Switch from UK Spouse visa (5-Year Route) to 10-Year Route
You can switch to the 10-year Spouse visa route if you're on the 5-year visa and changes in your circumstances prevent you from meeting the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules.
Need to switch from the UK Spouse visa 5-year route to the 10-year route? Learn the process, requirements, and implications in this comprehensive guide.
Are you considering a switch from the UK 5-year Spouse visa to the 10-year route? Call our Spouse visa solicitors in London at 0203 959 7755 for legal help.
Table of Contents
- What is a Spouse visa UK?
- What is a Spouse visa (5-year route)?
- What is a Spouse visa (10-year route)?
- Requirements to switch from a Spouse visa 5-year route to a 10-year route
- How to switch from a 5-year to a 10-year Spouse visa route
- UK Spouse visa (10-year route) processing time
- Implications of switching to the 10-year route
- Reasons for switching to the 10-year spouse visa route
- Role of an immigration solicitor
- How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK Spouse visa application?
- How to contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors?
- FAQs about Spouse visa (10-year route)
What is a Spouse visa UK?
The UK Spouse visa, also known as the Marriage visa, allows non-British spouses or civil partners of British citizens or settled persons to live in the UK.
To qualify to apply for a UK Spouse visa, you must be legally married, have met in person, intend to live together permanently, and meet Appendix FM requirements.
What is a Spouse visa (5-year route)?
Under the 5-year route, a UK Spouse visa is typically granted for 33 months (if applied from outside the UK) or 30 months (if applied from within the UK).
After initially obtaining a Spouse visa under the 5-year route, individuals typically need to extend their Spouse visa to continue living in the UK with their partner who is a British citizen or settled person in the UK.
Applying for a Spouse visa extension after the initial 2.5-year period allows individuals to continue living in the UK for a further 30 months with their partner, maintaining their legal residency status and potentially leading to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after completing a total of 5 years on the Spouse visa.
What is a Spouse visa (10-year route)?
If your circumstances have changed and you no longer meet the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules, then you may be eligible to apply to change or switch from a UK Spouse visa (5-year route) to a 10-year route.
UK Spouse visa (10-year route) offers a viable option for individuals who may not meet the strict eligibility criteria of the Spouse visa under the 5-year route.
UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route provides a longer path to settlement in the UK.
Requirements to switch from a Spouse visa 5-year route to a 10-year route
To switch from a UK Spouse visa (5-year route) to a 10-year route, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These typically include:
- You and your partner are both over the age of 18.
- You must be in a genuine and subsisting marriage with a British citizen or settled person in the UK.
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- You must have suitable accommodation for you and your partner, and any dependents.
You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.
How to switch from a 5-year to a 10-year Spouse visa route
Switching from a 5-year to a 10-year Spouse visa needs careful planning and following the application steps. Knowing what to do will make the process easier.
Switching to the 10-year route involves several steps:
- Before applying, assess whether you meet the criteria for the 10-year route.
- Gather all necessary documentation to support your application.
- Complete the online application form FLR (FP).
- Submit your application along with all the supporting documents and pay appropriate fees.
- After submitting your application, you’ll be asked to book and attend a biometric appointment. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
- Wait for the decision. The Home Office typically takes 8 weeks to process applications.
UK Spouse visa (10-year route) processing time
When applying to switch to a Spouse Visa under the 10-year route from within the UK, the Home Office generally takes around 8 weeks to process applications.
All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.
Implications of switching to the 10-year route
Switching to the 10-year Spouse Visa route has big implications:
- Longer Pathway to Settlement: Instead of applying for ILR after 5 years, you will need to wait 10 years.
- Visa Renewals: You'll renew your visa every 2.5 years, which costs more and involves extra paperwork.
- Financial Costs: The total cost over 10 years will be much higher than the 5-year route.
- Impact on Citizenship: The longer wait may delay your British citizenship application, which needs ILR and an extra year of living in the UK.
Reasons for switching to the 10-year spouse visa route
Some reasons might make you switch from the 5-year to the 10-year route:
- Financial Requirement Not Met: If you can't meet the £29,000 income threshold for the 5-year route, the 10-year route might be your only choice.
- Gaps in Continuous Residence: A break in your UK stay or missing a visa renewal deadline could lead to the 10-year route.
- Change in Relationship Circumstances: Significant relationship or family changes, like separation or health issues, might mean the Home Office looks at your case under the 10-year route.
- Exceptional Circumstances: If you or your partner have special reasons that stop you from meeting the 5-year route, the 10-year route might be better.
Role of an immigration solicitor
Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.
Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:
- Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
- Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
- Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
- Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
- Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
- Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.
If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!
How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK Spouse visa application?
Our spouse visa solicitors in Hayes, London charge a fixed fee between £800-£1000 for a Spouse visa application under the 10-year route based on family life.
The agreed fixed fee will depend on the type of visa application and the complexity of the matter.
How to contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors?
To apply for a Spouse visa under the 10-year route, call our immigration solicitors in Hayes, London at 0203 959 7755 to schedule your initial consultation. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:
- Phone - Call us on 0203 959 7755
- Email us - info@moeenco.com
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Visit our office - Room 1, The Winning Box, 27-37 Station Road, Hayes UB3 4DX
We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre.
FAQs about Spouse visa (10-year route)
Yes, you can. If you do not meet the financial requirements of a UK Spouse visa (5-year route), you can apply to switch to a Spouse visa under the 10-year route. It provides a longer path to settlement in the United Kingdom.
You may be eligible if you cannot meet the financial, English language, or other requirements of the Spouse visa (5-year route) but can demonstrate genuine and subsisting relationships, and significant family life in the UK.
Yes, holders of Spouse visas (10-year route) are generally permitted to work and study in the UK without restrictions.
An English language test is not required initially. However, you may need to meet English language requirements at a later stage when applying for indefinite leave to remain.
If your Spouse visa application under the 10-year route is refused, you might have the right to appeal the decision or reapply with additional supporting documents. It's essential to seek legal advice from experienced immigration solicitors to understand the reasons for refusal and address them effectively in any subsequent applications.
Hiring a spouse visa lawyer can significantly increase your chances of a successful application. They have expertise in navigating the complexities of UK immigration law, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all eligibility requirements.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.
