Switch to Spouse Visa UK (Under 5-Year Route)
- Details
- Written by: Moeen Khan
You can apply online using the FLR(M) form to switch to a Spouse visa if you're already in the UK on a different type of visa and married to a British citizen.
Applying to change ('switch') to a Spouse visa from inside the UK can be overwhelming and confusing. Seeking professional advice from experienced immigration solicitors can help you navigate the application process smoothly.
Our team of spouse visa solicitors in London can provide guidance, ensure all requirements are met, and help you address any concerns or complexities that may arise during the application process.
Are you considering switching to a Spouse Visa UK under the 5-Year Route? Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 or send an email to info@moeenco.com.
Table of Contents
- What is a Spouse visa UK (5-year route)?
- What is a Spouse visa UK (10-year route)?
- Switching from a UK fiancé visa to a Spouse visa
- Switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa
- Switching from a Spouse visa 10-year route to a 5-year route
- Who can apply to switch to a Spouse visa?
- What are the requirements for a Spouse visa?
- The financial (minimum income) requirement for spouse visas
- UK Spouse visa English test requirements
- Documents required for switching to Spouse visa UK (5-year route)
- Applying to switch to a Spouse visa
- How much does switching to a Spouse visa cost?
- How long does it take to switch to a Spouse visa?
- Visa application using super priority service
- Why choose our spouse visa solicitors?
- Spouse visa solicitor fees
- Contact spouse visa solicitors in London
- FAQs: Switching to a Spouse visa
What is a Spouse visa UK (5-year route)?
The Spouse visa (5-year route) allows non-UK citizens who are married to a British citizen to live in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years.
After the initial period of 2.5 years, the spouse visa can be extended for another 2.5 years, leading to a total of 5 years. Once the 5 years is completed, the Spouse visa holder may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and eventually British citizenship.
To be eligible to apply for a Spouse visa under the 5-year route, the applicant must meet all the requirements of Appendix FM and must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone settled in the UK, or someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
What is a Spouse visa UK (10-year route)?
The Spouse Visa UK (10-Year Route) offers a viable option for individuals who may not meet the strict eligibility criteria of the 5-Year Route. It provides a longer path to settlement in the United Kingdom, allowing individuals to establish their lives and relationships with their British partners.
Switching from a UK fiancé visa to a Spouse visa
If you get married within the six-month validity period of your Fiancé(e) visa, you can apply to switch from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa from inside the UK.
To be eligible for a Spouse visa, you must be legally married to a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. You must meet all other requirements including minimum income requirements, English language requirements, and more.
Switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa
The Skilled Worker visa category allows you to switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse from inside the UK if you meet all the requirements of Appendix FM.
You must apply online using the FLR(M) form to switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa before your current visa expires.
Switching from a Spouse visa 10-year route to a 5-year route
A person with leave to remain as a spouse under the 10-year route can switch to the 5-year spouse visa route at any time during the validity of their current leave to remain under the 10-year route.
Who can apply to switch to a Spouse visa?
You might be able to apply to change ('switch') to a Spouse visa if you're already in the UK on a different type of visa and married to a British citizen.
You can apply to switch to a Spouse visa if are married to a British citizen or someone who is settled in the UK (i.e., has indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or refugee status).
Which visa types can be switched to a Spouse visa?
Below is a list of some of the most common visas you can switch to a Spouse visa:
- Fiance Visa UK
- Skilled Worker visa
- Student visa
- Graduate visa
Which visa types cannot be switched?
You cannot switch to a Spouse visa within the UK if you currently hold one of the following visa types:
- visit visa
- short-term student visa
- parent of a child student visa
- seasonal worker visa
- domestic worker visa
What are the requirements for a Spouse visa?
To qualify for a UK spouse visa, both you and your partner 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 and your partner must meet the financial requirements.
- You must be able to speak and understand English at the required level.
- 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.
The financial (minimum income) requirement for spouse visas
To meet the financial requirements, you must demonstrate that you and your partner have a combined income or savings above a certain threshold. The exact amount varies depending on your circumstances, such as whether you have children or not.
To be eligible for a Partner / Spouse visa UK, you and your partner must meet the minimum income requirement, which is currently set at £29,000 gross per year. This minimum income requirement rose from £18,600 to £29,000 on 11 April 2024.
UK Spouse visa English test requirements
When applying for a UK spouse visa, you must prove that you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level A1 on the CEFR scale.
You can prove your proficiency in English by passing a recognised English language test such as the IELTS test. You can also prove your knowledge of English if you have a degree or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English.
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English or take a test if you are over 65 or a citizen of a country where English is the main language.
Documents required for switching to Spouse visa UK (5-year route)
When applying to switch to a UK spouse visa, having all the necessary documents in order is important. Missing or incomplete paperwork can result in delays or even a rejected application.
Documents and evidence you must provide:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Spouse visa application form
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of genuine relationship
- Proof of suitable accommodation
- Proof of meeting the English language requirement
- Proof of meeting the financial requirement (bank statements, payslips)
Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.
Applying to switch to a Spouse visa
To apply to switch to a UK Spouse visa from inside the UK, the applicants must follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Gather Required Documents | Collect all necessary documents including passport, marriage certificate, evidence of relationship, financial and accommodation proof, and English language test results. |
| Complete Online Application Form | Fill out the online application form with accurate and up-to-date information about yourself, your partner, and your circumstances. Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) Fee. |
| Book and Attend Appointments | Book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre to provide biometric information including fingerprints and photographs. |
| Waiting for Decision | Wait for a decision on your application. The processing time is typically within 8 weeks. |
How much does switching to a Spouse visa cost?
When you apply to switch to a spouse visa from inside the UK, you must have enough money to pay the application fee of £1,048 and the healthcare surcharge.
The immigration healthcare surcharge for each adult (18 or older)
- £2,587.50 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £3,105 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £5,175 if you’re staying for 5 years
The immigration healthcare surcharge for each child (under 18)
- £1,940 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £2,328 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £3,880 if you’re staying for 5 years
Various costs involved in switching to a Spouse visa
- Spouse visa application fee (£1,048 per person).
- Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (£2,587.50 for 30-month visa).
- Super Priority Service fees (£1,000 to get fast decision within 24 hours) – Optional.
- Immigration solicitors’ fee (£800 to £1,000 depending on the complexity of the matter)
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Spouse visa application fees and associated costs, we recommend consulting our immigration lawyers at Moeen & Co. Solicitors. We will guide you through the fee structure and ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in your visa application.
How long does it take to switch to a Spouse visa?
Switching to a Spouse visa from inside the UK usually takes up to 8 weeks. However, you may be able to use priority service to get a faster decision.
All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.
Visa application using super priority service
If you require a decision on your visa application urgently, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", which offers faster processing times for an additional fee. These services aim to provide a decision on your visa application within 24 hours or 5 working days, respectively.
To get a faster decision on your UK visa application, you'll need to pay £1,000 for the "Super Priority Service" or £500 for the "Priority Service" fee per applicant in addition to the visa application fee.
Why choose our spouse visa solicitors?
Expertise
Our team comprises specialist family and spouse visa solicitors with extensive experience in handling a diverse range of immigration and spouse visa matters.
Professional Guidance
We help you gather the right evidence and fill out forms correctly. This ensures your application is strong from the start. It means fewer delays or rejections.
Transparent Communication
We prioritise clear and transparent communication, keeping you informed at every stage of the process. Your peace of mind is our priority.
Fixed-Fee
Our spouse visa solicitors provide legal services on a fixed fee basis without blowing your budget and with no hidden costs.
Regulated by SRA
We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you are in safe hands.
Spouse visa solicitor fees
The cost of hiring a solicitor varies depending on the type of Spouse visa application, and the complexity of your case.
Our spouse visa solicitors in Hayes, London charge a fixed fee between £800-£1000 plus VAT for an application to switch to a Spouse visa from inside the UK.
Contact spouse visa solicitors in London
If you are considering switching to a Spouse visa in the UK, call us today 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: Switching to a Spouse visa
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.
Yes, after living in the UK for 5 years on a Spouse visa (5-year route), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet all the requirements.
Yes, Spouse visa holders are generally permitted to work and study in the UK without restrictions.
You can meet spouse visa financial requirements via savings if you and your partner have a minimum of £62,500 in cash savings.
If your spouse visa application 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.
