UK Spouse Visa

The UK government recently changed the minimum income requirements from £18,600 to £29,000. This comes into effect in April 2024 and affects three-quarters of Brits. Get in touch with us now for advice or support.

UK Spouse Visa: Simplifying entry for married partners.

Unlock your future together with our UK Spouse Visa expertise. We are a team of seasoned professionals who will guide you through the journey of reuniting with your partner in the United Kingdom.

Contact us now at 0203 384 4389 via phone or email for a free online assessment. UK Immigration Solicitors are always here to assist you.

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What is the UK Spouse Visa?

The UK Spouse Visa, officially known as the Spouse or Partner visa, is a type of visa that allows individuals to join their partner or spouse in the United Kingdom. It enables married couples or those in a civil partnership to live together in the UK, provided that certain eligibility criteria are met. This visa typically grants permission to live and work in the UK for a specified period, after which it may be possible to apply for further leave to remain or settlement. It’s an essential pathway for couples who wish to live together in the UK and build a life together.

Who is eligible to apply for a UK Spouse Visa?

The UK Spouse Visa, officially known as the Spouse or Partner visa, is a type of visa that allows individuals to join their partner or spouse in the United Kingdom. It enables married couples or those in a civil partnership to live together in the UK, provided that certain eligibility criteria are met. This visa typically grants permission to live and work in the UK for a specified period, after which it may be possible to apply for further leave to remain or settlement. It’s an essential pathway for couples who wish to live together in the UK and build a life together.

The UK Spouse Visa, officially known as the Spouse or Partner visa, is a type of visa that allows individuals to join their partner or spouse in the United Kingdom. It enables married couples or those in a civil partnership to live together in the UK, provided that certain eligibility criteria are met. This visa typically grants permission to live and work in the UK for a specified period, after which it may be possible to apply for further leave to remain or settlement. It’s an essential pathway for couples who wish to live together in the UK and build a life together.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What are the basic requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?

The following are the primary requirements for a Spousal Visa United Kingdom:

To check your eligibility call at 0203 393 9269

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What is a genuine relationship test?

A genuine relationship is one in which formalities don’t matter and the relationship is sincere. To get a UK Spouse Visa you have to pass this test. To qualify for this test, you have to send multiple shreds of evidence to the Home Office including:

To get help with your application process call us now at 0203 393 9269

What are the financial requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?

You have to first prove that you and your wife/husband/partner are financially capable of supporting yourselves without the need for public assistance. If the UK spouse does not have dependent children, they must make at least £18,600 before taxes.

If you have one dependent child, you will require an extra £3,800 before tax to achieve the financial criteria. The sponsor will require an additional £2,400 for any other child.

Consult one of our experienced immigration solicitors if you believe that none of the aforementioned revenue streams will provide you with enough money to meet the financial needs for a Partner or Spouse Visa, or if you are unclear about your income. They are always ready to assist you.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What are the documents required for Spouse Visa

You may increase the chances that your application for a UK Spouse Visa will be approved and avoid delays by ensuring you have all the required papers. Moreover, to get approval to stay in the UK, you must submit the following documents to the Home Office:
Please keep in mind that any documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a professionally translated version. All proof needs to be in the precise format that the Home Office specified.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Which forms of income count towards meeting the financial requirements for a Spouse Visa?

To satisfy the minimum income prerequisite for your application for a UK Spouse Visa, you may use:

The applicant’s spouse may contribute to the overall income amount (but not their earnings) if they are applying from outside the United Kingdom using their savings. However, if your partner works in the UK, their income might be included.

Additionally, you can use your earnings and savings to assist you in reaching the minimal income required. But, you will have to demonstrate that you can sustain yourself financially for the duration of the permit.

To determine how much you will need in savings, deduct any other qualifying income from your minimal requirement. Then, multiply this number by 2.5 and add 16,000 to it.

Can I use benefit income in my case?

There are situations in which you won’t have to fulfill the requirements for eligibility, as when you’re claiming any of these benefits:

However, you have to show that you are financially able to maintain your dependents. This is referred to as “adequate maintenance,” and how much you require will depend on your particular circumstances. You would usually require a minimum of £120 per week to cover your housing costs. This sum will rise if you have a child or children.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What is the English Language Test for Spouse Visa?

Those who want to reside in the UK must demonstrate their English language proficiency. When you pass an English Language Test, it is valid for two years.

To gain permission to stay in the UK with your UK spouse, you need to pass a listening and speaking English test. Your certification will be legitimate only if you pass your English exam through an accredited Secure English Language Testing (SELT) Provider.

Currently, only Trinity College London and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Consortium offer SELT assessments for immigration purposes.

An English language test is not required if you:

Possess a degree, or be enrolled in any type of school where English was used for research or instruction. Only UK NARIC’s confirmation will make your qualification official.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What are the accommodation requirements for the UK Spouse Visa?

You must submit documentation of housing that satisfies UK living standards with your application for a UK spouse visa. As your sponsor, your spouse who is a UK native must show that they can support the application, themselves, and any dependents who plan to reside in the UK. The Home Office will request the following documentation as proof of accommodations:

To know more about this call 0203 393 9269

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How can I meet the accommodations requirements for a Spouse Visa?

To qualify, your home must have enough rooms to accommodate the couple and any dependents. But each person requires their own room:

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How to apply for a Spouse Visa UK?

Make sure you apply for a spouse visa well in advance of the day you intend to move to the UK and wait to schedule your journey or purchase a ticket until after the Home Office issues your visa.

Applying for a UK spouse visa online requires completing Appendix FM and additional paperwork when residing outside of the country. However, as part of the procedure, you might have to go to a visa application centre to provide your biometrics. It should be noted that there are multiple papers and documentation required, and to improve your chances of receiving a UK Spouse or Partner visa, they must be correctly filled out with sufficient proof.

The application procedure is different if you are applying from within the United Kingdom since you will have to provide evidence that you are in the country on a valid visa to convert to a UK spouse visa.

If the Home Office has any concerns after reviewing your application, you can be asked to attend an interview for a spouse visa. In the interview, you may be asked questions to assess the sincerity of your relationship and intent in the UK.

Applying for a spouse visa on your own can be challenging and time-consuming. We can assist. Get in touch with us right now or send an online inquiry to consult with one of our immigration solicitors on your UK spouse visa application.

How much does it cost to apply for a UK Spouse Visa?

Currently, the Home Office charges £1,538 for any overseas application for a spouse visa. If you apply from within the UK, the fee is lowered to £1,048. If you apply with dependents, this fee will be increased for each dependent.

You can only apply from within the UK if you are not attempting to enter the country as a guest or if you have been granted leave to stay for longer than 6 months. You cannot also apply for a fiancé (e) or proposed civil partner permit from within the United Kingdom.

When you submit your documents, keep in mind that your UK Spouse Visa application may come with additional expenses. This comprises:

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What happens if my application for a UK Spouse Visa is approved?

Upon acceptance of your UK Spouse Visa application, you will be granted “leave to remain” in the UK. As a result, you have 30 days to enter the UK. A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) can be obtained within ten days of your arrival in the UK. You may apply for a new 30-day entry permit if you miss the entry date, however, there will be an extra charge for this service.

What if my Spouse Visa application is denied?

If your Spouse Visa application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision made by the Home Office. It is highly recommended to obtain guidance from an immigration adviser due to the known complexity and length of the appeal procedure. For assistance with your application for a spouse’s visa appeal, get in touch with the UK Immigration Solicitors. We have offices in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, among other places in the United Kingdom. To discover the closest branch to you, visit their office finder.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Can a UK Spouse Visa be extended or renewed?

You can renew or extend your UK Spouse Visa for an additional 2.5 years, as long as your current leave to remain hasn’t expired. You can apply for settled status, also referred to as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), if you have been a resident of the UK for a total of five years under the terms of your marriage visa. You can contact their attorneys for help if you need to file for a renewal of your UK spouse visa.

What is the processing time for a Partner Visa?

The processing time for a marital visa UK application typically ranges from 2 to 12 weeks. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the completeness of your documentation and the country from which you apply.

Spouse Visa Appeal Process

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to submit a Spouse Visa appeal, it’s essential to act promptly and follow these steps:

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How much time does it take to appeal for a spouse visa?

Regrettably, the Spouse Visa appeal process can be quite lengthy. Some applicants may face waiting periods of up to 12 months or even longer for a decision to be made on their appeal against a Spouse Visa refusal. Common reasons for Spouse Visa refusal include:

The most effective way to avoid going through the Spouse Visa appeal process is by ensuring that your initial application is as accurate and complete as possible, addressing all the requirements and documentation.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How UK Immigration Solicitors Can Simplify UK Spouse Visa Applications?

UK Immigration Solicitors provides valuable assistance to individuals navigating the intricacies of UK Spouse Visa applications. We recognize the complexity of these applications and the importance of reuniting with loved ones. Our priority is to enhance your prospects of achieving this goal. We are dedicated immigration advisers who offer comprehensive support throughout the Partner Visa application process. Our services encompass

UK Immigration Solicitors boasts a track record of many successful cases. Our highly experienced immigration solicitors are well-versed in this industry. If you are seeking a UK Spouse Visa, contact us online or call us at 0203 393 9269 today for professional, no-obligation advice and assistance. We are here to support you through the UK Spouse Visa process.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

We have helped people from more than 100 countries get a UK visa without them leaving their homes!

We can help you get a visa from the comfort of your own home wherever you are in the world.

Speak to our friendly expert team now to see how we can help you live, work or study in the UK. Call now 0203 393 9269

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are similarities in the qualifying standards for UK partner visas, such as the fiancée, spouse, and unmarried partner visas. A minimum income requirement of £18,600, evidence of English language proficiency, proof of appropriate housing for you and your spouse, and passing the “genuine relationship test,” which involves being in a civil partnership, are typical examples of these requirements. Keep in mind that certain conditions can change depending on your spouse’s circumstances or whether you’re applying on behalf of dependent children.
Regardless of where you now reside or are in the UK, you and your spouse can apply for a UK Spouse Visa if you both align with the strict requirements for living in the UK. Gathering substantial evidence about your relationship is crucial to demonstrate eligibility.
The Home Office set a minimum income requirement of £18,600 in July 2012 to sponsor your spouse or partner’s immigration to the UK. For each dependent child, the income requirement rises to £22,400, and for every extra child, it rises to £2,400. But a July 2013 UK High Court decision in the case of MM (Lebanon) declared the minimum wage demand as “disproportionate and unjustified” in the event that the applicant is married to a British citizen, a settled individual, or a refugee. Since this ruling, decisions about sponsors who don’t fit the requirements have been put on hold.
In most cases, you can file an appeal if your spouse’s visa application is denied and you believe the decision was unfair. If you think the decision was unfair, you usually have the right to appeal. Your right to file an appeal will be stated in your letter of refusal. When you first apply, you have the option to provide fresh proof of your eligibility. If you are already in the UK, you must move quickly to file an appeal or obtain a new visa in order to avoid problems arising from exceeding your allowed stay in the country.
Since August 10, 2017, other forms of funding, such as self-sufficiency, self-employment, or ongoing family support, must be taken into account when making decisions about Spouse Visa applications. For those who have postponed applying or whose marriage visas were previously denied, these changes provide hope.
You may want to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to permanently change your status after you and your spouse or partner move to the UK. Despite being governed by immigration laws, ILR enables you to settle in the UK. In general, if you continue to meet the requirements, you can apply for ILR five years later. In addition, a 10-year path to ILR exists, with somewhat softer requirements for the income threshold.
You are eligible to apply for a Marriage Visa instead of a different immigration category if you have already joined your partner in the UK. Switching, however, is not permitted if you are a visitor in the UK if your visa was issued for a period shorter than six months (except for fiancées or those with proposed civil partner permits), or if you violate any immigration laws.

There are very few circumstances in which a UK spouse visa applicant is exempt from the financial requirements; these are usually related to disability or caregiving. For further information, it is advised to speak with an immigration attorney. You have to demonstrate that you are financially stable enough to support your partner or spouse and any dependents, even if you are exempt from the income barrier.

Notifying the Home Office right away of your decision to separate or divorce your partner will have an impact on your ability to apply for visas in the future. The Home Office may grant a curtailment of your spouse’s visa, giving you time to reapply using a different path to remain in the UK or to depart. In these situations, quick action is crucial.

No, unless your spouse currently lives in the UK and is authorized to work there, their income cannot be included in the required amount. In these situations, household income may serve as the basis for the financial requirement. Our staff is available to talk about how recent legal changes might help your application if you are having trouble meeting the minimum financial income requirement.

You must pass an English language test administered by an authorized provider if you are from a non-EU (or Switzerland) country where English is not the primary language of communication. English-language degrees or certificates from recognized providers usually meet the language requirement. An immigration professional can assist you with the Spouse Visa application process if you are unclear about where to locate an authorized test provider. 
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