Applying for a Family Visa as a Partner, more commonly referred to as a Spouse Visa, can be a complex process which can be highly dependent on an individual’s situation.
Often, guidance is required to ensure you know how to show that you meet requirements and where to send supporting documents for a UK Spouse Visa. Even if you meet all the requirements, it is important to prove that you have a well-presented and clear application.
At QC Immigration, we provide full guidance that will help you improve your chances of a successful application. Our team makes it easy for you to understand what requirements need to be met and what documentation needs to be provided.
Key requirements for a Spouse Visa
The Spouse Visa allows individuals to live in the UK with a settled partner (someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Pre-settled Status, or British or Irish Citizenship) so long as they meet the key requirements.
Generally, the requirements are as follows:
- An applicant must be in a provable legitimate and subsisting marriage with a settled person, someone with Pre-settled Status or a British or Irish citizen
- An applicant must be over the age of 18
- An applicant must be able to meet financial requirements (see minimum income requirements section on the Spouse Visa page)
- An applicant must have suitable accommodation for themselves, their partner, and any dependants
- An applicant must have a good knowledge of the English language
Requirements for a Spouse Visa can be dependent on the applicant and their individual situation. In some instances, there are certain exceptional circumstances that may allow an applicant to successfully apply for a Spouse Visa without meeting all the requirements.
It is important to ensure that you meet all the criteria, and if you are exempt from certain requirements, you will need a robust case to prove so. It is recommended that you submit a strong application with the guidance of a strong legal team.
Period of stay
You can apply for the Spouse Visa from both outside of the UK and inside the UK. Please note that this will affect the cost of your application.
Those successfully approved for a Spouse Visa will be granted 2 years and 9 months of stay initially (or 2 years and 6 months if you are switching from another visa). You can extend your Spouse Visa after your initial stay by 2 years and 6 months.
Settling on a Spouse Visa
If you have extended your Spouse Visa, you may be able to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain on the 5-year route. There are further requirements that must be met in order to be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, including both language requirements and an understanding of UK culture.
ILR applications require proof that you have met all the terms of your visa. Therefore, if you are applying for a Spouse Visa with intention of obtaining ILR you must make sure that you have proof of meeting your visa requirements.
Clear guidance with QC Immigration
If you are looking for useful guidance, it’s worth investing in a team that has extensive experience in submitting Spouse Visa applications. QC Immigration is an award-winning immigration law firm in London which has helped a wider range of clients around the world with their visa applications.
Book a consultation or get in touch here, and receive tailored guidance from our Spouse Visa specialists.
More guidance on Spouse Visa:
- Spouse Visa
- Spouse Visa 5-Year Route
- Spouse Visa 10-Year Route
- Spouse Visa Application
- Spouse Visa Appeal
- ILR through Spouse Visa
- Spouse Visa Lawyers’ Fees
- Spouse Visa UK Cost & Fees
- Spouse Visa Consultants
- Spouse Visa Refusal Letter
- Spouse Visa Proof of Relationship
- Spouse Visa Mistakes in Application
- Spouse Visa: Separation or Divorce
