UK Spouse Visa Consultant in Riyadh
The United Kingdom is a culturally diverse country with a lot to offer to individuals and families who want to live, work, and settle down together. For those who want to bring their foreign spouse to the UK, the UK Spouse Visa is the main route. This visa enables foreign spouses of British citizens or permanent residents to come to the UK and join their spouses and ultimately work, reside, and even seek permanent residency.
If you are thinking of applying for a spouse visa to the UK, this in-depth guide by ARZ Consultants will give you everything you need to know to grasp the eligibility criteria, application process, and key points to consider that will assist you in having a successful application.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa is issued to a spouse or civil partner of an individual who holds British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or permanent residence within the UK. The visa grants the applicant entry into the UK to be reunited with their spouse and enables them to live, work, and study within the country.
This visa can be applied for within the UK (if the applicant is already in the UK on some other valid visa) and outside the UK (if the applicant is abroad). After being granted, the spouse can initially stay in the UK for 30 months (2.5 years). After that, they can apply for an extension for another 30 months. After 5 years of stay in the UK, the spouse may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Eligibility Criteria for UK Spouse Visa
The UK sponsor (partner) and foreign spouse (applicant) both must satisfy the following eligibility criteria in order to apply for a spouse visa to the UK.
1. For the Sponsor (UK Citizen or Permanent Resident)
• UK Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): The sponsor should be a British national or an individual with ILR or settled status within the UK. The sponsor, being a British citizen, should have been residing within the UK for some duration of time.
• Age Requirement: The sponsor should be 18 years and above.
• Financial Requirement: The sponsor needs to prove that they earn a minimum of £18,600 annually to maintain their foreign spouse. When there are dependent children, the financial requirement goes up. In case the sponsor is not meeting the income level, they can also utilize savings or other funds to fulfill the requirement.
• Accommodation Requirement: The sponsor is required to demonstrate that they have suitable accommodation for both themselves and their spouse in the UK.
2. For the Applicant (Foreign Spouse)
• Age Requirement: The foreign spouse should be 18 years and above at the time of the application.
• Authentic Relationship: The candidate needs to demonstrate that their relationship with the sponsor is authentic and not for the mere purpose of acquiring immigration advantages. This is usually confirmed by presenting proof of the relationship through photographs, records of communication, shared finances, and statements by friends or relatives.
• English Language Proficiency: The candidate needs to establish that they are able to speak and understand English. This can be done by passing an accepted English language test or by establishing that they are from an English-speaking nation.
• Health and Character Requirements: The candidate needs to pass a medical examination and may be required to submit police clearance certificates to establish that they do not have a criminal record.
• No Previous Immigration Violations: The applicant should not have any previous record of overstaying or immigration law violation in the UK or elsewhere.
The Application Process for UK Spouse Visa
To apply for a spouse visa to the UK, one has to go through a number of steps such as form filling, document submission, interviews, and visa approval waiting. It can take a few months, so it is advisable to prepare well in advance and keep patience.
Step 1: Prepare the Documents Needed
Prior to submitting the application, the applicant and the sponsor must provide the following documents:
1. Evidence of British citizenship or ILR status of the sponsor
2. Valid marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
3. Proof of subsisting relationship (photos, letters, joint bank accounts, shared bills)
4. Proof of income (e.g., payslips, bank statements, or tax returns)
5. Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreements, property ownership)
6. Passport photos of the applicant and the sponsor
7. Evidence of English language capability (e.g., an approved English language test certificate)
8. Police reports (when necessary)
9. Medical test results (if necessary)
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form
The UK Spouse Visa application needs to be made online at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The applicant has to complete Form VAF4A (Application for a UK Spouse Visa) and attach supporting documents as required.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
UK spouse visa prices are different for different types of visa application. Currently, the fee for a spouse visa application is around £1,523 in the case of applications made outside the UK and £1,033 in the case of applications made within the UK. There might be extra fees for biometric appointments, healthcare surcharges, and other documents.
Step 4: Apply for Biometrics and Visit the Visa Appointment
Once the application has been submitted, the applicant is required to participate in a biometrics appointment at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC). At this appointment, the applicant will submit biometric information (fingerprints and photos). Biometric appointments can also be scheduled with a local Post Office in the case of applicants within the UK.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
Once the biometrics appointment has been completed, the applicant will have to wait for the UKVI to process the application. This will take between 8 to 12 weeks on average, although processing times will depend on the country of origin, the complexity of the case, and the number of applications being processed.
Step 6: Receive the Visa Decision
Once the application is approved, the applicant is granted their UK spouse visa. The visa is initially for 30 months (2.5 years). If the applicant is already in the UK, they are given leave to remain. If the application is made outside of the UK, the applicant is able to enter the UK and start their new life together with their partner.
Step 7: Apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Once the applicant has spent 5 years in the UK on a spouse visa, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step towards being granted permanent residency. In other instances, the applicant might be able to apply for ILR sooner, like when they have spent 2.5 years in the UK on a civil partnership visa or other situations.
Financial and English Language Requirements
One of the key eligibility requirements for the UK spouse visa is the financial requirement. The UKVI mandates that the sponsor must have a minimum income of £18,600 per annum to sustain the applicant without having to resort to public funds. This is subject to increase if the couple has children. If the sponsor cannot meet the income requirement, savings of £62,500 or more can be utilized instead.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate their English proficiency, either by passing an accepted English language test or by showing that they have an English-taught degree or are from an English-speaking nation.
Processing Times and Costs
The UK spouse visa processing time is usually 8 to 12 weeks, but this can be shorter or longer depending on the embassy or consulate, the number of applications, and how complicated the case is. There may be expedited services for an extra cost.
Tips for a Successful UK Spouse Visa Application
Be Thorough and Honest: Give accurate and clear information in the application. Discrepancies or false information can cause delays or refusals.
Document Your Relationship: Proof of a genuine relationship is essential. Gather photos, messages, emails, and joint financial documents to support your claim.
Meet Financial and Accommodation Requirements: You must meet the financial requirements and be able to demonstrate that you have appropriate accommodation in the UK.
Seek ARZ Consultants' Advice: The process of making a spouse visa application can be complicated, and expert advice will make all the difference. ARZ Consultants offers expert advice and services to assist in ensuring that your application is complete with everything it needs.
Why Choose ARZ Consultants?
ARZ Consultants deals with UK immigration services, and we are here to support you through the process with individualized guidance and expertise. ARZ Consultants has successfully assisted many clients in applying for the spouse visa process, where we offer documentation support, application submission, and interview preparation.
If you are ready to apply for a UK spouse visa, visit ARZ Consultants today for professional assistance and have your application approved.
