Getting married is one of the best things in your life and it’s doubly wonderful if you can live with your partner in the UK. With the UK Spouse Visa Application, the non-EU spouse of a British (or settled) person can live with him/her in the UK. But while the possibility of cohabitation is fascinating, applying for a job can be stressful. There are very strict immigration regulations of the UK government, and it can be challenging to get a Spouse Visa if you don’t know where to look.
Here are three tips to get you on your way with a successful UK Spouse Visa.
1. Fill up the Application Form Properly and Submit the Right Documents
This is the biggest guide to a successful Spouse Visa application — get your paperwork right. Any error or mistake will get you refused straight away. Consider hiring expert legal assistance to review your application and verify that you have all the documents.
Here’s what you’ll have to send:
- Verification of Income: This is to prove your sponsor has the Minimum Income Requirement. Include six months of payslips, bank statements, and your P60 forms.
- Workplace Documents: These could be a job contract or your employer letter.
- Passport, Photos & National Insurance Number: Passport, photos, National Insurance, and proof of payment of immigration fees & NHS surcharge.
- Prove Your Relationship: You have to establish your relationship is real. It can be your marriage license, bank accounts, pictures, emails, letters,s and cards you send to one another.
- Proof of Accommodation: Show proof you have suitable housing, for example, a tenancy agreement or a mortgage.
- Getting all the documents required takes time, so don’t rush things. You can lose time and money if your application is rejected because you make a mistake.
2. Make Sure You Earn The Minimum Income Needed to Start With
For a UK Spouse Visa, meeting the Minimum Income Requirement is probably the toughest part. The sponsor (the Brit or resident) has to demonstrate they earn at least £18,600 per year. This is more if you have children below 18.
But most UK citizens are unable to meet this demand. If you don’t earn the amount, don’t stress. We can try to help:
- You Can Apply For Third-Party Funding: Sometimes, you may use a loan from friends or family to get the minimum income.
- Take Into Account Self-Employment or Future Income: These can be included too if your sponsor is self-employed, or if you anticipate higher income soon.
- Other Sources of Income: Sometimes you may be able to subtract mortgages or other assets from the income.
- You can always talk to an immigration attorney to know what your options are if you’re not sure.
3. How to Be Prepared for a Spouse Visa Interview?
If you are contacted for an interview, you better have some strategy in place. The Home Office might want to interview you if they think your marriage is less than a match. The interview is often where both partners will be asked the same relationship questions and they’ll search for symmetry.
To prepare for the interview:
- Practice with Your Husband: Have a lawyer (i.e., an immigration attorney) go over questions and solutions. Both of you should have information about each other, like how and when you met, who is your partner’s family, etc.
- Get Real and Repeatable: If your responses differ from one another, the Home Office will look for that. Even the most committed couples can get nervous in an interview so practice beforehand and you will be both calm and know what to say.
Stop living with your husband in the UK because of a bad-looking application. Take professional advice and observe the laws to the T in your Spouse Visa application. We at Law and Visas provide professional legal assistance to walk you through the process and improve your chances of winning it.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a UK Spouse Visa or a Tier 2 Work Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas and permits they need for international travel. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.