A UK Spouse visa allows a husband or wife (that are non-European Union (EU) citizens) of a British national or someone who holds an Indefinite Leave to Remain visa (i.e. they are a Permanent Resident or settled) to live with their partner in the UK. Spouses in the UK include not only those who are legally married but also partners in de facto marriage or civil partnership. The spouse visa is applied for by a partner in legal marriage and who is a UK citizen or a permanent resident.
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Visa Requirements
- To apply for spouse visa, the person registered as a married spouse should be a UK citizen or a permanent resident.
The applicant should also submit relevant evidences showing that the applicant and the invitee spouse have lived as a married couple continually and describing their relations and status of a married couple.
To that end, the applicant usually submits a written statement showing the relationship, including how and when the couple met, fell in love, and decided to marry as well as the plan to lead their married life.
In addition, the applicant should prove financial ability to live independently without any UK government subsidy, that he/she has secured a residence, and that he/she has sufficient English proficiency.
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Conditions of Stay
- The visa holder enjoys medical or healthcare insurance benefits identical to those available to UK citizens or permanent residents, and no restrictions are imposed on employment or study in the UK.
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Length of Stay
- The spouse visa can be obtained from either inside or outside the UK.
The initial visa will be granted for 2.5 years (or 2 years 9 months where applying from outside the UK).
After the first 2.5 years (from the date of landing in the UK) the applicant must then apply for an extension which will be granted for another 2.5 years.
After 5 years of residency with his/her British/resident spouse in the UK, the applicant can apply for permanent residency (‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’).
