An Easy Guide to Applying for a Spouse Visa

Let’s say you’re working in the UK and want to bring your spouse to the country from overseas. In order to qualify for a UK spouse visa, you and your partner will need to satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Both have to be 18 or over
• You need to be legally married (this is done to avoid forced or arranged marriages)
• Both must intend to live with one another permanently
• You (the spouse in UK) must have enough money to support both of you, so there’s no claiming public funds
• You (the sponsoring partner) must earn more than £1550 PCM or must have enough savings to sponsor your spouse. Keep in mind that this amount may increase if you’re also sponsoring any dependent children
• You must have proper evidence of suitable accommodation for you and your spouse (as well as any dependents)
• You must both speak English i.e. you must satisfy English language requirements

The Basics of Applying for a UK Spouse Visa

If you and your spouse satisfy the above requirements, you are allowed to apply for a spouse visa.

Your spouse may do so from overseas or even if they are in the UK. If they’re in the UK on a work or student visa that has been valid for more than six months, they can avail the option to switch their visa to a spouse visa.

The average time of processing for spouse visa is around 2-12 weeks, from the date that the application was submitted. However, this processing time may vary, depending on the country you’re applying from.

For those applying from within the UK, the valid time is usually for 30 months. For those overseas, the visa may be issued for 33 months.

As for extension, the visa may be extended for 30 more months, which will take you to a total of 5 years. Once you’ve received your extension, you can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain, although you will still need to be married and be living in the country with your spouse. Once you receive your ILR, you will be eligible to apply to become a British Citizen.

A Note

You cannot apply to switch to a spouse visa from within the UK if you’re on a visit visa, or are here as a prospective student.

Also, if you are not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need to pass an English language test (TOEFL or IELTS) from an approved test provider.

 Need Help?

With Wembley Solicitors on the job, you’ll have no problem with your spouse visa. Contact our Middlesex office today at 020 3417 3700.