Spouse / Civil Partner Visa
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This visa allows individuals to join their British or settled partner in the UK.
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Successful applicants are typically granted:
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33 months leave if applying from outside the UK
30 months leave if applying from within the UK
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After completing 5 years under this route, applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
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During this period, applicants must:
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Maintain a genuine and subsisting relationship
Continue to meet financial and accommodation requirements
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There is no 180 day absence rule under this route.
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Fiancé(e) Visa
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The fiancé(e) visa is designed for individuals who intend to marry a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.
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This visa is normally granted for 6 months, during which the couple must legally marry in the UK.
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An extension may be possible in limited circumstances where the marriage cannot take place within the initial period.
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Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Both parties must be aged 18 or over
The couple must have met in person
The relationship must be genuine
The couple must intend to live together permanently in the UK
The applicant must meet the English language requirement (normally CEFR A1)
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The English requirement must be met through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
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Dependent children may apply; however, in practice it is often advisable to apply after switching to a spouse visa.
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After marriage, applicants can usually switch to a spouse visa from within the UK.
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Sponsor Requirements
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The sponsoring partner must:
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Be aged 18 or over
Be a British citizen or settled in the UK
Be living in the UK or intend to return with the applicant
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For EUSS cases:
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The sponsor must hold settled or pre settled status
Residence must have commenced before 1 January 2021
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Applicant Requirements
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Applicants must demonstrate:
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Both parties are over 18
The couple have met in person
The relationship is genuine and subsisting
The marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised
The couple intend to live together permanently
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Additional requirements include:
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Financial requirement
Accommodation requirement
English language requirement
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Financial Requirement
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The current minimum income threshold is generally:
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£29,000
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Applicants under earlier rules may still rely on the £18,600 threshold.
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This can be met through:
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Employment or self employment income
Non employment income
Pension income
Cash savings (normally £62,500 held for at least 6 months)
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Certain benefits may exempt the requirement.
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Accommodation Requirement
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Applicants must demonstrate:
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Adequate accommodation
No overcrowding
Legal and exclusive occupation
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English Language Requirement
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A1 for initial application
A2 for extension
B1 for settlement
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Relationship Evidence
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Applicants must provide evidence such as:
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Photographs
Travel history
Communication records
Evidence of cohabitation
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Online only relationships are not sufficient without in person meetings.
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Supporting Documents
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Applications must be supported by consistent and comprehensive documentation.
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Refusals often arise due to insufficient evidence.
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Switching
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Applicants in the UK with valid long term leave may be able to switch into this route.
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Visitors and short term visa holders are generally not eligible.
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Settlement (ILR)
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Applicants may apply for ILR after 5 years.
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Requirements include:
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Genuine relationship
Financial requirement
Accommodation
English B1 and Life in the UK
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EUSS Family Route
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Spouses in relationships formed before 31 December 2020 may apply under the EUSS family route.
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Typically:
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Apply for EUSS Family Permit
Enter the UK
Apply for pre settled status
After 5 years, apply for settled status
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Appeals
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Applicants may have a right of appeal if refused.
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Appeals must usually be lodged within 10 working days.
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Legal advice is strongly recommended.
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Our Services
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We provide:
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Fiancé(e) and spouse visa applications
Document preparation and review
Extensions and switching
Settlement and citizenship planning
Dependent visa applications
Appeal support
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We are committed to providing clear, practical, and effective legal support.