Fee Waiver Application for Spouse Visa

The spouse visa fee waiver is a special program that is helpful for low-income families who cannot afford the visa application fee of £1,258 and the IHS fee.

You can apply for a fee waiver if you're applying for a Spouse visa extension. This means you will not have to pay a visa application fee if you are eligible.

To get help with your UK spouse visa fee waiver application, call our spouse visa solicitors today at 0203 959 7755 or fill in the online contact form.

Table of Contents

What is a fee waiver application for a UK spouse visa?

A fee waiver application is a formal request to the Home Office to waive the Spouse visa application fee if the applicant cannot afford the usual £1,258 fee.

It's mainly for those who can't afford it due to financial struggles. This helps ensure money doesn't stop people from applying for a Spouse visa and being with their loved ones.

Before you apply to extend your Spouse visa, you must get approval for the fee waiver. Then, you can apply for a Spouse visa without paying the visa and IHS fees.

Who is eligible for a fee waiver for the UK spouse visa?

People who can show they're struggling financially might be eligible. This includes those on low incomes, receiving public benefits, or facing unexpected money problems. There are also income limits to meet.

To get a fee waiver for the UK Spouse visa, your financial situation is key. Here's what you need to know:

• Financial Hardship: You must show that the visa fee would cause big financial problems. This includes those on low incomes, getting public help, or facing sudden money troubles.
• Income Threshold: The Home Office sets income levels to qualify for a fee waiver. You need to show your income is below a certain amount.
• Public Benefits: Getting certain public benefits or welfare help can help your fee waiver case.
• Documentation Requirements: You'll need to provide proof of your financial struggles. This includes bank statements, pay slips, and letters from employers.

What does financial hardship mean in this context?

Financial hardship means the applicants can't afford the Spouse visa application fees without it affecting their basic needs.

Applicants who may qualify are those:

• Getting public funds or state benefits.
• Having a low household income.
• Having to pay for essential things like rent and bills.

Documents required for the spouse visa fee waiver application

You'll need to provide:

• Your current valid passport.
• Your BRP card (if you have one).
• Recent bank statements.
• Pay slips or tax returns.
• Evidence of public benefits (if applicable).
• Evidence of your household earnings, for example, payslips.
• Evidence of your household expenses, for example, how much rent you pay.
• Details of any financial support you are currently receiving.
• Any extra documents showing your financial struggles
• Proof of your residency status in the UK.

Steps to apply for a fee waiver for the UK spouse visa

Applying for the fee waiver is different from applying for a UK spouse visa. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

First, check if you meet the UK Home Office's fee waiver criteria. Knowing this will help you see if you qualify. You must show you can't pay the fee without struggling.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect the necessary documents to support your fee waiver application including proof of income and evidence to demonstrate your financial situation.

Step 3: Complete the Fee Waiver Application Form Online

You can apply for a spouse visa fee waiver by completing a fee waiver request form online. You will be asked for information and evidence about yourself and your financial situation.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After submission, the Home Office will review your application. You will receive a decision via email or post. This process can take serval weeks.

How long does a UK spouse visa fee waiver application take?

There's no fixed time, but the UK Spouse visa fee waiver application usually takes 4 to 5 weeks. Make sure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

What happens after a fee waiver application?

If your fee waiver application is approved, you'll get an email or letter with a unique code. This code is needed when applying for your Spouse visa extension.

This unique code will be valid for 28 days and You must apply for your Spouse visa within 28 days of getting your decision email or letter.

Otherwise, your code will expire, and you'll have to make a new fee waiver application.

You must first apply for and get approval for the fee waiver. Then, you can apply for a Spouse visa extension without paying the fee and IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) fee.

What happens if your spouse visa fee waiver application is rejected?

If your application is turned down, you can still make a Spouse visa extension application. But you'll have to pay the full fee.

There's no formal appeals process. But you can reapply if you have new financial information or if your situation has changed.

Legal assistance for fee waiver applications

Applying for the Spouse visa extension can be complex. If you need help or have questions, Call Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for detailed legal advice and assistance.

Moeen & Co. Solicitors offer custom services to help with your fee waiver application. Our highly experienced team of immigration solicitors provides:

• Initial consultation to understand your situation.
• Full checks of the documents you need.
• Help in preparing your fee waiver application.
• Support in reapplying if your application is denied.
• Strategic advice for complex cases.

Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors

Contact our lawyers at 0203 959 7755 for help with the Spouse visa fee waiver application and boost your chances of getting approved.

FAQs about spouse visa fee waiver request