Understanding the UK Spouse Visa

by visapositive on Jul 11th, 2024 07:42 AM

The UK spouse visa is designed for individuals who are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. This visa allows the non-UK spouse to live and work in the UK. To qualify, the couple must meet several requirements. These include proving the genuineness of their relationship, meeting financial criteria, and demonstrating adequate English language proficiency. The sponsoring partner must have an annual income of at least £18,600, or have sufficient savings to cover the shortfall. Additionally, the applicant must pass an approved English language test unless they come from an English-speaking country. The initial visa is granted for 2.5 years, after which the applicant can apply for an extension. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, the spouse can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The process can be complex, so it is often advisable to seek professional immigration advice to ensure all requirements are met and the application is successful.