30 days.
What is the UK Spouse Visa Refusal Appeal Process?
Those who have been rejected a Spouse Visa in the United Kingdom can protest the Home Office’s decision through the UK Spouse Visa appeal process. However, you need to check your decision letter to see if you have the right to appeal. You can only appeal to the tribunal if you are legally entitled to do so.
To appeal a UK Spouse Visa refusal:
- Apply within 28 days of refusal if outside the UK or within 14 days if inside the UK.
- Ensure your appeal grounds are legitimate and likely to be accepted.
- Prepare a strong case with supporting documents.
- Attend the Tribunal hearing if necessary.
We recommend that you consider consulting with an experienced UK Spouse Visa Immigration consultant to strengthen your case. We can provide professional guidance and support throughout the appeal process, which can increase your chances of a successful outcome.
How can we help you?
A detailed assessment of your personal circumstances
- Ensure that you have the correct documentation to strengthen your case
- The completion of your application
- Submission of your application
- Regular updates of the application.
- Contact you with the confirmation of your results for your application.
What to do next?
Please call us on 0207 504 1306 or simply fill in our Free Enquiry No Obligation Form at the bottom of this page and one of our professionals will contact you as soon as possible.
Your personal details shall be treated important and confidential and shall not be passed to any third parties for marketing purpose.
Global Law Immigration Consultancy in UK are authorised and regulated by the OISC: F202100278 for UK Spouse Visa activities. Being authorised by the OISC allows us to represent you in all your UK marriage Visa, UK Visa, UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker Visa), or any of the other visa routes available to the United Kingdom.
Reference ; Govt UK Family visas
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Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Home Office's official guidelines, the rules do not explicitly require you to stay in the UK for the entire duration of a Spousal Visa.
However, it does state that if an individual chooses to spend the majority of their time outside the UK, it may be considered when applying for an extension or settlement.
Each case is assessed based on its unique circumstances, and the Home Office is likely to take into account the reasons for your absences when reviewing future applications.
It is important to note that if you are absent from the UK for more than 180 days during the final 12 months of your stay, you will not qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). In such cases, you would need to wait an additional 12 months before being eligible to apply.
If you wish to submit an application on behalf of your non-EEA partner, you are able to do so. You can collect the necessary evidence, fill out the forms, and pay the required fee. However, when completing the application, make sure to provide accurate information about your spouse who is residing overseas, including their name and relevant details.
Visas for partners and spouses do not fall under the five-tier system. Instead, they are categorized as UK family visas. As a result, they are not points-based like Work (Tier 2 & 5) and Study (Tier 4) visas.
As a spouse or partner in the family route, it is necessary to demonstrate proficiency in speaking and listening to English.
To qualify for a visa, you must achieve a minimum score of 4.0 or higher in both sections of your IELTS for UKVI test.
If you are the sponsor based in the UK for a Spouse or Partner Visa application, it is typically required for you to write a sponsorship letter.
The letter should provide details about your status in the UK (e.g., being a British citizen and residing in the UK since birth) and your current source of income (e.g., earning £20,000 per annum as a teacher at a primary school).
Furthermore, briefly discuss your relationship with the applicant, including how you met and decided to get married. Please provide separate dates for when you:
- Met each other
- Started your relationship
- Got married
Additionally, include information about your living arrangements, such as whether your partner is listed on the tenancy agreement for your home.
Make sure to support your sponsorship letter with relevant documents, including:
- Payslips
- Employment contract
- Letter from your employer
- Latest P60
- Marriage certificate
- Bank statements
- Your passport
The UK Decision Making branch of the Home Office states that they aim to process non-settlement applications within 15 working days, unless you choose the priority processing service.
However, there are instances where this target timeframe may be extended or delayed. This is a common occurrence and does not necessarily indicate issues or complexity with the application. Sometimes, the delay can be attributed to a high volume of applications, resulting in a longer review process.
