Spouse Visa Requirements

UK Immigration Advice for a Spouse Visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules

UK Spouse Visa Requirements

There are many requirements to meet for a UK spouse visa application. We can give you detailed advice about the spouse visa requirements and advise on the documentation you need to prepare for your specific case for a successful spouse visa outcome.

General requirements for a spouse visa are:

  • The relationship requirement, whereby:
    • you must have met
    • be married
    • be in a genuine and subsisting relationship
    • you must not be in a prohibited degree of relationship
  • The £18,600 financial requirement can me met through:
    • income from employment or self employment
    • savings 
    • income from sources such as rental income, dividends or stipends 
    • pension income
    • in certain circumstances you may be exempt from meeting the finacial requriement if you are in receipt of benefits such as:
      • Carers Allowance,
      • Personal Independence Payment,
      • Attendance Allowance (please ask for other benefits that allow exemption)
  • The english language requirement, if you are not from a majority english speaking country
    • A1 level minimum at the stage of your first visa  
  • Accommodation requirement
    • Details of where you intend to stay in the UK
  • TB test requirement
    • Get tested for TB if you are required

There is in most cases a financial requirement to meet to apply for a spouse visa. It is often the case that there is a requirement that the sponsor (or applicant in some cases) is earning at least £18,600 per year. Either in employment or self-employment or through other means such as exempt state benefits. If the applicant’s children are applying with them then the required earnings are higher. Savings can also help you to meet the financial requirement. Or a combination of earnings and savings. The applicant must also show that there is suitable and adequate accommodation available for them. 

The spouse visa requirements for English language for an initial application is an English language qualification at A1 level. A degree-level qualification taught in English can also meet the english requirement for the visa. Certain nationalities are exempt from meeting the english requirement. 

As your lawyer we will advise you about the documentation you need in your specific case to evidence to the Home Office that you are meeting all these requirements. We will also check all your documents before submitting these to the UKVI on your behalf.

If you are in the UK already you might be eligible to switch to the Spouse visa from inside the UK but it depends which visa you are on. Most of the time you can not switch to a spouse visa from inside the UK if you are here as a Visitor unless exceptional circumstances apply to your application. 

Usual processing time from outside the UK is 3-6 months and from inside the UK is 8 weeks. However, you can buy Priority service for a quick decision for an additional fee.

What we can do for you for a successful UK Spouse visa

As your lawyers we will assess your case and determine whether you have a potentially strong application. If so, under which part of the rules you can apply for a spouse visa. In some cases it may be possible to make a strong application even if you are an overstayer or have adverse immigration history. 

To apply for a spouse visa you require very specific types of documents which must meet the requirements set out by the UKVI / Home Office. We can give you clear, honest and open advice about this. Our role is to guide you towards submitting the best documents possible. Submitting an organised application can bring about a successful outcome.

We will provide a Person and Country Specific Document Checklist. This will ensure you can gather the required documents, according to your circumstances.

We will complete all the relevant application forms for you and provide you country specific guidance, if relevant. 

We will ensure we are with you from the very start until you receive a decision for your application. Sometimes applications take longer than expected and we can liaise with the Home Office or UKVI on your behalf.

We have also assisted many clients to apply for a spouse visa to switch from a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, Youth Mobility Visa and fro pending Human Rights other claims from within the UK.

Contact us now to apply for a UK Spouse Visa in London

Why not give us a call to discover that we are the best UK Spouse Visa Immigration Lawyers in London. We work with clients from all over the UK, so if you are not in London do not worry, we can assist you wherever you are. We provide the best immigration advice in London at OISC Level 3 for a Spouse Visa. Our clients come from all over the world including Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Tanzania, Morocco, Iran, Egypt, USA, Canada, Italy, Nigeria, Brazil, Columbia, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Vietnam & China, Armenia to name a few.

We have experienced Immigration Lawyers in London, and we also have Immigration Lawyers in Harrow, so you have access to the best Immigration Advice in London.

You can call and speak to our Immigration Lawyers in London on 0207 993 6981 , they are ready to take your call.

You can also call our Immigration Lawyers in Harrow on +44 208 150 6709

Call now and speak to us and discover for yourself that we are the right Immigration Lawyers in London for you. Alternatively, you can Email us on info@gsnimmigration.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the UK Spouse Visa fees?

The current fee for Spouse visa application form outside of the UK is £1538 and £1048 from within the UK. The UKVI update their fee scale usually in April every year but can decide to make changes any time.

What is the processing time for a UK Spouse Visa?

UKVI usually processes spouse visa applications within 12 – 24 weeks but sometimes it can take longer, and the UKVI will contact you if they need more time to process your application.

Can I get my visa faster?

Yes, you can. If you want your spouse visa to be processed faster you can purchase the Priority Service for a fee of £573 and your application will be processed in about 4 weeks. The fastest decision we have received for a spouse visa application from outside the UK is in 1 day. The Super Priority Service Fees for applications in the UK are £800 for a decision within 24 working hours.

Are the Partner Visa & Marriage Visa the same type of visas?

No, marriage visitor visa allows you to come to the UK to get married and go back to your country of residence, simply it is a type of visit visa. Whereas, the Spouse Visa which is also known as a Partner Visa allows the visa holder to remain in the UK with their partner on a long term basis.

What is the Financial income requirement to sponsor my spouse or partner to join me in the UK?

The minimum income requirement to sponsor your spouse or partner to the UK is £18,600 per annum.

 

 

 




UK SPOUSE VISA REQUIREMENTS

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