Introduction
A UK spouse visa allows non-UK nationals to join their British or settled partner in the UK. If you’re married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain, you may be eligible for this visa. The process can be complex, with strict eligibility criteria regarding finances, relationships, and residency. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully apply for a UK spouse visa.
1. What Is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK spouse visa (also known as a family visa) allows individuals married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status to live in the UK. Once granted, the visa is typically valid for 2.5 years and can be renewed. After five years of residency on a spouse visa, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
2. Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
To be eligible for a UK spouse visa, you must meet the following key requirements:
2.1 Relationship Requirement
- You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain or settled status.
- You must prove that your relationship is genuine and that you intend to live together permanently in the UK. This can be done through documents such as marriage certificates, photos, joint bills, and messages.
- If you’re not married but are in a long-term relationship, you must have lived together for at least two years.
2.2 Financial Requirement
- You and your partner must meet a minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year. This requirement increases if you have dependent children:
- £22,400 for one child.
- £2,400 for each additional child.
- You can meet the financial requirement through:
- Employment income.
- Savings (if you have more than £62,500 in savings, you can bypass the income threshold).
- Pension income or other eligible sources.
2.3 English Language Requirement
- You must prove your proficiency in English by passing an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS) at the A1 level or higher.
- Alternatively, you may be exempt if:
- You are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.
- You hold a degree that was taught in English.
2.4 Accommodation Requirement
- You must show that you have adequate accommodation for you and your partner in the UK. The accommodation must meet UK living standards and provide enough space for the family.
3. Documents Required for a UK Spouse Visa
When applying for a UK spouse visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate, photos, joint bills, and evidence of living together.
- Proof of income: Payslips, bank statements, tax returns, or evidence of savings.
- English language test result (if applicable).
- Proof of accommodation: Tenancy agreement, mortgage documents, or a letter from your host if you’re staying with someone.
- Tuberculosis test results: If you’re applying from a country where tuberculosis tests are required.
- Any children’s birth certificates, if you’re including dependents.
4. How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa
The application process for a UK spouse visa is done online through the UK government’s visa application portal.
4.1 Application Process
- Apply Online: Complete the spouse visa application form, providing all necessary details about you and your partner.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The standard fee for a spouse visa is £1,538 if applying from outside the UK or £1,048 if applying from within the UK. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £624 per year.
- Submit Documents: Upload your supporting documents or bring them to a Visa Application Centre.
- Biometric Information: You will need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photos) at a visa application center.
- Wait for a Decision: The processing time for a spouse visa is generally 8 to 12 weeks for applications from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for applications from within the UK.
4.2 Priority Service
If you need a faster decision, you can opt for the priority service (available for an additional fee), which processes your visa application within 5 working days.
5. What Happens After You Receive a UK Spouse Visa?
Once your spouse visa is approved, you can live and work in the UK. You will need to:
- Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK (if applying from abroad).
- Renew your visa before it expires (typically after 2.5 years).
- After five years of living in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
6. Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Rejection
Spouse visa applications can be rejected for a variety of reasons, including:
- Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
- Failure to meet the financial requirement.
- Incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Failure to pass the English language test.
If your visa is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the reasons for refusal.
7. Extending or Switching Your Spouse Visa
If your spouse visa is due to expire, you can apply to extend your visa for another 2.5 years. To do this, you will need to show that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including:
- Proof that you are still in a genuine relationship.
- Meeting the financial and accommodation requirements.
Alternatively, you may switch to a spouse visa if you are already in the UK on another visa, provided you meet the necessary requirements.
Conclusion: Successfully Applying for a UK Spouse Visa
Applying for a UK spouse visa can be a complex process, but by ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and providing the correct documentation, you can improve your chances of success. Make sure to start gathering documents early, pay close attention to the financial and accommodation requirements, and ensure that your relationship evidence is thorough. With the right preparation, you can join your spouse in the UK and begin the path to permanent residency.