Your partner may qualify for a UK Spouse visa provided that you are both over the age of 18, can prove you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship, and meet the financial requirements stipulated by UKVI. Successful applicants will be granted entry for up to two and a half years and are permitted to work without restriction while in the country. At the end of the validity period of the visa, individuals can either apply for an extension or indefinite leave to remain (ILR), if eligible.
How can Lexus Law help?
- If you are already in the UK on a Fiancé(e) visa and are now married to – or in a civil partnership with – your partner, we can provide support with switching into the Spouse category.
- We will aid with all aspects of the Spouse or Civil Partner visa application process to make sure that all documentation is submitted fully and accurately.
- If your Spouse visa expiry is approaching, we can help you to apply for an extension. If you have already completed five years’ continuous residence in the UK, we can instead advise you on your eligibility for ILR.
Speak to our team
Contact us today to find out how our friendly legal team can help bring your partner to the UK through expert immigration advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acceptable proof of a ‘genuine and subsisting relationship’?
If you and your partner are married or in a civil partnership recognized by the UK, you can use your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate. If not, you must be able to prove that you have been living together for at least two years before applying. In this situation, the following items may be used as proof of your relationship:
- Utility bills, bank statements or tenancy agreements that confirm you live at the same address or pay bills together
- A letter from your doctor or dentist confirming that you live at the same address
The Home Office may also accept evidence such as one-off bills (e.g. vet’s fees or home repair costs), voter registration letters, or student finance paperwork. However, they’re less likely to grant you a visa if this is the evidence you provide.
Texts, social media messages, photos and receipts are among the items that are not considered strong evidence and should not be relied upon in your application for a Spouse/Civil Partner visa.
How much does it cost?
The application cost for a Spouse/Civil Partner visa is £1,538 if applying from outside the UK, or £1,048 if applying while in the UK.
You’ll also likely need to pay the healthcare surcharge which, for each adult staying for 2 years and 9 months, costs £1,872. If you’re extending your stay for a further 2 years and 6 months, the healthcare surcharge is £1,560.
How long can I stay?
You can stay in the UK on a Partner/Spouse visa for up to two years and nine months, at which point you’ll need to apply to extend your stay.
Once you’ve been in the UK as a partner for a minimum of five continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for settlement or indefinite leave to remain. These five years exclude any time you were in the UK on another visa, including as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner.
Our Process
01.
Contact us to book your complimentary consultation.
If you need trustworthy legal advice regarding immigration in the UK, we would be pleased to help. Fill in our contact form with a brief overview of your situation and we will be in touch as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with our immigration law experts.
02.
Let us review your circumstances and provide a quotation.
During your free consultation, we will provide guidance on how we can support you with your immigration needs. Once we have assessed your current situation and objectives, we will advise on the best course of action and will supply a quotation for our recommended services.
03.
Leave the complex legal matters to our dedicated immigration lawyers.
Once you have approved the quote, we will supply you with our full terms of business. After the terms have been agreed to, we will work closely with you (or on your behalf where appropriate) to achieve your immediate and long-term UK immigration goals.