Halliday Reeves

Specialist Immigration Solicitors

How Much Does It Cost To Apply For British Citizenship?

How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship?

If you wish to apply for British citizenship, you will need to know how much the application costs are as well as some of the associated expenses.

At Halliday Reeves, we regularly make successful British citizenship applications for our clients. We can advise you as to whether you are eligible to apply, complete the application form on your behalf and compile the paperwork that you will need in support.

We can also discuss the costs with you, to include the application fee payable to the Home Office. If you are considering applying for UK citizenship, please feel free to ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“I think 5 stars are not enough for the service I got… I got my citizenship certificate in two months and this is amazing…. I’m really thankful to Sabiha for her patience, help , time and availability. She has done a wonderful job. Best immigration lawyer. Thanks very much for everything…”

Applying For British Citizenship

You may be able to apply for British citizenship if you have lived in the UK for five years and you have held either indefinite leave to remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme for one year.

If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you only need to have lived in the UK for three years. Provided you hold either indefinite leave to remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme you can then apply straightaway, without the need to wait a year.

You may also be eligible to apply because of your background, for example, if you have a British parent or parent with British overseas territories citizenship or you are considered British for another reason, including being a British overseas citizen or British protected person.

Eligibility For British Citizenship

You should check that you are eligible before submitting your application and make sure that you have documentary evidence proving this. Eligibility criteria include:

  • You are over 18
  • You have the required standard of English
  • You have passed the Life in the UK test
  • You intend to carry on living in the UK
  • You are of good character
  • You have not breached any UK immigration laws

You need to have been present in the UK on the date exactly five years before the day on which your application is received by the Home Office.

There are also restrictions on the amount of time you can have spent outside of the UK prior to your application. This must be:

  • No more than 450 days during the five years prior to your application or 270 days within the previous 3 years if you are married or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen.
  • No more than 90 days in the previous year

British Citizenship Application Fee

The cost to apply for British citizenship is £1,330 if you are applying because you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status.

If you are applying on the basis of your British nationality, the cost is £1,206 for an adult and £1,012 for a child. If a child turns 18 during the application, an additional £80 will be payable for their citizenship ceremony.

If the application is on behalf of someone who is aged under 18, it is possible to apply for a fee waiver in some cases so that they do not have to pay the citizenship application fee if this is not affordable.

To qualify to apply for a fee waiver, the child or young person and their parent or guardian must be unable to pay the fee because:

  • They do not have a place to live and cannot afford one
  • They cannot afford essentials such as food and heating
  • They do not have enough money to pay the application fee after paying for essentials such as accommodation, food and heating
  • Paying the fee would mean that the child or young person’s needs cannot be met

It is important to send the correct fee as your application will not be processed if you send the wrong amount and you will need to submit your application again.

Other Costs For British Citizenship Application

You will need to pay for a Life in the UK test, at a cost of £50.

If you need to take a secure English language test (SELT) to prove that you have an adequate knowledge of English, you will need to pay the provider’s fee. This may cost up to £250.

If your application includes any documents that are not in English, you will need to provide a certified translation of them. Costs vary but could be around £30 per page.

“My partner and I had a great experience with this firm. We received excellent service from Sabiha who helped us with our immigration matter. She took time to answer all our questions and help complete our application. Sabina followed up with visa application and queries, this enabled us to get the visa we required to visit the UK granted. We have already recommended Sabiha and the firm to friends and family who require immigration support.”

Contact Our British Citizenship Solicitors

If you are applying for British citizenship, our immigration experts can put together your application to give you the best chance of success.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert UK citizenship lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

What Documents Are Needed For British Citizenship?

If you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status in the UK, you may wish to apply for British citizenship. This will give you extensive rights to live, work and study in Britain as well as to apply for a British passport.  What Documents Are Needed For British Citizenship?

British citizenship may also be available to you because of your background or parentage. We take a look at the documents that you will need to supply to the Home Office along with your application for British citizenship.

At Halliday Reeves, we specialise in immigration law. Our team have a sound track record of making successful citizenship applications on behalf of our clients. We will work with you to ensure that all of the necessary documents are included to give your application the best chance of being approved.

If you are thinking of applying to become a British citizen, we would be happy to help. To speak to one of our expert UK immigration solicitors, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or complete a Free Online Enquiry.

“Good experienced staff and friendly too…. takes care of their clients very well… definitely approachable”

Applying To Become A British Citizen By Way Of Naturalisation

If you wish to apply to become a naturalised British citizen, you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You are aged 18 or more
  • You have lived in the UK for five years or more prior to applying for citizenship if not married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
  • You have lived in the UK for three years or more prior to applying for citizenship if married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
  • You have not breached the UK immigration rules
  • You are not subject to any immigration time restrictions
  • You have not spent more than 450 days away from the UK within the previous five years if not married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or 270 days within the previous three years if you are.
  • You have not spent more than 90 days away from the UK in the year prior to making your application to be a British citizen
  • It is your intention to continue living in the UK
  • You have passed the Life in the UK test
  • You have a good standard of English
  • You are of good character

You will need to send documents in support of some of these points with your application so that the immigration authorities can see that you are eligible.

“Thank you very much for helping me with my Citizenship application. Your services were excellent”

Documents Supporting An Application For British Citizenship

It is important to make sure that all necessary documents are sent to UK Visas and Immigration when you apply for citizenship. If some paperwork is missing, your application is likely to be rejected and you may find it harder to apply a second time.

We can discuss your situation with you and make sure that you include the right documents. These will generally include:

  • Your current passport or EU identity card
  • Expired passports from the previous five/three years
  • Two photographs, which need to be included with details of your referees
  • Details of two referees, one of whom must be a professional and the second must hold a UK passport – you will need to provide their names, addresses, gender, date of birth, phone number, addresses for the previous three years, email addresses and profession. If they hold a British passport, their passport number should also be provided. You should also explain how you know each person – The Referees should also have known the (adult) applicant for at least three years
  • A Biometric Residence Permit showing that you have indefinite leave to remain or a document confirming that you have permanent residence status or settled status
  • Your National Insurance number. If you do not have one, you can apply for this from within the UK by asking HM Revenue and Customs
  • Results of an approved English language test or proof that you hold a degree taught in English or in the UK. Secure English language test (SELT) providers are:
    • LanguageCert
    • Pearson
    • Trinity College London
    • IELTS SELT Consortium
  • A copy of an email confirming that you have passed a Life in the UK test
  • Evidence that you have been present in the UK for the five-year qualifying period (or three years if you are married to a British citizen), such as a letter from your employer, payslips, bank statements, forms P60 and contracts of employment for the whole period where possible. Other documents are acceptable if you are self-employed, not working, a student or a job seeker and we can advise you on what you need to include in this event

Information To Be Provided In Support

You will also need to provide the following information:

  • Details of your parents’ names, dates of birth, town and country of birth and nationality. You should include your mother’s maiden name
  • Your spouse or partner’s name, any previous names, date of birth, town and country of birth, nationality, current address and, where applicable, the date on which they became a naturalised British citizen and their citizenship certificate number
  • A list of the addresses at which you have lived over the previous five/three years
  • Your employment history for the previous ten years, including dates, your occupation and your employer’s name and address
  • Details of your absences from the UK in the previous five years (or three years if you are married to a British citizen), including dates you were away, number of days you were away, where you were and the reason you went

Contact Our British Citizenship Solicitors

If you are applying for British citizenship, our expert British citizenship lawyers can work with you to compile the right documents in support to give you the best chance of approval.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert UK citizenship lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or complete a Free Online Enquiry.

How To Apply For British Citizenship For An EU Citizen

How To Apply For British Citizenship For An EU Citizen

If you are an EU citizen living in the UK, you may want to apply for British citizenship. This would give you the right to live and work in the UK, to apply for a British passport and to leave and return to the UK without restriction.

When making an application to the Home Office for British citizenship, you will need to provide evidence that you are legally settled in the UK and free of immigration restrictions. You will also need to show that you have been present in the UK for the required length of time without absences that could disqualify you.

At Halliday Reeves, we specialise in immigration, including citizenship applications. Our team have extensive experience in securing citizenship for EU clients, including in complex situations.

We can check that you are eligible and make an application to the Home Office on your behalf. We will also make sure that all of the necessary paperwork is included in support. This is important as your application will be rejected if you do not have sufficient evidence to show that you meet all of the eligibility criteria.

If you are from the EU and you wish to secure British citizenship, we will be happy to help. To speak to one of our expert UK citizenship lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“Special thanks for the most professional representation. you (hallidayreeves ) stuck by me through the years. By dealing with this stressful case. I admire the work ethic and most of all the excellent representation.”

Eligibility For British Citizenship As An EU Citizen

To be eligible to apply for British citizenship as an EU citizen, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • You are aged over 18
  • You have settled status in the UK
  • You have lived in the UK for at least five years before the date of your application or three years if you are a spouse or civil partner of a British citizen
  • You have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during this five year period or 270 days in the previous three years if you are a spouse or civil partner of a British citizen.
  • You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the past year
  • You have not broken any immigration laws
  • You have adequate knowledge of English
  • You have passed the Life in the UK test
  • You intend to continue living in the UK
  • You are of good character

Applying For British Citizenship As An EU Citizen

If you satisfy the above criteria, the first step is to put together paperwork proving these points. You can then fill in the application form AN. We can ensure that you have the right documents ready and prepare the application on your behalf for you to submit.

When applying, you must make sure that you were physically present in the UK on the date that falls five years earlier (or three years earlier if you are a spouse or civil partner of a British citizen).
Your application can be made online or by post and you can ask us to complete it on your behalf if you wish.

Supplying Evidence In Support Of Your Citizenship Application

A wide range of paperwork will be necessary to provide evidence of each of the eligibility criteria. For example, you will need to supply your passport where possible to show that you have been present in the UK for the necessary time period.

You must also provide the details of two referees who are prepared to endorse your application. One of these must be a professional person such as a solicitor (but not one whom you have instructed to help you with your citizenship application), an accountant, a civil servant or a minister of religion. The professional can be of any nationality, while the second referee must hold a British passport. Your referees cannot be related to you or to each other.

You will need to pay the Home Office application fee of £1,330 at the time your application is made.

“Confidence in a service always starts from the Introduction stage. Especially with an immigration situation for my partner so important, and slightly complex. I was extremely pleased to find Halliday Reeves possess the skillset for listening, understanding and advising from the initial phone call to the consultation service provided. I spoke to a lady on reception firstly, who took all my information and details. I then received a call back from Eileen (Admin) who was extremely helpful with taking the correct details from me, as on my previous call some of my information I gave was not clear (I had a lot of information to give them!). In addition to accurately taking the information again in a professional manner, Eileen was also very helpful, friendly, and compassionate when hearing my current circumstances.”

Contact Our UK Citizenship Solicitors

If you want to apply as an EU citizen for UK citizenship, we would be happy to hear from you. We can put together the application on your behalf and collate your evidence in support, giving you the best possible chance of acceptance.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert UK citizenship lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

 

 

 

 

 

How To Get UK Citizenship

British citizenship will give you the right to live, work and study in the UK on a permanent basis and without any restrictions. If you hold British citizenship, you will also be able to apply for a British passport and spend time out of the country if you wish without losing your status.

Some individuals may automatically be British citizens because of their background or parentage, meaning they can make an application to have their citizenship registered.

For overseas citizens who meet certain eligibility criteria, including holding indefinite leave to remain or settled status, UK or British citizenship can be acquired by way of naturalisation.

At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration experts. If you are considering applying for British citizenship, we can check that you are eligible and advise you of the process to be followed. We will also make sure that your application includes all of the necessary paperwork in support. This can be substantial and if some documents are missing, your application is likely to be rejected.

To speak to one of our expert immigration solicitors, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“All went well and I got all the special services you could expect from such a professional organisation. I will 100% advise anyone who is in need of the immigration services with pride”

Eligibility For UK Naturalisation

If you are aged 18 or more and you have lived in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status for twelve months or more after attaining this status, you may be able to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.

Unless you are married to a British citizen, the criteria you must meet to be eligible include the following:

  • You are of sound mind and understand the implications of becoming a naturalised British citizen
  • You have lived in the UK for at least five years before the date of your application
  • You were physically present in the UK on the day five years before your application is received by the Home Office
  • You have not breached immigration laws or been convicted of a crime in the UK
  • You are not and have not been for the previous twelve months subject to any immigration time restrictions
  • You have spent no more than 450 days outside of the UK in the previous five years, unless it was because of certain exceptional circumstances
  • You have spent no more than 90 days outside of the UK in the year leading up to your application
  • You intend to continue living in the UK
  • You have passed the Life in the UK test
  • You have the required level of English
  • You are of good character

If you are married to a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply on this basis if the following apply:

  • You have lived in the UK for at least three years before the date of your application
  • You were physically present in the UK on the day three years before your application is received by the Home Office
  • You are not subject to immigration time restrictions
  • You have not breached immigration laws or been convicted of a crime in the UK
  • You have not been outside of the UK for more than 270 days in the three years prior to your application
  • You have passed the Life in the UK test
  • Your English language skills are at the required level
  • You are of good character

Applying For UK Citizenship As An EU Or EEA National

If you are an EU or EEA national and you hold settled status or have indefinite leave to remain, you are entitled to apply for UK or British citizenship.

Submitting an application to become a British citizen

You or your representative will need to fill in form AN to apply to become a British citizen. This can be done online from most areas of the UK or by post.

Your application to become a British citizen will need to be accompanied by paperwork proving that you meet the eligibility criteria. You will also need someone with professional standing to provide a reference on your behalf as well as another reference from a second person.

At the time you submit your application form, you will need to pay the application fee of £1,330. This will usually include the cost of the ceremony at which you will swear an oath of allegiance to the UK if your application is successful. This will often be a group ceremony and if you would prefer a private ceremony, you may need to pay an additional fee.

Thanks for the service I got from HallidayReeeves. I am pleased to say that you’re reliable & easy to work with. Thanks for always updating me every step of the way regarding my case. The relationship between client & you is excellent.”em>

Contact Our UK Citizenship Solicitors

If you would like advice on your eligibility for British citizenship or you would like help with your application, to include putting together documents in support, we will be happy to hear from you.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert UK citizenship lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

How Long Does A Skilled Worker Visa Last?

How Long Does A Skilled Worker Visa Last?
The Halliday Reeves Team

If you are working in the UK on a skilled worker visa, you may need to renew it. We answer the question how long does a skilled worker visa last and take a look at what you need to do as the expiry date approaches.

If you are working for your employer under a skilled worker visa, you need to ensure that it does not expire. If it does, your right to live and work in the UK will be affected. Your status as an overstayer could also cause difficulties if you try to obtain another visa.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a sponsorship licence, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

How long does a skilled worker visa last?

A skilled worker visa can last for up to five years and then needs to be extended. If your partner and children also have visas, they will need to apply separately to extend them.

How do I know when my skilled worker visa will expire?

You should not rely on the immigration authorities or your employer to tell you when your skilled worker visa expiry date is approaching. The Home Office does not contact workers to advise them that their visa is coming to an end and your employer is not required to advise you of this either.

You will need to check your visa yourself. Your biometric residence permit should also state when your visa expires.

“The Halliday Reeves team have been fantastic from the first engagement to the last in getting our spousal visa approved. Navigating us through the hurdles and ensuring we provided the correct information. Actively chasing up UK immigration to get the matter resolved. A big thank you to Louisa and Hannah for their professionalism, responsiveness, guidance, support, positivity and knowledge to get us through this stressful process. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. Thoroughly recommend, don’t risk doing this on your own, engage the professionals.”

When should I take action to extend a skilled worker visa?

It is advisable to start work to renew your skilled worker visa several months before the expiry date. This will give you enough time to put together the documents that will be needed in support of your application and to deal with any requests for information that you may receive, as it can take the authorities four months to process an application.

How do I extend a skilled worker visa?

As the expiry date approaches, you can apply to extend your visa or, if you have lived and worked in the UK for five years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
To qualify for an extension, you must still be employed by the same employer and be in the same occupation with the same occupation code. If your job or your employer has changed, you will need to apply for a new visa instead of extending your existing one.

You will also need to obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer confirming that they will be employing you for the extension period. Your salary must continue to meet the minimum salary requirements. This will generally be either £25,600 per year or the going rate for your occupation. In some cases, the minimum salary is lower, for example if you are working in a position with a shortage of workers, you are under 26 or you have a PhD in a STEM subject.

The government aims to provide a decision on your application within 8 weeks, although at busy times this increases and can be 16 weeks. You may be able to pay extra to have a faster decision.

Going from a skilled worker visa to indefinite leave to remain

If you want to move to the UK permanently, then you can apply for indefinite leave to remain after you have lived in country for five years.

You will need to provide evidence that you have been resident in the UK continuously for the period, with no more than 180 days away from the UK in any year.

It is still necessary to be employed by the same employer and meet the minimum salary requirements. You will also need to pass the Life in the UK test.

Contact our expert immigration solicitors for skilled worker visas

At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration specialists with in-depth knowledge of the immigration system and how to secure the visa you need.

Our team can work with you to ensure that your skilled worker visa extension is accurate and that all of the necessary documents are included to support your application.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about obtaining a skilled worker visa and answer any questions you may have.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”

The Jinja Tree Restaurant

How Long Does A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Last?

How Long Does A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Last?
The Halliday Reeves Team

A skilled worker sponsorship licence allows employers to take on overseas employees to work in their business. If you hold a licence, you will need to manage it carefully to ensure that you maintain an A-rating. It will also need to be renewed periodically. We answer the question, ‘How long does a skilled worker sponsor licence last?’ and take a look at the process involved.

At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration experts with in-depth experience of obtaining and renewing skilled worker sponsor licences. We can work with you to ensure your licence is properly managed and that an application to renew is made by the deadline.

If you neglect to renew your licence, it will lapse, meaning you will not legally be able to employ your overseas workers until you have a valid licence back or you could face enforcement action.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”

The Jinja Tree Restaurant

When Do I Need To Renew A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?

A sponsor licence lasts for four years and needs to be renewed before it expires. An application to renew a sponsor licence can be made up to 90 days before the expiry date. You are strongly advised to apply as soon as you can so reduce the risk of being without a licence should any queries arise over the renewal.

The Sponsor Management System will tell you when your licence is due to expire and nearer the time you should also receive an email reminding you to reapply.

How do I apply to renew a skilled worker sponsor licence?

You will be able to apply to renew the sponsor licence using the Sponsor Management System. We can advise you as to what evidence you will need in support of your application and help you put together all of the necessary documentation.

It is crucial to make sure that nothing is omitted as it could result in a rejection or refusal and you would run the risk of not having a licence in place after the expiry date.
You can start putting together the documentation well in advance of the renewal date to ensure there is no last-minute difficulty. You should also take the opportunity to review your compliance with the licence regulations and check that everything is in order. UK Visas and Immigration are likely to investigate whether all of your records are being kept properly, which could involve a visit to your premises.

How Much Does It Cost To Renew A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?

The sponsor licence renewal fee depends on the size of your business. For a small or charitable organisation, the fee is £536; for a medium or large business, it is £1,476.

What happens if my sponsor licence lapses?

If your sponsor licence is not renewed in time, you will not be able to issue any Certificates of Sponsorship to workers. If a worker is attempting to enter the country to work for you, they could be detained if your licence has lapsed.

Existing workers will not be able to continue to work for you and would have to find a new sponsor, change to a different visa or potentially have to leave the UK.

You are advised to seek legal advice if you find that your sponsor licence has lapsed. We can help you make an emergency application, either to renew the licence or to apply for a new one.

Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors For Skilled Worker Sponsor Licences

Halliday Reeves is a specialist immigration law firm, meaning we have a wide understanding of this complex area of law. If you need to renew a sponsor licence or your sponsor licence has lapsed, we can help you with your application, urgently where necessary.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about applying for a sponsorship licence.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“The Halliday Reeves team have been fantastic from the first engagement to the last in getting our spousal visa approved. Navigating us through the hurdles and ensuring we provided the correct information. Actively chasing up UK immigration to get the matter resolved. A big thank you to Louisa and Hannah for their professionalism, responsiveness, guidance, support, positivity and knowledge to get us through this stressful process. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. Thoroughly recommend, don’t risk doing this on your own, engage the professionals.”

How Much Does A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Cost?

How Much Does A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Cost?
The Halliday Reeves Team

How much does a skilled worker sponsor licence cost? – Employers looking to take on overseas workers need to obtain a sponsorship licence from UK Visas and Immigration. We take a look at the cost of applying for and renewing a sponsor licence.

If you are a UK employer who wants to employ foreign workers, you need a sponsor licence so that you can issue Certificates of Sponsorship. This will allow your potential employees to apply for the visa they need.

At Halliday Reeves, we represent employers in securing sponsor licences. The process can be complicated and UK Visas and Immigration will need to see a comprehensive range of paperwork in support of your application. We work with employers to ensure that the right documents are included so that the application is not rejected.

We know how important it is to be able to take on the talent you need. We can advise you on the sponsor licence process, put together the application on your behalf and prepare detailed representations in support of your application.

We have experience of working with employers in a wide variety of sectors and will be happy to discuss your needs with you.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“The service was great. Hannah helped immensely with informing us of the steps required to get the application through. There was plenty of communication and direction too. We look forward to working more with Halliday Reeves in the future when the need(s) arise.”

How Much Is A Sponsor Licence?

The government fee charges a fee that needs to accompany your sponsor licence application. The amount payable depends on what type of sponsor licence you need and what type of organisation you run.

Type of licence Fee for small or charitable sponsors Fee for medium or large sponsors
Worker £536 £1,476
Temporary Worker £536 £536
Worker and Temporary Worker £536 £ 1,476
Add a Worker licence to an existing Temporary Worker licence No fee £940
Add a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker licence No fee No fee

You will generally be classed as a small sponsor if two of the following apply:

  • Your annual turnover is £10.2 million or less
  • Your total assets are no more than £5.1 million
  • You have no more than 50 employees

You will be considered to be a charitable sponsor where:

  • You are registered as a charity in England or Wales or Scotland or Northern Ireland
  • You are a charity that is excepted from charity registration
  • You are a charity that is exempt from charity registration
  • You are an ecclesiastical corporation and you were established for charitable purposes

Other Potential Sponsorship Licence Costs

If you need a rapid decision on your application, you may be able to pay an additional £500 to have a response within 10 working days. Only a certain number of applications are dealt with on this basis each day and this is on a first come, first served basis. We can advise you as to how to approach this if you need an urgent response.

If your sponsor licence has been downgraded to a B-rating because you did not fully meet your responsibilities as a sponsor, you will need to pay to upgrade your licence back to an A-rating. You will need to do this because you will not be able to issue new certificates if you only have a B-rating. The fee is £1,476 and when you pay this you will be provided with an action plan to follow to achieve the upgrade.

Sponsor licences need to be renewed after four years. This is the case even if you do not intend to take on more new workers from overseas but you still employ existing foreign workers. Your compliance may be investigated at this time to ensure that you are fulfilling your duties as a sponsor licence holder, so it is vital to ensure all of your records are in order before submitting your renewal application. The fee for renewing a sponsor licence is the same as the initial application fee shown above.

Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors For Help With A Sponsor Licence Application

At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration specialists. We routinely help employers secure sponsor licences and we also assist with the ongoing management and compliance responsibilities to ensure that when the time comes, it is straightforward to renew a sponsor licence.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about applying for a sponsorship licence and the implications of becoming a sponsor licence holder.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“The Halliday Reeves team have been fantastic from the first engagement to the last in getting our spousal visa approved. Navigating us through the hurdles and ensuring we provided the correct information. Actively chasing up UK immigration to get the matter resolved. A big thank you to Louisa and Hannah for their professionalism, responsiveness, guidance, support, positivity and knowledge to get us through this stressful process. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. Thoroughly recommend, don’t risk doing this on your own, engage the professionals.”

How Long Does It Take To Get A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?

How long does it take to get a skilled worker sponsor licence?
The Halliday Reeves Team

How Long Does It Take To Get A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence – As an employer hoping to take on foreign workers, you need to hold a sponsor licence. This gives you the authority to issue certificates of sponsorship to workers from overseas that they will need to obtain a visa.

Applying for a sponsor licence is an in-depth process and a substantial amount of documentation is required in support. At Halliday Reeves we specialise in immigration law and we regularly represent employers in applying for a sponsor licence.

We know that being able to employ workers from overseas can be hugely beneficial to UK businesses and we always work proactively to ensure that the application process is dealt with efficiently and without avoidable delay.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a sponsorship licence, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“We would like to thank you for all your hard work and help in obtaining a Tier 2 Visa for myself and my family. Your support is greatly appreciated. The service we received has been excellent and all the team members are very professional”

HG

How Kong Does It Take To Get A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?

We are often asked how long it takes to get a skilled worker sponsor licence, formerly known as a Tier 2 sponsor licence. UK Visas and Immigration advise that most applications are dealt with in less than eight weeks, although you need to take into account the amount of time it will take to put together your application. There may also be delays from time to time if UKVI are dealing with a larger volume of applications than normal and of course, it could take longer if your organisation is large or has a complex structure.

If you need a rapid decision on your application, you may be able to pay an additional £500 to have a response within 10 working days. Only a certain number of applications are dealt with on this basis each day and this is on a first come, first served basis. We can advise you as to how to approach this if you need an urgent response.

It is important to take the time to ensure that your application is correct and that all of the required evidence is included. If errors are made or documents are missing, the application is likely to be refused. Below, we take a look at the application process.

Checking You Are Eligible To Apply For A Sponsor Licence

If you want to employ individuals from outside of the UK you will generally need a skilled worker sponsor licence, unless they are Irish citizens, have indefinite leave to remain in the UK or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

To be eligible to apply for a sponsor licence you cannot have certain unspent criminal convictions or have had a sponsor licence revoked in the past twelve months.
You also need to make sure that the job you intend to fill with an overseas worker is suitable, has an acceptable rate of pay and skill level and that it meets the criteria needed for the visa that will be applied for.

Applying For A Sponsor Licence

Before you apply, you also need to appoint individuals within your organisation who will be responsible for managing the sponsorship process. You will need:

  • An authorising officer – this is the person who will be responsible for the members of your business who use the government’s sponsorship management system to deal with the ongoing requirements of holding a sponsor licence
  • A key contact – the individual who will deal with UK Visas and Immigration
  • A level 1 user – the person responsible for managing your licence and using the online management system

You can use the same person to fulfil all of these roles if you wish.

You will also need to put together evidence in support of your sponsor licence application. Once you have everything that is needed, the application can be made online. You will also need to pay the licence fee at this point. The amount payable depends on what type of licence you are applying for, as well as the size of your organisation.

Evidence Needed In Support Of Sponsorship Licence Application

You will need to provide a substantial number of documents in support of your application. The exact paperwork required will depend on your application and the licence you are seeking, but is likely to include the following as a bare minimum:

  • Written details about your company and its background
  • Recent bank statements
  • Up to date accounts
  • Your VAT registration certificate
  • Your tax details, to include the PAYE reference
  • Your employer’s liability insurance policy giving details of cover, which should be for a minimum of £5 million
  • Confirmation from your bank that you use it and information about the transactions you carry out through it
  • Registration details from any professional body that you are required to have membership of

It is important to be as thorough as possible because if paperwork is omitted, your application will be rejected and it could take a considerable amount of time to reapply.

Our team have a strong track record of success in obtaining sponsor licences for employers and we can advise you of the documents you will need to send in support, ensuring you include everything that will be required.

We always work proactively to make sure that applications are submitted as quickly as possible, while also paying exceptional attention to detail.

Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors For Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Applications

Halliday Reeves is a specialist immigration law firm, meaning we have a wide understanding of this complex area of law. We can put together a comprehensive application for a sponsor licence on your behalf and ensure that all the necessary paperwork is included by way of evidence.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about applying for a sponsorship licence.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”

The Jinja Tree Restaurant

How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Visa

How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Visa
The Halliday Reeves Team

How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa –  A skilled worker visa authorises individuals to come to the UK if they have been offered an eligible job with an employer who has been approved by the Home Office and who has the authority to issue a certificate of sponsorship.

Formerly referred to as a Tier 2 (General) work visa, the UK skilled worker visa is the main immigration route for individuals wishing to take up a job in the UK.

You will need to show that you meet the requirements for the visa and provide a range of documents giving evidence of this along with the completed application.

At Halliday Reeves, we are specialist immigration solicitors, dealing with all aspects of UK immigration. We routinely make applications for skilled worker visas for clients coming to the UK to live and work, ensuring that their visa applications have the best possible chance of success.

We know how important it will be to you to secure a UK skilled worker visa allowing you to take up the job you have been offered. We have an exceptional understanding of both immigration law and the process of obtaining a visa and a strong track record of success in dealing with visa applications.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a sponsorship licence, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“We would like to thank you for all your hard work and help in obtaining a Tier 2 Visa for myself and my family. Your support is greatly appreciated. The service we received has been excellent and all the team members are very professional”

HG

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

To be eligible for a skilled worker visa, you must:

  • Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who has been approved by the Home Office to employ overseas workers
  • The job offer must be on the government’s list of eligible occupations
  • Hold a certificate of sponsorship from your employer
  • Be paid the minimum salary required by the government, which will vary depending on your job

If you do not meet these criteria, you may be eligible for a different type of visa. If you ring to speak to one of our team, we can advise you of your options.

How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Visa UK

Completing The Skilled Worker Visa Application Form

The skilled worker application process is dealt with online. You can apply from outside of the UK or, if you already hold a valid visa and you are living in the UK, from inside the UK. Your partner and children can be included if they are eligible.

Proving Your Identity

You will need to prove your identity. This can be by attending a visa application centre in your location or for those within the UK by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending a biometric centre. You will need to supply your identity documents, which will include your passport or other valid photographic travel identity document.

If you go to a visa application centre, your photo and fingerprints will be taken and you can be issued with a biometric residence permit.

Documents To Accompany Skilled Worker Visa Application

Your application will need to include documents proving that you meet all of the criteria. This includes:

  • Certificate of sponsorship reference number which is on the certificate of sponsorship issued by your employer
  • Evidence that you have a sufficient standard of English, which could be by passing a secure English language test from an approved provider or holding a degree taught in English by an approved provider.
  • A valid passport or similar document showing your identity and nationality
  • Details of your job title and how much you will be paid
  • The occupation code of the job you will be doing
  • Your employer’s name and sponsor licence number which is also on the certificate of sponsorship

You may have to provide other documents in support of your application, such as:

  • Proof that you meet the minimum income requirement, unless your employer will be supporting you and has confirmed that they will do this on your certificate of sponsorship
  • Details of any relevant qualifications you are relying on
  • Documentary evidence of your relationship with your partner or children if they are also applying to come to the UK
  • Tuberculosis test results if you are from an affected country

You must supply a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

There could be other documentation that will be required, depending on your circumstances. If you are not sure what to send, you are strongly advised to speak to an immigration solicitor as your application is likely to be refused or rejected if you do not include the right paperwork.

If you ask us to represent you, we will be able to put together the right documents in support of your skilled worker visa application, reducing the risk of rejection and ensuring your application is dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Skilled Worker Visa Fees And Healthcare Charge

When you apply for a skilled worker visa, you will need to include the fee. This is generally £624 if you are applying from outside of the UK and wish to stay for up to three years.

If you want to stay for longer than three years, the fee is £1,235.

If your job is on the shortage occupation list, for example, many healthcare and education roles, the fee is reduced.

Each applicant needs to pay an application fee and is also required to pay a healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 for each year you will be in the UK.

You must also prove that you have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account, with additional amounts necessary for your partner and children, if they are also applying.

Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors About How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Visa

We deal solely in immigration, meaning we have a comprehensive understanding of this complex area of law. We can apply for a skilled worker visa on your behalf and work with you to make sure that all of the necessary paperwork is in order to accompany your application.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about applying for a skilled worker visa and your particular circumstances.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”

The Jinja Tree Restaurant

How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
The Halliday Reeves Team

How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence – If you are an employer who wishes to take on a worker from outside of the UK, to include from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, you need to know how to get a skilled worker sponsor licence (also known as a sponsor licence and previously known as Tier 2).

A sponsor licence is your authority to employ an overseas worker and to issue a certificate of sponsorship to them, enabling them to apply for a UK visa. Without the certificate, they will not be able to secure the visa they need, so it is an important step.

Applying for a sponsor licence involves completing a complex application and providing evidence that shows your eligibility to hold the licence. If there is a mistake in your application or you do not provide adequate paperwork in support, you are likely to receive a rejection or refusal.

At Halliday Reeves, we apply for sponsor licences for clients in a wide range of sectors, ensuring their application is as strong as possible and that all of the correct documents in support are included. We specialise in immigration, meaning all of our lawyers are experts in this challenging area of law.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a sponsorship licence, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”

The Jinja Tree Restaurant

How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

Eligibility For A Sponsor Licence

As an employer, the first step is to ensure that you are eligible to apply for a sponsor licence. Your application will not be accepted if you have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or a number of other crimes, including money laundering or fraud. You cannot apply for a licence if you have had a previous sponsor licence revoked within the last year.

You will be responsible for monitoring your overseas workers and you should have systems in place ready to do this, to include monitoring their immigration status, recording attendance, keeping records of their documentation and up to date details and reporting any concerns to the authorities. You will also need to appoint individuals to deal with sponsorship paperwork and monitoring.

Application

The application is made online, with the supporting documents emailed in PDF, JPEG or PNG format.

The evidence needed in support depends on the type of business you have, but could include the following:

  • A letter setting out background information about your company
  • Bank statements
  • HM Revenue & Customs details such as your PAYE reference
  • VAT registration certificate
  • Your latest accounts
  • A letter from your business’s bank setting out the dealings it has had with you
  • A copy of your employer’s liability insurance policy held with an authorised insurance company showing that you have cover of £5 million or more
  • Paperwork from any registered body that your business is required to be part of, showing up to date registration

There are many other documents that could be needed, depending on the type of business you run and the category of sponsor licence that you need, and it is important to make sure you provide everything with your application or you are likely to be turned down.

At Halliday Reeves, we have secured skilled worker sponsor licences for clients with a wide range of businesses. We know exactly what is needed for a successful application and we can work with you to ensure you have the best chance of securing a sponsor licence

Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors About How To Get Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

We deal solely in immigration, meaning we have an in-depth understanding of this complex area of law. We can put together a strong application for a skilled worker sponsor licence on your behalf and ensure that all the necessary paperwork is included in support.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about the immigration needs of your business.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

 

“We would like to thank you for all your hard work and help in obtaining a Tier 2 Visa for myself and my family. Your support is greatly appreciated. The service we received has been excellent and all the team members are very professional”

HG

What is the requirement for a UK Spouse visa?

What is the requirement for a UK Spouse visa?
The Halliday Reeves Team

What is the requirement for a UK Spouse visa?  If you are married to a British or Irish citizen, you can apply for a spouse visa to live with them in the UK. The visa lasts for up to two years and six months and it is also possible to extend the visa if you wish.

You will need to satisfy a range of requirements and provide sufficient evidence with your visa application to prove that you are eligible. At Halliday Reeves, our immigration experts regularly secure UK spouse visas for our clients. We can put together the strongest possible application on your behalf and check that all the necessary documents that UK Visas and Immigration will need are included.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a spouse visa, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

What is the requirement for spouse visa at UK?

The first requirements apply to your spouse, who should be:

  • British or Irish or have indefinite leave to remain, refugee status or humanitarian protection or be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and hold pre-settled status, meaning they were living in the UK prior to 1 January 2021
  • Aged 18 or over
  • In a legal marriage with you that is recognised under UK law

The requirements that you will need to satisfy are that you have:

  • An acceptable standard of English
  • You can support yourself and your dependants financially

If you do not satisfy these two criteria, then you may still be eligible for a spouse visa if:

  • You have a child who is British or Irish or who has lived in the UK for seven years or more and it would not be reasonable to require them to leave the UK
  • Your human rights would be breached if you were not granted a visa

Proving you meet the requirements for a spouse visa

UK spouse visa requirements mean that you must provide evidence with your application showing that you satisfy all of the necessary criteria.

UK spouse visa language requirement

You will usually have to prove that your knowledge of the English language meets a certain standard, except in some situations such as if you are over 65 or if you are from certain English-speaking countries or you hold a degree that was taught in English.

Proof is generally provided by taking and passing an approved English language test.

UK spouse visa financial requirement

You and your spouse must have a combined income of £18,600 or more per year.

If you have children who are not British or Irish citizens or do not have pre-settled status or who are not permanently settled in the UK you will also have to show that you have additional income to support them. This is an extra £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 for the next and any subsequent children.

You may be able to use savings if you hold more than £16,000. You can also use income from self-employment or from a company directorship, money from your pension and income from other sources such as share dividends or rental property.

You will need to provide evidence such as payslips, bank statements and a letter from your employer confirming full details of your job, to include your income, job title, contract type and how long you have earned your current salary.

UK spouse visa requirements – fees

You are required to pay a spouse visa application fee. This is £1,523 if you are applying from outside of the UK and £1,052 if you are applying from within the UK.

In addition, you are required to pay the healthcare surcharge. This is generally £624 for each year that your visa lasts.

Other UK spouse visa requirements

You are also required to provide full information in support of your application, including your passport or other valid travel identity document, a copy of your biometric residence permit if you hold one, tuberculosis test results if you are from an affected country and a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Contact our expert spouse visa lawyers

At Halliday Reeves we specialise solely in immigration, meaning we have an exceptional depth of understanding and expertise in this complex area of law.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss the requirement for a UK spouse visa with you and ensure that this is the best immigration option for your circumstances.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a spouse visa, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
The Halliday Reeves Team

The UK biometric residence permit (BRP) is a small card issued by the UK authorities that can be used to confirm your identity as well as your right to study, to claim benefits and to use public services if you are entitled to do so.

It is issued to those seeking to stay in the UK for more than six months and will be dealt with as part of the process of obtaining a visa. If your visa application is approved, your BRP will be available to collect once you are in the UK if you have made an application from outside the UK, if your application is made within the UK it will be delivered. You are likely to be asked for your BRP by landlords, employers or educational establishments.

The BRP does not confirm that you have a right to work or to rent property, which should be dealt with separately online.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

What is a BRP UK?

The BRP is an identity card that includes your name, date of birth, place of birth, fingerprints, photo and immigration status. It will also include any conditions that relate to your stay in the UK and confirm whether you are able to access public funds, such as healthcare or benefits.

Process to obtain BRP in UK

You need to provide your biometric information, ie. your fingerprints and photo, to an official body. If you are applying for a visa from within the UK, you can go to either a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

If you are applying from outside of the UK, you will need to go to a visa application centre.
Your biometric information is recorded by taking a digital photo of your face and scanning your fingerprints while your fingers are placed on a glass screen. The process is quick and does not involve ink.

If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons you do not have to remove this.

Apply for a UK BRP

You can apply for a BRP in the following circumstances:

  • Your passport has expired or been lost
  • You have lost your BRP and need to replace it
  • Your BRP has been damaged or stolen
  • Your BRP has expired and you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK so you need BRP renewal
  • You need to change details on your BRP because your visa details have changed or your appearance has changed or other information has changed, such as your gender or nationality, you have separated from your partner or a child has stopped living with you
  • You need to upgrade to a BRP from an older immigration document

Lost BRP

If you lose your BRP or it is stolen, you should report this straightaway. It is only possible to apply for a replacement from inside the UK. If you are outside of the UK, you should apply for a replacement BRP visa, which will allow you to re-enter the UK. Once you are in the UK, you can then apply for a replacement BRP.

It is important to apply for a replacement within three months of losing a BRP or you could face a substantial fine of up to £1,000 and be required to leave the UK.

Renewal of BRP that has expired

If your BRP has expired, you can fill in an application form to update it.

You will also need to provide documents in support, to include:

  • Proof of identity, such as your passport or other valid travel and identity document
  • Proof of your continuous residence in the UK if you were granted indefinite leave to remain two years or more ago (this could be by producing Council Tax bills, utility bills or a letter from your employer)
  • Your current BRP

Contact our expert BRP lawyers

At Halliday Reeves we specialise solely in immigration, meaning we have an exceptional depth of understanding and expertise in this complex area of law.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss your circumstances and how we can help you.

Securing a BRP is an important part of living in the UK and we can help you ensure that the process goes smoothly and that any visa application you make is as strong as possible, giving you the best chance of success.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

What Is A Spouse Visa UK?

What Is A Spouse Visa UK?
The Halliday Reeves Team

What is a spouse visa UK? A UK spouse visa or UK marriage visa gives an individual permission to come to the UK to live with their spouse, fiancé or partner for more than six months. The spouse, fiancé or partner should be a British or Irish citizen or have settled status.

Overseas citizens who wish to join their husband or wife in the UK will need a valid visa if they wish to stay for longer than six months. This is a visa that will give you the right to work or study in the UK.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

Understanding The UK Spouse Visa

The UK spouse visa is intended to allow couples to live together where they are in a long-term relationship, including marriage or civil partnership.
As well as being available to a spouse of a British or Irish citizen or someone with settled status in the UK, a spouse may also be able to apply to join a partner who has refugee status in the UK or humanitarian protection in the UK.

What Is Spouse Visa UK?

A spouse visa UK allows you to stay in the country for two years and six months, provided you are already married. If you are applying as a fiancé or fiancée or proposed civil partner, then you will be allowed to stay for six months so that you can marry or enter into a civil partnership. You can then apply to extend your stay.

Those holding a spouse visa as a married person or civil partner can apply for a visa to extend their stay before their existing visa expires. Up to 28 days from the old visa can be carried forward to the new visa.

Can I Switch To A Spouse Visa?

Depending on circumstances, you may be able to switch to a spouse visa from another type of visa, provided that your partner is not in the UK on a temporary work or student visa. If they are, you may still be able to stay with them, but you should apply as their dependant.

If you have an existing visa for six months as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner or you have been given permission to stay in the UK to await the outcome of a family court case or a divorce, you can apply to switch to a spouse visa from within the UK.

For other applications, you will need to apply from outside of the UK. This means that if you are in the UK as a visitor or you hold a visa that is valid for no more than six months, you will need to leave the UK and apply to switch to a spouse visa from overseas. The application should be made online.

If your application to switch to a spouse visa is successful, you will be able to stay for two years and six months.

Securing a UK Spouse Visa

The spouse visa application process can be complicated and it is important to ensure that the forms are correctly completed and that you have all of the necessary documents in support. It is often necessary to provide a wide range of evidence along with your spouse visa application.

Our team has extensive experience in making successful spouse visa applications. If you ask us to represent you, we can ensure that you have the correct documents in support and that your application is as strong as possible.

Contact Our Expert Spouse Visa Lawyers

At Halliday Reeves we specialise solely in immigration, meaning we have an exceptional depth of understanding and expertise in this complex area of law.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss your requirements and to ensure you have chosen the best immigration route for your situation.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a spouse visa, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

How To Extend Spouse Visa In The UK

How To Extend Spouse Visa In The UK
The Halliday Reeves Team

If you are living in the UK with your husband or wife, you may wish to renew your UK spouse visa to stay longer. Your original spouse visa will generally be valid for two years and six months. You should apply to extend your stay before your spouse visa expires.

If your spouse or partner is a British or Irish citizen or has settled status in the UK and you live with them under a spouse visa, you can apply to extend this if you wish to stay longer than the initial term.

If your application to extend your spouse visa is granted, you will be given a further two years and six months.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

How To Renew Spouse Visa UK

The requirements for a spouse visa renewal or extension are strict. You will need to prove that your relation is genuine and subsisting and that it is a legally recognised marriage or civil partnership.

In renewing a UK spouse visa, you will also have to provide evidence that you have been living with your husband or wife or civil partner during the time you have spent in the UK so far. In addition, you will need to confirm that you intend to continue to do so.

Financial requirements for renewing UK spouse visa

You will need to show that you and your spouse meet the minimum income requirement of £18,600 per year. If you have children who are not British or Irish citizens or do not otherwise have settled status in the UK, you will also have to show that you have sufficient income to cover their expenses. This is £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for the second and any subsequent children.

Income that can be used towards the required total includes:

  • Income from your UK job as shown on your payslips or P60
  • UK self-employment income, as accounted for on your Self Assessment tax return
  • Money from a pension
  • Income from other sources such as property rental income or share dividend income

It is possible to use cash savings in excess of £16,000 as part of this financial requirement, provided that you can demonstrate where the money came from and it is from an acceptable source.
You can use a combination of income sources to meet the necessary minimum amount.

To prove your income is at the required level, you will need to provide documentary evidence, such as:

  • Payslips for the previous six months
  • Bank statements
  • A letter from your employer (or your spouse’s employer) confirming:
    • That you (or your spouse) work for them
    • Job title or position held
    • Length of employment
    • Whether the employment contract is permanent or fixed term
    • The amount you (or your partner) earn before deductions and for how long you have earned this
    • Confirmation that the payslips you are providing are genuine

English Language Requirement For Spouse Visa Renewal

You will also need to show that you meet the minimum standard in the English language. This can be done by taking an approved English language test, which will check that you can both speak and understand English sufficiently.

Character Requirement To Renew Spouse Visa

The visa authorities will check whether there are any grounds to reject your spouse visa extension request, such as a breach of your immigration and visa conditions or a criminal conviction.

Making A Spouse Visa Renewal Application

Applying to renew or extend a UK spouse visa is not always straightforward. The UK Visas and Immigration authorities need to see a full range of supporting evidence and if some information is left out by mistake, your application will be rejected.

We can put together a strong application on your behalf and ensure that you have the best possible chance of success.

Contact Our Expert Spouse Visa Lawyers

At Halliday Reeves we specialise solely in immigration, meaning we have an exceptional depth of understanding and expertise in this complex area of law.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss how to extend spouse visa in UK and ensure that this is the best immigration option for your circumstances.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

How Long Is A Spouse Visa Valid For UK?

How Long Is A Spouse Visa Valid For UK?
The Halliday Reeves Team

How long is a spouse visa valid for UK? A spouse visa gives a husband or wife permission to live with their spouse who is a British or Irish citizen or who is legally settled in the UK. We take a look at when a spouse visa expires and how long you can stay in the UK on a spouse visa.

To obtain a spouse visa, you will need to provide UK Visas and Immigration with proof of your marriage to a British or Irish citizen or to an individual who has the right to live in the UK because they have indefinite leave to remain or are permanently resident in the country. Refugees and those with Humanitarian protection may also apply for a spouse visa if their marriage took place after they fled from their country.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

When does a spouse visa expire?

A UK spouse visa is valid for two years and six months, or 30 months. After this time, you will need another visa or you will be required to leave the UK.

If you switched to the spouse visa or you have previously extended it, you can stay in the UK for two years and six months, or 30 months.

Renewing a spouse visa

A spouse visa must be renewed before it expires to avoid the need to leave the country. The same application process will need to be gone through as when the initial visa application was made. It is important that the correct information is provided in support or you could find that your application is rejected or refused and you are no longer able to stay in the UK, at least until a fresh application is made and accepted.

If you make a successful application to extend a spouse visa, you will be granted an additional two years and six months, or 30 months.

Indefinite leave to remain

Once you have spent five years in the UK with a valid spouse visa as the husband or wife of a British or Irish citizen or someone who is legally settled in the UK, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. This will also need to be done before your spouse visa expires to ensure you do not have to leave the country at any point.

You must have lived with your spouse since your last visa renewal and be intending to continue your relationship.

You can only include time spent in the UK under your spouse visa towards the required five year period and not time under another visa or as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner.
You will also have to continue to satisfy other requirements, including the minimum income requirement and knowledge of language and life in the UK.

Applying to extend a UK spouse visa

With a UK spouse visa valid for 30 months or less, you will need to apply to extend it if you wish to stay for longer than that. Our immigration experts can put together a strong application on your behalf and ensure that all of the relevant documentation is included in support, to give you the best possible chance of success.

Contact our expert spouse visa lawyers

At Halliday Reeves we specialise solely in immigration, meaning we have an exceptional depth of understanding and expertise in this complex area of law.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss your requirements and to ensure you have chosen the best immigration route for your situation.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form

How Much Does A UK Spouse Visa Cost?

How Much Does A UK Spouse Visa Cost?
The Halliday Reeves Team

If you are married to a UK citizen or someone with leave to remain in the UK, you may be eligible for a spouse visa, allowing you to spend up to two years and six months in the UK with your husband or wife. We answer the question, ‘how much does a UK spouse visa cost?’

There are a number of charges involved with obtaining a UK visa. The level of some fees depends on whether you will be applying for the visa from outside or inside the UK and the speed of response that you would like.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

How Much A Is Spouse Visa UK?

The application fee depends on where you are applying. For those applying from outside of the UK, the cost is £1,523. If you will be applying from within the UK, the cost is £1,052.
Please be advised the fee when applying from outside the UK may vary as the fee is converted to the local currency rate of the Country and may be higher or lower depending on the conversion rates at the time

The Healthcare Surcharge

As well as paying the UK spouse visa application fee, you will also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £624 per year. This means that the healthcare surcharge for up to three years is £1,560. It is important to ensure that this is paid in full as part of your application. If it is not, you will receive an email prompting you to pay within ten working days if you are in the UK or within seven working days if you are outside of the UK. If you miss this deadline, your visa application will be turned down.

Please be advised the fee when applying from outside the UK may vary as the fee is converted to the local currency rate of the Country and may be higher or lower depending on the conversion rates at the time

Biometric Residence Permit Fee

Providing your biometric information to accompany your visa application can be done from a visa application centre either within the UK or outside of the UK. You will have a digital photo taken of your face and provide your fingerprints. The cost at a UK centre is usually £125-150, this is dependant upon which visa centre the appointment is made in at the time of submission. If you apply from outside of the UK, the cost will be included in your application fee.

Fee For A Faster Decision

If you apply for a spouse visa from outside of the UK, the authorities will aim to provide you with a decision within twelve weeks. If you apply from within the UK, you should receive a decision within eight weeks.

If you need a faster decision, you can apply for a priority service. This will cost an additional £500 and you should receive a decision within five working days from the date of your appointment at a UK Visa and Citizen Application Services appointment centre or, if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, from the working day after you have uploaded all of the required documents.

You may be able to ask for a super priority service, which will mean you have a decision by the end of the following working day. This is not available if you are using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. The super priority service costs an extra £800.

Please be advised the priority services are not always available and we will be able to advise at the time if this service is available

Our UK Spouse Visa Application Service

Obtaining a spouse visa is not always straightforward and it can require a substantial amount of accompanying paperwork by way of supporting evidence. Our immigration team can put together a spouse visa application on your behalf, using their extensive understanding of the requirements to ensure that you have the best possible chance of success.

We can also talk through the financial element of your application, to include the minimum income requirement that you will need and how you will need to prove this.
For more information, see How to apply for a spouse visa.

Contact Us

At Halliday Reeves we specialise in immigration, meaning we have in-depth understanding and experience of this complex area of law. If you are seeking a spouse visa and you have any questions, such as how much does a spouse visa cost UK, please feel free to give us a call.

We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss your requirements, issues such as how much is a spouse visa UK and to ensure you have chosen the best immigration options for your circumstances.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

How To Apply For A Spouse Visa

How To Apply For A Spouse Visa
The Halliday Reeves Team

The UK Spouse visa permits the partner of a British citizen or of someone with indefinite leave to remain in the country to live with their spouse in the UK.

We take a look at how to apply for a spouse visa and what documents you will need to send with your application.

To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

Requirements For A UK Spouse Visa

To apply for a spousal visa, you need to be married to or in a civil partnership with a British or Irish citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain or settled status in the UK, a UK refugee or someone with humanitarian protection in the UK.

You will need to be able to prove the following to UK Visas and Immigration:

  • That your relationship is genuine
  • You intend to live permanently together
  • You can support yourself financially, which means you and your spouse have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year. Additional income is needed if you will be bringing your children with you, in the sum of £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 each for any subsequent children. Alternatively, if you have savings, they may be sufficient to satisfy the financial requirements.
  • You may be exempt from showing financial support and will only be required to provide proof of adequate maintenance if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit
  • Your knowledge of the English language is at the required level

How To Apply For Spouse Visa UK

Application for a UK spouse visa needs to be made online and you will need to pay the application fee.

In submitting your application for a UK spouse visa, you will need to provide proof of your eligibility by including the right documents in support.
This will generally include the following:

  • Marriage certificate showing you are in a marriage that is recognised in the UK or a civil partnership certificate
  • Photos and other evidence of any Ceremony
  • Evidence of contact eg social media, plane tickets, cards etc
  • Bank statements showing the necessary level of income for you and your spouse
  • Financial documents to satisfy the financial requirements
  • Evidence that you have the necessary level of English, which could either be:
    • By providing a copy of a degree from a UK university or a degree taught in English from an overseas university together with a certificate from Ecctis confirming your degree is of the required level and that it was taught in English; or
    • By passing an approved English language test

You will also need to provide the following information and evidence needed for a UK visa application:

  • Your full name and date of birth
  • Your current passport or other valid travel identity document
  • A copy of the photo page and visa stamps in any expired passports
  • Biometric identity details
  • Details of any previous immigration applications you have made
  • Details of any criminal convictions
  • Your national insurance number, if you have one
  • Your parents’ dates of birth and nationality, if you are applying from outside of the UK
  • Tuberculosis test results if you are from a country where this is required
  • Certified translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh

Your passport should have a blank page available for the visa to be added.

Making a spousal visa application is not always straightforward and applications are often rejected if the right documentary evidence is not included.

Our team of experts will:

  • Assess your eligibility
  • Go through the documents you have available and ensure that you provide the right supporting paperwork to give you the best possible chance of success.
  • Prepare any Statements required
  • Obtain translations of supporting documents
  • Liaise with the Home Office during your application
  • Accurately complete your application
  • Prepare a detailed Letter of Representation to support your application

Contact Us

At Halliday Reeves we specialise solely in immigration, meaning we have in-depth knowledge and experience of this complex area of law. If you have any questions about how to apply for spouse visa in UK, please give us a call. We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss your needs and advise you on the best immigration options for your circumstances.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

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