What to Do When Your Spouse Visa Gets Refused

It is indeed heartbreaking.

You’ve done all your paperwork, you’ve paid all your fees and you have you’ve been jumpy ever since you applied for the visa. Yet, the worst has happened even after all your hard work.

Your spouse visa has unfortunately been refused.

It is incredibly distressing but understandable if you feel angry. However, rather than focusing on the injustice of the HO’s decision, we think it’s much better if you dedicate all this energy to their reasoning, why they decided to refuse your spousal visa, and what you have to do next.

Applying for a UK Spouse Visa

Let’s get something out of the way first.

While you might feel disgruntled and resentful toward the Home Office now, understand that the decision made by them is based on the documents you sent them, and solely based on that. It is not a personal attack. If your visa was refused, there is a strong chance that the documents or lack thereof might be to blame.

The Home Office is very strict with their judgment criteria. You have to be well-aware of everything that you’re sending them, because truth be told, even if they find a specific paragraph or comment in your application that does not match their requirements, they will make that the basis of their refusal.

This isn’t to scare you though. But to warn you that the UK spouse visa process is not something to be taken lightly.

Moving on from that, here are some reasons which may have prompted Home Office to refuse your visa:

– Financial Issues

This is the most common reason cited by the Home Office for refusals. Showing your finances is one thing. However, the UK visa system requires you to show a certain amount in your bank account so you can support your spouse. This amount depends on your income and financial status; although there are certain minimum requirements. Also, you need to show consistency in your finances as well. Unnaturally large money transactions are a red flag.

– Lack of English Speaking and Writing Skills

This is a requirement that needs to be satisfied by the applicant, not the sponsor. The applicant needs to show that they have a sufficient grasp over the English language. Only a verbal command isn’t enough. The applicant will need to give proof that they know the language by either providing their TOEFL or IELTS score.

– Insufficient Proof of Relationship

This is a problematic issue however there is a substantial reason behind this specific requirement by the Home Office. The UK government has special clauses in place to stop any forced marriages, which is why they require couples to provide any evidence which shows that they’ve been in contact with each other and in fact, have a legitimate marriage. That proof could be chat history, any evidence of gifts that the couple might have sent to one another or any evidence of their meet-up.

What Should You Do Next?

If your visa has been refused, there might be a chance that you can appeal for a review, in which case you’ll need legal help.

Wembley Solicitors in London is a leading law firm that can help you prepare for your UK visa applications. Whether you’re anxious about your spouse visa application or moving forward with an appeal, we can help you take your next step!

Contact us today and let us know all the details of your case. Call 020 3417 3700.