Switching from Skilled Worker to Spouse visa
- Details
- Written by: Wembley Solicitors
You can apply to switch to a Spouse visa if you are already in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa category and wish to join your spouse or partner in the UK.
To be eligible, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria for a Spouse visa, including being married to or in a civil partnership with a person who is settled in the UK (a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain). You must also provide evidence of a genuine relationship and meet the financial requirements.
If you want to switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa, we can help with your UK Spouse visa application. Call our family visa solicitor at 020 3417 3700.
Table of Contents
- What is a Spouse visa UK?
- What are the disadvantages of switching from a Skilled Worker to a Spouse visa?
- Who can switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa?
- How to switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa UK?
- What are the Spouse visa eligibility requirements?
- UK Spouse visa processing time from inside the UK
- Spouse visa solicitors in London
- Immigration lawyer fees for switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa UK
- Need legal advice & assistance?
What is a Spouse visa UK?
A Spouse visa, also known as a Marriage visa, is a type of UK family visa that allows individuals to join their spouse or partner who is a British citizen or a settled person in the UK.
You may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a spouse once you have completed 5 years on a spouse visa under a 5-year route.
What are the disadvantages of switching from a Skilled Worker to a Spouse visa?
Switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa in the UK can have some disadvantages, depending on your personal circumstances and goals.
The main disadvantages are listed below:
- Both Skilled Worker and Spouse visas give a route to settlement after 5 years. However, if you are switching to a Partner/Spouse visa, you cannot carry over time spent under the Skilled Worker visa category. The clock to settlement status will reset once the applicant switches.
- If your relationship with your spouse or partner breaks down while you're on a Spouse visa, you could face immigration issues. You may need to apply for another visa or leave the UK, depending on your circumstances.
It's important to carefully consider your personal circumstances and long-term plans before switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa.
Who can switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa?
To switch between these two visas, you must:
- Be in the UK on a valid work visa, such as a:
- Skilled Worker visa (formerly known as Tier 2 General)
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Minister of Religion visa (T2)
- Not have breached any of the conditions of your Skilled Worker visa
- Be married to, or be in a civil partnership with someone who is any of the following:
- a British citizen
- a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- a person with pre-settled status, settled status, or refugee status
- Meet all the Spouse visa eligibility requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules
How to switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa UK?
To switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa in the UK, you can follow these general steps:
- Assess your eligibility for a Spouse visa application (if not sure, our immigration solicitors can help)
- Complete and submit the Spouse visa application form online
- Pay the Spouse visa application fee
- Pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
- Upload documents in support of a Spouse visa application
- Book and attend a biometric appointment
- Wait for the decision (usually takes up to 8 weeks)
What are the Spouse visa eligibility requirements?
The main requirements for a UK Spouse visa application under 5-year route are as follows:
- Both, you and your partner must be 18 or over
- You need to prove that your relationship is genuine and you intend to live together permanently in the UK
- You need to meet the financial requirements to prove that you can support your family without seeking public funds
- You must meet the requirement of adequate accommodation
- You must satisfy the English language requirements to prove your knowledge of the English language.
You must meet all other requirements depending on your circumstances. Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding a Spouse visa application under the 5-year route.
UK Spouse visa processing time from inside the UK
The processing time for the Spouse visa application is around 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK using a standard service. However, you may be eligible to use the 'super priority service' to get a faster decision.
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 Skilled Worker 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?
We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish.
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.
Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.
You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.
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.
