What is a spouse visa?
Before you begin any kind of application process, you need to first know what you are applying for and if you are eligible for it. A spouse visa in the UK, which is also commonly known as a marriage visa, allows married partners of UK citizens to move over to the UK. This can often be for a settlement that is indefinite and in some cases it can come with a time restriction. This can depend on a variety of factors but if there is a time limit in place, there will be an opportunity to apply for British citizenship.
Can You Work on a Spouse Visa?
As you are moving to live with your partner, they understand that a living needs to be made so you are eligible to work with a spouse visa. This is very important to know and understand, as if for example, spouse visas didn’t make individuals eligible to work, it would make it difficult for couples of different nationalities to stay together.
Spouse Visa Requirements
In order to qualify for a spouse visa, there are a few requirements that need to be met, such as:
- You and your spouse are 18 years old or older.
- You both must have met each other and be legally married. This prevents arranged marriages and those who marry individuals in order to get a visa.
- You must intend to live together permanently.
- There must be enough money in place to support you both, as no public funds will be allowed to be claimed.
- Your sponsoring partner must earn more than £29,000 per annum.
- There must be suitable accommodation in place.
- You must be able to speak, read, and write English to the language requirements.
How Do I Apply for a Spouse Visa?
It is not uncommon to apply for a visa from overseas or within the UK, and there are local or UK spouse visa solicitors who are all equipped with the skills to guide you through the application process. I would recommend that you get in touch with UK-based companies, as they are well-versed with everything you need to be successful with your application to this country. It’s always better to opt for the country you intend to move to, as they have a list of knowledge that overseas companies may not be aware of.
If you are already in the UK for a tourist, work, or student visa, when you reapply, you are able to reapply for a spouse visa.
How Long Does This Application Take?
The average processing time specifically for a spouse visa is anything between 2 and 12 weeks so if you are currently on a visa and it expires before or just after 12 weeks I would encourage you to go through the application process as soon as possible.
As in unique circumstances, this could take longer if there is an influx of demand for these to be processed and can depend on the country in which the application is made. These are all unique factors that you need to consider.
