If you need help with any type of UK visa, settlement (ILR), or British citizenship application, give us a call at 0203 959 7755 to schedule a consultation today.

You can apply for a spouse visa to join your partner in the UK if you are married to a British citizen or a settled person and meet eligibility requirements.

Applying for a UK spouse visa 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.

Not providing sufficient evidence or seeking professional advice can significantly impact the outcome of a UK spouse visa application.

If you require legal advice or assistance in obtaining a UK spouse visa, do not hesitate to contact our spouse visa solicitors. We are here to help you every step of the way. Call us today at 0203 959 7755 or fill in our online contact form to discuss your case.

Table of Contents

  1. What is the UK spouse visa?
  2. Who can apply for a UK spouse visa?
  3. UK spouse visa requirements
  4. UK spouse visa document checklist
  5. How to apply for a UK spouse visa?
  6. How long does it take to process a UK spouse visa?
  7. Visa application using super priority service
  8. If your UK Spouse visa rejected
  9. How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
  10. How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
  11. How to contact a spouse visa solicitor?
  12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the UK spouse visa?

UK spouse visa, also known as a “marriage visa”, is a type of family visa that allows spouses of British citizens or settled persons to live and work in the UK.

Whether you're a British citizen or settled person wishing to bring your partner to the UK or a foreign national seeking to join your spouse, understanding the eligibility criteria and spouse visa application process is essential.

Who can apply for a UK spouse visa?

The UK spouse visa is designed for individuals who wish to join their spouse or partner in the UK. Here are the main categories of people who can apply for a UK spouse visa:

  • Partners or Spouses of British Citizens: If you are married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a genuine relationship with a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a spouse visa to join them in the UK.
  • Partners or Spouses of Settled Persons: Individuals who are married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a genuine relationship with someone who is settled in the UK (i.e., has indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or refugee status) can also apply for a spouse visa.

UK spouse visa requirements 2024

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.

Financial requirements for spouse visa UK

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.

Genuine relationship requirements for a UK spouse visa

When applying for a UK spouse visa, you must prove that your relationship with a British citizen or settled person is genuine and subsisting.

The UK Government expects evidence that you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner. This includes providing documents such as marriage certificates, photographs, joint bank statements, and correspondence addressed to both of you. It is important to provide a variety of documents that demonstrate the history and nature of your relationship. This can help establish the credibility of your application and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

English language requirement for spouse visa

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 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Failing to do so can result in your application being refused.

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.

Accommodation requirements for a UK spouse visa

When applying for a UK spouse visa, it is important to meet the accommodation requirements set by the UK government. Having suitable accommodation is crucial to ensure the success of your visa application.

The UK government requires that the accommodation you provide for your spouse meets certain minimum standards. These standards are in place to ensure that the accommodation is safe, habitable, and suitable for the couple. Some of the key requirements are:

  • The property must be free from any hazards or serious health and safety issues.
  • There should be adequate living space for the couple to reside comfortably.
  • The property must have a separate bedroom for the couple.
  • Access to a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen facilities should be available.
  • The accommodation should be located in an area that is safe and suitable for residency.

UK spouse visa document checklist

When applying for a UK spouse visa, it is important to have all the necessary documents in order. Missing or incomplete paperwork can result in delays or even a rejected application.

The first step in the UK spouse visa application process is to gather all the necessary documents. These documents include:

  • Valid passport
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • Evidence of a genuine relationship
  • Proof of meeting the financial requirements
  • Proof of suitable accommodation
  • English language proficiency test results
  • Proof of any dependent family members (if applicable)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)

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.

How to apply for a UK spouse visa?

To apply for a UK spouse visa, an applicant 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.
Book and Attend Appointments Book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre to provide biometric information including fingerprints and photographs.
Attend Visa Interview (if required) Prepare for and attend a visa interview to assess the genuineness of your relationship and eligibility for a UK spouse visa.
Waiting for Decision Wait for a decision on your application. The processing time is typically within 12 weeks.

How long does it take to process a UK spouse visa?

Spouse visa applications submitted from outside the UK using standard service are currently taking an average of 24 weeks to process. However, you may be eligible to use priority service to get a faster decision.

If the spouse visa application is made from inside the UK, the Home Office generally takes up to 8 weeks to make the decision.

The processing time for a UK visa application can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa application, the country from which you are applying, and the volume of applications being processed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.

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.

If your UK Spouse visa rejected

If your UK spouse visa is rejected, you may have the option to challenge the Home Office's decision by administrative review or reapply for a Spouse visa.

If you're considering appealing or reapplying for a UK Spouse visa after refusal, it is advisable to consult an immigration solicitor to discuss your options.

How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?

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 visa application?

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our immigration solicitors in London charge an affordable fixed fee for complete legal services for your UK visa application. The agreed fixed fee will depend on the type of visa application and the complexity of the matter. Learn more about our legal fees.

How to contact a spouse visa solicitor?

If you have questions or need help with your UK spouse visa application, you can contact our team of spouse visa solicitors in London by calling 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

After living in the UK for a certain period of time and meeting other eligibility criteria, spouse visa holders may be eligible to apply for British citizenship through the process of naturalisation.

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.

Contact Immigration Solicitors in London

If you need immigration advice or help with any type of UK visa application, British citizenship application or sponsorship licence application, contact our team of immigration solicitors in London on 0203 959 7755 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential advice and help you need.

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

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.

Looking for a solicitor?

If you need legal advice or assistance with your legal matter, speak to our lawyer today.