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[uk-visa-updates]

Bringing Hearts Together: All About the UK Spouse Visa

Table of contents:

What is a UK Spouse visa?

Is it easy to bring your spouse to the UK?

UK Spouse Visa Requirements

UK Spouse Visa Fee / Cost

Processing time for a UK Spouse Visa

Ways to speed up your UK spouse visa application

The success rate of spouse visa UK

Why would a UK spouse visa be refused?

How do I appeal a spouse visa refusal in the UK?

Read the detailed updated Guide on UK Spouse Visa

What is a UK Spouse visa?

A UK Spouse Visa, also known as a UK Marriage Visa, allows non-UK nationals to join their partner in the UK.

Know More: What is a UK Spouse Visa explained by The SmartMove2UK

Is it easy to bring your spouse to the UK?

According to the Home Office, 1 in 4 UK Spouse Visa applications are refused. However, there are other ways to bring your spouse to the UK:

·        UK Dependent visa

If you have a valid UK visa, you can bring your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner to join you in the UK.

·        Fiancé Visa

Your partner can enter the UK for up to 6 months and marry or register a civil partnership.

Interested Reading: Why settle for long-distance when you can bring your partner to the UK?

UK Spouse visa requirements

To qualify for a UK Spouse visa, you must meet the following requirements:

·        Age: You and your spouse must be at least 18 years old.

·        Relationship: You must have met each other and be legally married.

·        Income: Your UK sponsor must earn over £18,600 a year. You can use savings of over £16,000 towards proving the minimum income requirement. If you have savings of £62,500, you don't need to show evidence of minimum income.

·        Housing: You must have adequate housing provisions.

·        Money: You must have enough money to support yourselves (and any dependents) without claiming public funds.

·        English language: You need a valid UKVI IELTS score or a certificate of equivalency (ENIC).

The Specifics Explained: Qualify for a UK Spouse visa

Other requirements include: 

Provide extensive documents which show your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

Intention to live together permanently.

UK Spouse Visa Fee / Cost

In 2023, the application fee for a UK spouse visa is £1,048 if the application is submitted within the country, and £1,538 if it is submitted outside of it. 

The annual Immigration Healthcare Surcharge of £624 and the £19.20 biometric fee are additional expenses. 

Should you wish to get a decision by the end of the following working day, the super-priority service charge is £1,000.

Trending & Useful Guide: UK Spouse Visa Cost 2023

The standard processing time for a UK spouse visa is: 

Inside the UK: 6-8 weeks

Outside the UK: 3 months

However, processing times can vary depending on: 

The country where the application is submitted from

The documents provided

How you can satisfy the requirements

Processing times have recently been affected by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. For example, partner visa applications from outside the UK are currently taking up to 24 weeks to process. 

You can speed up the processing time by opting for the 'Priority Service'. The fee for priority processing service is £573 in addition to the visa application fee. 

UK Spouse visa processing time explained by The SmartMove2UK

Here are some ways to speed up your UK spouse visa application: 

·        Priority service

Pay £573 to get your visa processed within five working days. 

If you're applying from outside the UK, it can take up to 30 days. 

·        Super priority service

Pay £1,000 to get a decision within 24 hours. 

 There is a limit on how many people can use this service. 

·        Submit more supporting documentation

For example, you can submit proof of your partner's ILR or British Citizenship. 

·        Contact your MP

They can find out more about the delay and might be able to help speed up your application. 

·        Contact the Home Office

If there are compelling or compassionate circumstances, you can request that your application be treated as a priority. However, there are no guarantees that the Home Office will do so. 

What is the success rate of a spouse visa UK?

The UK spouse visa success rate for the year ending March 2021 was 86.88%. The refusal rate was 12.69%. 

The success rate for UK spouse visas in 2019 was 79.78%. The refusal rate was 19.66%. 

The Home Office doesn't publish UK spouse visa appeal success rates. 

However, general estimates indicate a success rate of around 35-50%. 

Why would a UK spouse visa be refused?

A UK spouse visa can be refused for several reasons, including: 

Financial requirements: Not meeting the minimum income requirements of £18,600 per year or savings of £62,500

Relationship evidence: Not providing enough evidence to prove the genuineness of your relationship

English language requirements: Not meeting the English language requirement

Application errors: Making a mistake on the application form or using the wrong form

Immigration status: Issues with the UK sponsor's immigration status

Convictions: Not disclosing past convictions

Appealing the decision: Appealing the decision

Home Office: 1 in 5 UK Spouse Visa Applications Refused Every Year

Other reasons for refusal include: 

Incorrect organization of documents

Applying for the wrong type of visa

Ineligibility for the visa

Not providing enough documents or evidence to prove you meet the requirements

Immigration officials believe your marriage is not genuine or subsisting

The notice of refusal will specify the reason for rejection. 

Top 3: UK Spouse Visa Refusal Reasons and how to avoid them

How do I appeal a spouse visa refusal in the UK?

To appeal a UK spouse visa refusal, you can: 

Complete an appeal form

Submit the appeal form within 14 or 28 days of receiving your decision letter

If your appeal is refused, you can challenge the decision by the way of Judicial Review (JR)

You can only appeal to the tribunal if you have the legal right to appeal. Your decision letter will usually tell you if you can apply for an administrative review and if you do not have the right to appeal. 

The appeal process may take between 6 and 12 months.

Guide: What to do next if your UK Spouse visa is refused?

Read the detailed updated Guide on UK Spouse Visa

If you would like to confirm your eligibility for a UK spouse Visa or have had a UK Spouse Visa refused, you can read detailed information here regarding the same or contact our UK Spouse visa Specialist.

[latest-uk-visa-news]

How to Get a UK Sponsor Licence for Your Business

Obtain a UK Sponsor Licence- Your Guide to Hiring Global Talent

A UK sponsor licence allows your business to hire skilled workers from outside the UK and Ireland. This opens up a global talent pool.

Are you eligible to apply?

You must pay the required fees. You must meet all the rules. You need to show your business has a genuine need for the role. You need to identify who in your team will manage sponsorships. You need to have systems to monitor sponsored employees.

The application process involves several steps.

You will need to complete forms. You will need to provide supporting documents. A detailed cover letter is also important.

Consider getting expert legal support.

Applying can be complex.

Conroy Baker Ltd. can provide expert legal support. They can help you meet Home Office requirements. The SmartMove2UK also specializes in sponsor licences. They can guide you through the entire process. They have experience assisting companies with their applications.

Benefits of having a sponsor licence:

You can hire skilled workers. You can access a diverse pool of talent. This can help your business grow.

Different types of sponsor licences exist.

There are licences for new hires. There are licences for intra-company transfers. There are Skilled Worker licences. There are also Scale-up Visa Sponsorship Licences.

Conroy Baker Ltd.’s platform can help.

It can help you manage the process. They have experience in over 15 years. They cover many countries.

Start your application journey with confidence.

Expert guidance can help you navigate the process smoothly.

[smartaanchal]

How to Transfer Staff to a UK Branch

Transferring Staff to Your UK Branch: A Simple Guide for Business Owners

Want to move your team to your UK branch? Here's how, in simple steps.

There are main ways to do this using UK visas.

A Global Business Mobility visa is one option. The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a part of this. It lets you transfer your current senior staff or those with special skills. Your UK branch must have links to your business overseas. Your UK branch will likely need a sponsor licence from the UK's Home Office. This license demonstrates that your UK company is permitted to sponsor non-UK workers.

Another possibility is a Skilled Worker Visa. This requires your UK branch to first get a Sponsor Licence. Once you have it, you can sponsor qualified applicants for opportunities at your UK office.

The position must fulfill specific skill and wage requirements established by the government. 

This might be useful if the job isn't strictly 'senior' or 'specialist'. So, having a Sponsor Licence is often key. Your UK branch often needs this to sponsor employees under either main route.

You must check if your employees are eligible for the specific visa they need. The work function in the UK must also meet visa criteria. The Global Business Mobility visa is intended for current workers in high positions or with specialised skills required in the UK. 

The Skilled Worker visa is intended for skilled workers in qualified jobs.

Careful preparation is quite crucial. Make sure you choose the most appropriate visa path. Ensure that your UK branch applies for and receives a Sponsor Licence, if necessary. 

Understand all visa requirements and who may apply. Prepare all needed documentation properly. 

Remember there are ongoing compliance requirements once your employee is in the UK.

It is highly recommended to get expert legal advice. Immigration rules can be complex and change. 

Getting professional help can stop problems and delays. Expert firms can help you choose the right visa and with the licence application.

Firms like The SmartMove2UK can provide tailored advice and help with visa applications and sponsor licences. They can guide you to the best visa route for your business structure and your employees' roles. They can also help with the sponsor licence application process.

Conroy Baker Ltd. also supports businesses in getting UK sponsorship licenses. They want to simplify the process for you. They can assist with the application procedure. They also aid with sponsor licence compliance.

You may efficiently relocate your valued employees to your UK office if you plan ahead of time and receive the necessary support. This will help your business develop in the United Kingdom.

[smartmovetouk]

UK Expansion Visa Requirements Explained by The SmartMove2UK

Get a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria for the UK Expansion Visa. Learn how to meet the requirements for your business expansion in the UK. Your pathway to growth starts here with the SmartMove2UK. If you’re looking to expand your business to the UK or looking for a Business visa UK from India, you can contact our UK business immigration lawyers on +91 98191 27002 or send an email to info@smartmove2uk.com 

[sm2uk]

Get in touch with The SmartMove2UK to know about how can you acquire a Sponsor Licence for your UK-based business. As a UK Sponsor Licence consultant in India, we accurately guide our clients on the entire procedure and requirements! Call us on +91 98191 27002 or email us at info@smartmove2uk.com to book an initial consultation with our UK Sponsor Licence consultant. 

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[smartmove2uk-stuff-blog]

A sole rep visa for individuals and businesses with high ambitions! 🌎 ✈️

Consult our highly qualified and experienced lawyers for your UK sole rep visa application now! . Enjoy benefits like a potential settlement and citizenship for dependents, with minimum requirements! 💯 . It can’t get any better than this! Contact TheSmartMove2UK today! 👇

Contact us on Call/WhatsApp - +91 9819127002 or Write to us on - info@smi.legal to know about your eligibility.

[uk-spouse-visa-application]

10 Tips for Making a Successful UK Spouse Visa Application

Having a professional UK immigration advisor who provides you with tips on the number ways to meet your Spouse Visa UK requirements is the best way to ensure that your application is complete and meets the UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration) standards. Therefore, it is our pleasure to reintroduce an updated version of an article published by Mr Hemang Laaheru (Director, SmartMove Immigration).

The below article is intended to provide valuable guidance for aspirants of the UK Spouse Visa, and has been re-edited with all the latest updates in Spouse Visa Application requirements over the last 2 years.

Not leaving anything out from your Spouse Visa application becomes even more crucial when you consider the UK Spouse Visa fees, which are undoubtedly steep. It costs almost INR 1.8 Lakh [including payment of priority processing fees] in Indian Rupees for filing for an application. Therefore, having your application rejected for avoidable reasons can come as a heartbreaker for many. Do your best to ensure that you do not end up in this situation. Take necessary precautions. And keep yourself updated.

At The SmartMove2UK [unit of Smartmove Immigration] we have more than 10 years of experience in successfully filing UK spouse visa applications, unmarried partner applications and civil partner applications for applicants in same-sex relationships. In other words, you can be certain that the tips offered below have been tried and tested.

Here are some of the top 10 tips that applicants can use for meeting the Spouse Visa UK requirements to join their family living permanently in the UK.

Cross check if you have applied for and received the correct documents at the time of completing the application. These typically include the UK NARIC certificates, TB test results (TB test results are valid for 6 months) or IELTS Test report.

For UK NARIC, you may give a UK address enabling faster processing of your documents.

Take screenshots of WhatsApp calls, FaceTime calls if call logs are not available.

If any of your documents are in a language other than English, do not forget to provide translations from authorized translators.

Make sure that all the financial information you provide are consistent (Salary slips, tax returns, bank statements)

When submitting degree certificates to show how you meet the English language requirement – make sure you submit the original degree certificate and mark sheets.

 Be ready to provide correct and specific information about your application should there be any enquiry or additional checks by the UKVI.

Make sure that your credit cards and/or debit cards have adequate limits to process the large amounts for visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, priority processing fees and other value added services

Don’t forget to check the VFS India Homepage to see weekly processing times.

Once you have submitted your application and are waiting for an outcome, you  can also use the UKVI ‘contact us’ page to submit a request for tracking the status of your application [please note that this is a for-fee service].

Just stick to the tips above, take appropriate help from professional as and when required, and you should have no trouble with your UK Spouse Visa application.

Before we end this discussion, feel free to check out the answers to a couple of common questions that applicants have regarding the UK Spouse Visa below.

1) Can you work on a UK Spouse Visa?

Yes you can. If you are residing the UK on a spousal visa, then you are free to work in the UK without any restrictions during the validity period of your visa.

2) Which IELTS do you require?

There are two distinct categories of IELTS exams: the IELTS and the IELTS Life Skills. For a UK spouse visa, you would be required to take an IELTS Life Skills with a CEFR level A1. Ensure that you are taking the Secure English Test [UKVI SELT] To understand what these words mean, we suggest you check out the British Council’s IETLS web page here.

SmartMove2UK Assistance

Most applicants find UK Immigration law to be complex and find it difficult to keep a track of the frequent changes. You may choose to have your application prepared by professionals to ensure it has the best possible chance of success, avoid delays or losing Government fees if your application is refused.

If you would like to make a UK spouse visa, unmarried partner visa or civil partner application to join your family member in the UK.

For further queries and clarifications, Call us on +91 98191 27002 or email us at info@smi.legal and book your consultation appointment.

You can find our presence in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Bengaluru as well as Mumbai being our registered office along with international boundaries extending to London.

[uk-visa-refusal-appeal]

It is common to face a UK visa rejection, mainly when you apply all by yourself, with no legal help. Since the UK Home Office has a specific set of requirements, and a specific order for the paperwork to be submitted, not submitting the right documents or providing insufficient evidence of requirements can lead to a direct refusal of the visa. To make sure you don’t face a UK visa rejection, contact our UK-qualified immigration solicitors on +91 98191 27002 or email us at info@smartmove2uk.com

[uk-expansion-worker-visa]

If you’re in the UK on a different visa route and have been hired by a foreign company to expand their business in the UK; you can switch to a UK Expansion Worker visa. This will allow you to continue living in the UK, but working for a different employer this time.

[uk-visa-updates]

When Your Business Is Ready to Expand to the UK, We Handle the Visas

[achal092411]

One of the important steps after facing a UK Spouse visa refusal is - Understanding the grounds for denial and what to do if your UK Spouse visa is refused. This will help you choose between appealing against the decision or re-applying. Seeking legal help is advisable in such cases. To know More about which options will be better for your case, contact The SmartMove2UK on +91 98191 27002 or email at info@smartmove2uk.com

[latest-uk-visa-news]

UK Sponsor Licence: Keep It Active and Avoid Penalties

Staying Compliant with Your UK Sponsor Licence

Once you have a UK sponsor licence, you have duties. You must follow reporting rules. You must keep correct records. You must comply with immigration laws. You must also follow sponsorship guidance.

Reporting is important.

You must tell the Home Office if a sponsored worker does not start. Report if they are absent without permission for 10 days. You must report if a worker resigns or is dismissed. Tell them if you stop sponsoring someone.

Report any changes to the worker's situation. Also report changes to your organisation. Use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) for this. Report many changes within 10 working days. Make sure your team knows about these updates quickly.

Record-keeping is also key.

You need to keep specific documents for your sponsored workers. Keep these records during their employment. Keep them for one year after sponsorship ends.

Check your SMS regularly.

Sponsorship guidance suggests checking at least once a month. The Home Office can take action if you don't comply.

They could reduce your CoS allocation. They could downgrade or suspend your Sponsor Licence. In serious cases, they can revoke your licence. This can be costly and time-consuming to fix.

Certain staff cannot operate the SMS.

They must not be temporary contractors. They must not have bankruptcy restrictions. They must not have unspent convictions. They must not have had a sponsor licence revoked in the last 12 months. They must not have a history of non-compliance. They should be mainly based in the UK.

Getting expert advice can help.

Conroy Baker Ltd. offers advice on sponsor licence management. They can help ensure you meet your obligations. They can provide immigration consultancy. They can audit your HR functions. They can even work with your staff on-site. They can assist if your licence is suspended or revoked. The SmartMove2UK also has expertise in sponsor licences and compliance.

Compliance protects your ability to hire global talent.

Make sure you understand and meet your responsibilities.

[smartaanchal]

UK Expansion Visa Requirements Explained by The SmartMove2UK

Get a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria for the UK Expansion Visa. Learn how to meet the requirements for your business expansion in the UK. Your pathway to growth starts here with the SmartMove2UK. If you’re looking to expand your business to the UK or looking for a Business visa UK from India, you can contact our UK business immigration lawyers on +91 98191 27002 or send an email to info@smartmove2uk.com 

[smartmovetouk]

UK Expansion Visa Requirements Explained by The SmartMove2UK Get a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria for the UK Expansion Visa. Learn how to meet the requirements for your business expansion in the UK. Your pathway to growth starts here with the SmartMove2UK. If you’re looking to expand your business to the UK or looking for a Business visa UK from India, you can contact our UK business immigration lawyers on +91 98191 27002 or send an email to info@smartmove2uk.com