If you are a UK citizen or have settled status in the UK, you may want to apply for your spouse to come and live with you Applying for a spouse visa can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge, the process can be smooth and straightforward.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about applying for a spouse visa in the UK.
Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa?
To apply for a spouse visa, you must be married or in a civil partnership with your partner You must also be a UK citizen or have settled status in the UK Your partner can be from any country, but they must provide evidence that they can speak and understand English.
What are the Requirements for a Spouse Visa?
To be eligible for a spouse visa, you must meet the following requirements:
– Your partner must be a UK citizen or have settled status in the UK.
– You must have a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner.
– You must intend to live with your partner in the UK.
You will also need to meet the financial requirement As of 2021, you need to earn at least £18,600 per year, or have sufficient savings If you have children, the financial requirement will increase.
You must also provide evidence that you can speak and understand English at the required level.
How to Apply for a Spouse Visa?
To apply for a spouse visa, you must complete an online application form You will need to provide the following documents:
– Your passport and your partner’s passport
– Proof of your relationship (such as marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or evidence that you have been living together for at least two years)
– Evidence of your English language ability
– Evidence of your finances (such as payslips, bank statements, or savings)
You will also need to pay a fee, which is currently £1,523 for the application and £1,033 for the immigration health surcharge.
Once you have submitted your application, you will be invited to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph You may also be required to attend an interview.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Spouse Visa?
The processing time for a spouse visa application can vary depending on various factors, such as the country where you are applying from and the complexity of your case As of 2021, the average processing time is around 3-6 months.
It is crucial to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid any delays I want to apply for my spouse to come and live with me in UK. You can also opt for a priority or super-priority service to get a decision faster, but this will cost an additional fee.
What Happens After You Get a Spouse Visa?
Once you get a spouse visa, you can travel to the UK and live with your partner The visa is valid for 33 months, and you can apply for an extension if you wish to stay longer.
If you want to settle in the UK permanently, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years To be eligible for ILR, you must meet the following requirements:
– You must still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner.
– You must have been living with your partner in the UK for at least five years.
– You must not have breached any immigration laws or conditions during your stay in the UK.
– You must meet the English language and the life in the UK requirements.
Once you get ILR, you can stay in the UK indefinitely, and you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship after a year.
What if Your Spouse Visa Application is Refused?
If your spouse visa application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision or apply for a review However, these options can be time-consuming and expensive.
To avoid the refusal of your application, make sure you provide all the required documents and meet all the eligibility criteria If you are unsure about any aspects of the application process, seek professional advice from an immigration advisor.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a spouse visa can be a complex and stressful process, but it is a necessary step to reunite with your partner in the UK Make sure you have the right documents, meet the eligibility requirements, and submit a complete application to increase your chances of success.
If you are struggling with any part of the application process, seek professional advice An experienced immigration advisor can guide you through the process and ensure that you meet all the requirements.
To summarize, applying for your spouse to come and live with you in the UK is a challenging but achievable process With proper preparation and knowledge, you can make the application process smooth and stress-free.