Partners of British citizens or persons with indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom can apply for a Spouse Visa to join their husband or wife. You can also apply if your Spouse is abroad but will return to the UK with you.
To apply for a Spouse Visa, you must be:
- Both of you are over 18 years of age;
- Your partner is British or has ILR;
- You are legally married;
- You have a genuine relationship;
- intend to live together permanently;
- Any previous relationships have permanently ended;
- You have adequate accommodation for you and any dependents;
- You must be maintained in the UK without reliance public funds;
- You speak and understand English to the required level;
- You have had a TB test.
UK Spouse Visa Financial requirements:
To show that you can be adequately maintained without any reliance on public funds, you will need to show that your Spouse (or you both if you already live in the UK with valid leave to remain) has a minimum gross annual income of:
- £18,600;
- £3,800 extra for the first child (who is not British, an EEA national or settled);
- £2,400 for each child further (who is not British, an EEA national or settled).
Meeting the financial requirement:
You can satisfy the financial requirement through a combination of:
- Salaried/non-salaried income;
- Self-employed income;
- Salary and/or dividends as a company director;
- Property rental income;
- Dividends and income from investments;
- Stocks, shares, bonds or trust funds;
- Pension income, insurance payments;
- Maintenance payments;
Cash savings above £16,000 held for at least six months, or less if you can show the money came from a sale of assets or investments.
The financial requirements under the Immigration Rules are complex. UKVI require specific types of documentary evidence to demonstrate you comply and that you have access to relevant funds.
How long will I have to wait for my visa?
Preparing your application well will reduce the risk of delays.
It typically takes around 3 months for UKVI to process a UK spouse visa application.
Settlement Priority Visa Services for faster visa decisions (typically within 1 month) are available abroad.
Within the UK there are two options available: Standard Service (typically 2 months) or Priority Service (typically next working day) for extension applications or to switch to a Spouse visa.
What are the visa application fees?
For a Spouse visa application made from abroad the Home Office currently charge £1,523.
To extend your existing visa or switch to a Spouse visa from within the UK, the Home Office currently charge £1,033.
How long is my visa valid for?
If abroad, your visa will be valid for 33 months initially. If you are already in the UK, your visa will be valid for 30 months.
In both of the examples give, before your visa expires, you must apply for an extension to extend your stay. Your visa will be valid for a further 30 months.
You will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years in the UK as a Spouse of a British citizen or settled person.
Can I work in the UK on a Spouse visa?
Yes, you are able to work and study.
What are your options if you do not meet the requirements for a Spouse visa?
You may be able to apply to join or remain with your partner by relying on Human Rights (see Human Rights Applications). You will need to show that there would be very significant obstacles to continuing your relationship abroad.
How can AIB help?
AiB have provided advice and assistance to hundreds of couples in preparing and successfully securing their Spouse visa and to settle in the UK.
We can advise you on prospects of success, what you will need to meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules, and can prepare your application so you avoid common mistakes which can result in delays.
AiB understand the complex financial requirements of the Immigration Rules. We offer specialist advice across the full spectrum of financial circumstances increasing the chances of securing a successful outcome for your visa application.
We are approachable, responsive and proactive; taking pride in our commitment to meet the needs of our clients by providing sincere, clear, and reliable immigration advice.
Other ways we can help
We can also advise you on the following related issues:
- Property Inspection Reports
- Priority visa appointments
- Spouse Visa Extensions
- Settlement Applications
- Spouse Applications for HM Forces personnel
- Appeals Against Refusals of Spouse Applications
- Fresh Spouse Applications
- Permitted Paid Engagement Visa