If you are in a relationship with your partner who is a British national, you can apply to join them and live in the UK for settlement purposes. If you are already living in the UK with your spouse or partner, you may be able to apply for further leave under this category under certain criteria.

The definition of ‘Spouse Visa’ includes: husband, wife, civil partner and unmarried partner. We understand that this can be a challenging time whilst you may be undergoing a major transition in your life. Aschfords Law will relieve you of the additional stresses and help you through the application process.

If you are eligible for this spouse visa you will initially be granted leave for 2 and a half years. When this visa expires you can apply to stay in the UK for a further 2 and a half years, provided you meet the visa requirements. If at the end of 5 years you continue to meet the requirements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

To meet the visa requirements for a spouse visa you must be able to show that:

  • - both parties are over the age of 18
  • your relationship is 'genuine and subsisting’ and you intend to live permanently in the UK with your partner
  • your marriage or civil relationship is recognized by UK law
  • you can support yourselves and any dependents you may have without claiming public benefits
  • you have sufficient knowledge of the English language
  • you meet the suitability requirements

If you are applying as a fiancé, fiancée, spouse visa or proposed civil partner you must prove that any of your previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended and you plan to marry or become civil partners within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

If you are already in the UK and would like to extend your stay as a partner of a British citizen and want to instant spouse visa, you can apply for further leave to remain. You must meet the relevant criteria including the above and make a valid application. Our committed and experienced team of UK immigration advisors will be happy to guide you through the process.

Professional fees:

Normally, instructions in respect of all UK spouse visa matters are undertaken on the basis of an agreed fixed fee having consideration of the complexity of the matter and the level of expertise involved. All disbursements are additional such as the Home Office / Visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge fee. If we are unable to agree a fixed fee, our standard hourly rate will be £300 plus vat equating to £360 (if applicable).

Our agreed fixed fee usually includes meeting with one of our experienced solicitors to establish the details of your case, advice on your option(s) and merits in the matter, guidance in collating supporting and relevant documents; preparing and submitting the application/representations with the Home Office / British High Commission in your home country and advising you on the likely outcome(s) of your matter.

Time scale:

Upon receiving instructions, we will provide you with an initial list of spouse visa documents. Thereafter, we shall provide a comprehensive list of documents tailored to your individual circumstances. If your matter is urgent it will be dealt with as a priority. As soon as we have received the requested information and supporting documents and we have reviewed your matter, we shall prepare spouse visa list and submit your application with the relevant Immigration department bearing in mind applicable deadlines. The timescale on when a decision will be received will depend on the type of application being made and backlog of the decision making body. On average it may take 2-6 weeks for the visa officer to issue a decision or 6-9 months if it is an application submitted from in-country. We shall keep you informed of the progress of your matter throughout the entire application process.

Please contact us today for further advice and assistance on 020 3002 9147, 075 8293 2830 or email us at info@aschfordslaw.com.