how to apply for spouse visa uk

The application steps are as follows:

• Check your eligibility for a partner and spouse visa
• Prepare the documents you will need to prove your eligibility
• Complete the online application form
• Pay the application fee (see below)
• Upload any documents required to support your application
• Arrange a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken
• Attend an interview if invited

Full Answer

What is the financial requirement for the UK Spouse Visa?

• Income from salaried or non-salaried employment of you or your partner. ...
• Income from self-employment, or income as a director or employee of a specified limited company in the UK, of you or your partner. ...
• Non-employment income, for example, from property rentals, child maintenance, or dividends/income from investments, stocks and shares.

More items...

What are the requirements for an UK family visa?

UK family visa for children. Children can apply either as dependents on their parent’s application, or separately. They must however satisfy the following requirements: They must be under the age of 18 at the date of application. They must not be married or in a civil partnership. They must not have formed an independent family unit.

Which UK visa should I apply for?

UK Visa Types

• Work and Business Visas. Besides of its strict rules, not allowing to get a job many of the visa holders, the UK also offers Working Visas especially for high-end professionals ...
• Student Visas. These types of visas are issued to international students who want to study in the UK.
• Tourist and Visiting visas. ...
• Family Visas. ...
• Transit Visas. ...
• Refugee Visa. ...

How to know if my UK visa is approved?

The UK visa status can be easily checked or tracked online if one has his or her passport number or a visa reference number. … This is available on the official UK Government website.

How long does it take to get a spouse visa in the UK?

Applications for family visas may take up to 24 weeks to process. You should get a decision within 24 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying to settle in the UK as the spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or is settled in the UK.

What documents do I need for spouse visa UK?

UK spouse visa required documents checklistCompleted application form and application fee.Valid passport.Previous passports.Evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship (e.g. shared bills, photographs, correspondence, messages).Proof you meet the English language requirements (e.g. CEFR exam certificate).More items...

How much does a UK spouse visa cost?

The cost of a spouse/partner visa made inside the UK is £1033. The applicant will also need to pay £19.20 biometric enrolment fee as part of the application. From outside the UK the spouse visa (classified as a “settlement visa” for the purpose of entry clearance) the visa cost is £1523.

Is UK spouse visa easy to get?

Acquiring a spouse visa in the U.K. isn't as easy as one might expect. If you're after one, here are 10 reasons for U.K. spouse visa refusals. With all the changes being made to the immigration laws and all the added fees, getting a U.K. spouse visa seems harder than ever.

How much bank balance is required for UK spouse visa?

These rules contain a minimum income requirement of at least £18,600 or a cash savings requirement of at least £62,500 (or a combination of both). The amount required increases if relevant children are to be included on an application.

How long is a UK spouse visa valid?

33 monthsDuration of a UK Spouse Visa If your application for a UK Spouse Visa is successful, your spouse visa will be valid for 33 months initially. If you apply for leave to remain in the UK as a spouse then you will be granted leave valid for 30 months.

Is there an interview for UK spouse visa?

What types of questions will be asked in a Spouse Visa interview? The immigration caseworker interviewing you will ask a series of questions designed to establish the depth and genuineness of your relationship. You will be asked questions separately and your answers will be compared.

What documents are needed to apply for spouse visa?

Required DocumentationBirth certificate.Marriage certificate for the marriage to the U.S. citizen spouse.Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s)Police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for 6 months or more since age 16.

How much income do I need to bring my spouse?

The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.

Why do spouse visas get rejected?

The only grounds for a spouse visa refusal are based on human rights. The most commonly cited are rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.

Why do partner visas get rejected?

Lack of evidence to prove a genuine and committed relationship is the most common reason for the refusal of partner visas. Applicants and their partner/spouse sponsor need to provide evidence in the following four aspects, namely, financial, social, nature of household and nature of commitment to one another.

What happens if spouse visa is refused?

If it was an overseas application, then the sponsor may appeal the refusal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). The first step is to file a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of receiving the refusal. This begins the appeal process, which eventually leads to a hearing before the IAD.

What documents are needed for spouse visa?

What documents do you need to apply for a spouse visa?Wedding certificate.Photographs of passport size.Valid Passport.Photographs demonstrating the authenticity of a relationship like family photographs etc.Joint housing bills.Joint statements of bank account.More items...

What documents we need for spouse visa?

What documents do you need to apply for spouse visa? Your spouse visa application will need to include documents that provide your relationship and marriage are genuine, and that you meet of the visa requirements, such as evidence of income and your English language certificate.

What documents do I need to sponsor my spouse?

The documents required for a marriage green card vary by situation but generally include the following:Birth certificate.Marriage certificate.Financial documents.Proof of sponsor's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.Proof of lawful U.S. entry and status, if applicable.Police clearance certificate, if applicable.More items...

What are the requirements for a spousal visa?

A CR1/IR1 visa allows a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder) to sponsor their foreign spouse to come to the United States. Specific requirements include: The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. The couple must be lawfully married and provide a valid marriage certificate.

How do I pay the spouse visa Home Office fee?

The spouse visa fee can be paid by credit or debit card on the online spouse visa application form.

Is the spouse visa application form an online based one or is it paper-based?

The spouse visa application form is an online-based form. An exception applies to those who are applying from North Korea, who will have to use a p...

Do I need an immigration lawyer to submit the spouse visa application form?

There is no requirement to have an immigration lawyer to submit a spouse visa application. Although it can help, partners are perfectly able to pre...

How do I submit the application form?

The spouse visa application form is submitted by paying the Home Office fees on the online website. You will first have to provide you and your par...

How long do you have to live together to apply for a job?

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

How old do you have to be to be a partner?

To apply as a partner, you and your partner both need to be 18 or over.

How to apply for a job as a child?

Apply as a child. Apply as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative. Apply on the basis of your private life. Knowledge of English. Give proof of your income. Information you must provide. After you apply.

Can you include time spent in the UK?

You cannot include time you’ve spent in the UK:

Can you work during an engagement?

You will not be able to work during your engagement.

Can a child leave the UK?

you have a child in the UK who is a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years and it would be unreasonable for them to leave the UK. there would be very significant difficulties for you and your partner if you lived together as a couple outside the UK that could not be overcome.

How long does it take to get a spouse visa in the UK?

Those who lodged their applications from within the country should receive their UK Spouse visa in around 8 weeks; those who applied from abroad can expect to receive a visa (or a rejection) within 12 weeks.

What is a Spouse visa?

A Spouse visa is a kind of Family visa to the United Kingdom. Spouse visas allow eligible individuals to come to the UK for the purpose of residing with a UK resident (their partner) for (at minimum) over half a year.

What documents are needed for a spouse visa?

These will likely include the submission of financial documents (bank statements) marriage/civil partnership certificates, English language examination results, and other Spouse visa supporting letters.

Do I need a spouse visa to live in the UK?

In order to be eligible for the Spouse visa, you will need to provide proof that you intend to reside with each other (i.e. in the same accommodation) after you complete your UK immigration.

How do I pay the spouse visa Home Office fee?

The spouse visa fee can be paid by credit or debit card on the online spouse visa application form.

How do I submit the application form?

The spouse visa application form is submitted by paying the Home Office fees on the online website. You will first have to provide you and your partner’s personal details in order to pay the fee.

What to do if you don't have an immigration lawyer?

However, it is incredibly important that if you do not use an immigration lawyer, you MUST take the time to fully familiarize yourself with the Immigration Rules and the specified documents you must submit in support of your application form.

What to do if you realised there was an error in the information on your application form?

If you realised there was an error in the information on your application form after you submitted the form online, you should explain this in a cover letter and submit this as part of your supporting documents.

What is the date of application?

The date of application is the date the online application is submitted and paid on the online application form.

Can you add priority service after paying home office fee?

If you wish to speed up the decision making process, you will be provided with the option of adding a priority service after you have paid the Home Office fee via the new online website .

Can the Home Office grant a grant if you don't have a required document?

The Home Office will grant the application despite not receiving a required document.

How long do you have to stay in the UK to get a visa?

You have a visitor visa or a visa for 6 months or less. You’ll usually need to leave the UK to apply for a family visa if either: you have permission to be in the UK as a visitor. your visa is for 6 months or less .

How long do you have to live in the UK to extend your visa?

If you’re extending to stay with the same family member, you’ll only get up to 28 days left on your current stay added to your new visa. You must live in the UK for a certain amount of time before you’re eligible for settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’). Before you extend your visa, check how much time you need to settle in the UK.

How long does it take to get a decision from the UK?

If you apply in the UK a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service. If you use the super priority service a decision will usually be made: by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday.

How many days can you stay with the same family member on a visa?

If you’re extending to stay with the same family member, you’ll only get up to 28 days left on your current stay added to your new visa.

Do Irish citizens need a visa?

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Eligibility for UK spouse visa

You and your partner need to meet certain eligibility conditions in order to make your application for UK Spouse Visa successful. Here are the eligibility conditions.

How to apply for UK Spouse Visa?

You can apply online whether you apply from outside the UK or from within the UK. You must have an email address to make an online application.

What happens if a visa is rejected?

If your visa is rejected you can appeal against the decision provided you are granted the right to appeal in your refusal letter.

Do you have to be married in the UK?

You must be legally married with each other and marriage should be recognized in the UK or you should be in a civil partnership with each other.

Do you have to have adequate accommodation for your spouse?

There must be adequate accommodation for you, your partner and any dependents.

Can a partner apply for a job in the UK?

Your partner in the UK can also apply on your behalf.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa is for non-UK residents aged 18 or over who are engaged, married to, or or has a proposed civil partner who is aged over 18 living in the UK. It is a type of settlement visa known as the UK partner visa.

What are the UK Spouse Visa accommodation requirements?

As part of your UK Spouse Visa application, you will need to present proof of accommodation that meets UK living standards.

What happens if my Spouse Visa application is rejected?

If your case is rejected, you can appeal against the Home Office’s verdict. This is a long-winded and challenging process that is best assisted by an immigration adviser.

How long does the Partner Visa process take?

It usually takes between 2 to 12 weeks for a Spouse Visa case to be processed.

What sources of income can be included towards the Spouse Visa financial criteria?

To meet the minimum income requirement for your UK Spouse Visa application, you can use:

Can I use income from benefits for my case?

There are cases where you won’t need to meet the mandatory eligibility criteria, such as if you are claiming any one of the following benefits:

What is the Spouse Visa English Language Test?

Once you have passed an English Language Test, it will be valid for two years.

How long do you have to be on a visa to visit the UK?

Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:

What affects which visa to apply for?

Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.

How long do you have to stay in the UK to come back?

If you had indefinite leave to remain ( ILR) and left the UK for more than 2 years you’ll need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to come back.

How long can a family permit last in the UK?

A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months. Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent. You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme after your family permit expires.

What is a student visa?

A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. You may be able to do some work on this visa. A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school.

Do you have to be approved before you travel?

Your application must be approved before you travel.