Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog readers will ascertain a step-by-step guide to obtaining a UK Spouse Visa in Reading. Requirements, application process, and tips for a successful outcome will all be provided here.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK Spouse Visa is a type of family visa which allows persons entrance to the UK to live with your spouse who is currently settled in the UK. This visa allows successful applicants to remain in the UK for two years and nine months (33 months).
Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a UK Spouse Visa are as follows:
- You and your spouse must be at least the age of 18 years old.
- Your spouse must either be a citizen of Britain or Ireland; have settled status in the UK. For more information on what else your spouse could be, such as have a Turkish Worker visa visit the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse.
- You and your spouse must intend to permanently live in the UK.
- You must be able to show that you are in a marriage that is legally recognised in the UK. Or alternatively that you have been living with your spouse in a subsisting relationship for a minimum of two years at the date of making your application.
- You must prove that you have the required level of English which can either be through taking at least level A1 CEFR. Or if you hold an eligible degree. Finally, your country of nationality may mean that you are exempt from taking a test to prove your English language level. For more information on this follow the link: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/knowledge-of-english.
- You must prove that you meet the financial requirements which is that you and your spouse must as a combined income make a minimum of £29,000 annually.
Application Process
The application process for the UK Spouse Visa is as follows:
- Ensure you meet the discussed eligibility requirements laid out above, and prepare the necessary documentation required when you apply. A list of evidence which you will need to prepare can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/provide-information.
- If you currently reside outside the UK, then apply online by following this link: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-visa-type/appendixfm.
Alternatively, if you currently reside inside the UK, then apply online by following this link: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/family-routes.
- Pay the application fee which if you are applying from outside the UK will be £1,846 and if inside the UK it will be £1,048. In addition, the healthcare surcharge must be paid for which varies depending on the length of your stay. Finally, there is the possibility to get a decision on your application within 24 hours if you opt for the ‘super priority service’ and this will cost an additional £1,000 to your application fee.
- Wait to hear the decision on the success of your application.
Tips for a Successful Outcome
Ensure that you leave enough time to make your application for the UK Spouse Visa. This is especially important if you wish to switch from a non-family visa to a family visa such as the UK Spouse Visa as your current permission to remain in the UK must still be valid whilst making the application.
Also, it is imperative for a successful outcome in your UK Spouse Visa that you ensure you meet all of the eligibility requirements and that you have the relevant evidence to prove them.
FAQs about UK Spouse visa in Reading
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK Spouse Visa is a type of family visa which allows persons entrance to the UK to live with your spouse who is currently settled in the UK.
How long am I able to remain in the UK on a Spouse Visa?
Successful applicants on a UK Spouse Visa can remain in the UK for two years and nine months (33 months).
I entered the UK on a visa which is not a family visa, am I able to now switch to one?
Yes, even though you may have entered on a different type of visa this does not prevent you from switching to a family visa, such as the UK Spouse visa discussed above. However, what you must ensure is that you can only switch prior to the expiration of your current permission to remain in the UK.
How much is the application fee for a UK Spouse Visa?
The application fee which if you are applying from outside the UK will be £1,846 and if inside the UK it will be £1,048. In addition, the healthcare surcharge must be paid for which varies depending on the length of your stay.
Is there the possibility to receive a decision on my UK Spouse Visa within 24 hours?
Yes, there is the possibility to get a decision on your application within 24 hours if you opt for the ‘super priority service’ and this will cost an additional £1,000 to your application fee.
What is the English language requirement that must be met as part of an application for a UK Spouse Visa?
The English language requirement that must be met as part of an application for a UK Spouse Visa is proof that you have taken at least level A1 CEFR. Or if you hold an eligible degree this will likewise suffice. Finally, your country of nationality may mean that you are exempt from taking a test to prove your English language level.
What are the financial requirements for a UK Spouse Visa?
The financial requirements for a UK Spouse Visa are that you and your spouse must as a combined income make a minimum of £29,000 annually.
What is the standard waiting times for a decision to be made on my application for a UK Spouse Visa?
The standard waiting times for a decision to be made on my application for a UK Spouse Visa is 24 weeks if you applied whilst residing outside the UK. However, if you made an application from inside the UK and meet the financial and English language requirements then it is estimated that a decision on your application will take around eight weeks. Finally, if you make an application from inside the UK but do not meet the aforementioned financial and English language requirements then it is estimated that a decision on your application around twelve months.
Summary about UK Spouse visa in Reading
In this blog readers have ascertained a step-by-step guide to obtaining a UK Spouse Visa in Reading. Requirements, application process, and tips for a successful outcome have all be provided.
Please contact our expert team at Henleaze Law which have a wealth of experience on UK Spouse Visa applications on 0117 908 4625 or via email.
