The UK Spouse Dependent Visa is designed for individuals who wish to join their spouse or partner in the UK. This visa allows married partners, civil partners, or unmarried partners of British citizens or settled individuals to live and work in the UK. The process involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, submitting the necessary documents, and following the correct steps. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of obtaining a UK Spouse Dependent Visa, including eligibility criteria, required documents, application procedures, and additional considerations.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for a UK Spouse Dependent Visa, you must ensure that you meet the necessary eligibility criteria:
1. Relationship Requirements
- You must be married to your partner, or be in a civil partnership with your partner, or in a long-term relationship (of at least two years) with a British citizen, an individual with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or someone with refugee status.
- Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
- If married, the marriage must be legally recognized in the UK.
2. Financial Requirements
- Your sponsoring partner must have a minimum annual income of £18,600 or higher if you have dependent children (£3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child).
- Savings can supplement income shortfalls, calculated based on specific Home Office rules.
- Income sources include employment, self-employment, pension, and rental income.
3. English Language Requirement
- Applicants must prove their English proficiency through an approved English test (A1 level for the first application).
- People from majorly English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, Australia are exempted from this exercise.
- Those with a degree taught in English may also be exempted.
4. Accommodation Requirement
- You must have adequate accommodation that meets UK housing standards.
- Overcrowding and inadequate living conditions could lead to application rejection.
5. Immigration Status of the Sponsor
- The sponsoring partner must be a British citizen, a settled person (ILR holder), or someone with refugee or humanitarian protection status.
Required Documents
To successfully apply for a UK Spouse Dependent Visa, you must provide the following supporting documents:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, joint bills, photos, messages, travel history together).
- Financial documents proving you meet the minimum income threshold (e.g., payslips, bank statements, employment contract, tax returns for self-employed sponsors).
- English language test certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of adequate accommodation (e.g., tenancy agreement, mortgage statements, property inspection report).
- TB test certificate (if applying from a country where tuberculosis screening is required).
- Any additional documents requested by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Application Process
Step 1: Online Application Submission
- The application is submitted online via the UK government website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
- You must complete the spouse visa application form (Appendix FM Partner Visa).
- Pay the visa application fee (£1,846 for applications made outside the UK and £1,048 for applications made within the UK).
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), allowing access to the NHS.
Step 2: Biometrics Appointment
- After submitting the online application, you must book an appointment at a visa application center to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
- Bring all required documents for verification at the appointment.
Step 3: Attend an Interview (If Required)
- In some cases, UKVI may request an interview to assess the genuineness of the relationship.
- Questions may cover details of your relationship, daily life, and future plans.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
- Standard processing time is around 12 weeks for applications outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for applications within the UK.
- Priority services are available for an additional fee, reducing processing time.
Step 5: Receive the Visa Decision
- If approved, you will receive a vignette (visa sticker) in your passport valid for 30 days to enter the UK.
- Once in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.
Post-Visa Considerations
1. Work and Study Rights
- Spouse visa holders can work and study in the UK without restrictions.
2. Extending the Spouse Visa
- The initial visa is granted for 2 years and 9 months.
- You must apply for an extension before the visa expires, meeting all requirements again.
3. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship
- After living in the UK for five years on a spouse visa, you may apply for ILR.
- After holding ILR for one year, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
4. Changing Visa Conditions
- If your relationship breaks down, you must notify UKVI, and your visa status may be affected.
- In cases of domestic abuse, alternative visa routes may be available.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
- Inadequate financial proof.
- Lack of evidence proving a genuine relationship.
- Failing the English language requirement.
- Insufficient accommodation arrangements.
- Providing false or incomplete information.
The UK Spouse Dependent Visa offers a pathway for partners to live together in the UK. By ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria, providing accurate documentation, and following the correct application procedures, you can enhance your chances of a successful application. Proper planning and professional guidance, if needed, can help navigate the complexities of the process and achieve your goal of joining your spouse in the UK.