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UK Spouse Visa: Step-by-Step Guide for 2024
If you're married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or someone settled in the UK, the UK Spouse Visa is your key to joining them and starting a life together in the UK. This visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK with their spouse or partner, but the application process can be complex. Here's everything you need to know about applying for a UK Spouse Visa, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and what to expect.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK Spouse Visa allows non-UK nationals to join their British or settled partner in the UK. It's also known as a Marriage or Partner Visa and is typically issued for 30 months if you’re applying from inside the UK and 33 months if applying from outside. After this period, you can apply for an extension, and once you've completed 5 years on this visa, you're eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Who Can Apply?
To apply for a Spouse Visa UK, you need to meet the following conditions:

• Your partner must be a British citizen, have settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain), or have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
  
• Both you and your partner must be 18 years or older.
  
• You must be legally married or in a civil partnership, or have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.
  
• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
  

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UK Spouse Visa, applicants and their sponsors need to meet several key requirements:
1. Financial Requirement
The sponsor (your spouse or partner) must meet a minimum income threshold. They need to earn at least £18,600 per year. If you have children, the financial requirement increases:

• £22,400 for one child.
  
• An additional £2,400 for each extra child.
  

This income can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, or savings. If your sponsor does not meet the income requirement, savings over £62,500 can be used as an alternative.
2. English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate a basic understanding of English. This can be done by:

• Passing an A1-level English test approved by the Home Office.
  
• Having a degree taught in English.
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).

3. Accommodation Requirement
You must provide proof that you and your spouse have adequate accommodation in the UK. The accommodation must be suitable, not overcrowded, and meet the UK housing standards.
4. Genuine Relationship Requirement
The UK government wants to ensure that your relationship is genuine. To prove this, you’ll need to provide evidence such as:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificates.
• Photos of time spent together.
• Communication records (messages, emails, phone calls).
• Evidence of joint financial commitments, like a shared bank account or joint tenancy agreement.

Documents Needed for UK Spouse Visa
When applying, make sure you gather all the necessary documents. These typically include:

• Passports for both you and your spouse.
  
• Marriage certificate or proof of a civil partnership.
  
• Proof of income (payslips, bank statements, or self-employment records).
  
• English language test results or proof of a degree taught in English.
  
• Proof of accommodation in the UK.
  
• Evidence of your relationship (photos, communication history, joint financial documents).
  

The Application Process
Step 1: Online Application
You must apply for a UK Spouse Visa online via the UK government website. Carefully complete the application form and pay the relevant fees.
Step 2: Biometrics and Supporting Documents
After submitting your online application, you’ll be asked to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application center. You’ll also need to upload or submit your supporting documents, including passports, financial evidence, and proof of relationship.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
There are fees associated with the UK Spouse Visa:

• £1,538 if applying from outside the UK.
  
• £1,048 if applying from within the UK.
  
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of around £624 per year, which covers access to the National Health Service (NHS) while you're in the UK.
  

Step 4: Processing Time
Once your application is submitted, the processing time varies:

• 12 weeks for applications made from outside the UK.
  
• 8 weeks for applications made from within the UK.
  

If you need a faster decision, you can opt for priority processing for an additional fee.
What Happens After Your Visa is Granted?
Once your UK Spouse Visa is approved, you can stay in the UK for 30 or 33 months (depending on where you applied from). During this time, you can:

• Work and study in the UK without restrictions.
  
• Travel in and out of the UK freely.
• Access healthcare services through the NHS.

Extending Your UK Spouse Visa
Before your initial visa expires, you must apply for an extension. You’ll need to meet similar requirements for the extension as the initial application, including proving that your relationship is still genuine and meeting the financial and accommodation requirements.
The extension will be granted for another 30 months, and after 5 years on the Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to live permanently in the UK.
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After 5 years on the Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for ILR. This grants permanent residency in the UK, allowing you to stay without any time restrictions. You’ll need to meet the following criteria to apply:

• Prove that your relationship is still genuine and subsisting.
• Meet the financial requirement and English language requirement.
  
• Pass the Life in the UK Test, which tests your knowledge of British customs, history, and culture.
  

Once you have ILR, you may apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for 12 months.
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal
The UK Spouse Visa application can be rejected for various reasons. Some common causes for refusal include:

• Failure to meet the financial requirement.
  
• Insufficient evidence of your relationship.
  
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
  

If your visa application is refused, you may appeal the decision or reapply with the correct information. Seeking professional legal advice can improve your chances of success.
Conclusion
The UK Spouse Visa process may seem daunting, but with careful preparation and thorough documentation, you can successfully navigate the application process. Be sure to meet the financial, relationship, and language requirements, and ensure that your application is complete and accurate. This visa allows couples to build a life together in the UK, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency after 5 years.