How to apply for a UK spouse or partner visa

UK offers different routes for individuals who want to join their partners residing in the UK through a spouse visa or partner visa. This visa category comes under a family visa. However, the application process seems very tiresome and time-consuming. Don’t fret! In this article, we’ll explain how to apply for a spouse visa in detail.

But before moving forward let’s get an overview of spouse visa Uk or partner visa.

Understanding UK Spouse Visa

If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with someone who lives in the UK, you might be able to join them through a UK spouse or partner visa. Moreover, this visa helps families stay together and supports real relationships.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa UK?

There are two ways to apply for a spouse visa. You can apply from inside as well as outside the UK.

Depending on your specific situation, the duration of your partner’s visa can vary. A 33-month visa is available for those applying from outside the country.
The duration of the visa is 30 months if you’re submitting an application from the UK.
You have the option to renew the visa for an additional two years and six months before it expires. It takes five years to seek for established status after renewing it.
The next step is to apply for a two-year, six-month partner or spouse visa. You will be able to seek another extension of your leave to remain for the same duration once this expires. You will be able to apply for settled status after five years if you fulfil the requirements of these visas.

Apply from Outside the UK

The sections of the Rules that must be followed in order to apply for a family visa are Appendix FNSE (specified evidence) and Appendix FM (Family Members). To sum up:
Getting entry permission is necessary for a partner who does not currently reside in the UK;

A Civil partnership visa UK will seek permission to remain;
An individual can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after holding a partner visa for five years.
Before one can make the application, they must submit a valid application. Make sure you use the right application form. You need to provide a legitimate form of identification and pay the correct application fee.
Unless you are seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain, you will additionally need to pay the NHS Surcharge when you submit your application. Every case is unique, thus choosing the right application form is essential.
In addition to completing the online application, international applicants must additionally fill out Appendix 2, which details the financial criteria.

Please note that the Leave to Remain (FLR(M)) and Indefinite Leave to Remain (SET(M)) forms are particularly suitable for United Kingdom applicants. Please fill out both of these forms online.

Spouse Visa Requirements 2024

Information required

When you submit your application, be sure to have the necessary documents and information on hand. If you are applying with a dependent, be sure to include their details as well. Here is what you must have:

each of your names
you must provide the following documents: proof of identity (such as birthdate, passport, etc.).
a copy of the photo page, and any relevant visa or entrance stamps from your past passports.
your criminal record, information about any immigration applications you have filed in the past,
a copy of your biometric resident permit (if available), and any relevant facts regarding any prior convictions
If you are applying from outside the UK, please provide your parents’ date of birth and nationality in addition to your national insurance number.
Certified translations of documents not written in English or Welsh,
your tuberculosis test results (where required by law in your country),

In order to apply for a visa from outside the UK, you must have an empty page in your passport.
In addition, you must:

provide evidence of your finances
demonstrate your proficiency in English
Additional paperwork, such as a sponsorship letter from a relative in the UK, may be required. However, this will depend on your specific situation.

When you apply, you’ll be instructed on how to submit your document.

Your Spouse’s Information

You will be questioned about your partner’s:

first name
birth information
citizenship status
identity card
a valid reason to be in the United Kingdom, such as being a citizen of the United Kingdom

Additionally, you must include information about:

anyone to whom your spouse has been married had children, or been in a civil union in the past
documentation of a marriage’s dissolution, such as a certificate of divorce
everyone your spouse provides financial assistance to, such as their parents

Relationship verification

If you are applying as a spouse or partner there will be questions regarding:

your partner’s connection, such as how you two met and how frequently you see each other
you may need to provide evidence of the duration of your relationship, such as council tax bills.
Items you pay for collectively
Whether you are caring for your partner

Your past partners

People who have been married or have had children in the past must include their information. Please include documents that attest to the dissolution of marriages, such as a divorce certificate.

Children

Information on your children (and any children of your spouse, if any) will be required. Even if they aren’t applying, you’ll still be questioned about all of your children. Specific information regarding:

the name
which country they were born in
the person’s birthdate
information from their passport
who typically resides with the child
everyone else who has legal custody of your kid, including the parents of your stepchildren
what role do you play in their routine
plans you’ve made to visit the kid—for instance, the courts have given you permission to visit
the family of the kid
any of the countries where your child has lived or visited