UK Spouse Visa and Civil Partnership Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those wishing to join their partners in the United Kingdom, the UK Spouse Visa and Civil Partnership Visa are two popular immigration routes. These visas allow non-UK residents who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK to live, work, and study in the country. In this guide, we will outline the key differences, requirements, and application process for both visas to help you navigate your journey to the UK.
The UK Spouse Visa and Civil Partnership Visa are designed for foreign nationals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or refugee status in the UK. These visas allow partners to stay in the UK for an initial period of 2.5 years, with the possibility of extension and, eventually, settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
While the Spouse Visa is specifically for those who are legally married, the Civil Partnership Visa is for couples in a registered civil partnership. Both visas offer the same rights and conditions.
To successfully apply for either the UK Spouse Visa or Partner Visa UK, applicants must meet several essential requirements:
Genuine Relationship: The relationship must be genuine and ongoing. You need to provide proof such as photographs, joint bank statements, correspondence, and evidence of shared financial commitments to demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship.
Minimum Income Requirement: The UK sponsor must meet a minimum income threshold to support their partner without relying on public funds. The current requirement is £18,600 per year, with an additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child. Various sources of income, including salary, self-employment, savings, and pensions, can be used to meet this requirement.
English Language Requirement: The applicant must prove their knowledge of English by passing an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 or higher. Alternatively, they can provide evidence of an academic qualification taught in English or proof of nationality from an English-speaking country.
Accommodation in the UK: You must show that you have suitable accommodation in the UK that meets the living standards set by the UK government. This could be a rented or owned property where both partners intend to live together.
Intention to Live Together Permanently: The couple must provide evidence that they plan to live together permanently in the UK.
Here is a step-by-step overview of the application process for the UK Spouse Visa and Civil Partnership Visa:
Online Application Form: The first step is to fill out the online visa application form available on the UK government website. Choose the appropriate visa type—Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa.
Gather Supporting Documents: You will need to gather several documents to support your application. These typically include:
Biometric Appointment: Applicants are required to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Pay the Application Fees: The current fee for the Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa is £1,538 if applying from outside the UK and £1,048 if applying from within the UK. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the NHS.
Submit the Application and Wait for a Decision: After submitting your application and documents, you will need to wait for a decision. Processing times can vary but usually take 8 to 12 weeks for applications from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for applications from within the UK.
Upon approval of your UK Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa, you can travel to the UK and start your life with your partner. The visa is initially valid for 30 or 33 months, depending on whether you applied from within or outside the UK. Before your visa expires, you will need to apply for an extension, provided you continue to meet the visa requirements.
After completing five years of continuous residence in the UK on a Spouse or Civil Partnership Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). With ILR, you can stay in the UK without any time restrictions and, after an additional 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
Navigating the UK immigration system can be complex, especially when it comes to visas that require substantial documentation and proof of eligibility. By understanding the requirements and preparing thoroughly, you can improve your chances of successfully obtaining a UK Spouse Visa or Civil Partnership Visa. These visas provide a pathway for couples to build a life together in the UK, bringing families closer and opening doors to new opportunities.
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