Spouse Visa - UK
A Partner Visa UK, also known as a UK Marriage Visa, is a settlement visa that allows you to live together with your British partner in the UK for up to 30 months.
It can be extended for another 30 months if you meet certain eligibility conditions. Holding a Partner Visa is the first step towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British Citizenship.
To apply for a Marriage Visa and enter the UK, you must be married to, or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, UK settled person or UK refugee. The main eligibility criteria include providing proof that you are in a genuine relationship and that you meet specific financial conditions.
Get in touch with our immigration lawyers to receive professional advice on your Marriage Visa case and learn how you can enter the UK and get leave to remain with your partner if he or she is a UK citizen.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK Spouse Visa is for non-UK residents aged 18 or over who are engaged, married to, or has a proposed civil partner who is aged over 18 living in the UK. It is a type of settlement visa known as the UK partner visa.
The qualifying criteria vary depending on your partner’s situation. You need to apply for a UK Partner Visa if you are coming to the UK to join your partner or spouse from outside the European Economic Area.
If you hold a Spouse Visa in UK, you have the right to work like all British citizens. However, you cannot claim most benefits, such as public funds, housing allowance or tax credits.
Who can apply for a Spouse Visa?
You can apply for a UK Spouse Visa if you are:
- • Aged 18 years or over
- • Married or in a civil partnership that is recognized by the UK
- • Married to a British citizen or UK settled person
- • You have been living together in a relationship for the past 2 years and you can prove it
- • You are engaged, or you hold a Fiancé Visa – UK and will get married within 6 months of being in the UK
British citizens can send the leave to remain forms on their partner’s behalf as long as they are eligible. You must list their name and information as the applicant’s details.