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Essential Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa

Author : shaun alexcane | Published On : 27 May 2024

 

If you want to join your spouse in the UK, you'll need to apply for a UK Spouse Visa. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK with your partner. Here are the essential requirements you need to meet to get a UK Spouse Visa.

1. Relationship Requirements

To apply for a Spouse Visa UK, you must prove that you are in a genuine relationship with your partner. Here’s what you need to show:

  • Marriage or Civil Partnership: You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a person who is a British citizen, settled in the UK, or has refugee status.
  • Living Together: You need to provide evidence that you have lived together or met in person. This can include photos, travel records, and letters from friends and family.
  • Genuine Relationship: You must prove that your relationship is real and not just for the visa. This can include communication records, joint financial commitments, and plans for the future.

2. Financial Requirements

You and your partner must have enough money to support yourselves without needing public funds. The financial requirements include:

  • Income Threshold: Your partner in the UK must earn at least £18,600 per year. If you have children, this amount increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
  • Savings: If your partner doesn’t meet the income threshold through their salary, savings can be used to meet the requirement. They must have at least £62,500 in savings if there is no salary income.
  • Source of Income: Income can come from employment, self-employment, pension, or other legitimate sources. You will need to provide documents like payslips, bank statements, and tax returns.

3. Accommodation Requirements

You must have a place to live in the UK. The accommodation should be:

  • Adequate and Suitable: The home should not be overcrowded, and it must meet health and safety standards.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence such as a rental agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from a landlord.

4. English Language Requirements

To ensure you can communicate and integrate into UK life, you must meet the English language requirement. You can do this by:

  • Passing a Test: Take an approved English language test and pass at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
  • Qualifications: If you have a degree that was taught or researched in English, you may not need to take the test. You’ll need to provide proof of your qualification.

5. Other Requirements

There are a few additional requirements you need to consider:

  • Age: Both you and your spouse must be at least 18 years old.
  • Health: You may need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application. This will allow you to use the National Health Service (NHS).
  • Good Character: You should not have a criminal record or any immigration violations.

Application Process

  1. Online Application: Complete the application form online. You will need to pay the application fee.
  2. Submit Documents: Gather and submit all required documents. This includes your passport, proof of relationship, financial documents, accommodation details, and proof of English language ability.
  3. Biometrics: Provide your fingerprints and a photo at a visa application center.
  4. Decision: After you submit your application, it will be processed, and you will receive a decision. This can take several weeks, so apply well in advance.

After You Get Your Visa

Once you receive your UK Spouse Visa extension, you can travel to the UK to join your partner. The visa is usually granted for 30 months. Before it expires, you can apply to extend it. After living in the UK for five years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which allows you to stay in the UK permanently.

In summary, applying for a UK Spouse Visa requires meeting several important criteria, including proving your relationship, meeting financial and accommodation standards, and demonstrating your English language ability. By carefully preparing your application and providing all necessary documents, you can increase your chances of a successful visa application.