Applying for a spouse-dependent visa in the UK can seem like a complicated and daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re planning to join your partner who is either a British citizen or someone settled in the UK, understanding the application process, requirements, and eligibility criteria is the first step to making the transition smoother. This visa allows you to live with your spouse or partner in the UK and, over time, opens doors to permanent residency and eventually British citizenship.
Here’s a complete guide to help you through the process of applying for a spouse dependent visa in the UK.
1. Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
Before you even begin the application process, you need to ensure that both you and your partner meet the eligibility criteria. This is the foundation of a successful application, so it’s important to get it right.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a UK spouse visa, the most basic requirement is that you must be legally married to, or in a civil partnership with, someone who:
- Is a British citizen, or
- Has settled status in the UK, meaning they hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or permanent residency, or
- Has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Is Your Relationship Genuine?
One of the most important aspects of the visa application is proving that your relationship is genuine. The UK government wants to ensure that the marriage is not just for visa purposes but is a real, committed relationship. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship, including:
- Photos together over the years,
- Joint bank accounts or bills,
- Messages, emails, or letters exchanged,
- Travel itineraries or tickets showing visits to each other.
The more detailed your evidence, the better your chances of proving that your relationship is real and ongoing.
Age Requirement
Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old when you apply. This is a firm requirement, and applications from couples under this age will not be considered.
2. Financial Requirements: What You Need to Know
One of the trickier aspects of the spouse visa application is meeting the financial requirement. The UK government wants to ensure that you and your partner can support yourselves financially without relying on public funds.
What Are the Financial Thresholds?
Your partner, who is sponsoring you, needs to show they earn a minimum annual income of £18,600. This amount increases if you have children:
- £22,400 for one child, and
- An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.
This income can come from:
- Employment: Pay slips and bank statements proving salary.
- Self-employment: Financial records, tax returns, and business accounts.
- Savings: If your partner doesn’t meet the income requirement, they can use savings to make up the difference. The required savings must be at least £62,500.
This aspect can be one of the biggest challenges for couples, especially if the sponsor is self-employed or has an irregular income. However, with the right documentation, you can prove that you meet the financial requirements.
3. Accommodation: Proving You Have a Home
When applying for a spouse visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation arranged for you and your spouse to live together in the UK.
What Counts as Suitable Accommodation?
- You need to show that your home won’t be overcrowded according to UK standards.
- Provide documents like a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from the person providing accommodation (if you’re staying with friends or family).
The accommodation doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it does need to meet basic living standards for health and safety.
4. English Language Requirement
To live in the UK, the applicant must be able to speak English at a basic level. This requirement ensures that people living in the UK can communicate and integrate into society more easily.
Who Needs to Meet This Requirement?
If you’re applying for a spouse visa, you’ll need to pass an approved English language test at the A1 level or higher, unless:
- You’re a national of an English-speaking country (like the USA, Canada, or Australia),
- You have a degree that was taught in English.
You can take this test at one of the UK government-approved test centers around the world. It’s a straightforward requirement for most, but failure to meet it could result in your application being denied.
5. What Documents Do You Need?
A successful visa application is all about providing the right documents. Here’s a checklist of essential documents you’ll need:
- Your marriage or civil partnership certificate to prove your legal relationship.
- Proof of genuine relationship, such as photos, emails, and travel records.
- Proof of financial stability, like pay slips, bank statements, or proof of savings.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or mortgage documents.
- English language test certificate.
- Passports and travel history.
- Your partner’s immigration status, showing that they are a British citizen or have indefinite leave to remain.
Ensure you provide clear, readable copies of all documents, and where possible, include translations if any documents are not in English.
6. How to Apply: The Step-by-Step Process
Once you’ve gathered all your documents and ensured that you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s time to start the application process.
Step 1: Online Application
You’ll need to complete the application form online through the official UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) website. Make sure to take your time with this and double-check all the details.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
The current fee for applying for a spouse visa from outside the UK is £1,538. Additionally, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants you access to the NHS. The IHS is £624 per year, payable upfront for the duration of your visa.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you’ll be asked to attend a biometrics appointment. This involves visiting a visa application center to have your fingerprints and photo taken. It’s an important step, so ensure you don’t miss the appointment.
Step 4: Submit Your Supporting Documents
You can upload your documents online or send them to UKVI, depending on the instructions you receive during the application process.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
The typical processing time is between 8 to 12 weeks. It’s a waiting game, but as long as you’ve submitted all the required documents, your application should proceed smoothly.
7. Visa Validity and Extension
If your spouse visa is granted, it will be valid for 2.5 years (30 months). Once the initial visa period is over, you can apply for an extension for another 2.5 years.
After you’ve lived in the UK for a total of 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This allows you to stay in the UK permanently without needing to reapply for visas.
8. Common Reasons for Refusal
While most applicants successfully obtain their spouse visas, some applications are denied. The most common reasons for refusal include:
- Failure to meet the financial requirement.
- Lack of sufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
- Not passing the English language test.
- Providing incorrect or insufficient documents.
To avoid refusal, ensure you follow the process carefully and submit all required documents accurately.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a UK spouse visa can seem overwhelming at first, but by carefully following the eligibility criteria and gathering all the necessary documents, you’ll increase your chances of success. Each step in the process is designed to ensure that genuine couples can be together, so it’s important to provide clear and convincing evidence of your relationship and financial stability.
Patience is key, and with the right preparation, you and your partner will soon be able to start your life together in the UK.
Related Posts