UK Immigration Blog

The UK offers two different types of visas for couples who wish to live together in the UK: the Spouse Visa and the Partner Visa. The primary difference between these two visas is in their eligibility requirements.

The Spouse Visa is designed for married couples, or couples who are in a civil partnership, who wish to be together in the UK. To be eligible to apply for a Spouse Visa, both partners must be over 18 years old, and the spouses must have been legally married for at least three years. The couple must also prove that they have a genuine relationship and that they intend to live together permanently in the UK. The applicant must also meet the financial requirements, which include an income threshold and the ability to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.

The Partner Visa, on the other hand, is designed for unmarried couples who wish to live together in the UK. To apply for a Partner Visa, both partners must be over 18 years old and must prove that they have been in a committed relationship for at least two years. The couple must also prove that they have a genuine relationship and that they intend to live together permanently in the UK. As with the Spouse Visa, the applicant must meet the financial requirements, including an income threshold and the ability to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.

In addition to the differences in eligibility requirements, the Spouse Visa and Partner Visa also have differences in the application process. The Spouse Visa requires the applicant to apply for a visa before entering the UK, whereas the Partner Visa can be applied for from within the UK. The Spouse Visa also requires a higher fee than the Partner Visa and has a longer processing time.

Overall, the main difference between the Spouse Visa and Partner Visa is in the eligibility requirements. The Spouse Visa is designed for married couples or those in a civil partnership, while the Partner Visa is designed for unmarried couples. Both visas require applicants to meet the financial requirements, but the Spouse Visa has a higher fee and longer processing time.

Now that you know what is the difference between UK Spouse Visa and Partner Visa you can have your application prepared and submitted by a qualified immigration adviser.

Indian residents between the ages of 18 and 30 who meet the requirements for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa are eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom for a period of up to two years.

Before you are eligible to submit an application for this visa, you will first need to determine whether or not you will be accepted into the India Young Professionals Scheme. You are required to declare that you are qualified for the visa in order to enter the ballot; you should verify your eligibility before entering the ballot.

Are you Eligible?

You must meet all of the following requirements to be qualified for a visa through the India Young Professionals Scheme:

• be an Indian national or citizen between the ages of 18 and 30, and be at least 18 years old on the date that you intend to travel to the United Kingdom.
• possess a degree equivalent to or higher than a bachelor’s degree at a minimum (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7 or 8)
• You should have a minimum of £2,530 in funds in order to maintain yourself in the UK.
• not be financially responsible for any children under the age of 18 who reside with you or who are under the age of 18 themselves.

Before you can submit an application for a visa, you must first submit an application to participate in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot and then be chosen to participate.

If you have ever visited the United Kingdom on a visa obtained through either this programme or the Youth Mobility Scheme, you are not eligible to register.

You are required to have either:

• a degree equivalent to at least that of a British bachelor’s degree (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7 or 8)
• an equivalent foreign qualification at degree level or above

If you are unsure of the degree of qualification that you have, you should contact the college or university that you most recently attended.

Funds to maintain your living expenses

In order to prove that you are able to sustain yourself while living in the UK, you are required to have a minimum of £2,530 in your bank account.

You will need to have been in possession of the funds for a continuous period of at least 28 days. Day 28 must occur no more than 31 days after the passport application was submitted.

When you qualify for the position, you will be required to provide evidence of this.

You can get more information about the money you need and how to show it by reading the guidance that’s provided on the financial evidence section or call our advisor to know more.

How to Apply – The Complete Process

1. Participate in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot if you are qualified to do so. There might be a queue for you to wait in before you get to open the page for application.
   1. Create a new account for yourself on the login page
   2. Add a friend or family to the account as helper if required
   3. Make sure the account creation and the ballot applicaiton are completed within 25 minutes of you getting on the ballot page. If not, you have to wait in the queue again for initiating the application process
   4. Make sure all the data provided is as per your Passport and not other IDs such as Adhaar Card or Pan card
   5. Use active Email and Phone Number for getting verification OTPs for yourself and your mentioned aid in the form
   6. Confirm submission by checking your Email for the confirmation mail
2. If your entry in the ballot is selected, you will be extended an offer to submit an application for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
3. Get the necessary paperwork ready to submit with your application.
4. Submit an application to participate in the India Young Professionals Scheme.

Documents that you will initially need for the ballot application include your Passport and Identity proof.

Once applied for the ballot, you will get the list of requirements given in the below image:

Once done. You will receive an email mentioning your Unique Application Number which you can use to track your application.

How and when to apply?

If you are selected at random, you must submit your passport application by the date specified in your invitation letter. That’s the average amount of time between receiving an offer and attending.

Within six months of filing for a UK visa, you must enter the country.

Example:

If you submit on 16 March 2023, you must be in the UK by 15 September 2023.

It’s possible that you’ll need some additional time if you need an appointment for this. Start your application to see if you need one.

What is the Timeline for getting decision on the visa?

Visa decisions are typically made within 3 weeks after an applicant has applied online, given identity proof, and submitted supporting documents.

How much will the Visa application cost?

You’ll have to:

pay the £259 application cost

pay a £940 healthcare fee

hold £2,530 in savings at least since 28 days prior to the application

Important: If your registration is denied, your application fee will not be refunded. Check your eligibility before applying. Contact one of our advisors for further clarification for the visa in case you have obtained affirmative response in the ballot.

How long you may remain?

You will be granted a visa to reside and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.

You may enter the United Kingdom at any time during the validity of your visa, as well as depart and return at any time during your stay.

If you turn 31 after your visa is granted, you may remain in the United Kingdom for the duration of your visa.

What can and cannot be done on the youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

You can:

• study – for certain classes, an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate is required.
• work in the majority of occupations
• be self-employed and establish a business if your premises are leased, your equipment is worth less than £5,000, and you have no employees.

You cannot:

• prolong your visit
• Apply for most advantages (public funds)
• include family members on your application; they must submit their own.
• perform as a competitive athlete (for example as a coach)

In conclusion, this is an amazing opportunity for young professionals to emigrate and work in the UK and you must make sure to take full advantage of this scheme.

Apply today for the ballot on India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.

If you have got an affirmative response on the ballot, contact us to get started with your Visa application.

What documents do I need to bring my wife to UK?

Congratulations on your marriage! If you are looking to bring your wife to the UK, there are several documents you will need to have in order to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Firstly, you will need to apply for a family visa for your wife. This will require you to fill out an online application form and provide the necessary supporting documents, such as evidence of your relationship and proof that you meet the minimum income requirements. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be asked to provide additional documents, such as a police certificate, medical reports, and a certificate of financial sponsorship.

You will also need to provide proof that you are legally married. This can be in the form of a marriage certificate and/or any other relevant documents, such as a divorce decree or annulment certificate (if applicable).

In addition, you and your wife will both need to provide a valid passport and two passport-sized photographs.

The complete list is as follows:

• Your valid passport
• Your spouse’s valid passport
• Your marriage certificate
• Evidence of financial support for your spouse
• Proof of address in the UK
• Evidence of your English language skills
• A letter of intent, outlining why you and your spouse are coming to the UK
• Any other relevant documents, such as a Letter of Employment or Dependency

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can then submit your application and wait for a decision. If approved, your wife can then travel to the UK and begin the process of settling in.

We hope this information was helpful in providing you with an understanding of what documents you will need to bring your wife to the UK. If you want a hassle free way of brining your wife to the UK without having to think about what documents do I need to bring my wife to UK? or how do I go about this why not contact our immigration experts who will do the process for you.

Christmas is celebrated to great fanfare in the United Kingdom, and the weeks leading up to the holiday are greeted with joy by all. The UK is a popular destination for many people who are looking to spend Christmas abroad. However, it is important to know that the UK has strict requirements when it comes to visas and immigration. Therefore, if you want to get a visa for the UK and spend Christmas in the country, you will need to meet certain criteria.

If you are looking for a visa to visit the UK this Christmas, then you should know that it is not as difficult as you might think. For those who are not aware of the visa application process, this article will help you understand what is needed for a UK visa and how to apply for one.

Applicants can enter the United Kingdom on a Standard Visitor Visa to engage in tourism, business, or any other activity listed in Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. You should apply for a Standard Visitor visa soon if you want to spend Christmas in the UK with your loved ones. Due to the high volume of applications received at this time of year, processing times may be longer than usual. It is crucial to submit a complete application to the Home Office’s Visas and Immigration section in the United Kingdom.

What is a Standard Visitor Visa?

All previous categories of visitor visas, including family visit visas, general visitor visas, and child visitor visas, have been consolidated into a single Standard Visitor visa. Standard Visitor Visa requirements are now being applied to all applications. If you plan to visit the United Kingdom for a limited time to fulfil a specific purpose, such as spending Christmas with family, you may choose to apply for this visa. A Standard Visitor Visa lasts for six months if you are granted one. However, there are exceptions, and you may be eligible to apply for a Visitor visa that allows multiple entries and is valid for 2, 5, or 10 years. You are free to travel to the United Kingdom as often as you choose, so long as no single trip lasts longer than six months.

What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Immigration Rules govern this application. You must be able to provide evidence that you are a legitimate visitor by adhering to all of the regulations outlined in sections V4.2 through V10. Additionally, you must clearly state that you intend to go back to your home country. The Home Office will evaluate your credibility and intent to visit the United Kingdom. As a result, you must submit an easy-to-understand and transparent application outlining why you want to visit the UK and what activities you want to participate in. It is important that you send in the required documents and any other documents that support your application.

To get a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you need to ensure that;

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must plan to stay in the UK for no more than six months and leave at the end of that time.
• Applicants must also be able to show that they have enough money to stay in the UK and can find a place to live on their own.

It is critical that you submit a well-prepared application since if your application is denied, you will not have a statutory right of appeal. If you need assistance with your application, our team of highly qualified attorneys is here to help.

Standard Visitor Visa Privileges and Restrictions

If you’ve applied for and been granted entry clearance as a Standard Visitor, you’ll be free to engage in any of the permitted activities during your stay, so long as they’re related to the reason you’re visiting. You cannot, however, engage in any paid or unpaid job or stay in the UK for longer than 6 months. You are not eligible for any benefits or public cash, and you are not allowed to submit a marriage application. Note that changing visas while already in the United Kingdom is not possible.

Our immigration and visa law firm is qualified to help you with your immigration matter and give you advice about immigration law. If you need help applying for a Standard Visitor visa, you may hire one of our immigration and visa lawyers to do it for you. Our lawyers and barristers will help you meet the Immigration Rules and follow the Home Office’s rules.

It is critical that international students understand their basic legal rights because it is all too easy to deprive newcomers of their rights or take advantage of their inexperience in a new country. Different countries have different laws, so it’s important to know what legal rights international students have and what legal protections they have when they move to a new country.

Culturally, the UK is diverse and welcoming of people from all around the world. All unis have plenty of international students, and most have societies to help you meet like-minded people and those from similar backgrounds.

The international students must know some of their legal rights during their stay in the UK.

Hours you are allowed to work while studying: Students who arrive in the UK for study purposes might think about gaining some work experience or supporting themselves financially by working while studying.International students in the UK can work for a limited time while studying. Non-European students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. On the other hand, they can work 40 hours per week during their vacation period. To cover their living expenses, students can look for part-time jobs in various restaurants, bars, and shopping malls. Students can also look for on-campus jobs. Besides that, students must be aware of their legal rights in the workplace.

Minimum Wage and Taxation: According to the National Minimum Wage Act in the United Kingdom, employers must pay employees who are 16 or older the legal minimum wage. In 2015, the UK government declared that workers aged 21 and up would be paid £6.50 per hour, while employees aged 18 to 20 would be paid £5.13 per hour.

National Insurance Number:

In order to work in the UK, international students must also have a National Insurance Number. Once they begin earning a living, they must also pay income tax. To obtain a National Insurance Number, international students must contact Job center Plus. The Job center Plus may invite you to a face-to-face interview, or they may send you an application via mail or courier, which you must complete and return. You must prepare yourself for an interview in order to obtain your National Insurance Number. You will have to provide the following information:

•  Your residence in the UK (with postcode)
•  Your contact number (landline/ cell phone)
•  Your visa expiry date
•  Place where the visa was issued (country or city name)
• Reasons for applying for the National Insurance Number

Verify your health insurance coverage: International students need to prove they have health insurance to cover any healthcare they need while in the UK. The United Kingdom, like the other European countries, provides health insurance to international students. This insurance covers hospitalisation and secondary primary care for students. Overseas Students Health Care is available to international students. It will cover their medical and hospital expenses while they are in the UK.

Rights relating to Accommodation: Landlords and tenants are both protected by law in the UK. Both landlords and tenants are subject to the law’s requirements. These laws concerning leases, maintenance, and repair are available to international students. The students have two lodging options: on-campus housing or co-renting an apartment with peers. In both cases, the rule will be the same.

Set up a student bank account

If you want to stay in the UK for more than a few months, we recommend opening a bank account. This makes paying bills and keeping your money safe easier. It also saves you from paying foreign currency fees if you use a non-UK bank account to pay for things in the UK.

Leaving legal advice and rights aside, it is critical for an international student to master a few skills that will come in handy when you are faced with consequences in a new country. In order to seek assistance whenever needed, it is advised that you know how to get in touch with the appropriate embassy of your country.

While international students are granted a slew of privileges designed to defend their honour and integrity, they are also obliged to uphold certain legal duties based on moral principles. It is critical that international students stay truthful in their statements to institutions and government bodies abroad, as well as follow the honour systems of the host institutions in which they have enrolled. If a student presents false representations of their achievements or academics, these will be grounds for expulsion from the respective university.

When applying for a visa, it’s crucial to work with a licensed visa consultant who can provide you with this information and prepare you for the process ahead of time. 1Absolute Advisor provides pre-departure orientation and post-landing assistance to enable a smooth transition for students studying abroad.

What is a Spouse Visa?

Also known as a UK marriage visa, a spouse visa allows married partners of UK citizens to immigrate to the UK because they are married to someone who is ‘settled in the UK’ – i.e. a person who is ordinarily resident in the UK and has no immigration restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK.

Chances are, going through the process of applying for a UK Spouse Visa doesn’t sound too appealing. We’ll be talking about the steps you need to take to make it a little easier.

You can contact our immigration attorneys for help with your UK Partner Visa application and find out how you and your UK citizen partner can enter the country and apply for indefinite leave to remain.

The Basics of the Spouse Visa Process in Detail

If you intend to move to the UK, you should apply for a Spouse visa in advance, and you shouldn’t book any flights or travel arrangements until you hear back from the Home Office.

Foreign spouses can initiate the application process for a UK Spouse visa (Appendix FM and other forms) online. However, you may be required to submit biometrics in person at a visa application centre. To improve your chances of obtaining a UK Spouse or Partner visa, it is important to note that there are multiple forms and documents that must be correctly filled out with sufficient evidence.

If you are applying from within the UK, you will need to show proof that you are in the country on an eligible visa in order to switch to the UK spouse visa.

If the Home Office has any concerns about your application after reviewing it, you may be asked to attend a Spouse visa interview. You will be asked questions during the interview to determine the genuineness of your relationship and intent in the UK.

An interview is not required as part of the Spouse Visa application process; however, its significance cannot be overstated if you are asked to attend one, whether as an applicant or a sponsor.

How to prepare for the Spouse Visa Interview?

You must be able to persuade the ECO that your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and not fabricated only for immigration purposes. The interview would not take place if the officials had no worries about the authenticity of your relationship or questions that needed to be answered.

However, in an atmosphere where you are aware that the quality of your responses will be judged, anxiety can get the best of you, causing you to freeze up and appear to be unsure of the answers to some of the questions being asked. Facts and genuineness of sentiment can also be lost in translation if English is not your first language or you are presenting your responses through an interpreter.

Some of the questions you may be asked in a spouse visa interview include:

●        Is this your first time applying for a UK visa?

●        Have you ever sought a visa to another country?

●        Have you ever had a visa denied?

●        When and how did you meet your husband/wife for the first time?

●        Did he/she write or call you? How did you contact him/her?

●        When did your spouse propose to you?

●        What religion does your husband/wife practice?

●        What are your husband’s/interests, wife’s or activities in his/her leisure time?

●        What do the two of you have in common?

Make sure you send the correct supporting documents and that both of you know what they are. In case of any discrepancies between the answers given during the marriage visa interview and supporting documentation submitted as part of the initial application, the ECO has the authority to refuse the applicant straight away. Therefore, you must make sure that the story of your relationship and the documents to prove the genuineness of your marriage match-up.

The last point is the one that most people worry about the most when collating their documentation for a UK Spouse Visa. It is also the area where you and your spouse need to be most consistent in your story during the spouse visa interview.  Examples of what you can send include:

●        photographs of you and your spouse together

●        selective excerpts of Skype logs

●        a selection of emails to and from your spouse

●        a letter of introduction from your family and friends who have known you as a couple

●        wedding photographs, invitations etc.

If you’ve been requested to attend a spouse visa interview, the UKVI likely did not find your application straightforward. As you can see, you’ll need to gather a lot of paperwork and have responses prepared for a variety of questions posed throughout the interview process. By hiring an expert immigration solicitor to assist you and your spouse in preparing for the interview, you will be able to pass with flying colours and begin your life together in the UK.

What are the Documents Required for a Spouse Visa Application? Having all of the necessary documents to support your UK Spouse Visa application will help to ensure its success and avoid delays. Please keep in mind that any documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a professionally translated version. All evidence must be submitted in the format specified by the Home Office.

The following documents must be submitted to the Home Office in order for you to be granted the right to remain in the UK:

1.       Your original certificate of marriage or civil partnership

2.       Evidence that you and your partner have been living together for at least two years.

3.       A valid passport is required to obtain leave to remain in the UK.

4.       A valid certificate that meets the English language requirement

5.       Accommodation documentation

6.       Evidence that the relationship is genuine

7.       Proof that you meet the income and financial requirements

8.       You must provide proof that you are married to a British citizen or settled person (for example, UK citizens can submit a copy of their passport)

The 5 types of indefinite leave to remain status are:

Indefinite Leave to Remain – This is the most common type of indefinite leave to remain. It is for people who have been in the country for 5 years or more and have not broken any immigration laws. The applicant must show that they are not a threat to national security or public order, and that their life or freedom would be threatened in their home country.

Leave to Remain as a Victim of Domestic Violence – This is for people who have been living in the UK for 3 years or more and have been subject to domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), honour-based violence, neglect or exploitation. The applicant must show that they need protection from their partner because they fear serious harm if they return home.

Leave to Remain as a Person with Limited Leave – This is when an applicant has applied for leave under another category but has been refused it due to some reason. For example, , someone may have applied for leave to remain as an employee, but was refused because they did not show enough evidence of their employment.

Leave to Remain as a Student – This is for people who have lived in the UK for 5 years or more, and have been studying for the duration. They must be enrolled in an educational institution and ready to continue their studies after leaving Immigration If you have lived in the UK for 5 years or more, and have been studying for the duration, you may be eligible to apply for Leave to Remain as a Student. You must be enrolled in an educational institution and ready to study within 6 months.

Leave to Remain as a Child or Parent – This is for parents who have lived in the UK for 5 years or more, and have been looking after a child under 18, or are a child under 18, this can be applied.

Who Qualifies for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain?

In this section, we will go through the eligibility requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

There are a few conditions that one must fulfil before they can qualify for UK ILR. The main requirement is that one must be residing in the UK with valid permission or visa. One must have been continuously living in the UK without any significant breaks since they became eligible to apply, and they should not have any significant criminal convictions or cautions on their record. .

1. Living in the UK with valid permission or visa.

2. No significant breaks in their stay over the last ten years, and no significant criminal convictions or cautions on their record.

3. Must be 18 years of age and above to qualify for ILR application.

4. Must not possess any valid documents that would show they have the right to remain permanently in the UK or any other country.

How Long does UK Indefinite Leave To Remain Last?

There is no time limit on Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, however it is important to note that you should not spend periods of more than two years outside the UK as this may lead to the loss of ILR.

The UK Home Office’s list of Secure English Language Tests (also known as SELT tests) specifies the English language qualification(s) required for each category of visa application to the UK. 

This list includes IELTS and IELTS Life Skills.

Student Visa Tier 4:

The institution’s English language requirement must be met by applicants for a Tier 4 Student Visa who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree at a Tier 4 Sponsor university. IELTS scores are accepted by all British colleges and universities. Unless the institution has additional requirements, applicants for Tier 4 Student Visas may apply to the UK universities listed here with an IELTS score from any of the more than 1,600 IELTS test centers worldwide.

UKVI requirements for healthcare professionals have changed:

The requirements for language testing for healthcare professionals who need visas to live and work in the UK have been modified by the UK government. Please get advice from the relevant professional body if you need to take a language test to work as a doctor, dentist, nurse, or midwife in the UK.

Visa description	Minimum CEFR level required	Skills	IELTS test and minimum score required overall and in each skill1
Tier 1 (General) visa	C1	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 7.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa	B1	Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa	B1	Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa	B1	Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 2 (General) visa – in most cases	B1	Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa	A1	Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening	IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa	B2	Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 4 (General) student visa – below degree level and pre-sessional courses	B1	Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 4 (General) student visa – degree level and above	B2	Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening	IELTS/IELTS for UKVI3 – 5.5overall, and in each of the four skills
Family route • Spouse/partner • Parent of a dependant	A1	Speaking and Listening	IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening
Family route (extension) • Spouse/partner • Parent of a dependant	A2	Speaking and Listening	IELTS Life Skills at A2 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening
Indefinite leave to remain (to settle) or citizenship	B1	Speaking and Listening	IELTS Life Skills at B1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening

Note:

1. Academic and general training versions are both acceptable. Each skill’s CEFR requirement must be met.
2. Where the IELTS Life Skills Test is required, IELTS for UKVI can be used. Speaking and listening scores of 4.0 or higher are required (scores for reading and writing will be ignored).
3. When a Secure English Language Test (SELT) is not required, universities on UKVI’s Tier 4 sponsor list decide which exams to accept. Students should ensure that the institution to which they are applying is included on this list and that there are no additional requirements.

A spouse visa, which is also known as a UK marriage visa, enables married partners of UK citizens to immigrate to the United Kingdom because they are married to someone who is ‘settled in the UK.’ This refers to a person who is ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and does not have any immigration restrictions on how long they can stay in the United Kingdom.

After the visa has been approved, you will be able to pursue either employment or education in the United Kingdom.

To be eligible for a spouse or marriage visa for the United Kingdom, you will need to satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old to proceed.
• Because of the prevalence of arranged marriages, the two of you are required to have already met and to be legally married.
• You need to have the intention of staying together forever.
• You are not allowed to receive financial assistance from the government unless you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents.
• To be able to sponsor you, your sponsoring partner’s annual income needs to be greater than £18,600, or they need to have sufficient savings.
• If they are also sponsoring children who are financially dependent on them, there is a higher minimum financial requirement.
• You must have suitable accommodation for you, your spouse and any dependents.
• You are required to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language.

How long does a spouse visa last?

When a petition for a spouse visa is submitted from outside the country, the visa will initially be valid for 33 months.

When an application for a spouse visa is made from within the United Kingdom, the visa is valid for a period of thirty months.

Can I extend my spouse visa?

You have the option to apply for an extension that will allow you to stay in the UK for an additional 30 months, bringing the total amount of time you can spend there on this visa to a maximum of five years.

You are now eligible to submit an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided that you are still married, continue to reside in the United Kingdom with your spouse, and continue to fulfill the requirements for maintenance.

If you have been granted ILR, you may be able to submit an application to become a naturalized citizen of the United Kingdom.

Spouse visa entry clearance

Before you travel to the United Kingdom, you are required to apply for entry clearance if you intend to enter the country on the basis of your relationship with a citizen of the United Kingdom.

If you are applying from within the United Kingdom, you are required to have permission to remain in the country in the form of a visa that is valid for at least six months at the time you submit your application.

If you are already in the United Kingdom and your initial admission was for a period of less than six months — for instance, if you were initially admitted entry as a visitor or prospective student — you will not be able to switch to a visa that allows you to marry in the United Kingdom.

Introduction: What is a UK Skilled Worker Visa and Who Can Apply?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a visa that allows people to come to the UK and work in skilled occupations. It is also known as Tier 2 visas. They are available to both skilled workers who are already living in the UK, and skilled workers who are outside of the country.

How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK skilled worker visa is a two-step process. The first step involves the applicant applying for a points based system which will determine their eligibility for the visa.

The second step involves the applicant applying for an actual visa to enter and reside in the UK.

The Application Process

1) Apply for Points-Based System Visa

2) Apply for Entry Visa

3) Enter and Reside in the UK

4) Extend Your Stay in the UK

Different Types of UK Skilled Worker

Visas and their Requirements

The UK is a popular destination for skilled workers. It has a variety of visa options for different types of skilled workers.

Tier 1 visas are available to those who want to come and live in the UK permanently. Tier 2 visas are available to those who want to work in the UK temporarily, usually for up to 5 years. There are two types of Tier 2 visas: Tier 2 General and Tier 2 Intra-company Graduate Trainee Visa.

Tier 2 General: This visa is open to all skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland that meet the criteria set out by the Home Office.

Tier 2 Intra-company Graduate Trainee Visa: This visa is open only to graduates from outside the EEA or Switzerland who have been offered a graduate trainee programme with a licensed sponsor company in the UK, and has been endorsed by their university as an eligible course of study

How Long Does it Take To Get A UK Skilled Worker Visa?

A skilled worker visa is a type of work visa that allows people to live and work in the UK. In order to get a skilled worker visa, you will need to meet certain requirements and prove that you have the skills and experience needed for a particular job.

There are many different types of skilled worker visas, including Tier 2 visas for highly-skilled workers and Tier 5 visas for temporary workers.

The time it takes to process your application depends on the type of visa you apply for.

Tier 1 visas can take up to 12 months, while Tier 2 visas can take up about three months.