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UK Spouse Visa Application: These Are the Necessary Requirements

The United Kingdom is a premier destination for couples seeking to build their lives together. For those married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status, applying for a spouse visa in the UK is the initial step towards joining your beloved in the UK and embarking on a new chapter.

 

However, what does the process entail, and what are the prerequisites for a UK spouse visa?

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the spouse visa requirements for the UK, covering all aspects from eligibility criteria to financial requirements and essential documentation.

 

Whether you are already acquainted with the spouse visa process or are embarking on this journey for the first time, this guide will provide clarity and direction.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK spouse visa, also known as a family visa, allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or someone with settled status (such as indefinite leave to remain) to live and work in the UK.

The visa is initially granted for 30 months, and you can apply for an extension after this period. After five years of residency on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), followed by British citizenship.

 

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Spouse Visa

Before diving into the required documents, it’s essential to ensure you meet the spouse visa eligibility requirements. Here are the basic conditions you must satisfy:

1. Relationship Requirements

  • You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone who holds settled status.
  • You must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting, which can be demonstrated through evidence of living together, communication, and shared financial responsibilities.
  • If you are applying as an unmarried partner, you must have lived together for at least two years.

2. Age Requirement

  • Both the applicant and their partner must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

3. Financial Requirements

  • You and your partner must have a combined minimum income of £18,600 per year. If you have dependent children, this threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
  • If you do not meet the income requirement through salary, you can supplement it with savings (the amount required depends on your income shortfall).
  • Income can be demonstrated through employment, self-employment, pensions, or other legitimate income sources.

4. English Language Requirement

  • You must prove your ability to speak and understand English. This can be done by:
    • Passing an approved English language test at level A1.
    • Holding a degree taught in English.
    • Being from a country that is exempt from this requirement (such as the US or Canada).

5. Accommodation Requirement

  • You must provide proof of adequate accommodation for yourself, your partner, and any dependents. This accommodation must meet the UK’s living standards and be owned or rented by either you or your partner.

 

Required Documents for the UK Spouse Visa

When applying for a spouse visa, you will need to gather specific documents to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements:

  • Proof of Relationship:
    • Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
    • Evidence of communication (emails, messages, phone logs).
    • Photos together or proof of cohabitation.
  • Financial Documents:
    • Payslips for the last six months.
    • Bank statements showing income deposits.
    • A letter from your employer confirming your employment and salary.
  • Proof of Accommodation:
    • Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
    • Property inspection report showing that the property meets the required living standards.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency:
    • English language test certificate (if applicable).
    • Degree certificate (if applicable).
  • Other Supporting Documents:
    • Passports or travel documents for both the applicant and their partner.
    • Immigration history, if applicable.

Application Process for the UK Spouse Visa

1. Submit the Application Online

The application for a UK spouse visa is submitted online via the UK government’s visa and immigration website. You will need to complete the application form, provide your documents, and pay the visa fee.

2. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge

As part of the application, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The IHS fee is currently £624 per year.

3. Attend a Biometric Appointment

After submitting your application, you’ll be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph for your biometric residence permit.

4. Wait for a Decision

The processing time for a spouse visa application can take up to 12 weeks, though priority services are available for faster processing.

 

UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements in Detail

One of the most daunting challenges for applicants is meeting the financial requirements for the UK spouse visa. Let’s delve deeper into how these income thresholds function:

 

– **Main Applicant:** The income threshold for the primary applicant is £18,600.

– **First Child:** The income threshold for the first child increases by £3,800, bringing it to £22,400.

– **Additional Children:** Each additional child’s income threshold is £2,400 higher, resulting in an income threshold of £25,200 for the third child and so on.

 

If you fall short of meeting the income threshold, you can rely on cash savings exceeding £16,000. These savings must be held for a minimum of six months. For instance, to compensate for a shortfall of £5,000, you would need to have savings of £25,000.

 

Applicants have the flexibility to combine various income sources to meet the financial requirement. This includes employment income, pension income, and non-employment income such as rental income or dividends.

How Long Does the UK Spouse Visa Last?

Once granted, the spouse visa is valid for 30 months. Before it expires, you can apply for an extension, granting you another 30 months of residency in the UK.

After spending five years in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which is the first step toward British citizenship.

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