The UK spouse visa, otherwise known as a UK Marriage visa, allows foreign nationals to come and live with their British spouses in the UK. This visa falls under the Family visa category. The applicant has to meet the most challenging requirements for a UK spouse visa to be eligible.
What is UK Spouse Visa?
A partner visa is a UK family visa that grants foreign nationals time to live with their British spouses for up to 30 months. It can be extended for further 30 months given the applicant meets certain eligibility requirements.
Additionally, it is one of the first steps toward gaining Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship. The UK spouse visa holder is not entitled to benefits like public funds, housing allowance, or tax credits.
Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa Application
First and foremost, the applicant must be married to a person who is a British citizen or holds IRL. Other than that, the following requirements should be met to get a spouse visa
- Genuine Relationship Requirements – You and your partner must pass the ‘genuine relationship test’ and prove that you intend to live together permanently.
- Financial Requirements – Generally, this means that the sponsor must have an annual salary of £18,600, or the couple may have savings of £62,500 or the sponsor may be in receipt of certain public benefits.
- Accommodation Requirements – Proof of suitable accommodation to live together in the UK.
- English Language Requirements – The non-British partner must meet the English language requirements.
- TB certificate – TB screening certificate is also required depending on the country of residence of the person applying
Genuine Relationship Requirements
The applicant has to prove a ‘genuine and subsisting’ relationship with the British Citizen or settled person. Submit photos, chats, call logs, joint tenancy agreements, and shared bank accounts to prove that you and your partner are genuinely in love.
The main criteria for the Home Office to test the ‘genuine relationship’ is for both partners to have physically met at least once before the marriage.
Spouse Visa Financial Requirements
You and your partner (in case of leave to remain applications) and your partner ( for leave to enter application) must have a combined/personal gross annual income of £18,600 before tax to meet the spouse visa financial requirements. In the case of one dependent child, the gross annual income increases to £22,400. This income will increase an extra £2,400 for each subsequent child.
Spouse Visa English Language Requirements
The non-British applicant has to prove his ability to speak and understand English to a proficient standard. To demonstrate proficiency, the applicant must
- Pass the required English language test
- Hold a degree from a recognized university
- Come from a country where English is the first spoken language
Accommodation Requirements
You and your partner must submit evidence of suitable accommodations that meet the UK living standard. The adequate accommodation could be rented property, temporary accommodation, or a mortgaged or owned property.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Connaught Law and authors accept no responsibility for loss that may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Connaught Law. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Connaught Law.
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