If you are looking to bring your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner to live with you in the United Kingdom, our spouse visa solicitors in Bolton are here to help. The UK spouse visa — formally known as a Family Visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules — is one of the most complex and document-intensive applications in the UK immigration system.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK spouse visa (also called a UK partner visa) allows the husband, wife, civil partner or long-term partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK to join them here. To qualify, both parties must meet a range of eligibility criteria set by the Home Office.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Relationship Requirement
You and your partner must be legally married, in a civil partnership, or have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years. The Home Office scrutinises the genuineness of the relationship closely, so strong evidence is essential.
Financial Requirement
As of April 2024, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year. This is set to rise further under the 2025 Immigration White Paper. The sponsor must demonstrate this income through payslips, bank statements, tax returns or other approved evidence.
Accommodation Requirement
The couple must have adequate accommodation in the UK that is not overcrowded and does not violate public health regulations.
English Language Requirement
The applicant must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR level A1 (for initial entry) or A2 (for extensions), typically via an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
The Spouse Visa Application Process
The application is made online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. The applicant must also attend a visa application centre (VAC) to enrol their biometric information. Processing times vary but typically take 8 to 12 weeks for out-of-country applications and up to 8 weeks for in-country extensions.
What Happens After Entry?
A successful applicant is granted initial leave of 33 months (or 30 months if applying from inside the UK). They can then apply for a further leave extension, and after five years of continuous residence as a partner, may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and subsequently British citizenship.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Insufficient evidence of relationship genuineness
- Failure to meet the financial threshold
- Inadequate English language evidence
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Previous immigration breaches or criminal history
If your application has been refused, you may have a right of appeal or be able to submit an Administrative Review. Our immigration appeals solicitors in Bolton can advise you on the best course of action.
Why Choose Us for Your Spouse Visa Application?
Our immigration solicitors in Bolton have extensive experience handling spouse and partner visa applications from across Greater Manchester and the UK. We provide a meticulous document-checking service, draft persuasive covering letters and guide you through every step of the process to maximise your chance of success.
Speak to a Bolton Immigration Solicitor Today
Our specialist team at Immigration Solicitors Bolton has successfully handled hundreds of visa and immigration cases. We offer fixed-fee services and a free initial consultation.
