Spouse Visa UK - Specialist Spouse Visa Solicitors UK

A spouse visa for the UK, also known as a marriage visa, is granted to the spouse of a person who is either a British Citizen, a person with ILR/settled status, an EU national with pre-settled status, a refugee, a Turkish Businessperson visa holder, or a Turkish Worker visa holder.

All applications for spouse visas, including entry clearance, switching, extension, and ILR, are made to the Home Office, UKVI, according to the requirements in Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules. A spouse visa in the UK is a settlement category that leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) either after 5 years under the 5-year route or after 10 years under the 10-year route.

• Page Contents
• Free Immigration Advice
• Specialist Spouse Visa Solicitors
• Spouse Visa Applications
• Transitional Arrangements
• New Financial Requirements
• UKVI Fees for Spouse Visa Applications
• Our Team of Immigration Solicitors
• Book an Appointment
• Get a Quote
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Free Immigration Advice For Spouse Visa UK

Our specialist team of spouse visa solicitors can provide one-off 5-minute free immigration advice online regarding your application for a spouse visa UK. Ask a question online to our specialist team of spouse visa solicitors for free immigration advice online, or book an appointment online for detailed immigration advice and consultation with one of our spouse visa solicitors concerning your application for a spouse visa in the UK.

Specialist Spouse Visa Solicitors

At Premium Solicitors, our specialist spouse visa solicitors provide expert legal advice and representation to individuals seeking to join their spouse in the UK under the UK spouse visa category. Whether you are applying for a spouse visa entry clearance from overseas, switching to a spouse visa from within the UK, extending your spouse visa, or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), our experienced immigration solicitors are here to guide you through every stage of the process.

We understand that spouse visa applications are often one of the most important immigration applications a person will ever make. A refusal can result in lengthy separation from loved ones and significant financial loss. Our dedicated team works diligently to ensure your application is professionally prepared and meets all Home Office requirements. The spouse visa route is governed by Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and requires applicants to satisfy strict relationship, financial, accommodation, English language, and suitability requirements.

Spouse Visa UK Applications

Our specialist team of spouse visa solicitors provides expert immigration advice and legal representation for all spouse visa applications, including entry clearance, switching, extensions, and ILR as a spouse. Various spouse visa applications for which we can provide legal help and support are as follows:

• Entry Clearance for a Spouse Visa UK
• Switching to a Spouse Visa (5 Years Route)
• Switching to a Spouse Visa (10 Years Route)
• Extension of Spouse Visa (5 Years Route)
• Extension of Spouse Visa (10 Years Route)
• ILR as a Spouse (5 Years Route)
• ILR as a Spouse (10 Years Route)
• Naturalisation as a Spouse of a British Citizen

Transitional Financial Requirement of £18,600 for Applicants Who Made Their Initial Partner Visa Application Before 11 April 2024

The Home Office UKVI has introduced the transitional financial requirements for an applicant who made their first application as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, or as a partner before 11 April 2024 and who was granted permission as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner or as a partner on the five-year route to settlement as a result of that application. According to paragraph E-LTRP.3.5 of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, a person who has permission as a partner on the five-year route to settlement, or as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, at the date of application, must meet the transitional financial requirement of income which is £18,600 gross per year if they made an application for entry clearance or permission to stay as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner or partner under Appendix FM before 11 April 2024, which was successful. Under the new rules, where the financial requirement exceeds £29,000 due to the number of children in the family, the applicant will only need to provide evidence of a gross annual income of £29,000.

The transitional financial requirement of £18,600 per year applies to applicants applying for permission to stay with the same partner for whom they were last granted permission. Applicants applying for permission to stay with a new partner must meet the financial requirement of £29,000 gross per annum.

New Financial Requirement of £29,000 Gross Per Year from 11 April 2024

As a result of changes to Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules effective from 11 April 2024, the new financial requirement of £29,000 gross per annum applies to an applicant who is making their first application on the partner route on or after 11 April 2024. You will not have to meet higher income requirements if you have any dependent children applying simultaneously along with the lead applicant, and the threshold will remain at £29,000 gross per annum.

Applicants can combine employment income under Category A with savings if the employment income is less than £29,000 gross per annum. The savings must be £16,000 plus additional savings equivalent to 2.5 times the difference between the applicant's gross annual income and £29,000. 

UKVI Fees for Spouse Visa Applications

The Home Office UKVI fees for various stages of spouse visa applications are as given in the table below:

Application	Application Fee	Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	Priority / Super Priority Service Fee (Optional)
Entry Clearance for a spouse visa from outside the UK	£2064 per applicant	£3105 for partner [£2328 for each child applicant]	£500 per applicant for Priority Service
Switching to a spouse visa from inside the UK	£1407 per applicant	£2587.50 for partner [£1940 for each child applicant]	£1,000 per applicant for Super Priority Service
Extension of spouse visa from inside the UK	£1407 per applicant	£2587.50 for partner [£1940 for each child applicant]	£1,000 per applicant for Super Priority Service
ILR as a spouse	£3226 per applicant	IHS is not payable for ILR applications	£1,000 per applicant for Super Priority Service

Our Team of Specialist Spouse Visa Solicitors

Our specialist team of spouse visa solicitors has a wealth of knowledge and experience in successfully handling spouse visa applications. Our team of highly experienced spouse visa solicitors provides expert immigration advice and legal representation on a fixed-fee basis for applications concerning entry clearance, switching, extension, and ILR as a spouse. Our spouse visa lawyers can provide immigration legal services for the spouse visa (5-year route) and the spouse visa (10-year route).

Meet Our Team of Spouse Visa Solicitors in London

At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our spouse visa solicitors in London. We understand that immigration matters are life-changing events, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the spouse visa process with professionalism and care. 

Our team comprises a diverse group of spouse visa solicitors with a wealth of experience and knowledge. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your immigration needs.

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Schedule Your Consultation With Our Spouse Visa Solicitors

Are you seeking expert immigration advice and consultation from our highly skilled team of spouse visa solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated spouse visa specialists. Our expert team of spouse visa solicitors and advisors can provide detailed immigration advice and consultation, face-to-face in our London offices or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:

• Book An Appointment Online With Our Spouse Visa Solicitors in London

Our spouse visa experts are ready to assist you with your spouse visa concerns. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.

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FAQs -Spouse Visa UK

The following are the various frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the spouse visa UK: 

What is a spouse visa UK?

A Spouse Visa UK (also known as a UK Partner Visa) allows a non-British partner to join or remain with their spouse or civil partner who is either a British Citizen, a person with ILR / settled status, an EU national with pre-settled status, a refugee, a Turkish Businessperson visa holder or a Turkish Worker visa holder. A spouse visa, also known as a marriage visa or an Appendix FM partner visa. This visa is granted under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

What is the spouse visa fast track service?

By using the spouse visa fast track service, you can receive a quicker decision on your spouse visa application. Spouse visa applications from outside the UK can be submitted through the Priority Service for a faster decision within 30 working days. Spouse visa applications submitted from inside the UK can be processed through Super Priority Service to receive a decision within 24 hours.

What are the different routes to settlement under a spouse visa in the UK? 

There are two routes to settlement under the spouse visa UK, which are as follows:

Spouse Visa (5 Years Route)

Under the spouse visa route, you will become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a spouse 28 days before completing 5 years in the UK under the spouse visa 5-year route. Any time spent in the UK under the spouse visa 10-year route cannot be counted towards the 5 years required to apply for ILR as a spouse.

Spouse Visa (10 Years Route)

Under a spouse visa (10 years route), you will become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a spouse 28 days before either completing 10 years under a spouse visa (10 years route) or 10 years of continuous and lawful stay on all types of UK visa [ILR-10 Years Long Residence], whichever is earlier. In most cases, applicants will complete 10 years long residence earlier than 10 years under the spouse visa (10-year route).

It is possible to switch from a spouse visa (10-year route) to a spouse visa (5-year route) to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) sooner.

Can I switch from the spouse visa 10-year route to the spouse visa 5-year route?

Yes, you can switch from the spouse visa 10-year route to the spouse visa 5-year route at any time during the validity of your leave to remain. It is better to switch to the 5-year route as soon as possible because your time for ILR under the 5-year route will start from the date you are granted initial leave to remain under the 5-year route.

How soon can I apply for a spouse visa after getting married?

You can apply for a spouse visa immediately after marrying your UK partner.

When will I qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under a spouse visa in the UK?

Under the spouse visa 5-year route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of residence in the UK, with leave to remain granted under the 5-year route. 

Under the spouse visa 10-year route, you can apply for ILR once you have completed 10 years in the UK with leave to remain granted under the spouse visa route. Time spent under both the 10-year and 5-year routes will count towards completing 10 years, qualifying a spouse for ILR under the 10-year route. 

What is the financial requirement for the 5-year spouse visa route?

An applicant applying for spouse visa entry clearance or switching to a spouse visa must meet either: 

• the financial requirement of earning not less than £29,000; or
• adequate maintenance requirement if the applicant’s partner is in receipt of the listed benefits and thus exempt from meeting the income requirement of £29,000 gross per year. 

According to paragraph E-LTRP.3.5 of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, a person who already has a spouse visa under the 5 years route and is applying for extension or ILR as a spouse, must meet the transitional financial requirement of income, which is £18,600 gross per year if they made an initial application for entry clearance or permission to stay as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner or partner/spouse under Appendix FM before 11 April 2024, which was successful.

Where the refusal of the application can result in serious breaches of human rights law, including Article 8 of the ECHR and Section 55 of the BCIA 2009, the applicant may be able to rely on third-party support to meet the financial requirement. 

Can I apply for a UK spouse visa from inside the UK if I am a resident outside the UK?

No, you cannot submit an in-country application for a spouse visa if you are a resident outside the UK. You must submit a spouse visa entry clearance application if you are a resident outside the UK, which means you must be physically outside the UK at the time of your online application submission. You must also attend the visa application centre in your country of nationality/residence to enrol your biometrics and hand over your passport. 

How can I challenge the refusal of a UK spouse visa?

If the Home Office, UKVI, refuses your application for a spouse visa in the UK and you believe that the decision is unlawful, you can challenge the refusal decision by appealing to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT). An immigration judge will determine your appeal and decide whether the decision is in accordance with relevant immigration and human rights laws. 

Can I submit a new application if my UK spouse visa application has been refused by the Home Office UKVI?

You can submit a fresh spouse visa application if your spouse visa application has been refused and you do not believe there is a good chance of success on appeal. 

Who can apply for a UK Spouse Visa?

You can apply for a UK spouse visa if you are:

• Legally married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or settled person
• In a genuine and subsisting relationship
• Intending to live together permanently in the UK
• Meeting financial, accommodation, and English language requirements

What documents are required for a UK Spouse Visa application?

The documents required for a spouse visa may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances. Key documents include:

• Valid passport
• Marriage certificate
• Proof of relationship (photos, communication, visits)
• Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, employment letter, etc)
• Proof of accommodation
• English language certificate (approved test or exemption evidence)

How long does a UK Spouse Visa take to process?

Processing times vary:

Applications from outside the UK: 12 weeks under the standard service and 6 weeks under the Priority Service

Applications from inside the UK: 8 weeks under the standard service and within 24 hours under the Super Priority Service

How long is a Spouse Visa valid for?

Outside the UK: 33 months

Inside the UK: 30 months

After this, you can apply for an extension and later Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years under the 5-year partner route.

Can I work in the UK on a Spouse Visa?

Yes. A UK spouse visa allows:

• Full right to work (employment or self-employment)
• Study in the UK
• Access to NHS services 

Can I switch to a Spouse Visa from within the UK?

Yes, you can switch from certain visa categories (e.g., Student, Skilled Worker), provided you:

• Meet all spouse visa requirements
• Are not in breach of immigration laws

Can I include children in my Spouse Visa application?

Yes, dependent children can apply if:

• They are under 18
• They are not leading an independent life
• Adequate maintenance and accommodation are available

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for a spouse visa?

The IHS for a spouse visa is a mandatory fee that:

• Grants access to NHS healthcare
• Is paid as part of the visa application

How can Premium Solicitors help with your UK Spouse Visa?

At Premium Solicitors, our experienced spouse visa solicitors offer:

• Free initial advice for 5 minutes
• Fixed-fee legal services with no hidden costs
• Document checking and full representation
• Fast-track application preparation
• High success rate with complex spouse visa cases

We provide services 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with remote consultations available worldwide.

Why choose Premium Solicitors for your Spouse Visa application?

• SRA-regulated law firm
• Specialist spouse visa solicitors
• Transparent fixed fees
• Multilingual support
• Tailored legal strategies for each client
• Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• 5-star Google Reviews rating