UK Spouse Visa (10-Year Route)
You can apply for a Spouse visa under a 10-year route if you're legally married to a British citizen and you do not meet all the requirements of Appendix FM.
To be eligible to apply for a Spouse visa under the 10-year route, the applicant 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.
Applying for a UK spouse visa under the 10-year route can be complicated. Seeking professional advice from experienced immigration solicitors can help you navigate the application process smoothly.
Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our spouse visa solicitors in Hayes, London can assist with your UK Spouse visa (10-year route) application based on your family life.
Are you considering applying for a Spouse visa under the 10-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?
- What is a Spouse visa UK (10-year route)?
- What is a Spouse visa UK (5-year route)?
- Switching from a Spouse visa 10-year route to a 5-year route
- Who can apply for a UK spouse visa?
- Requirements for the UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route
- UK spouse visa document checklist
- How to apply for a UK spouse visa under the 10-year route?
- UK Spouse visa (10-year route) processing time
- Visa application using super priority service
- How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
- How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
- Contact spouse visa solicitors in London
- FAQs: UK Spouse Visa (10-Year Route)
What is a Spouse visa UK?
A UK Spouse visa, also known as a 'marriage visa', allows married partners of British citizens or individuals with settled status to live and work 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 UK (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, allowing individuals to establish their lives and relationships with their British partners.
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.
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 for a UK spouse visa?
The spouses of British citizens or settled persons can apply for a UK Spouse visa under the 5-year or 10-year route depending on their circumstances.
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.
Requirements for the UK Spouse visa under the 10-year route
To qualify for a UK spouse visa under the 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.
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.
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.
Documents and evidence you must provide:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Spouse visa application form (form FLR (FP))
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Evidence of a genuine relationship
- Proof of suitable accommodation
- 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 under the 10-year route?
You must apply online for a Spouse visa under the 10-year route using the form FLR (FP) if you are married to a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.
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 24 weeks if applying outside the UK. |
UK Spouse visa (10-year route) processing time
When applying for a Spouse visa under the 10-year route from outside the UK typically processed in 24 weeks on average. The processing time is normally around 8 weeks if the application is made from within the UK.
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.
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.
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.
Contact spouse visa solicitors in London
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: UK 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.
