Partner/Spouse Visa (Most Common Route)
Who Can Apply
• Husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen.
• Unmarried partner in a genuine, long-term relationship (living together is helpful, but not always required if there’s good reason).
• Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner (you must marry/enter a civil partnership within 6 months of entering the UK).
Key Eligibility Requirements
1. Age: Both sponsor (British citizen) and partner must be at least 18.
2. Relationship: Genuine and subsisting relationship, with intention to live together permanently in the UK.
3. Financial requirement: Sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year (from April 2024 onwards). Certain savings can be used instead of or alongside income.
4. Accommodation: You must have adequate accommodation in the UK.
5. English language: The partner must prove English ability (speaking and listening). Some exemptions apply.
6. Suitability: Applicant must not have serious criminal history, immigration breaches, or other reasons to refuse.
Process
1. Prepare documents: Proof of identity, relationship, income/savings, accommodation, English language.
2. Apply online: Complete the family visa application.
3. Pay fees: Application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge applicable.
4. Biometrics and documents: Provide fingerprints, photo, and evidence.
5. Wait for decision: Usually within 12 weeks (priority options may be faster).
6. Visa issued: Normally 2 years and 9 months if applying from abroad, or 2 years and 6 months if applying in the UK.
After Arrival
• The partner can work and study.
• Before expiry, apply to extend the visa.
• After 5 years in total on this route (two periods of 2.5 years), the partner can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• After ILR, they may be eligible for British citizenship.
Child Visa
• For children under 18 of a British citizen (biological, adopted, or step-children in some cases).
• Must show proof of parentage and intention to live together.
• Usually applied for alongside the partner visa if both parent and child are abroad.
Parent Visa
• For a non-British parent of a British child.
• Applicant must be actively involved in the child’s upbringing.
• Used when the applicant is not applying as the partner of the British citizen.
Elderly Dependent Relatives
• Possible but extremely strict.
• Must prove they require long-term personal care that cannot be met in their home country.
