Spouse / Partner Visa
Our immigration experts have dealt with numerous clients applying for a spouse visa (also referred to as a spouse and partner visa).
A spouse visa allows married partners of UK citizens to immigrate to the UK because they are married to someone who is settled in the UK, that is, a person who is ordinarily resident in the UK and has no immigration restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK. A Partner visa application tends to be more complicated. Such applications require proof that you have lived together for at least two years, and often, this can be hard to prove. Also, if your partner is self-employed, it can be hard to prove that you meet the financial requirements.
You will not get the right to live in the UK through the marriage to a British citizen automatically. You must apply for a spouse visa to live in the UK with your partner. Eligible applicants include those who are married, in a civil partnership, or unmarried.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply for a spouse /partner visa you and your partner must be 18 years or over. It is also required that your partner based in the UK:
- Is a British or Irish citizen (either by birth or naturalisation)
- Has settled in the UK and has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), permanent residence, or EU Settled Status
- Has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
- Has a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa
You and your partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK after you apply, and you will need to provide evidence of your genuine, subsisting relationship.
For your spouse and partner visa application to be successful, you must prove:
- You are in a genuine and eligible relationship
- You have the ability to financially support yourselves: a minimum gross annual income of £18,600
- You have suitable accommodation in the UK
- You meet the English language requirement: at least level A1 for your first visa application
You must further be able to prove one of the following:
- You’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK
- You’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
- You are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are always alert to the possibility of ‘sham’ marriages and relationships. They want to be certain that you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship. To make a successful application means you will need to meet a set of strict eligibility criteria. Our diligent team of immigration specialists will assist you through the stringent requirements and rigorous legal framework, to satisfy the eligibility criteria in the most efficient and concise manner.
If you are unsure or have any concerns, contact our immigration team as soon as possible.