Moving to the UK to join your spouse or partner is a significant step. If your partner is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK, the UK Spouse Visa allows you to live and work there. 

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A spouse visa UK, also known as a UK Partner Visa, is a type of family visa that allows the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to live with them. The visa is initially granted for 30 months and can be extended for another 30 months. After 5 years of residence on this visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually for British citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Spouse Visa

To apply for a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet several key criteria:

1. Relationship Requirements:

   • You must be legally married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a genuine relationship with a British citizen or a person who has settled status in the UK.
   • You need to prove that your relationship is genuine and that you intend to live together permanently.

2. Financial Requirements:

   • The sponsoring partner (the one living in the UK) must have a minimum annual income of £18,600. This amount increases if there are dependent children: an additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child.
   • Alternatively, savings of £62,500 can meet this requirement if there is no income.

3. Accommodation Requirements:

   • You must show that you have adequate accommodation for both of you and any dependents, and that you will not rely on public funds.

4. English Language Requirements:

   • The applicant must prove their knowledge of English by passing an approved English language test at A1 level or higher or have a degree taught in English.
   • Citizens from majority English-speaking countries are exempt from this requirement.

5. Genuine Relationship Proof:

   • Evidence such as photos, travel documents, communication logs, and proof of shared finances (like joint bank accounts or utility bills) should be submitted to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine.

Required Documents

When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, you need to provide several documents to support your application:

• Valid passport and previous travel documents.
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or proof of a long-term relationship.
• Evidence of income or savings to meet the financial requirements.
• Proof of accommodation in the UK.
• English language test certificate.
• Evidence of a genuine relationship, such as photographs, messages, or joint financial documents.

How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa

1. Complete the Online Application Form: Start by filling out the online application form on the UK government website. This will ask for detailed information about you, your partner, and your relationship.

2. Submit Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents and submit them as part of your application. Double-check that all documents are accurate and translated into English if needed.

3. Pay the Application Fee: The application fee for a UK Spouse Visa is £1,538 if you are applying from outside the UK and £1,048 if you are applying from within the UK. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year.

4. Biometric Appointment: Book and attend a biometric appointment at a local visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

5. Wait for a Decision: The processing time for a UK Spouse Visa is typically around 12 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK. Priority services are available for faster processing.

6. Receive Your Visa: If your application is successful, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, which allows you to travel to the partner visa UK. You must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure all documents are complete and in the correct format. Missing or incorrect documents are the most common reasons for visa refusals.
• Demonstrate Financial Stability: Make sure your financial documents clearly show you meet the income or savings requirements.
• Prove Your Relationship: Include a variety of evidence to show that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
• Consider Professional Help: If your case is complex or you are unsure about any part of the process, seek advice from an immigration solicitor.

What to Do After Receiving Your UK Spouse Visa

Once you arrive in the UK with a Spouse Visa, you can live, work, and study without restrictions. After 30 months, you will need to apply for an extension, which will also be valid for 30 months. After a total of 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet all the requirements.

Conclusion

Applying for a Spouse Visa UK can be a detailed process, but with careful preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements, you can successfully navigate the application process. Ensure that all criteria are met, documents are in order, and that your relationship is well-documented to increase your chances of approval. Whether you handle the process independently or with professional help, being well-informed is key to making your dream of joining your partner in the UK a reality.