Switching from a UK Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa
- Details
- Written by: Wembley Solicitors
You can switch to a Spouse visa from inside or outside the UK before the expiry of your Fiancé(e) visa if you meet all the eligibility requirements. Applicants can apply 28 days before the expiry of the Fiancé(e) visa.
If you want to switch from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa, we can help with your UK Spouse visa application. Call our spouse visa solicitor at 020 3417 3700.
Table of Contents
- What is the difference between a Fiancé(e) visa and a Spouse visa?
- How to switch from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa UK?
- Which documents are required for switching from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa?
- UK Spouse visa processing time
- Spouse visa solicitors in London
- Immigration lawyer fees for switching from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa UK
- Need legal advice & assistance?
What is the difference between a Fiancé(e) visa and a Spouse visa?
A Fiancé(e) visa, also known as an Engagement visa, is a type of UK family visa that grants you permission to enter the UK for the purpose of getting married to your Fiancé(e) who is a British citizen or a person with UK settled status. Generally, it grants a limited period of stay (up to 6 months) in the UK to complete the marriage ceremony. After the marriage takes place, you can then apply for a Spouse visa.
In summary, a Fiancé(e) visa is for individuals who are engaged and plan to get married, while a Spouse visa is for individuals who are already legally married and wish to join their spouse in the UK.
How to switch from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa UK?
You can apply online to switch Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa from inside or outside the UK if you meet all the eligibility requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
To switch from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa in the UK, you can follow these general steps:
- Ensure that you and your partner meet the eligibility requirements for a spouse visa.
- Visit the UK Visas and Immigration website and create an online account.
- Log in to your online account and complete the spouse visa application form.
- Submit all necessary documents to support your application.
- Pay the Spouse visa application fee
- Pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
- After completing the online application and paying the fees, you'll be prompted to schedule a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.
- Attend the biometric appointment and submit all required documents, including your biometric information.
- Wait for the decision. You'll be notified of the decision on your application.
Which documents are required for switching from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa?
To switch from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa, you may need to provide certain documents to demonstrate your eligibility as a married couple. The specific requirements can vary depending on your personal circumstances. However, here is a general list of documents that are commonly required:
- Valid passports: Both you and your spouse will need to provide valid passports or travel documents to establish your identities.
- Proof of marriage: You will typically need to provide a valid marriage certificate or proof of a legally recognised marriage.
- Proof of genuine relationship: This may include evidence that you and your spouse have been living together, such as joint bank statements or utility bills etc.
- Financial documents: You need to provide evidence of meeting the financial requirements, which might include payslips, bank statements, etc.
- English language requirements: Depending on the country, you may need to prove your English language proficiency.
- Criminal record checks: You and your spouse may need to provide a criminal record check or a police clearance certificate from each country where you have lived for a certain period of time.
- TB test: Tuberculosis (TB) test is required to support your visa application (if applicable to your country).
The above list is not exhaustive, and the actual requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances. It is highly recommended to seek legal advice to ensure you provide all the necessary documents for a successful visa application.
UK Spouse visa processing time
Currently, the UK Spouse visa application processing time is up to 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK. Time starts from the date of your appointment at the visa application centre.
Spouse visa solicitors in London
Our expert team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers will be able to assist you with any type of UK Family visa or immigration application.
Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:
- Provide detailed immigration advice.
- Assess your personal circumstances and eligibility for a UK Family visa.
- Assess the eligibility of your sponsor.
- Explain the entire UK Family visa application process.
- Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
- Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
- Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letters for the Home Office UKVI in reference to the Immigration Rules.
- Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
- Upload all the supporting documents.
- Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
- Keep you updated with every stage of your application.
Contact our UK Family visa solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your UK visa application.
Immigration lawyer fees for switching from a Fiancé(e) visa to a Spouse visa UK
Our immigration solicitors charge a fixed fee in the region of £800 to £1000 plus VAT for complete legal services in relation to the UK Spouse visa application.
Need Legal Advice & Assistance?
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Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.
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Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.