Our Immigration Team has recently been successful in securing a Family Visa as a spouse for our client (“the Applicant”). The Applicant came to our firm after having several previous rejections. We applied on her behalf for entry clearance as a spouse and achieved a successful result. The Applicant received her visa within the standard processing times.
Family Visas: Can I apply as a partner or spouse?
Absolutely. In order to apply as a partner, you and your partner both need to be 18 or over and you both must intend to live together permanently in the UK after your application.
In addition, your partner or spouse must either:
- Be a British or Irish citizen.
- Have settled in the UK i.e. they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence.
- Be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status – they must have started living in the UK before 1 January 2021.
- Have a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa.
- Have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
What do I need to prove for the purposes of the visa?
You must be able to prove one of the following:
- You are in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK.
- You have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply.
- You are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving.
You will also need to prove:
- You have a good knowledge of English.
- You can financially support yourself and your dependants.
If you are applying as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, you must prove that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended.
If you do not meet these requirements, you may still be able to apply for a visa. Contact LEXVISA’s UK Immigration Lawyer’s to advise you on further options and requirements in order for you to be eligible to apply for a Family Visa as a spouse.
How can I prove my relationship?
This is simple, you may send evidence which:
- Comes from the government, a bank, landlord, utility provider, or a medical professional.
- Confirms your relationship with your partner – for example, that you live together, share expenses or are married or in a civil partnership.
- Is less than 4 years old.
LEXVISA can advise you on the exact documentation for the evidential requirements mentioned above.
How long can I stay on a Family Visa as a spouse?
You are permitted to stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months on this visa. If you’re applying as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner, you can stay for 6 months. After this period, you have the option to make an application to extend your stay.
Is it possible to settle in the UK permanently on this visa?
The earliest you are able to apply for settlement in the UK (called “indefinite leave to remain”) is after you have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously on a family visa as a partner.
This cannot include time you’ve spent in the UK:
- On any other visa.
- As a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner.
The rules for settlement on this visa route are different for applications before 9 July 2012. Contact LEXVISA’s Immigration Lawyer’s to provide you with guidance as to your position on settlement via this route.
How our Immigration Team can assist you in obtaining a Family Visa as a spouse
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise and prepare Family Visa applications to the highest standard. We can guide you through the application process and advise you on the documentation needed to submit a successful application. Our impeccable track history of submitting successful applications for a range of different clients speaks for itself. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules. We guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of their application and carry out detailed reviews of all documentation before submission.
Why instruct our specialist Immigration Solicitors?
Our team of solicitors and barristers represent your interests at all times. On initial consultation, our highly competent team will advise you regarding your immigration status and assist with your application from the very beginning.
We are based in the legal epicenter of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts. 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. Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.
Authored by Tehreem Fatima, Paralegal