The UK spouse visa serves as a pivotal bridge for families, facilitating the unification of couples separated by national borders. Designed for individuals both inside and outside the UK, this visa caters to those aspiring to live with their partners who already hold distinct statuses in the UK. Specifically, it’s intended for partners who are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British Citizen or a person with indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This visa not only acknowledges the importance of familial ties but also underscores the UK’s commitment to upholding the values of family unity and shared life experiences.
Basic Financial Requirement
There are many ways to fulfil the financial requirement for a UK spouse visa, but the most common ways are through income, savings or a combination of both.
When a UK spouse application is made, it is essential to meet specific income requirements to strengthen the application’s eligibility. The applicant will need to demonstrate that their spouse (or both of the partners jointly if they are in the UK with valid leave to remain) has a gross annual income of £18,600. If the couple have children who would be sponsored as dependents of the main applicant partner, the financial threshold is increased for each child included in the application. Specifically, in addition to the £18,600 threshold for the partner, an additional £3,800 is required for the first child and a further £2,400 for each additional child.
Savings above £16,000 can also be used to meet financial requirements for a UK spouse visa.
Application Fee for UK Spouse Visa
When applying as the principal applicant, one has to pay £1846 (from outside the UK) or £1,048 (from within the UK) as an application fee. If they are bringing any dependents, then for each dependant, they will have to pay £1846 (from outside the UK) or £1,048 (from within the UK).
Each applicant and their dependant must also pay a health surcharge depending on the years they are applying for. For adults, £1,560 for 2 years and 6 months, £1,872 for 2 years and 9 months, £3,120 for 5 years. In cases of children under 18, £1,175 for 2 years and 6 months, £1,410 for 2 years and 9 months, £2,350 for 5 years.
Proof of Income
To show proof of income, both partners can show their payslips that meet the combined minimum income requirement of £18,600 a year (base) and if they have children, then an additional £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 per year for each child after the first child.
As proof of income, bank statements of both partners, six months of payslips, a letter from the latest employer confirming employment, salary, position, duration of job, genuineness of payslips, etc.
They can also show proof of self-employment through tax returns sent to HMRC, UTR, bank statements of the last 12 months, VAT certificates (in case of business), etc.
Common Reasons for Rejection of UK Spouse Visa
UK dependent visa requires the applicant and their partner to prove a few things to get the visa approved. It is essential to meet the financial UK spouse visa requirements to increase the chances of visa approval. The most common reason for refusal is the inability to fulfil the visa requirements.
Financial requirements are of utmost importance for this visa type, and the couple must provide details showing they can financially sustain life in the UK.
Another reason for UK Spouse visa refusal is the failure to prove the genuineness of the relationship. The Home Office is very strict about fraudulent activities or sham marriages, which is why they scrutinise the UK spouse visa, and any suspicion of ingenuity of the relationship can lead to rejection of the application.
Providing details of accommodation where the couple will be living together in the UK is an important detail for the UK spouse visa. The proof can include documents like tenancy agreements or property ownership proofs, etc.
If an applicant submits too much or too little information, then it can be labelled suspicious, which will lead to rejection.
How to deal with UK Spouse visa rejections?
If an applicant’s UK dependant visa gets rejected, they must handle the situation carefully. It is best advised to consult immigration lawyers in case of rejection or even before applying to reduce the chances of rejection of the partner visa. Immigration lawyers are experts in the field who can assist applicants regarding their case and help them prepare a strong UK dependant visa application.
How can City Legal help you?
If you need assistance with a UK spouse visa, then contact our team of experts at City Legal Solicitors at 020 8175 4000 or email us at enquiries@citylegalsolicitors.co.uk.
