UK spouse visa / UK marriage visa

What is a spouse visa? 

AKA UK marriage visa, spouse visa allows unmarried partners of UK citizens to emigrate to the UK, as they are married to someone who is 'settled in the UK' - ie, a person who is ordinarily resident in the UK and has no immigration restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK 

Can I work with a spouse visa? 

Yes, you are eligible to work or study in the UK after the grant of the visa. 

Spouse Visa requirements 

To qualify for a spouse visa / marriage UK must meet the following requirements: 

You and your spouse must be 18 years or older. 

You must have met with others and be legally married - this is to prevent arranged marriages. 

You must intend to live together permanently. 

You should have enough money to support themselves (and their dependents) without claiming public funds. 

Your partner sponsor must earn over £ 18,600 per year or have sufficient savings to sponsor. The minimum financial requirement is higher if they are also sponsoring dependent children. 

You must have suitable accommodation for you, your spouse and your dependents. 

You must meet the English language requirements. 

How I can apply for a spouse visa? 

You can apply for a spouse visa from abroad or within the UK. 

If you are already in the UK on a fiance visa, work visa or student visa in force for more than six months, you may be able to switch to a spousal visa. 

How long does the application? 

The average time for processing an application for a spouse visa is 2-12 weeks from the date you submit the application to the UKBA. Processing times vary depending on the country where the application is filed. 

How long does a spouse visa? 

If applying from overseas, spouse visa is initially issued for 33 months. If you are applying from the UK spouse visa is issued for a period of 30 months. 

Can I extend my spouse visa? 

You may request an extension for another 30 months, which can bring your total time in the UK on this visa for up to five years. At this point, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) provided you are still married and living in the UK with your spouse and continue to meet the maintenance requirements. After you have been granted ILR you may be eligible to apply for naturalization as a British citizen. 

Released Spouse visa entry 

If you are looking to enter the UK on the basis of their relationship with a UK national must apply for entry clearance before arriving in the UK. 

If you are applying from inside the UK must have a residence permit in the UK with a visa that is valid for six months at the time of application. 

You can not switch to a spouse visa if you are already in the UK and was initially admitted for a period of less than six months - for example, if you were initially admitted enter as a visitor or prospective student. 

English language requirements for partners 

As a spouse visa applicant must be able to demonstrate that you can speak and understand English. 

Must meet the English language requirement if: 

You are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland; and You are in a relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the United Kingdom; and You want to migrate to the UK as the spouse of that person. 

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country or do not have a degree taught in English, then you will have to pass an English language test from an approved test provider. 

If you are applying from abroad we can arrange for you to take a test of English language approved in their country of origin. 

Contact us to learn more about English language requirements. 

Dependent spouse visa 

Children under 18 years old can enter the UK as your dependents. You must apply them, while doing his spouse visa application. Please note that your spouse sponsor must show income of a certain amount, whose level varies depending on the number of dependent children is sponsored.