We recently received some wonderful news that our client’s (“the Applicant”) entry clearance spouse visa application was granted. The Applicant was applying as the non-EEA spouse of a British citizen who was present and settled in the UK. During our initial consultation, we discussed the requirements for a UK spouse visa application under Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules. The Applicant informed us that she would be using the priority visa service so that she could receive an expedited decision. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Home Office had temporarily suspended the priority service. Despite the current delays, our immigration team submitted a well-prepared application and the Applicant received a decision within 2 months.
The case for an Entry Clearance Spouse visa application
The Applicant was a national of China residing and working in her home country. The Applicant was employed as a flight attendant and had an extensive travel history. The Applicant had previously encountered problems with the UK Border Agency when visiting her partner. The Applicant arrived in the UK with the intention to formally register her marriage. However, she was informed that she did not have the correct immigration status to do this and she was given temporary admission so that she could marry her spouse. The Applicant was advised that she would need to make the correct application if she wishes to visit again.
After consulting with our immigration team, the Applicant informed us that she wished to instruct us to prepare her application. The Applicant also explained that she wanted to use the “keep my passport” service as she needed her passport for work purposes. Our immigration team prepared a well-executed application and the application was granted without any issues well before the standard processing time.
How to receive a quick decision on an Entry Clearance Spouse visa application?
The Home Office offers a premium visa service for an additional charge (fee varies depending on the type of application) where an Applicant can receive an expedited decision on their application. Applicants who choose to use this service should receive a decision within 30 days from the date of the biometrics appointments. However, Applicants who submit their application using the standard service may also receive a quicker decision if their application is well prepared and all the documentary evidence is submitted in the correct format.
What is an Entry Clearance Spouse visa?
An entry clearance spouse visa application allows non-EEA national spouses to join their British or settled partners in the UK. If granted, the visa is valid for 30 months and can be renewed for a further 30 months. Following this, Applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK.
What are the requirements for an Entry Clearance Spouse visa?
The requirements for an entry clearance spouse visa application can be found under Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules. The mandatory documents required for the application can be found under Appendix FM SE to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be of good character and must not fall under the General Grounds for Refusal;
- Applicants must submit a Tuberculosis Certificate (if required);
- Applicants must provide a marriage certificate and other evidence to show a genuine and subsisting relationship;
- Applicants must show they meet the financial requirement of £18,600; and
- Applicants must pass an English language test with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with at least a CEFR level A1 or above in speaking and listening and must submit the pass certificate.
If you instruct our immigration team on your entry clearance spouse visa application you will receive a bespoke documents list outlining every document you will need to submit the application.
How much does it cost for an Entry Clearance Spouse visa?
The Home Office fee is £1523 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS fee for all applications is £400 per year. The IHS fee was set to be raised on 1 October 2020 to £624 per year but this has been put on hold for the time being.
Can you work on a Spouse visa?
Applicants who have been granted a spouse visa are permitted to work without any restrictions. Applicants can work for an employer or work as a self-employed person.
How our immigration solicitors can help with an Entry Clearance Spouse visa application?
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in Entry Clearance Spouse visa applications and prepare applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful Entry Clearance Spouse visa applications for a range of different clients. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using our immigration solicitors to submit Entry Clearance Spouse visa applications
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a settlement application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Spouse visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Spouse visa application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Entry Clearance Spouse visa applications with our immigration solicitors
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 immigration status and the merit of your Spouse visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We 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. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Entry Clearance Spouse visa application. 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.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.