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SPOUSE VISA

 

The UK Spouse Visa is designed for married partners of British or Irish citizens, individuals settled in the UK, those with pre-settled status, Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa holders, and individuals with refugee status or humanitarian protection who aim to join or remain with their spouse in the UK.

 

It's also applicable if your spouse is currently outside the UK but intends to return with you. With this visa, after 5 years, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain or settlement in the UK.

 

Spouse Visa Requirements:

 

In order eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, several criteria must be met:

  • Your partner must be British or Irish, settled in the UK, have pre-settled status, hold a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection.

  • You and your partner must be over 18 years old and not within a prohibited degree of relationship.

  • You must have physically met your partner and be legally married in a recognized UK marriage.

  • Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing,

  • You must meet financial requirements and have suitable accommodation for yourself and any dependents.

  • You must demonstrate proficiency in English at the required level.

 

To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, your partner must meet one of the following criteria:

  • They must be a British or Irish citizen residing in the UK; have indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence in the UK.

  • Hold pre-settled status under Appendix EU; possess limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker under Appendix ECAA; or hold refugee leave or humanitarian protection status in the UK.

  • Additionally, a British Citizen in the UK encompasses one who is accompanying you to the UK as your partner, while a person with indefinite leave to remain includes someone admitted for settlement simultaneously with you.

 

Spouse Visa Financial Requirements:

 

To meet the financial requirement for a UK Spouse Visa, you must demonstrate that you can be sufficiently supported in the UK without relying on public funds. This entails proving that your spouse (or both of you jointly if you're already in the UK with valid leave to remain) earns a minimum gross annual income of £29,000, unless exempt.

 

There's no longer a separate child element to this requirement. However, if your spouse receives specific state benefits, the focus shifts to their ability to adequately support and accommodate you. This financial threshold applies when initially applying for entry as a spouse, extending your stay, and seeking indefinite leave to remain.

 

The UK Spouse Visa financial requirement offers various avenues for fulfilment, including income from employment, non-employment sources such as property rental or dividends, cash savings exceeding £16,000 held for at least six months, pensions, and self-employment income. Combining these sources may be possible in certain circumstances.

 

Different considerations arise if the spouse receives specific state benefits. It's important to note that cash savings requirements differ between entry clearance, extension, and indefinite leave to remain applications. In exceptional cases where refusal could breach ECHR Article 8, alternative sources of income or financial support may be considered.

 

Our immigration advisors specialize in navigating these complexities, assisting applicants in meeting Spouse Visa financial requirements effectively!

 

Spouse Visa Accommodation Requirements:

 

When applying for entry clearance or extending your stay as a spouse, it's crucial to furnish evidence ensuring adequate accommodation for both you and your spouse, free from reliance on public funds, in a property either owned or solely occupied by you. This evidence should establish the legal ownership or exclusive occupancy of the property, ensuring it meets standards of non-overcrowding and compliance with public health regulations.

 

Spouse Visa English Language Requirements:

 

As part of your Spouse Visa application, you must fulfill the English language requirement unless exempt. When applying for entry clearance or switching to the Spouse Visa route, demonstrating proficiency to at least CEFR level A1 is necessary, while further leave to remain requires competence up to CEFR level A2.

 

Compliance can be achieved by holding nationality from a majority English-speaking country, passing an approved English language test, or possessing an academic qualification recognized by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC).

 

Exemptions are granted for applicants over 65, those with physical or mental disabilities hindering language proficiency, or in exceptional circumstances preventing meeting the requirement before entry to the UK. Failure to meet the English language requirement or demonstrate exemption may lead to refusal of the Spouse Visa application.

 

Spouse Visa Application Fee:

 

The current Home Office application fee for a UK Spouse Visa application submitted outside the UK stands at £1,846. If you're switching into the spouse category from within the UK or extending your stay as a spouse, the application fee is currently £1,048.

 

Upon a successful application for a UK Spouse Visa, you'll initially receive a visa valid for 33 months, or 30 months if applying for leave to remain within the UK. Before this period elapses, you must apply to UK Visas and Immigration to extend your stay, resulting in an additional 30-month grant if successful. After residing in the UK as a spouse for 5 years, you become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

 

Also, Spouse Visa holders enjoy unrestricted work rights in the UK!

 

Our immigration advisors specialize in aiding foreign national spouses to relocate and settle in the UK alongside their partners. With a track record of guiding hundreds of spouses through successful UK Spouse Visa applications, we prioritize accessibility and proactive engagement to understand and fulfil our clients' requirements.

 

As a driven team committed to delivering transparent and dependable immigration advice, we offer a professional yet approachable service, ensuring a seamless application process for all our clients!

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIVIL PARTNER VISA

 

The UK Civil Partner Visa is designed for individuals in a civil partnership with British or Irish citizens, settled individuals, those with pre-settled status, Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa holders, as well as refugees or individuals with humanitarian protection, who aim to join or remain with their civil partner in the UK.

 

This visa can eventually lead to indefinite leave to remain or settlement in the UK after a five-year period.

Civil Partner Visa Requirements:

 

To qualify for a UK Civil Partner Visa, you must meet several criteria: your partner is British or Irish, settled in the UK, holds pre-settled status, a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or has refugee or humanitarian protection status; both you and your partner are over 18 and not within a prohibited degree of relationship; you have met in person and are legally in a recognized civil partnership in the UK; your relationship is genuine and ongoing, with the intention to live together permanently in the UK; any previous relationships have ended permanently; you meet a financial requirement; there is suitable accommodation for you and any dependents; and you have the necessary English language skills.

 

Also, the Sponsor Partner must meet specific criteria, including being a British or Irish citizen residing in the UK, holding indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence, having pre-settled status under Appendix EU, holding limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Worker under Appendix ECAA, or having refugee leave or humanitarian protection status in the UK. This also encompasses scenarios where a British Citizen is entering the UK with you as your partner or where someone is being admitted for settlement concurrently with you.

 

Civil Partner Visa Financial Requirements:

 

Navigating the financial requirement for a UK Civil Partner Visa entails understanding its complexity and ensuring compliance with mandatory documentary evidence. Applicants must prove that their civil partner meets the gross annual income threshold of £29,000, unless exempt. Failure to provide mandatory financial evidence is a leading cause for application refusal. It's crucial to meet this requirement at each stage of the application process, from initial entry to indefinite leave to remain, with careful attention to documentation.

 

Civil Partner Visa Accommodation Requirements:

 

Whether you're seeking entry clearance or extending your stay as a civil partner, it's essential to furnish evidence of suitable accommodation that doesn't rely on public funds. This entails demonstrating exclusive ownership or occupancy of the property, its legal entitlement, and compliance with public health standards to avoid overcrowding. Providing detailed documentation is crucial to meeting these accommodation requirements and ensuring a successful application.

 

Civil Partner Visa English Language Requirements:

 

As part of your Civil Partner Visa application, unless exempt, you must demonstrate compliance with an English language requirement set by the Home Office. For entry clearance or switching into the Civil Partner Visa route, proficiency to at least CEFR level A1 is required, while further leave to remain necessitates competence to at least CEFR level A2. You can fulfill this requirement by holding citizenship in a majority English-speaking country, passing an approved English language test, or possessing an academic qualification recognized by Ecctis to meet or exceed UK standards. Exemptions are available for individuals over 65, those with disabilities hindering language proficiency, or in exceptional circumstances. Failure to meet this requirement or prove exemption will result in refusal of your Civil Partner Visa application.

 

Civil Partner Visa Application Fee:

 

The current Home Office application fee for a UK Civil partner Visa application submitted outside the UK stands at £1,846. If you're switching into the civil partner category from within the UK or extending your stay as a partner, the application fee is currently £1,048.

 

Upon successful application for a UK Civil Partner Visa, you'll receive an initial 33-month validity period, while subsequent leave to remain applications grant 30 months. Prior to the expiration of your initial grant, you must apply to UK Visas and Immigration for an extension. If approved, you'll receive further leave to remain for another 30 months. After residing in the UK for 5 years as a civil partner, you become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

 

 

UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA

 

The UK Unmarried Partner Visa is designed for long-term partners of British or Irish citizens, settled individuals, those with pre-settled status, Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa holders, as well as refugees or individuals with humanitarian protection who seek to join or remain with their unmarried partner in the UK. It also allows applications from those whose unmarried partner is currently outside the UK but plans to return with them. This visa pathway can ultimately lead to indefinite leave to remain or settlement in the UK after a five-year period.

 

Unmarried Partner Visa Requirements:

 

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you must meet various criteria outlined by UK Visas and Immigration: your partner must be British or Irish, settled in the UK, hold pre-settled status, a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or have refugee or humanitarian protection status; both you and your partner must be over 18 and have met in person; you should have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years, with evidence of genuine and continuing commitment; intentions to permanently reside together in the UK, along with proof of financial stability, adequate accommodation, and English language proficiency, are also necessary. Specific requirements may differ based on individual circumstances, prompting consideration of legal advice from an immigration lawyer for tailored guidance.

 

Also, to qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, your partner must meet specific eligibility criteria: they must be a British or Irish citizen in the UK, hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence, possess pre-settled status under Appendix EU, have limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Worker under Appendix ECAA, or hold refugee leave or humanitarian protection status in the UK. This encompasses scenarios where a British Citizen is entering the UK with you as their partner, or where someone is being admitted for settlement simultaneously with you.

 

Unmarried Partner Visa Financial Requirement:

 

To satisfy the financial requirement for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you must prove that your unmarried partner (or both of you if already in the UK with valid leave to remain) earns a gross annual income of at least £29,000, unless exempt. This criterion applies when initially entering the UK as an unmarried partner, extending your stay, and applying for indefinite leave to remain. The complexity of the Immigration Rules regarding this requirement necessitates careful attention to mandatory documentary evidence. Failure to provide such evidence is a common reason for refusal, emphasizing the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate financial capability.

 

Unmarried Partner Visa Accommodation Requirement:

 

When applying for entry clearance or extending your stay as an unmarried partner, it's crucial to furnish evidence of suitable accommodation that doesn't rely on public funds. This entails proving exclusive ownership or occupancy of the property, along with legal entitlement and compliance with public health standards to avoid overcrowding. Detailed documentation is essential to meeting these accommodation requirements and ensuring a successful application.

 

Unmarried Partner Visa English Language Requirement:

 

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you must meet the English language requirement set by the Home Office, unless exempt. For entry clearance or switching into the Unmarried Partner Visa route, proficiency to at least CEFR level A1 is necessary, while further leave to remain mandates competence to at least CEFR level A2. Compliance can be achieved by holding citizenship in a majority English-speaking country, passing an approved English language test, or possessing a recognized academic qualification taught or researched in English. Exemptions apply for individuals over 65, those with disabilities hindering language proficiency, or in exceptional circumstances. Failure to meet this requirement or prove exemption will result in refusal of your Unmarried Partner Visa application.

 

UK Unmarried Partner Visa Application Fee:

 

The Home Office application fee for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa application submitted outside the UK stands at £1,846, while the fee to switch into or extend stay in the unmarried partner category within the UK is £1,048. Additional fees may apply if opting for the Priority or Super Priority Service.

 

Upon successful application for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you'll receive an initial 33-month validity period, while subsequent leave to remain applications grant 30 months. Before the initial grant of leave expires, you must apply to UK Visas and Immigration for an extension, which, if approved, will grant you further leave to remain for another 30 months. After residing in the UK for 5 years as an unmarried partner, you become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

 

FIANCE VISA

 

The UK Fiance Visa is tailored for engaged partners of British or Irish citizens, settled individuals, those with pre-settled status, Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa holders, and individuals with refugee or humanitarian protection status who aim to enter the UK and marry within 6 months of arrival. Applications for the UK Fiance Visa must be submitted from outside the UK. While this visa does not directly lead to settlement, upon marriage in the UK, you can transition to the Spouse visa route from within the country. The UK Spouse Visa potentially leads to indefinite leave to remain or settlement in the UK after a 5-year period.

 

UK Fiance Visa Requirements:

 

To qualify for a UK Fiance Visa, you must satisfy various criteria outlined by UK Visas and Immigration: your partner must be British or Irish, settled in the UK, hold pre-settled status, a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or have refugee or humanitarian protection status; both you and your partner must be over 18 and have met in person; evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship is required, with intentions to marry within six months of your arrival in the UK; previous relationships must have permanently ended; plans for permanent cohabitation in the UK, financial independence without relying on public funds, adequate accommodation, and proficiency in English are also essential. Specific requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances, warranting consideration of legal advice from an immigration lawyer for tailored guidance.

 

Also, to qualify for a UK Fiance Visa, your partner must meet specific eligibility criteria: they must be a British or Irish citizen in the UK, hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence, possess pre-settled status under Appendix EU, have limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Worker under Appendix ECAA, or hold refugee leave or humanitarian protection status in the UK. This encompasses scenarios where a British Citizen is entering the UK with you as their partner, or where someone is being admitted for settlement simultaneously with you.

 

 

UK Fiance Visa Financial Requirement:

 

To meet the financial requirement for a UK Fiance Visa, you must demonstrate that your fiance (or both of you if already in the UK with valid leave to remain) has a gross annual income of at least £29,000, unless exempt. This criterion applies when initially entering the UK as a fiance, extending your stay as a spouse, and applying for indefinite leave to remain. The complexity of the Immigration Rules concerning this requirement necessitates careful attention to mandatory documentary evidence. Failure to provide such evidence is a common reason for refusal, underscoring the applicant's responsibility to prove financial capability.

 

Fiance Visa Accommodation Requirement:

 

When applying for entry clearance as a fiance, it's essential to furnish evidence of suitable accommodation for both you and your fiance, free from reliance on public funds. This requires demonstrating exclusive ownership or occupancy of the property, along with legal entitlement and adherence to public health regulations to prevent overcrowding. Detailed documentation is crucial to meeting these accommodation requirements and ensuring a successful application.

 

Fiance Visa English Language Requirement:

 

To qualify for a UK Fiance Visa, you must satisfy the Home Office's English language requirement, unless exempt. When applying for entry clearance on the Fiance Visa route, proficiency to at least CEFR level A1 is necessary, while transitioning into the spouse route requires competence to at least CEFR level A2 when applying for further leave to remain as a spouse after holding leave for 2.5 years. Compliance can be achieved by holding citizenship in a majority English-speaking country, passing an approved English language test, or possessing a recognized academic qualification taught or researched in English. Exemptions apply for individuals over 65, those with disabilities hindering language proficiency, or in exceptional circumstances. Failure to meet this requirement or prove exemption will result in refusal of your Fiance Visa application.

 

UK Fiance Visa Application Fee:

 

The Home Office application fee for a UK Fiance Visa application submitted outside the UK is £1,846, while the fee to switch into the spouse category from within the UK or extend stay as a spouse is £1,048. Additional fees may apply if you opt for the Priority Service.

 

Upon successful application for a UK Fiance Visa, your visa will be initially valid for 6 months. After your wedding, you can apply to switch into the Spouse category within the UK. If your application for further leave to remain as a Spouse is approved, you'll receive an additional 30 months of leave. You'll need to extend your Spouse leave for another 30 months before it expires. After residing in the UK for 5 years as the Spouse of a British citizen or settled person, you become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

 

 

FAMILY MEMBER OF PBS MIGRANT VISA

 

The Family Member of a PBS Migrant visa category facilitates the entry and residence of partners and children of points-based system migrants in the UK. Eligible applicants include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, same-sex partners, or children (under 18 at the initial application) of PBS migrants.

 

Family Member of PBS Visa Requirements:

 

To qualify for entry clearance or leave to remain as the partner of a PBS migrant, you must meet various criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration: you must be over 18 and married, in a civil partnership, unmarried, or in a same-sex partnership with a PBS migrant; if unmarried or in a same-sex partnership, you must have lived together for at least 2 years; your relationship with the PBS migrant must be genuine and ongoing, with intentions to live together throughout their stay in the UK; you cannot intend to stay in the UK beyond the PBS migrant's granted leave; you must meet financial maintenance requirements, except for Tier 1 Investor migrants; and if applying as the partner of a Tier 1 Investor or Entrepreneur, you must provide a criminal record certificate.

 

Similarly, to qualify as the child of a PBS migrant, you must be under 18, unmarried, and not leading an independent life, with both parents lawfully present in the UK or granted leave simultaneously, unless specific exceptions apply.

 

The specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances, necessitating legal advice from an immigration advisors!

PARTNER&FAMILY VISAS

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