FAQs
A Spouse Visa or Spouse Entry Clearance permits a married couple living outside the UK to immigrate and reside in the UK with their partner (husband/wife) who has UK citizenship or indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Even if you are a non-EU citizen, you can apply for a Spouse Visa if you want to live with your partner permanently and meet the Home Office Immigration requirements.
You are eligible to apply as sponsor if you:
- either have a British citizenship
- are settled in the UK – have indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status, or proof of permanent residence
- have an ‘adequate accommodation’
- have a refugee status or humanitarian protection
- you meet the financial requirements
- More importantly, your non-British Citizen partner must agree to live with you permanently in the U.K.
The British Home Office generally requires that the sponsor and the partner have met at least once during their marriage in order to support the Spouse Visa application. It’s to demonstrate that they’ve spent enough time together and that their relationship is real.
Any of the following sources can be used by the sponsor and partner to meet their financial needs:
- Employment salary
- Self-Employment
- Income from letting (if applicable)
- Savings (up to £16,000) retained for a minimum of 6 months by you and your partner
Please note that per dependent, the spouse visa income threshold (£18,600) will exceed in the following manner.
- £18,600; plus
- A first child (non-British, settled, or EEA national) is £3,800 plus additional costs.
- Each additional child is £2,400. (Non- British, settled, or an EEA national)
- As a result, if you have a child, your financial threshold will increase to £22,400.
Yes, a Spouse Visa’s initial validity is usually up to 33 months. You must request for an extension when your current one expires.
You can apply 28 days before your current visa expires. All other requirements, such as accommodation, financial capability, and a real relationship, will remain the same as they were when the Spouse visa was first applied for. At this stage, however, advanced level (CEFR-A-2) English language proficiency will be required.
In general, the following documents must be provided in support of your Partner Visa application:
- Evidence of ‘Genuine Relationship’ document
- Evidence of original/certified copy of Marriage Certificate
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Evidence of Financial income
- Proof of living arrangements/accommodation
- TB test for entry clearance (if applicable)
- Any other documents that can demonstrate that you and your partner are in a genuine relationship must also be provided.
Home Office currently states that most applications are decided within 12 weeks. Applicants have the option of choosing Priority processing service, that puts their application ahead in the queue.
Applicants who would like to extend their spouse visa from within the UK can also opt for same-day processing by paying a premium fee.
If your spouse visa application is rejected, you can appeal against the Home Office decision. This is a long-winded and challenging process that is best assisted by an immigration adviser.
