How do you prove love? This is a question that calls for cocktails, right? One explored in countless books, movies and yep even reddit threads. The answer? Emily Bronte? Jane Austen? Is there even an answer? Well when it comes to applying for a spouse visa things aren’t so philosophical. In fact, applying for a spouse visa has a very specific requirement that many applying couples get overwhelmed with. This is proving a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Are you thinking about applying for a UK spouse visa? Here is everything you need to know, maximising your chances of success.
What Is A Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa allows a non-British national to reside with their partner in the UK. This is also known as a partner visa or a family visa, allowing the applicant to live in the UK for up to 33 months. Additionally, this can also be extended for another 30 months. Henceforth, after five years it can lead to indefinite leave to remain. Having a UK spouse visa gives you the rights to work, study and live freely in the UK.
However, you may not claim benefits or housing allowance. It is a highly demanded visa for those wanting to live with their loved ones in the UK. The good news is – as long as you satisfy the requirements it can be obtained fairly quickly.
What Are The Requirements For A Spouse Visa?
To apply for a UK spouse visa, the main requirements are as follows;
- You are over 18.
- You are in a relationship with a British or Irish citizen. Additionally, a UK settled person with ILR, pre-settled from the EU and started living in the UK before January 2021 or a person with protected status in the UK.
- Your spouse has an income of at least £29,000 per year before tax. There are some exceptions which can be discussed with your immigration solicitor.
- Proof of the required standard of accommodation.
- A certificate demonstrating you can speak the current standard level of English.
- The marriage certificate/ civil partner certificate or proof you have lived together for two years.
- A valid passport.
- A tuberculosis test.
- Proof you are in a genuine & subsisting relationship.
Read more about it HERE.
How Do You Prove a Genuine Relationship?
Most of the requirements for a UK spouse visa are pretty straight-forward and easy to tick off. However, proving a genuine and subsisting relationship can be tricky. Proving you are simply married or in a relationship is not enough. The Home Office wants clear evidence your relationship is ongoing. Yet, every relationship is different. So what if you’ve been spending time apart or not living together? Try not to get overwhelmed. If your relationship is genuine – with the right documents and guidance you can get approval.
Follow these steps to show the Home Office your love is real.
Gather Strong Documents
Having evidence of your relationship can strengthen your application. But, what does that look like? The following can be included.
Communication
From emails to WhatsApp, having a history of your communication can show you are in a genuine relationship. Moreover, if you’ve been spending time apart due to work or family commitments, showing regular contact demonstrates you have been in each other’s lives even while apart.
Love In Pictures
Providing photos of your relationship history can demonstrate your love to the Home Office. So, try and choose a selection over time maybe of key events and avoid filtering and editing. Let love shine naturally and go for quality over quantity.
Love In Travel
If you have any evidence of hotel stays, flights and time you have spent travelling to one another this can help. Furthermore, this can be supported with photographs and communication. Include dates and time to support the evidence. After all, true love goes the distance.
Share The Love From Friends & Family
If friends and family can provide statements about your relationship this can help. However, keep it honest and to the point – anything overly dramatic can seem a bit fake. Like your love, tell them to keep it real. Also, make sure they are from people that have known and been in your lives a long time as opposed to vague friends you made last week.
Financial & Domestic Documents
Shared finances and documents addressed to both of you can also support your application. From bank statements to bills, putting together a file of joint finances or demonstrating joint living arrangements over time will help.
Speak To An Immigration Solicitor Specialising in Spouse Visas
After gathering all your documents speaking to an immigration expert saves you a lot of time and potential costs of a rejected application. Simply not organising your documents in the right way or missing something can cause delays. Hence, an immigration solicitor can ensure your application is as strong as possible. They handle the submission and any communication with the Home Office to maximise your chances of success – first time round.
Final Tips For Your Application
Before you press send or speak to an immigration solicitor, here are some final tips to ensure the application (and love) sails smoothly…
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Less Is More
Avoid the temptation to stuff your application with every photo, message or letter. Go for quality evidence over quantity and it saves you and the Home Office time.
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Be Consistent
The Home Office wants to see a consistent relationship from communication, photos to family statements. Make sure your documents are in sync and support a healthy, honest relationship.
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Be Clear
From time stamps to accurate screenshots. Make sure all your evidence is clear, up to date and concise. This will save time and help you get an approved UK visa as quickly as possible.
So, In A Nutshell
There are no guaranteed outcomes when applying for a spouse visa. However, making sure your application is substantiated with quality evidence gives you the strongest chance of success. Speaking to an immigration lawyer will also help. They guide from a practical point of view to ensure your UK visa is granted. Stay focused and above all remember, real love always finds a way.
