Spouses and Partners
Our immigration experts can help you and your family relocate to the UK, with a high-quality and attentive service that makes the process smoother and easier.
A UK spouse and partner visa (often referred to simply as a spouse visa) enables someone to move to the UK to live with their British or settled sponsor. It is suitable for married couples or civil partners regardless of how long they have cohabited or been together, and unmarried couples who can prove that they have been together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years.
It can also be used by a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner who intends to marry/enter into a civil partnership in the UK, does so within six months of arrival, and then continues to live in the UK. They may then be able to transition to a spouse visa. This route is known as a ‘fiancé visa’.
When applying for a spouse and partner visa, you need to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine, and that you meet the requirements for English language proficiency and income. Because there are various ways to do this, and everyone’s circumstances are different, not all applicants will need to provide the same evidence.
How we can help
The system is designed so that you can apply without a lawyer or representative, if you feel confident about reading and understanding the rules and guidance yourself. We recognise that the process is very costly even without instructing a lawyer; however, we have the necessary experience and expertise to remove as much of the stress and worry as possible. We take pride in our ability to find solutions to complex circumstances, and have a track record of successful spouse and partner visa applications. We will keep you on the right path and ensure that the application process runs smoothly.
Where appropriate, our specialist immigration lawyers offer full legal representation to prepare and submit your visa application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This service includes:
- Clear advice on rules and procedure
- A bespoke document list of all mandatory and recommended evidence for your application
- Assistance with drafting supporting statements or letters
- A thorough review of, and feedback on, all your documentation and evidence
- A tailored covering letter from your lawyer that addresses any complexities specific to your case
- Assistance with completing and submitting your online application forms and digital evidence
If you’d prefer to prepare your own application, we may be able to offer a document checking service: reviewing your application bundle and providing constructive feedback.
And if you simply have questions about the application, we can arrange a one-off fixed-fee consultation.
Meet our key contacts
John Vassiliou
Director and Head of Immigration
Frequently asked questions
Can spouses and partners only be sponsored by British citizens?
No, you do not have to be a British citizen to sponsor your spouse or partner. Non-British citizens can do this if they hold any of the following:
- Indefinite leave to remain or the right of abode
- Settled or pre-settled status issued under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Refugee or humanitarian protection status
- Irish citizenship
What is the minimum income requirement for the UK spouse visa?
The sponsor (or the applicant if they are in the UK with permission to work) must have an annual income of at least £29,000. The minimum income requirement can also be met by relying other non-employment income sources of at least £29,000, or cash savings of at least £88,500.
Can I visit the UK as a tourist and apply for a spouse visa while I am here?
No. This is a common misunderstanding, and such applications will be refused. Visitors must return to their home country before making their visa application. Other longer-term visa holders can switch, but not visitors.
How long is the UK spouse visa processing time?
It depends on whether the application is made from inside the UK; not all are eligible for this. Applications made from inside the UK usually take around eight weeks under UKVI’s standard service. However, it is possible to pay for a ‘super-priority’ service at the time of application to get a decision in one to two working days.
Applications made from outside the UK usually take between 12 and 24 weeks for a decision. It is possible to pay for a ‘priority’ service to shorten the wait time to around six weeks, though UKVI does not guarantee these timescales.
How long is a spouse visa valid for?
A standard spouse visa is valid for an initial period of 33 months if you obtain it abroad. If you obtain it in the UK, it will be valid for 30 months. A fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner will only be granted an initial period of six months.
Do I need to renew my spouse visa?
Yes. Before your first visa expires, you will need to apply again to extend your visa for a further 30 months. After living in the UK for a total of five years on this visa route, you will be able to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain).
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John Vassiliou
Director and Head of Immigration
