Services for Employers of Workers from Overseas, We have helped hundreds of clients in their journey from the initial entry clearance to British citizenship, Financial requirements for the spouse visa, The difference between the 5-year and the 10-year partner route. The discrepancy is due to the changes introduced by the Home Office in the documentation confirming the right of residence. Average UK spouse visa application processing time is 2 - 12 weeks from the date we submit the application to the UKBA. as a spouse, worker, entrepreneur or student - up to 8 weeks; All other visas applied for from outside the UK - 3 to 12 weeks; If you have plans to travel shortly after submitting your application, its best you pay for priority or super priority service, so you get your visa decision long before your intended travel date. checking to ensure that your documents are sufficient; compiling your documents into an evidence portfolio- this will make your application easy to move through for an immigration officer; preparing a Letter of Representation to support your application; liaising with the Home Office during your application process until a decision is reached; completing each part of your application form to the highest standard. For the partner visa application, English language test is required in speaking and listening components. We will discuss the UK spouse visa requirements in 2023 and the UK spouse visa process.. As an OISC-regulated immigration law firm specialising in UK spouse visas, we are exceptionally well placed to discuss this - especially because many of our immigration advisors have worked for the Home Office (the . If at the time of application both partners are resident outside the UK and plan to relocate to the UK together, the British partner may rely on income from employment in the country of residence and a job offer in the UK with an appropriate salary. If you are unable to enter the UK within 30 days an application for an extension has to be submitted, The extension will be for another 30 days, Additional charges are applied for the same, The need to appeal against the verdict given by the Home Office, The process could be challenging and long. You can also book a priority service (available overseas) or a super priority service available in the UK if you wish to expedite the application. The requirements to get a UK Spouse Visa includes the following. Contact our team today on 020 4502 8582 for more information about how we can assist you. In order for an applicant to prove they satisfy all of the requirements for a UK Spouse Visa, they must provide relevant supporting documents. Only approved sources of income are taken into account, such as employment, self-employment, rental of property, income from dividends or investments, or pension. Spouse/Partner Visas (Entry Clearance Applications), Further Leave to Remain as a Spouse/Partner (FLR M), Further Leave to Remain - Family or Private Life basis (FLR FP), Full Visa/Settlement Application or Appeal Service, Visa Application & Document Checking Service, Letter Templates for UK Visa & Settlement Applications, UK Spouse/Partner Visa Specific Services & Tools, Tailored DIY Spouse Visa Application Packs, Spouse & Partner Visa Document Checking Service, UK Spouse & Partner Visa (Entry Clearance) Letter Templates, FLR M (Partner Visa Extensions or Switching) Letter Templates, The Complete UK Spouse & Partner Visa Guide, The Complete Fianc(e) & FLR M Guides Combo Package, The Complete Supporting Documents Submissions Guide for UK Partner Visas, A UK Visa application (including the supporting documents) is only received by the UKVI once the applicant has attended their Biometric appointment and submitted their finger prints and photo. If self-employed or running a business outside the UK, the British partner may rely on income from self-employment or business in the country of residence and evidence of intention to continue in the same trade in the UK. Although it is impossible to predict how long your Spouse Visa application process is going to take, our immigration lawyers can use their knowledge on this field to assist you until a decision is made. If you you previously held visa under the 5-year route but then had to switch into the 10-year route, the time spent under the 5-year route will count towards the qualifying 10-year period. . Can I apply for a spouse visa if I dont meet the financial requirements? Concise and to the point representations will also minimise the risk of a mistake on the part of the Home Office and will give you the best prospect of success. Were here to help you in person, via the phone or online. You can apply for a UK Spouse visa if you satisfy the following. UK spouse visa processing time. In general, the visa processing time for a UK Spouse Visa could be anywhere between 2 weeks and 12 weeks. I am happy to receive promotional emails from the IAS. Our immigration lawyers offer a fast-track application service that will make sure your UK Spouse Visa application is completed and submitted quickly. Wait for the decision on your UK Spouse visa application. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. After you have submitted your application online you have to upload your supporting documents to the government portal. persons with protection status refugee or humanitarian protection. Click here to read more If you choose to pay the extra fee for this, you can get a decision on your application within 1-2 working days. 0121 718 7022. On average, straightforward spouse visa applications made within the UK take up to 60 working days. the Immigration Health Surcharge is 1560, an optional super-priority service is 800, the visa fee and priority fee for the child is the same as for the main applicant. A minimum amount of 120 pounds is required per week (After paying off your expenses for housing). The criteria for qualifying for this visa differs based on the circumstances of your partner. You can find out if you are eligible for this when you pay the regular visa fee (the application form may provide an option for paying for priority/super priority processing) or by checking with VFS Global when you pay for biometrics. This is for those applications that are submitted from other nations. Self-employed persons have to rely on their net income before tax in the last completed financial year. Call us: On successful processing of the renewal application, the UK Spouse Visa gets extended for another 30 months (Two and a half years). Guides, Templates, DIY Application Packs, Documents Checking Service If you spend more time outside the UK than in the UK, it may lead the Home Office to doubt your intention to make the UK your permanent home. Note that the processing times for the UK partner visa as listed on this page are an average based on the promise of the Home Office. However, many factors may affect how long it takes to reach a decision based on your application. 0333 305 9375, IAS Manchester A professionally prepared application is usually processed quicker and without any follow-up questions. I doubt I would choose anyone else to help me through my immigration to the UK. How soon do I have to travel to the UK once my spouse visa is issued? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This type of entry route is complex as it requires UKVI to assess whether you meet the genuine relationship requirements. Check if you . The non-British partner has to meet a basic English language requirement at A1 level for the initial application or A2 level in the application for extension. all the supporting documents relevant to your case. Savings can belong to the British or non-British partner or both. Once you have lived in this nation for 5 years in total, you become eligible for an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). The process of booking for consultation is fast and easy. If you havent received an update from the Home Office, that doesnt mean you have a higher chance of refusal. Our lawyers can assist you. UK spouse visa is an immigration option for spouses of British citizens. If the partner submits the visa application from another nation: If your spouse/partner is working in the UK she/he can contribute their earnings as well. If you sold a property or assets and rely on the proceeds of sale, you will have to show that you owned the property or the assets for at least six months prior to the date of the application. To be eligible for the Spouse Visa you must either be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person, as well as this you must be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the English language, pass the genuine relationship test, meet the financial requirements and have proof of adequate accommodation in the UK. On the other hand, if you apply in person in the UK, then you will get a response regarding your UK spouse visa application within a day. Conavon Court The second stretch of leave is granted for 2.5 years. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) starts processing your application once you either: verify your identity and submit your documents and application online using the UK Immigration: ID Check. High Success Rate for all UK Spouse/Partner Visa Applications How long can I stay outside of the UK on a Spouse Visa? The help of an immigration lawyer could greatly increase the Spouse Visa processing time. However, the waiting time can vary depending on several factors. Filed Under: UK Tagged With: UK immigration, UK Visa. Although everyone applying for a UK Spouse visa is eligible for priority/super priority processing (as long as its available at the visa application centre), priority processing is not recommended for every applicant. The earliest you can apply for extension is after 2.5 years of residence, the latest is the expiry date of your visa. For more information, please see our GN House 12 Blackfriars Street UK Spouse Visa Processing Times Reiss Edwards United Kingdom June 3 2021 Getting married or entering into a new relationship with a partner is one of the most exciting experiences in life. Find out more about the different UK Partner visas and options available. The couple have to meet the financial requirement which, in the initial applications made from overseas, is assessed primarily on the basis of the British partners income. It is important that you attach all the required documents for the acceptance and processing of your application. In this case, you can rely on employment of both the sponsor and the applicant, or either one of them. However, the Home Office announced in May 2022 that applications for spouse and partner visas made outside the country might take up to 24 weeks to be processed due to a higher priority placed on visas for Ukraine nationals for the time being. Therefore, there is no difference in processing time between these types of visas. Relationship recognised and subsisting marriage or civil partnership or durable partnership; the Immigration Health Surcharge is 1872. Reddit, Inc. 2023. We are on day 19 and still waiting, but have seen some approved in as few as 4 days and some still waiting at almost 40 days. Our service standard processing times for standard applications (depending on application type) will start when you make an application and prove your identity. If you fall under this exemption, you will not be required to demonstrate an annual income of 18,600, but you will have to show that the family will be maintained without additional recourse to public funds and will be adequately accommodated. How British Nationals can return and settle with their Partners in the UK. UK visa application form. You will find the relevant contact details for the Home Office here . Please copy and paste into a new post and add your dates. For more details on the application process, visit this page. British citizens and individuals living in the United Kingdom who wish to bring their spouse or civil partner to the UK to live with them require a visa to do so the UK spouse visa. Not sure if you should include a Cover Letter with your UK Spouse/Partner Visa Application? A UK spouse visa is for the residents of other nations who are over 18 years of age and are married or engaged to or have a civil partner who is a resident of the UK (She/he must be 18 years and above). For example, your waiting time may vary according to where you make an application from. If the applicant is outside the UK, their income from employment or self-employment cannot be taken into account. This can be particularly time-consuming. Tips for a Successful UK Visa Application 6. During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation. What are the requirements for a UK partner visa where the British sponsor is returning back to the UK from living overseas. Your assigned lawyer will gather and collate all your supporting evidence, helping you bridge any gaps or shortcomings. . Seems to be quite variable at the moment. After discussing the circumstances for my partner and me we worked through the visa requirements and I was provided with clear guidance on how to confidently apply for my partner's migration. This means that they will scrutinise proofs of your relationship with your partner over the complete span of your relationship or marriage. Our lawyers can help you if you are making an application and you want to avoid delays in the Spouse Visa UK processing. There are also suitability requirements aimed at excluding people with a history of criminal offences. With the regular priority service the processing time for your UK visa application could be reduced to 5 working days. The sponsor along with his/her partner should be able to meet the financial requirements. where you will have your Biometrics taken. If the British sponsor has worked with the same employer for more than six months, they can provide evidence of their salary for the last six months. If I have a child from a previous relationship, can I join my partner and bring my child later once we are settled? The UK spouse visa is a type of visa for settlement and permits to bring in your spouse or civil partner who is a non-UK resident to live with you. This can be done only if your partner satisfies the criteria for eligibility. UK visa processing times may currently be longer due to the impacts that the pandemic has had on the UK immigration process. This is a timeline thread for those applying for visas from within the UK. The following documents have to be attached to your application and sent to the Home Office. You can speed up the process to 1.5 months. You can choose to appear for one of the following tests. Priority service is only available if the application is straightforward and meets all the standard requirements. Super priority visa service and priority service are usually available if you are applying from within the UK. UKVI also publishes up-to-date information on current processing times for visa and immigration applications submitted both within the UK and outside the UK. Before the Covid-19 pandemic 90% of non-settlement visa applications made outside the UK, which includes the Spouse Visa category, were processed within 3 weeks. The UK Spouse visa application process involves 5 stages: You carefully fill out the application form. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Melanie currently provides all her Legal Services as a Consultant Solicitor withLexmark Legal Ltd, an SRA Regulated law firm, SRA Number:647527. Call us on0333 305 3612for immediate help & assistance with your situation. The way we prepare the application makes it easy for the caseworker to process and approve it without asking for more information or referring the matter to a senior member of staff. Documents you will need to gather include: If any of your documents are not written in English the Home Office requires you to accompany them with translated versions from a professional translator. If you wish to remain in the UK beyond the validity period of your Spouse Visa then you can apply for a UK Spouse Visa extension. When you have passed the test, you will be given a SELT unique reference number which must be used in your visa application. You will have selected the nearest post office to your address in the UK as part of the visa application process. the supporting documents relevant to your case. Even though you do not have to meet the minimum financial requirement it is important that you prove you have sufficient money to support your spouse and dependents if any. SE1 1LB There is also a Super Priority Service, this service allows you to receive a decision from the Home Office by the next working day. Our premium Fast Track Package is ideal if you need to submit an application quickly, such as if you need to meet a tight deadline. It takes up to 24 weeks if you're applying from outside of the UK. Home Office portal for the online applications, List of approved English Language test providers. 5 June 2023 UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI) Anne Morris The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. specifically for UK Spouse/Partner Visa Applications Making sure your application is completed correctly and that you have submitted all of the necessary documents can help to ensure that your visa application wont be delayed. The Australian Spouse Visa processing time ranges between 11 to 15 months and 20 to 23 months, depending on the type of spouse or partner visa. Average seems to be between 20-25 days for standard. If you graduated from a UK university, this is sufficient proof of your knowledge of English. The required processing time for a UK spouse visa depends on various items. When you apply for Priority visa service, you pay an additional 573 to get your UK Spouse visa processed within five working days. 18 May 2023 UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has published service standards for waiting times for decisions on visa and immigration applications. Learn more. Before accepting your instructions, we will assess your case in a brief telephone discussion and will give you an accurate all-inclusive quote. If you are experiencing delays in processing your application and have not been contacted by the Home Office, the next step is to contact UK Visas and Immigration and ask for an update on the progress of your application. Savings requirements also go up proportionately to the number of dependent children. The standard processing time for applications made in the UK is about 8 weeks. There are several different factors involved when UKVI reviews your Spouse Visa application. An experienced immigration lawyer gives you confidence in the result you want to achieve. - Any documents you omit from your application, will at the worst case result in your application being refused outright, or in some cases be requested by the home office caseworker assessing your application, which will cause further delays in getting a decision. However, their income from property rental, pension or investments is accepted. How Can I ensure my Spouse Visa Application doesn't get further delayed? For instance, if you are intending to apply for a 309-type provisional spouse visa (Australia), you can acquire the said visa between 11-15 months. No, there is no limit on your right to travel abroad but you will have to maintain your main home and family life in the UK. UK Spouse Visa Processing Time. Those that take up this option for their existing application can expect to get a decision within 15 full working days. The required amount will increase if you have one or more dependent children. ", "I booked an advice appointment and my experience with Niamh Fegan was fantastic. How much money do I need for a spouse visa? You can attach several types of evidence along with your application to prove that your relationship is genuine. One of our legal caseworkers will help you throughout the entire process, including establishing your eligibility for your chosen route, completing your application form to the highest standards and organising your documents. We will review your case and give you expert advice on how best to proceed with your immigration matter. The format of these documents should be as instructed by the Home Office. - Applicants are being contacted in date order, with the oldest outstanding applications contacted first. Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance. You can also expedite the application by booking a super priority service and receive the decision within 24 hours after submitting your biometrics. Yes. Has criminal conviction that wasnt spent. Travel documents that prove that youve visited and spent time with each other before getting married or entering into a civil partnership contract. Representative of an Overseas Business Visa, OISC Level 1 Immigration Advisor Training Course, Global mobility, High Potential and Scale Up, OISC Level 3 Advocacy and Representation Training Course, Statement of Changes Immigration Updates. The British spouse has to be resident in the UK or be returning to the UK together with the applicant. Your previous passports. If you spend more than six months outside the UK you may be asked for the reason of your absence. 98% were processed within 6 weeks and 100% were processed within 12 weeks. B1 1QP If you are relying on cash savings, you will need 62,500 for the first application and the application for extension. You will need to complete the application form and gather a substantial portfolio of evidence to prove to the Home Office that you can meet the requirements. These cookies do not store any personal information. At this point, you will get an email from the Home Office. 2023 Immigration Advice Service LTD. OISC Registration Number - F201100299. In normal circumstances, the processing time for a spouse visa is up to 90 working days for standard applications. If you are applying from within the UK, you will receive your biometric residence card in the post. The charges for submitting the application from the UK is 1,033 Pounds. When you submit your application, it will be passed on to an assigned immigration officer. - Not all visa centres offer the Priority Service, but both of the Third-party companies that manage the Visa Centres for UK visa applications outside the UK (VFS Global and Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. It will not affect your right to remain. outside - However, this is subject to availability at the local Visa Centre you will be submitting your application from i.e. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) starts processing your application once you either: verify your identity and submit your documents and application using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.. We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process. The average UK Spouse Visa processing time is approximately three months. and the Home Office prioritising applications from there.