Our immigration team comprising of solicitors and barristers recently received the wonderful news that a client (the Applicant) has been granted a spouse visa to the UK, as the spouse of a British citizen. In our initial consultation, we discussed with the Applicant the requirements for a UK spouse visa under the Immigration Rules and we also explained the importance of meeting the requirements of Appendix FM and Appendix FM SE of the Immigration Rules. The Applicant informed us that she would be using the priority visa service so that she could receive an expedited decision. The Applicant’s application was well prepared and she received her spouse visa within 6 weeks from the date of submission.
The case for a UK spouse visa application
The Applicant is a Canadian national residing and working in Canada. However, the Applicant has worked in the United Kingdom in the past on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa. It was during this period she met her husband. The couple met on an online dating platform and started dating shortly after. The Applicant applied for an unmarried partner visa prior to the expiry of her Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa but unfortunately, her application was refused on the grounds that the requirements were not met. The Applicant returned to Canada and following this the Applicant married the Sponsor in Canada. The Applicant instructed our immigration team to prepare and assist with the submission of her spouse visa application.
What are the requirements for a UK Spouse visa application?
The UK spouse visa category is a popular family reunification visa for married couples. British or settled persons in the UK can apply to have their non-EEA spouse join them. The UK spouse visa application is governed under the Immigration Rules and further guidance is provided under Appendix FM and Appendix FM SE of the Immigration Rules. There also various Home Office guidance’s which explain the requirements.  All these instruments should read together for a successful application. To apply for entry clearance as a spouse you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be in a genuine and subsisting marriage with a British citizen, a person present and settled in the UK or someone who is in the UK with refugee leave or with humanitarian protection;
- You must intend to reside with your spouse permanently;
- You must have suitable accommodation for yourself, your spouse and any dependents;
- You must meet the financial requirement of £18,600 (i.e. have enough money to support yourself, your spouse and any dependants without recourse to public funds). There are a number of different methods of meeting the financial requirement; and
- You must satisfy the English language requirement.
If you are granted a spouse visa, you will be given leave to enter in the UK for 30 months after which you can apply for further leave to remain if you wish to continue to remain in the UK.
How we can assist submit a successful UK spouse visa application
The Applicant informed us that she wanted to purchase the Settlement Priority Visa Service as she wanted an expedited decision on her application. Our immigration team explained to the Applicant that it was imperative that her application was prepared to perfection as any little issue would result in her application being delayed or refused. It was important that the strict words of the Immigration Rules were followed and the requirements were met. Our solicitors and barristers successfully guided the Applicant through the application process and prepared strong legal representations which focussed on how the Sponsor satisfied the immigration rules for a spouse visa application. Unlike some practices, Our solicitors and barristers are fully qualified at the highest level and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Body (SRA). Our specialist Immigration Team works closely with Applicants ensuring that all the mandatory documents are collected for the application.
In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provided multiple substantial reviews of her documents to ensure that Applicant submits the correct documentary evidence in the correct format, which meets the Home Office’s requirements. We also prepared and assisted the Applicant with the online visa application form and the financial requirements form.
Using Legal Representation to submit a UK spouse visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on the law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a spouse visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject spouse visa applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Immigration & Visa application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully apply for a UK spouse visa application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a spouse visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a spouse visa application and are able to advise you in respect of your prospects and to ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss an Entry Clearance Spouse Visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.