Spouse visas have become extremely popular with foreign nationals who want to settle in the UK with their British or settled partners. Though they’re not so easy to obtain. They were set up to keep overseas families together and provide a structured route to permanent residency in the country. However, the UK visa system – in particular applying for a spouse visa – are intensely analysed, and have an average rejection rate of around 25%. So, what does your spouse visa need for the best chances of application success?
Requirement 1: Marital or Relationship Status
For the best success with your spouse visa application, you are required to prove your relationship is legitimate. To even be considered, you must either be married, in a civil partnership or have been settled in a house together for a minimum of 2 years. The simplest way to prove your relationship status is by submitting a marriage or civil partnership certificate. If you’re a couple who have been living with each other for over 2 years but are not married or in a civil partnership, you will need proof of a joint address or shared finances.
Requirement 2: Finance Requirements & Transparency
If your partner living in the UK doesn’t meet the income threshold of £29,000 a year, it’s highly likely that your application will be denied. It is possible to use cash savings to meet the financial requirements as opposed to using your salary. The minimum amount required to submit cash savings is £16,000, but the exact amount required will be how much your salary falls short of £29,000 by, multiplied by 2.5 and £16,000 added onto this amount. Your finances must be separate to prove you meet the income threshold. It’s only after your application is accepted that you may want to start considering combining your finances with your partner and opening a joint account.
Requirement 3: Accommodation Arrangements
A crucial requirement for a spouse visa in the UK is showing that the property you’ll be living at is owned or occupied by you and your partner. The property must meet all public health regulations and be large enough not to be overcrowded.
Requirement 4: English Language
Understanding and being able to speak the English language is a requirement from the UK Home Office as a way to set applicants up for living independently in the country, as well as making settling into the community easier. In your application, you will need a certificate proving a pass in a Secure English Language Test or, alternatively, proof of an academic degree taught in English.
Mandatory Documents
If you’ve met all of the above requirements, compiling some essential documents is your next step. Here’s a list of documents you’ll need:
- Passports
- Proof of Relationship or Marital Status
- Financial Documents (payslips, bank statements, or a savings account statement)
- Proof of Accommodation (tenancy agreement or a letter from a landlord)
- Medical Certificate (usually a Tuberculosis test certificate)
If you are unable to provide any of the required documents, or if your application is rejected and you wish to appeal, immigration lawyers in London or in the area you plan to relocate to can help. They can assist with reapplications after an unsuccessful outcome and provide advice on how to improve your chances of being accepted.
