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.
