Welcome, Visa Matchers!
The UK Spouse / Fiance Visa process is a complex and arduous process that can be overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with it. However, Visa Matcher is here to help. With the right guidance and preparation, it’s possible to navigate it successfully.
Our beginner’s guide below will provide a comprehensive overview of the different aspects of the UK Spouse / Fiance Visa process, from eligibility criteria to post-approval requirements.
IN THIS GUIDE
- Understanding the UK Spouse / Fiancé Visa
- Gathering Required Documents
- Completing the Online Application
- Paying the Visa Application Fees
- Booking an Attending Appointment at the Visa Application Centre
- Waiting for a Decision
- Entering the UK on a Spouse / Fiancé Visa
Chapter 1: Understanding the UK Spouse / Fiancé Visa
- What is the UK spouse / fiancé visa?
- Who is eligible to apply for the visa?
- What are the requirements for the visa?
- How long is the visa valid for?
As a British citizen or someone with settled status, you may want to bring your partner to the UK to live with you. The UK spouse / fiancé visa is designed to enable non-UK nationals to join their partners in the UK. In this chapter of the guide, we’ll take you through the basics of the UK spouse / fiancé visa process.
Firstly, it’s important to understand what the UK spouse / fiancé visa is. This visa allows non-UK nationals who are married to, or engaged to be married to, a British citizen (or someone with settled status) to come to the UK to live with their partner. This visa is also known as the “family of a settled person” visa.
To be eligible for this visa, you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- Being married to, or engaged to be married to, a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain in the UK
- Being over 18 years old
- Being able to demonstrate that your relationship with your partner is genuine and subsisting
- Meeting the English language requirement
- Meeting the financial requirement
To obtain the visa, you’ll need to provide proof that you meet the eligibility criteria, and also need to meet certain requirements. These requirements include proving that you have a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner, that you can meet the financial requirements, and that you can speak and understand English at a certain level.
This visa is usually valid for 30 months, with the possibility of extending it for a further 30 months. After that, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which means you can stay in the UK indefinitely and without any immigration restrictions.
It’s important to note that the UK spouse / fiancé visa application process can be quite complicated and time-consuming, and it’s essential that you understand all the requirements and criteria before beginning your application.
If you’re unsure about anything or need further assistance, there are immigration lawyers and advisors who can help guide you through the process. It’s also recommended that you review the UK Home Office’s official guidelines on the spouse / fiancé visa to ensure that you have all the information you need.
Chapter 2: Gathering Required Documents
- What documents do you need to gather for the visa application?
- How to obtain supporting documents such as bank statements, birth certificates, etc.
- What to do if some documents are missing or unavailable
A key part of the UK spouse / fiancé visa process guide is gathering the necessary documents for your visa application. It is imperative for applicants to gather all required documents in advance to avoid any delay in processing your visa application.
Documents required for the visa application
The first step is to understand the list of required documents for the visa application. The list can vary depending on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for. However, some commonly required documents include:
- Your date of birth
- A valid passport or travel document
- Evidence of your relationship with your spouse/fiancé
- Proof of meeting the financial requirement
- English language test results (if English is not your native language)
- Your current passport or other valid travel ID
- Copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports
- A copy of your biometric residence permit, if you have one
- Details of any previous immigration applications you’ve made
- Details of any criminal convictions
- Your national insurance number, if you have one
- Your parents’ date of birth and nationality if you’re applying from outside the UK
- Your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
- A certified translation of any document that is not in English or Welsh
If there is any doubt, please visit the Home Office’s website (link) to learn more.
Obtaining supporting documents
Once you have a list of required documents, the next step is to gather supporting documents such as bank statements, birth certificates, etc. This can be a time-consuming process, so it is important to start early (at least 30-45 days before submitting an application).
For example, to prove the financial requirement, you will need to provide evidence of income such as payslips or tax returns. You may also need to provide evidence of savings or investments. If you are relying on your spouse’s income, they will need to provide similar evidence.
For the English language test results, you will need to take a test from an approved provider (link) and provide the results as part of your visa application.
Missing or unavailable documents
In some cases, it may not be possible to obtain all the required documents. For example, if you have lost your birth certificate, you can order a new one from your country’s General Register Office. However, this can take some time, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.
If you are unable to obtain a required document, you should provide a letter explaining why it is not available and any alternative evidence you can provide to support your application. By understanding what documents are required, how to obtain them, and what to do if some are missing or unavailable, you can increase your chances of a successful visa application.
Chapter 3: Completing the Online Application
- How to access the online application form
- How to complete the application form
- What to do if you encounter technical issues while completing the application
Once you have all the required documents needed, you are ready to complete the Home Office’s online visa application. This chapter will guide you through the process of accessing and completing the online application form, and what to do if you encounter any technical issues.
Accessing the Online Application Form
To access the online application form, visit the official UK visa application website:
- Applying from inside the UK (link): Applicants who are already in the UK on a fiance visa, work visa, or student visa valid for more than six months
- Applying from outside the UK (link): Applicants who are NOT already in the UK on a fiance visa, work visa, or student visa valid for more than six months
Completing the Application Form
The online application form is divided into several sections, including personal information, immigration history, and financial information. You will also need to upload supporting documents such as your passport, marriage certificate, and evidence of finances.
It is essential to fill in all the required fields accurately and honestly, as providing incorrect or incomplete information could result in your application being refused. Make sure to review your application before submitting it to ensure that all the information is correct and up to date.
If you are unsure about any sections of the application form, you can consult the Home Office’s website or seek advice from a qualified immigration solicitor.
Encountering Technical Issues
If you encounter technical issues while completing the online application form, do not panic. You can try refreshing the page, clearing your browser’s cache, or using a different device or browser. If none of these solutions work, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration (link) for assistance.
It is essential to keep a record of any technical issues you encounter, including error messages and screenshots, as this can be useful when seeking assistance.
Chapter 4: Paying the Visa Application Fees
- How much is the visa application fee
- How to pay the visa application fee
- Paying the NHS Surcharge
- What Payment Methods are Accepted
- What to do if you experience payment issues
Once you’ve completed the online application for your UK spouse / fiancé visa, the next step is to pay the visa application fee. In this chapter, we’ll explore how to pay the fee, the NHS surcharge, what payment methods are accepted, and what to do if you experience payment issues.
How much is the visa application fee
How much the visa application fee costs depends on how you apply. If you’re applying outside the UK, the fee is £1,538 per applicant. If you’re applying inside the UK the fee is £1,048 per applicant.
How to Pay the Visa Application Fee
The easiest way to pay the visa application fee is online using a debit or credit card (e.g., Visa, Mastercard). Once you’ve completed the online application form, you’ll be directed to a page where you can pay the fee. You’ll need to enter your card details and confirm the payment before your application can be processed.
Paying the NHS Surcharge
In addition to the visa application fee, you’ll also need to pay the NHS surcharge (link). This is a fee that covers healthcare costs during your stay in the UK. The surcharge is payable by most applicants, including those from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Below are the current fees for each adult (18 or older):
- £2,588 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months
- £3,105 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months
- £5,175 if you’re staying for 5 years
What Payment Methods are Accepted
When paying the NHS surcharge, you can use a credit or debit card. Make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover the cost of the fees.
What to Do If You Experience Payment Issues
If you experience any issues while paying the visa application fee or NHS surcharge, don’t worry. You can try using a different payment method, or check with your bank to ensure that your card is authorised for international payments. To prevent your bank from canceling your payment, let your bank know that a large amount of money will be coming out of your account
If you continue to experience issues, you can contact the UKVI contact centre for assistance. They will be able to provide you with further guidance and support.
Chapter 5: Booking and Attending Appointment at the Visa Application Centre
- How to book an appointment at the visa application centre
- Submitting documents
- What to bring to the appointment
- What to expect during the appointment
- After the appointment
Once you’ve paid the visa application fee and NHS surcharge, the next step is to book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). In this chapter, we’ll explore how to book an appointment, what to bring to the appointment, and what to expect during the appointment.
How to Book an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre
To book an appointment at the VAC, you’ll need to visit the official website of UK Visas and Immigration (link). From there, you can choose your country of residence and select the VAC nearest to you. Once you’ve chosen the VAC, you’ll need to select a date and time for your appointment.
Submitting documents
In preparation for your appointment, you will need to submit the supporting documents that you prepared earlier. You will have two options:
Option 1: Scan and upload your supporting documents on the appointment website (no cost)
Option 2: Bring the supporting documents to the application centre for them to scan in person (additional fees will apply).
What to bring to the appointment
When attending the appointment at the VAC, you’ll need to bring several important documents with you. These include your passport, a printout of your visa application form, proof of payment for the visa application fee and NHS surcharge, and any supporting documents required for your application.
It’s important to double-check which documents you need to bring before attending the appointment to ensure that you have everything necessary. Failure to bring the correct documents can delay your application or even result in a rejection.
What to Expect During the Appointment
During the appointment at the VAC, you’ll need to provide your biometric information, including your fingerprints and a photograph. You may also have a short interview with a visa officer, who will ask you questions about your application and may request further information or documents.
The appointment typically takes around 30 minutes. Once your appointment is complete, your application will be forwarded to UKVI for processing. You’ll be able to track the progress of your application online using your application reference number.
After the appointment
Following your biometric appointment, you will need to send your passport and supporting documents to / from the address listed in your application or via email from the appointment service. Please ensure that your supporting documents are submitted within 5 working days of the appointment.
Note: Depending on your service provider, you may be able to retain your passport while your UK Visa application is being initially assessed. You will only be required to re-submit your passport when a decision is reached.
Chapter 6: Waiting for a Decision
- How long does it take to receive a decision?
- What to do if you haven’t received a decision after the expected processing time
- Recieving your passport
- What to do if your application is refused
Now that you have completed all the steps required to apply for a UK spouse / fiancé visa, the only thing left to do is wait for a decision from the Home Office.
How long does it take to receive a decision?
The processing time for a UK spouse / fiancé visa application can vary depending on several factors such as the country from which you apply and the time of year. At the moment, the UK Home Office’s guidance is that processing time can take up to 24 weeks. However, it’s important to note that the processing time may be longer if additional information or documentation is required.
What to do if you haven’t received a decision after the expected processing time?
If you haven’t received a decision after the expected processing time, you can check the status of your application online or by contacting the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) help centre (link). If your application is still pending, you may have to wait a little longer for a decision. It’s important to note that contacting the UKVI to inquire about the status of your application can take longer and may not result in a faster decision.
In addition, it might be helpful contacting your local MP if you’ve been waiting a long time to hear back from the Home Office. They can find out more about the delay and might be able to help speed up your visa application.
Receiving your passport
If your application has been successful, your passport will be returned to you with a sticker (called a vignette) that goes in your passport. This vignette is valid for up to 90 days. If you sent your passport via courier after the biometrics appointment, you should have provided a return address for your passport to be returned to. If you selected the service keep your passport, you will receive information to send in your passport so your vignette can be attached.
What to do if your application is refused?
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may be able to appeal the decision or submit a fresh application depending on the reasons for the refusal. It’s important to carefully review the letter and seek legal advice before taking any further action.
In some cases, it may be possible to seek a judicial review of the decision, but this can be a complex and expensive process. It’s important to carefully consider your options and seek legal advice if you are unsure of what to do next.
Chapter 7: Entering the UK on a Spouse / Fiancé Visa
- What to expect when entering the UK on a spouse / fiancé visa.
- What to do if you are questioned by UK border control.
- What to do if you have issues with your visa once you are in the UK.
Congratulations! Hopefully you have successfully navigated the UK spouse / fiancé visa process and recevied your visa vignette. Now it’s time to prepare for your arrival in the UK. Here’s what you need to know:
What to expect when entering the UK on a spouse/fiancé visa
When you arrive in the UK, you will need to show your passport and visa vignette to a border control officer. They may ask you some questions about your trip and may want to see some of your supporting documents. Be prepared to answer their questions honestly and politely.
What to do if you are questioned by UK border control
If UK border control officer has concerns about your visa or the purpose of your trip, they may ask you to provide additional information or documentation. Stay calm and answer their questions as truthfully and thoroughly as possible. It’s always a good idea to bring copies of your visa and supporting documents with you when you travel, just in case.
What to do if you have issues with your visa once you are in the UK
If you experience any issues with your visa once you are in the UK, such as changes to your travel plans or concerns about your visa status, it’s important to contact the UK Home Office as soon as possible. You can find more information about contacting the Home Office here. It’s also important to remember that your spouse / fiancé visa is valid for a limited period of time, usually 30 months or 33 months if you paid the extra NHS surcharge. You will need to apply to extend your visa if you want to stay in the UK beyond the expiration date.
Entering the UK on a spouse / fiancé visa can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate the process successfully. Remember to stay calm, be honest and polite with border control officers, and contact the UK Home Office if you experience any issues with your visa once you are in the UK. Best of luck on your journey from Team Visa Matcher!