UK Spouse and Partner Visa

Spouse Visa UK Application - Apply for a Partner Visa

A UK Spouse Visa, also referred to as a Partner Visa, enables a non-UK citizen to join their British spouse or partner in the United Kingdom. This visa falls under the Family visa category and is initially granted for 30 months, with the possibility of an extension. If you are not married or in a civil partnership, the Unmarried Partner visa might be a better option.

It is a key step towards obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.

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Applying for a Spouse Visa or Partner Visa - Eligibility Criteria

When you apply for a UK spouse visa, you must provide documents demonstrating that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Additional requirements include meeting financial criteria and demonstrating English language proficiency.

The UK spouse visa requirements are stringent, and the Home Office Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) has minimal flexibility for discretion. This highlights the importance of preparing your partner’s visa applications meticulously and correctly.

As detailed below, the specifics of UK marriage visa requirements can vary, depending on whether the application is submitted domestically within the UK or abroad.

Outside UK
Inside UK

You and your partner must be 18 years old or over.
You must be legally recognised partners and have met each other.
You must plan to live together permanently.
Your partner is either present and settled in the United Kingdom (British Citizen or holds ILR) or will arrive with you to be admitted for settlement.
Adequate accommodation was arranged for you and any dependents, and you can maintain yourselves and any dependents without the need for UK public funds.
Your partner must receive an income of at least £29,000 per year or has at least £88,500 on savings to be able to support you without claiming public funds.
You must satisfy the English language requirement, Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

You and your partner must be 18 years old or over.
You must be legally recognised partners and have met each other.
You must plan to live together permanently.
Your partner is present and settled in the United Kingdom (British Citizen or holds ILR).
Adequate accommodation was arranged for you and any dependents, and you can maintain yourselves and any dependents without the need for UK public funds.
Either you or your partner or the two of you combined eceive an income of at least £29,000 per year or a minimum of £88,500 in savings to be able to support you without claiming public funds. Different rules apply if you were granted a visa on this route before 11 April 2024.
You must satisfy the English language requirement, Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) if switching from another visa type or Level A2 if applying to extend an initial 33-month visa granted in the same category.

Financial Requirement Details

The financial requirement can be met through:

Income: An annual income of at least £29,000 before tax. This can include earnings from employment, self-employment, pension, or other lawful sources.
Savings: If the income threshold is not met, the couple can use cash savings. The formula for savings is: (shortfall in income × 2.5) + £16,000. For instance, if the income is £10,000 short, the couple would need £55,000 in savings (£10,000 × 2.5 + £16,000).

Is Income from Benefits Usable for My Case?

The standard financial requirement may not apply in some situations, particularly if the sponsoring partner receives certain benefits. These benefits include:

Disability Living Allowance
Severe Disablement Allowance
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Attendance Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
Personal Independence Payment
Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
Police Injury Pension

If the sponsor receives any of these benefits, they may not need to meet the standard financial threshold. Instead, they must demonstrate “adequate maintenance,” which means having enough funds to support their dependents.

The amount required depends on individual circumstances but typically involves having at least £120 per week after housing costs. This amount increases if the sponsor has children.

Proving a Genuine Relationship

Evidence to prove a genuine relationship may include:

Marriage or civil partnership certificates: Official documentation proving the relationship.
Joint financial responsibilities: Such as joint bank accounts, shared utility bills, or rental agreements.
Communication evidence: Records of correspondence, including text messages, social media interactions, and emails.
Travel history: Proof of visits to each other’s countries, travel tickets, and accommodation bookings.
Photographic evidence: Photos of the couple together at various events or places.
Statements from family and friends: Affidavits or letters confirming the nature of the relationship.

Accommodation Requirements

The couple must demonstrate that they have suitable accommodation in the UK, which meets the UK Government’s housing standards. This includes providing evidence such as:

Tenancy agreements or mortgage documents: To prove ownership or rental of the property.
Council tax statements: For verification of the accommodation.
Utility bills: To show shared living arrangements.
A property inspection report: To confirm the property meets housing standards and is not overcrowded.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, which can be achieved by:

Passing an approved English language test at the A1 level (A2 level for extensions submitted from within the UK) or higher from an approved provider.
Having a degree taught in English.
Exemptions: Certain applicants, including those from majority English-speaking countries, individuals under 18 or over 65, or those with medical conditions preventing them from meeting the requirement, are exempt.

Application Process

The application process involves several steps:

Online Application

The applicant must complete an online application form and pay the relevant fees.

Biometric Information

The applicant must provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre.

Supporting Documents

Submission of documents to prove the relationship, financial stability, accommodation, and English language proficiency.

Interview

In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Spouse Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a UK Spouse Visa can vary.

Applications made outside the UK: Typically around 30 working days weeks.
Applications from within the UK: Typically 8 weeks.

Priority and super-priority services may reduce this time.

UK Spouse Visa Costs and Duration

The application fee for a UK Spouse Visa is £1,846 if applying from outside the UK and £1,258 for applications from within the UK. Additional costs include:

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Usually £1,035 per year.
English language test fees.
Document translation costs (if applicable).

The visa is initially granted for 30 months, after which it can be extended for another 30 months, provided the couple still meets the visa requirements.

The above fees are subject to change, please check the gov.uk website for the latest fees

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Spouse Visa Renewal and Extension

To extend a UK Spouse Visa, the couple must continue meeting financial and relationship requirements.

The extension application should be submitted before the current visa expires. After five years on a Spouse Visa, the applicant can apply for ILR, allowing them to live and work in the UK indefinitely.

Appeal Process

If a Spouse Visa application is refused, the applicant may have the right to appeal the decision.

The appeal must be lodged within 28 days of receiving the refusal decision (if applied from outside the UK) or within 14 days (if applied from within the UK).

The appeal process involves submitting further evidence to support the application and possibly attending a tribunal hearing.

Support You Can Rely On

Sponsoring a partner in the UK can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Immtell offers comprehensive guidance on partner visa sponsor applications, ensuring you meet all requirements and follow the correct procedures.

From establishing financial eligibility to providing proof of accommodation, we guide you at every step to make your partner visa sponsor application as smooth as possible.

FAQs

What is the UK marriage visa duration?

If approved, initial spouse visas are usually granted for 33 months, with an extension of usually 24 months required to be submitted from within the UK.

Does a UK Spouse visa lead to ILR/Permanent Residence?

Following five years of continuous residence as a spouse, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, effectively permanent residence, providing all the requirements are met at that time.

Can dependent children join?

Children under 18 may apply for a UK visa to accompany their parents as dependants. They may apply for their visas simultaneously as the parent applying for a UK marriage visa.

Can you switch into this visa from within the UK?

It is possible to apply to switch visa category from within the UK into this visa type if you are not currently in the UK holding one of the following visa types:

Visitor visa
Short-term student visa
Parent of a Child visa
Seasonal Worker visa
Domestic Worker visa
Any Discretionary visa

How long does it take for the visa to be processed?

UKVI aim to process marriage visas as follows:

Visa applications submitted outside of the UK:

Standard processing: 90 working days
Priority Service processing: 30 working days

Visa applications submitted inside the UK:

Standard processing: 8 weeks
Super Priority Service processing: 1 working day

Important: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) does not guarantee processing times, and delays do occur. We advise that you only book non-refundable travel once your visa has been approved and your work visa is in your possession. Priority services can be suspended without notice and may not be available during application.

How much does the visa cost?

The Home Office application fee for the visa is £1,846 if applying outside of the UK or £1,258 if from within the UK. In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,560, to cover the 33-month visa duration.

Our professional fee will depend on the level of service you require.

Pricing

At Immtell, we recognise the importance of family and relationships in the visa process. To support your UK Spouse or Partner Visa application, we offer three service packages tailored to meet various needs and preferences.

Comprehensive End-to-End Support: Our all-inclusive package is ideal for those seeking thorough assistance throughout the Partner Visa application. From the initial consultation to the final submission, our team of experts ensures that every detail of your application is meticulously managed, adhering to all the necessary regulations and requirements.
Fast Track Service: Designed for clients requiring swift processing, our Fast Track option ensures rapid responses within one working day and prioritises your application using the Home Office Priority Service, subject to an additional fee. This service is perfect for applicants who wish to expedite their application process.
Application Review and Feedback: This service includes a detailed assessment and constructive feedback for applicants who have independently prepared their application but seek expert review. Our focus is on enhancing the strength and compliance of your application, ensuring it meets all the criteria for the UK Partner Visa.

💡 Transparent and Customised Pricing: We provide clear and upfront pricing for each service package, enabling you to make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and timeline.

📘 Looking for Additional Information? Visit our FAQ section for more insights into the UK Partner Visa process and related queries.

📞 Embark on Your Visa Journey with Expert Support: Whether you need comprehensive assistance, a fast-tracked application, or a professional review, our services are tailored to your specific requirements. Contact us to discuss how we can assist in making your UK Partner Visa application process smooth and successful.

Immtell's Typical Professional Fees

£ 1,700 + VAT if applicable

Eligibility assessment
Advice on English language and TB test requirements (if applicable)
Advice on the stringent financial requirements
Application preparation and online submission
Appointment booking
Responding to queries from the Home Office
Review of issued documents
Post-approval document accuracy check

£ 1,900 + VAT if applicable

All the features of the Full Service
Guaranteed response to your queries within 1 working day
Expedited review of your documents and information
Speed through Home Office processing with Priority Service, subject to an additional fee. Quick, efficient, effective.
Review of issued documents and feedback provided within 1 working day