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 UK Spouse Visa, you must be married to or in a civil partnership with one of the following:
- A British or Irish citizen
- A person who holds indefinite leave to remain or settled status in the UK
- A refugee or someone with humanitarian protection in the UK
When applying, you will need to demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that:
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing
- You and your partner intend to live together permanently in the UK
- You can meet the financial requirements, either through your sponsor’s income or through personal savings. If you are bringing children with you, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to support them as well
- You may be exempt from meeting the standard financial requirement if your sponsor receives certain qualifying benefits. In this case, you must show that you have adequate maintenance available
- Your sponsor has suitable accommodation in the UK where you can live together
- You meet the required level of English language ability
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
- Evidence that your UK accomodation is adequate
- 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 enquiry service to discuss your needs and advise you on the best immigration options for your circumstances.
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.
