When it comes to moving around the world, there are many motivations – though none are as great as love. If you are living in the UK and would like your partner to join you, a spouse visa application needs to be made. There are certain requirements, fee’s and a set process that needs to be followed in order to get the visa. And before we dive into all of that, here is a bit of non-legal advice, make sure they are doing it for love and not just a visa.
What Is A Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa is also known as a marriage visa allowing partners of UK citizens to move to the UK. In order for your partner to apply to join you under this visa, you must already have British citizenship or settled status. Marrying does not automatically entitle your partner to a Spouse Visa, the application must be made and the visa granted by the home office in order to be valid. There are strict eligibility rules for applying for the Spouse Visa, detailed below. And once granted it authorises initial residency of up to two years and nine months.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For A Spouse Visa?
To apply for this visa your partner must;
- Be a British or Irish citizen (either by birth or naturalisation)
- Have 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
- Together you are making over £29,000 per annum (this can also be satisfied by meeting saving thresholds)
- You have suitable accommodation in the UK
Beyond these requirements the home office must be satisfied that you intend to live together and can prove a ‘genuine relationship’. This can be done through supporting documentation that an expert immigration lawyer can guide you on.
What Is The Application Process For A Spouse Visa?
Once you have gone through the eligibility requirements you can make the application online. Parts of the application are easy. However, satisfying the genuine relationship requirement and proving your marriage is ‘real’ and not a ‘sham’ can be complex. This is where the advice and support of an immigration lawyer can prove priceless. Law firms such as Waterstone Legal have some of the best immigration lawyers in London and are experienced in obtaining Spouse Visas for many couples. They can ensure you meet each of the eligibility requirements before submitting the application. Also they can advise on any exemptions that may be applicable. Collecting evidence for the ‘genuine relationship’ requirement can be confusing and vague, legal support can help reassure you are putting the best case forward. Afterall, your love story deserves a happy ending.
The Visa Secret Many Lovers Do Not Know
What many couples living apart do not know is that even if one person in the relationship has a limited right to remain in the UK, it may be possible to bring your partner over under the EU settlement scheme. This depends on your case and to find out if you qualify you can speak to an immigration lawyer. If you are lucky, love will win and you could save yourself a lot of time and money.
How Much Is A Spouse Visa?
The cost of an application for a Spouse visa is £1,258 if you apply from the UK or £1,846 if applying from outside the UK. There is another cost of £1,035 which is made to the NHS to cover access for the applicant to medical services. Other costs include legal fees and optional fees such as the priority visa service which can expedite your case. On top of these fees there are certain financial requirements you must meet as outlined above in the eligibility requirements.
What Are The Benefits Of A Spouse Visa?
If you have been looking for an incentive to get moving with applying for a Spouse Visa for the UK, listen up. There are several benefits that come with the visa of love;
- Work and study – you can explore work and study options to your heart’s content without any restrictions.
- Access all areas – you get full access to the NHS, schools and public services in the UK.
- All aboard – feel free to travel as much as you like as long as you are living with your spouse.
- British Citizenship – you can apply for British citizenship after a minimum of 12 months.
And of course the biggest benefit of all? Being able to reside in the country with the one you love. The Spouse Visa brings comfort, joy and happiness to many couples, which is why Oliverta Mediu of Waterstone Legal says,
“It is worth every moment of the application process.”
The Wrap Up
Applying for a Spouse Visa in the UK can take time and strict eligibility requirements must be met. The most complex of these is the ‘genuine relationship’ requirement which reassures the Home Office your marriage is based on love and not solely for a visa. It is highly recommended that you use an immigration lawyer to prepare and submit your application. Why not get started today?
Above all else, do it for love.
