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Permanent Residence in the UK Through Marriage: Everything You Need to Know
Published on: 12th May 2021
Reading time: Approx 6 mins
Picture this. You’ve just married the love of your life. But they’re from the UK, and you’re not.
You’re excited about starting your new life and you want to live in the UK. Is this you?
Then you will need to get a UK Spouse Visa. Don’t worry! It may seem daunting and time consuming, but help is at hand.
All the important things to know are clearly listed below. If you follow this post carefully, gaining permanent residency through your marriage or civil partnership will be easy! (this also holds true if you are engaged to British national or settled person)
What Is a UK Spouse Visa?
A Spouse Visa in the UK is a visa that allows you to join your partner in the UK and allows you to live, study, and work in the UK. You will also have access to many benefits provided by the UK government.
What about a marriage visa? UK visas can have multiple names, this visa is frequently referred to as a spousal visa, marriage visa, or fiancé visa. This category also covers unmarried partners, same sex partners, civil partners – the UK Immigration laws for them are the same.
There’s basic eligibility requirements that need to be met. For instance evidencing that the relationship is genuine. You must be in a valid marriage or civil partnership or been living together for at least 2 years.
You need to have an intention to settle permanently within the UK. And, you must be over the age of 18 and not related to your partner under UK Marriage Laws.
Yes, it is a settlement visa! If you are living overseas you can permanently join your spouse in the UK. The initial application is called an entry clearance application.
As you are planning to permanently to move to the UK you might be looking for a new place to live. Here are some top cities in the UK to consider in your search.
Know more about various UK EEA Family Permit visa click here
The Application Requirements
It might seem daunting at first, but you’re in good hands. We have a history of success for Spousal Visas are granted frequently.
Proof of Relationship
These days you will rarely experience being interviewed as a couple. Rather, authorities will work from your application and supporting paperwork only.
Many things can be considered evidence. Photos of you and your spouse together in multiple situations are helpful. So are things like plane or train tickets for visiting each other.
In particular, marriage evidence is useful. Photos of the event or of the signing of the marriage certificate are ideal.
Letters, screenshots of texts and emails are great. All can help to provide proof that you have a genuine relationship with your spouse.
Health and Identity
In order to complete the application, you will have to follow many steps. The first is filling out the application form and paying the fee.
Then you will need to provide sufficient evidence of your identity. This includes biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photograph. You will also have to provide your passport.
It’s also important that you get a tuberculosis test if you live in a country that requires it. You will need to pay the immigration health surcharge as well.
English Language Requirements
It is a UK requirement that you must have evidence of your ability to speak English. But there are many ways to prove this and there are several exemptions.
The first of three ways to meet this requirement is equivalent education. If you received higher education equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree, then you can submit this as evidence.
The second is having received a degree that was taught in English. The third option is studying and passing International English Language Testing System (IELTS). You must receive at least an A1 level in both the speaking and the listening portion to qualify.
If you’re worried about any of these, you might qualify under an exemption, speak to our UK visa experts. Are you under 65 years of age? Are you a citizen of a majority English-speaking country?
These are exemptions, along with having attended a UK university resulting in a degree.
Financial Requirements
Many visas can require proof of vast income or savings. However, becoming a permanent resident through the spousal visa only has minor requirements. You must have evidence that you (if you are in UK and have permission to work) and your spouse’s combined annual income is at least £18,600.
Alternatively, if proving this is a problem for you, you can provide evidence of savings amounting to £62,500. There are also some exceptions if you and your spouse experienced a loss of income temporarily due to Covid-19.
How Long Is a UK Spouse Visa Valid For?
Depending on whether you are applying from abroad or within the UK, the answer varies slightly. If you apply from within the UK your visa will last 30 months. If you apply from abroad, your visa will be issued for 33 months.
Of course, after this initial period, you are likely eligible to renew your visa. Provided you are still married and living with your UK spouse, you can apply. There are some requirements to meet during this period, but they are minor.
You must not have committed crimes that would make you unsuitable for living in the UK. You should provide proof that your marriage or partnership has not broken down. Additionally, you should give evidence, and you are living together the majority of the time.
Significant time apart or abroad could call into question whether you and your partner want to permanently settle in the UK.
There also could be problems if you have not paid certain government fees that are outstanding. Finally, proof that you can afford and are living in adequate housing is necessary. If approved, your visa will be valid for an additional 30 months.
When you have been in the UK on your spousal visa for 5 years, or 60 months, you can meet the requirements for “indefinite leave to remain.“
2021 FAQs UK Spouse Visa | Your Questions & Expert Answers by UK Spouse Visa Consultant click here.
Other Visa Concerns
Do you have other visa concerns? Perhaps you have dependents or are planning to transition from a different UK visa. We assist with these situations and more.
Whatever your questions or concerns, contact us today. We are your one-stop shop for everything concerning UK visas!
You can reach out to our UK spouse visa expert on
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