UK Spouse Visa
If you are a British Citizen or you are settled in the UK, meaning that you have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (commonly referred to as ILR and also known as Permanent Residence) then your Spouse or Partner will require a UK Spouse Visa to join you in the UK.
UK Spouse Visa Application Requirements
In order to submit a valid UK Spouse Visa application you must be able to meet the following requirements:
Your Relationship
- you and your partner are both at least 18 years of age;
- you are married and the marriage is legally recognised in the country in which you married. If you are not married then you must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years;
- the relationship is genuine and subsisting;
- you and your partner have met.
The Financial Requirement
You are required to demonstrate that you meet a minimum level of income or available savings. If you are applying outside the UK then only the British Citizen’s income can be considered. If you are applying inside the UK then joint income or the income of either partner can be considered.
The minimum level of income is currently £18,600 per annum and this increases if you have children. Alternatively, or in addition to income, savings of over £16,000 held jointly or by either applicant can be used to meet the requirement.
The financial requirements can be quite complex, depending on your situation, and in particular for self-employed and Company Directors. Our Consultants have extensive experience with these applications and will be able to ensure that your application has the best possible chance of approval.
The English Language Requirement
The applicant must demonstrate that they have a minimum level of English language ability and this requirement can be bet by nationality, having a degree taught in English or an approved English language test.
If you would like assistance with a UK Spouse Visa application then please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply for a Spouse Visa while I am in the UK?
If you are in the UK with a visitor visa or other visa granted for less than 6 months then you would usually be expected to leave the UK and submit your UK Spouse Visa application from your home country. In most other cases where you are in the UK with a visa granted for more than 6 months you should be able to submit your visa application from within the UK. If you are currently outside the UK then you should submit your Spouse Visa application from your home country.
What If I Cannot Meet These Requirements?
If you are unable to meet the qualifying requirements then you might still be able to qualify for a Spouse Visa. If the UK Spouse Visa is granted outside the standard eligibility requirements then you might be placed on a 10-year route to Settlement rather than the standard 5-year route.
Does the Spouse Visa allow me to work in the UK?
Yes, you can work for any employer or in any capacity in the UK if you hold a Spouse Visa for the UK.
Settlement – Indefinite Leave to Remain for UK Spouse Visa Holders
After 5 years in the UK with Spouse Visa status you should be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, (also known as ILR or Permanent Residence).
If your relationship ends then you may still be able to remain in the UK and qualify for ILR in due course depending on the length of time in the UK and how the relationship ended.
British Citizenship for Partners of British Citizens
Once you have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) then you can immediately apply for British Citizenship if you meet the qualifying criteria.
