Bringing Hearts Together: All About the UK Spouse Visa
Table of contents:
What is a UK Spouse visa?
Is it easy to bring your spouse to the UK?
UK Spouse Visa Requirements
UK Spouse Visa Fee / Cost
Processing time for a UK Spouse Visa
Ways to speed up your UK spouse visa application
The success rate of spouse visa UK
Why would a UK spouse visa be refused?
How do I appeal a spouse visa refusal in the UK?
Read the detailed updated Guide on UK Spouse Visa
What is a UK Spouse visa?
A UK Spouse Visa, also known as a UK Marriage Visa, allows non-UK nationals to join their partner in the UK.
Know More: What is a UK Spouse Visa explained by The SmartMove2UK
Is it easy to bring your spouse to the UK?
According to the Home Office, 1 in 4 UK Spouse Visa applications are refused. However, there are other ways to bring your spouse to the UK:
· UK Dependent visa
If you have a valid UK visa, you can bring your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner to join you in the UK.
· Fiancé Visa
Your partner can enter the UK for up to 6 months and marry or register a civil partnership.
Interested Reading: Why settle for long-distance when you can bring your partner to the UK?
UK Spouse visa requirements
To qualify for a UK Spouse visa, you must meet the following requirements:
· Age: You and your spouse must be at least 18 years old.
· Relationship: You must have met each other and be legally married.
· Income: Your UK sponsor must earn over £18,600 a year. You can use savings of over £16,000 towards proving the minimum income requirement. If you have savings of £62,500, you don't need to show evidence of minimum income.
· Housing: You must have adequate housing provisions.
· Money: You must have enough money to support yourselves (and any dependents) without claiming public funds.
· English language: You need a valid UKVI IELTS score or a certificate of equivalency (ENIC).
The Specifics Explained: Qualify for a UK Spouse visa
Other requirements include:
Provide extensive documents which show your relationship is genuine and subsisting.
Intention to live together permanently.
UK Spouse Visa Fee / Cost
In 2023, the application fee for a UK spouse visa is £1,048 if the application is submitted within the country, and £1,538 if it is submitted outside of it.
The annual Immigration Healthcare Surcharge of £624 and the £19.20 biometric fee are additional expenses.
Should you wish to get a decision by the end of the following working day, the super-priority service charge is £1,000.
Trending & Useful Guide: UK Spouse Visa Cost 2023
The standard processing time for a UK spouse visa is:
Inside the UK: 6-8 weeks
Outside the UK: 3 months
However, processing times can vary depending on:
The country where the application is submitted from
The documents provided
How you can satisfy the requirements
Processing times have recently been affected by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. For example, partner visa applications from outside the UK are currently taking up to 24 weeks to process.
You can speed up the processing time by opting for the 'Priority Service'. The fee for priority processing service is £573 in addition to the visa application fee.
UK Spouse visa processing time explained by The SmartMove2UK
Here are some ways to speed up your UK spouse visa application:
· Priority service
Pay £573 to get your visa processed within five working days.
If you're applying from outside the UK, it can take up to 30 days.
· Super priority service
Pay £1,000 to get a decision within 24 hours.
There is a limit on how many people can use this service.
· Submit more supporting documentation
For example, you can submit proof of your partner's ILR or British Citizenship.
· Contact your MP
They can find out more about the delay and might be able to help speed up your application.
· Contact the Home Office
If there are compelling or compassionate circumstances, you can request that your application be treated as a priority. However, there are no guarantees that the Home Office will do so.
What is the success rate of a spouse visa UK?
The UK spouse visa success rate for the year ending March 2021 was 86.88%. The refusal rate was 12.69%.
The success rate for UK spouse visas in 2019 was 79.78%. The refusal rate was 19.66%.
The Home Office doesn't publish UK spouse visa appeal success rates.
However, general estimates indicate a success rate of around 35-50%.
Why would a UK spouse visa be refused?
A UK spouse visa can be refused for several reasons, including:
Financial requirements: Not meeting the minimum income requirements of £18,600 per year or savings of £62,500
Relationship evidence: Not providing enough evidence to prove the genuineness of your relationship
English language requirements: Not meeting the English language requirement
Application errors: Making a mistake on the application form or using the wrong form
Immigration status: Issues with the UK sponsor's immigration status
Convictions: Not disclosing past convictions
Appealing the decision: Appealing the decision
Home Office: 1 in 5 UK Spouse Visa Applications Refused Every Year
Other reasons for refusal include:
Incorrect organization of documents
Applying for the wrong type of visa
Ineligibility for the visa
Not providing enough documents or evidence to prove you meet the requirements
Immigration officials believe your marriage is not genuine or subsisting
The notice of refusal will specify the reason for rejection.
Top 3: UK Spouse Visa Refusal Reasons and how to avoid them
How do I appeal a spouse visa refusal in the UK?
To appeal a UK spouse visa refusal, you can:
Complete an appeal form
Submit the appeal form within 14 or 28 days of receiving your decision letter
If your appeal is refused, you can challenge the decision by the way of Judicial Review (JR)
You can only appeal to the tribunal if you have the legal right to appeal. Your decision letter will usually tell you if you can apply for an administrative review and if you do not have the right to appeal.
The appeal process may take between 6 and 12 months.
Guide: What to do next if your UK Spouse visa is refused?
Read the detailed updated Guide on UK Spouse Visa
If you would like to confirm your eligibility for a UK spouse Visa or have had a UK Spouse Visa refused, you can read detailed information here regarding the same or contact our UK Spouse visa Specialist.
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How Can You Request for Humanitarian Reinstatement After a Visa Petition Denial?
When a visa petition is denied due to the petitioner’s death, hope isn’t lost. You may still have the option to request for humanitarian reinstatement, allowing your petition to be reconsidered based on compassionate grounds. This process can be complex, and having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Rocket Immigration Petitions, we offer the guidance you need, including online immigration lawyer consultation to help navigate this sensitive process.
What is Humanitarian Reinstatement?
Reinstating a petition: If your visa petition was denied because the petitioner passed away, you can apply for humanitarian reinstatement to have it re-evaluated.
Compassionate grounds: USCIS may consider family ties, financial hardships, or other compassionate reasons when reviewing your request.
Applicable cases: This option is generally available to beneficiaries of approved Form I-130 petitions for family-based immigration.
Why Request Humanitarian Reinstatement?
Family reunification: It offers a second chance to reunite with family members despite the unfortunate circumstances.
No need to start over: Reinstatement allows you to pick up where your original application left off, avoiding the need to file a new petition.
Potential for quicker resolution: With a valid reinstatement request, you may experience a faster process compared to starting from scratch.
How Can Online Immigration Lawyer Consultation Help?
Expert guidance: At Rocket Immigration Petitions, we offer online immigration lawyer consultation to help you understand the humanitarian reinstatement process, eligibility criteria, and required documentation.
Avoid mistakes: Filing a reinstatement request can be complicated. A lawyer ensures all paperwork is completed accurately, reducing the chance of errors.
Tailored advice: Every case is unique, and an experienced immigration lawyer can provide personalized advice to improve your chances of approval.
Key Steps for Requesting Humanitarian Reinstatement
Prepare a compelling case: Clearly explain your compassionate reasons for seeking reinstatement, supported by detailed documentation.
Seek legal advice: An online immigration lawyer consultation ensures you understand the legal process and increases your chances of success.
Stay informed: USCIS guidelines can change, so it’s essential to stay updated on the latest requirements for humanitarian reinstatement.
Conclusion
Requesting a humanitarian reinstatement can be a lifeline for families affected by the death of a petitioner. By working with Rocket Immigration Petitions and utilizing online immigration lawyer consultation, you can ensure the best possible outcome for your reinstatement request. Let us guide you through this challenging process and help you reunite with your loved ones.
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Your Comprehensive Guide to the UK Spouse Visa: Reuniting with Your Loved One in the UK
The UK Spouse Visa, also known as a UK Partner Visa, is a gateway for non-UK residents to join their UK spouse (or civil partner) and build a future together in the United Kingdom. Whether you have recently married or have been in a committed relationship for years, this visa allows you to officially establish your life with your spouse in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrating a Genuine Relationship
The foundation of a successful UK Spouse Visa application rests on proving a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK spouse. This can be established through various means:
Marriage Certificate: A valid marriage certificate issued by a recognized authority is the most straightforward proof.
Civil Partnership Documents: If you're in a civil partnership recognized in the UK, the official civil partnership certificate will suffice.
Evidence of Cohabitation: For couples who haven't formalized their union but have been living together for at least two years, providing documents like joint tenancy agreements, utility bills with both names and shared bank statements can demonstrate a genuine cohabiting relationship.
Meeting the Financial Requirements for Your UK Spouse
To ensure your well-being in the UK, the visa process requires your UK spouse to meet a minimum income threshold. This amount is currently set at £29,000 per year but is scheduled to increase to £38,700 by early 2025. Your UK spouse can meet this requirement through their salary, savings, or a combination of both. Additionally, income from certain sources like pensions or child maintenance payments may be considered.
Navigating the UK Spouse Visa Application Process
The application for a UK Spouse Visa is handled entirely online through the UK government website. The process involves gathering and submitting various documents, including:
Your passport and any previous passports you've held.
Your partner's passport and proof of their settled status in the UK.
Marriage certificate, civil partnership documents, or cohabitation evidence.
Financial documents demonstrating your UK spouse meets the income requirement.
Tuberculosis test certificate (may be required depending on your nationality).
In some instances, you might be called for an interview with an immigration officer to discuss your application and relationship further.
What to Expect After Your UK Spouse Visa is Granted
Once your UK Spouse Visa is approved, you'll be granted an initial visa typically valid for 2 years and 9 months. This allows you to reside in the UK with your spouse and enjoy certain benefits:
The Right to Work: The UK Spouse Visa grants you the authorization to work and contribute to the UK economy.
Path to Permanent Residency: After the initial visa period, you can apply for extensions and eventually settle permanently in the UK, leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Staying Updated and Seeking Support
The landscape of UK immigration is subject to change, and it is important to stay updated with the latest information on the UK Spouse Visa.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Application Journey
Gather Documents Early: Start collecting all the required documents well in advance to avoid delays in processing. The earlier you have everything prepared, the quicker your application can be assessed.
Seek Professional Guidance: If your situation involves complexities, such as previous marriages or dependent children, consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or advisor for professional guidance.
Demonstrate a Genuine Relationship: Remember, the UK Spouse Visa is intended for couples in a bona fide relationship. Be prepared to present strong evidence that showcases the depth and authenticity of your bond with your UK partner.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about the latest regulations, you can confidently navigate the UK Spouse Visa process and embark on a new chapter in your life with your UK spouse.
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