If you’re wanting to move to the UK to live with your partner, then you’ll need to apply for a spouse visa. As long as your partner is either a British citizen or has settled status, then you can apply for a spouse visa to join them in the UK. However, not everyone qualifies, so we’re going to look into this type of visa and the key considerations. If you’re struggling with anything to do with the process, speak to spouse visa solicitors to help you with your application.
What Are The Benefits Of A Spouse Visa?
- You’re able to work on study in the UK whilst your visa is valid
- You can access healthcare on the NHS
- If everything goes smoothly you can apply for indefinite leave to remain and eventually citizenship
- You can live with your loved one
Who Qualifies For A Spouse Visa?
- You and your partner must both be 18 or over
- Your partner needs to be a British or Irish citizen, have settled in the UK (e.g. have indefinite leave to remain), be from the UK and have pre-settled status, have protection status (e.g. leave to remain as a refugee) or have a Turkish businessperson or worker visa.
- You must live together permanently in the UK after you apply
- You’ll need to be able to prove that you’re married or in a civil partnership, have been living with each other for 2 years or you’re engaged and will be married within 6 months of entering the UK. You can also apply if you’ve been in a relationship for over 2 years but cannot live together, whether for religious reasons or because you’re working in different places.
- Speak English
- Earn a combined income of at least £29,000 (unless your partner gets particular disability or carer benefits)
How To Apply For A Spouse Visa
- You’ll need to be able to provide your eligibility in regards to the information above, then follow the process on the gov.uk website to either apply online from outside or inside the UK.
- The cost of applying for a spouse visa is £1,846 if you’re applying from outside the UK and £1,258 if you’re already in the UK on a different visa and want to apply for a spouse visa.
- Some people will also need to pay additional costs if you need to be cared for by a relative, or pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
How Long Does A Spouse Visa Take?
- The spouse visa application, once complete, takes around 12 weeks if it’s being submitted from outside of the UK, or 8 weeks if it’s being submitted inside the UK.
- More complex applications can take up to 6 months.
- You can pay for a fast decision, however this can be around £1,000.
- If your visa application is approved, it lasts for 33 months, or 2 years and 9 months.
- If you’re finding the process difficult or want to make sure you get it right, then working with immigration solicitors London based would be advised.