Spouse Visa

 The UK Spouse Visa enables the wife, husband or civil partner of a British citizen or qualifying settled person to live in the UK. Successful applicants can work, study and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing the required residence period.

Who Can Apply? 

To qualify, both you and your partner must generally be aged 18 or over. Your sponsoring partner must usually be one of the following:

• A British citizen.
• An Irish citizen.
• A person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• A person with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
• A person holding another qualifying immigration status under the Immigration Rules.

UK Spouse Visa Requirements

Applicants typically need to demonstrate that:

• Their marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised.
• The relationship is genuine and subsisting.
• They intend to live together permanently.
• They meet the financial requirement.
• They satisfy the English language requirement.
• They have suitable accommodation available in the UK.

Financial Requirements

For most new partner visa applications, applicants and sponsors must demonstrate a combined gross annual income of at least £29,000.

Income may be derived from various permitted sources, including:

• Employment income.
• Self-employment income.
• Pension income.
• Non-employment income.
• Cash savings in qualifying circumstances.

Different rules may apply where the sponsoring partner receives specified disability-related or carer's benefits, or where the applicant falls within transitional arrangements

Accommodation Requirement 

Most applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet the suitable accommodation requirement.

Certain applicants may also need to provide a Tuberculosis test certificate. This depends on if you are applying for entry clearance only and your country of origin is on the Home Office list of TB test requirements.

English Language Requirements

Most applicants must demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of the English language as part of their application.

The evidence required will depend on individual circumstances and may include:

• An approved English language test.
• A qualifying academic degree taught in English.
• Exemptions available under the Immigration Rules

Contact Biscoes Solicitors:

If you wish to join your partner in the UK or require assistance with a spousal visa application, our expert immigration team is here to help. Contact Biscoes Solicitors today at info@biscoes-law.co.uk for professional advice on UK Spouse Visa and Unmarried Partner Visa applications