So, you’re thinking about making the UK your home with your spouse? Great choice! But first, let’s talk about what you need to get a spouse visa in the United Kingdom.
A UK spouse visa is necessary for anyone who is married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 2.5 years and it can be extended. Sounds straightforward, right? But, like all immigration processes, it comes with a set of requirements you need to meet.
Eligibility Criteria
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. To apply for a UK spouse visa, both you and your partner need to meet several eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown:
Relationship Requirements
First things first, your relationship needs to be genuine and subsisting. The UK immigration authorities will scrutinize your relationship to ensure it’s not a sham. Here’s what they look for:
- Proof of Relationship: You’ll need to provide evidence that you’ve been in a relationship for at least two years. This can include photographs, communication logs, travel itineraries and more.
- Marriage or Civil Partnership: You must be legally married or in a civil partnership. If you’re engaged, you’ll need a different type of visa (the fiancé(e) visa).
- Intent to Live Together: You and your spouse must intend to live together in the UK.
Financial Requirements
One of the critical requirements for a UK spouse visa is the financial threshold. You must demonstrate that you and your partner can financially support yourselves without relying on public funds.
Here’s what you need:
- Minimum Income: Your sponsoring partner must have an annual income of at least £18,600. This amount increases if you have children: £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.
- Savings: If your partner doesn’t meet the income requirement, savings can be used to make up the difference. The required amount is £62,500 if you are solely relying on savings.
Accommodation Requirements
You must have suitable accommodation for you, your spouse and any dependents. The accommodation must:
- Meet Housing Standards: It should not be overcrowded and must meet UK health and safety standards.
- Proof of Accommodation: You’ll need to provide documents such as a tenancy agreement, mortgage statements or letters from landlords.
English Language Requirement
The UK is an English-speaking country, so it’s no surprise that there’s an English language requirement for the spouse visa. You must:
- Pass an English Test: You need to pass an English language test at A1 level or higher from an approved provider.
- Qualifications: If you have a degree taught in English, this may exempt you from the test.
The Application Process
Now that we’ve covered the requirements, let’s talk about the application process.
Applying for a UK spouse visa involves several steps, so let’s break it down.
Step 1: Online Application
The first step is to complete the online application form on the UK government’s website. Make sure to fill out all sections accurately.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Next, you’ll need to gather all the supporting documents. These include:
- Proof of Relationship: Photos, communication logs, etc.
- Financial Evidence: Payslips, bank statements or proof of savings.
- Accommodation Proof: Tenancy agreements or mortgage documents.
- English Language Certificate: If applicable.
Step 3: Pay the Fee
The spouse visa application fee can be hefty. As of now, it costs £1,523 if you’re applying from outside the UK and £1,033 if you’re applying from within the UK. Additionally, there’s the Immigration Health Surcharge which is currently £624 per year.
Step 4: Biometrics Appointment
You’ll need to attend a biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints and a photograph. This is a mandatory step for all applicants.
Step 5: Attend an Interview
In some cases, you might be called for an interview. Don’t worry, this is just to verify the authenticity of your relationship.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application, all you can do is wait. The processing time can vary, but it usually takes around 12 weeks.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Applying for a UK spouse visa can be daunting and many people make mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections.
Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Incomplete Application
One of the most common mistakes is submitting an incomplete application. Double-check all sections and ensure you’ve provided all required documents.
Insufficient Evidence
Make sure you provide ample evidence of your relationship. The more, the better! Photos, travel itineraries, communication logs – everything helps.
Financial Miscalculations
Ensure that you meet the financial requirements. Miscalculations can lead to rejection, so if you’re unsure, consider consulting an immigration advisor.
What Happens After Approval?
So, you’ve got your spouse visa – congratulations! What’s next?
Entering the UK
If you’re outside the UK, you’ll receive a vignette in your passport which you’ll use to enter the UK. Once in the UK, you’ll collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Life in the UK
With a spouse visa, you can work, study and enjoy life in the UK. You’ll need to apply for an extension before your visa expires which can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
Getting a spouse visa in the United Kingdom involves meeting several requirements, from proving your relationship to meeting financial thresholds. While the process can be complex, being well-prepared and thorough can increase your chances of success.
Good luck on your journey to making the UK your home!
FAQs
- How long does it take to process a UK spouse visa?
Typically, it takes around 12 weeks to process a UK spouse visa application, but times can vary.
- Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?
Yes, you can work and study in the UK on a spouse visa.
- What if my spouse visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision or reapply. It’s crucial to understand the reasons for the refusal and address them.
- Do I need to take an English language test?
Yes, unless you have a degree taught in English or are from a majority English-speaking country.
- How much does a UK spouse visa cost?
The application fee is £1,523 if applying from outside the UK and £1,033 if applying from within the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Can savings be used to meet the financial requirement?
Yes, savings of £62,500 can be used to meet the financial requirement if income is insufficient.
- What documents do I need for a spouse visa?
You’ll need proof of relationship, financial evidence, accommodation proof and an English language certificate if applicable.
- How long is a UK spouse visa valid?
A UK spouse visa is initially valid for 2.5 years and can be extended.
- Can I bring my children with me on a spouse visa?
Yes, but the financial requirement increases with the number of children.
- What happens if my relationship ends?
If your relationship ends, your visa could be at risk. You should seek legal advice immediately.