A Spouse Dependent Visa in the UK enables the spouse of a UK citizen or a settled person to work and reside in the country. This visa is useful for couples who want to be together in the UK and give non-UK partners an opportunity to be with their families.
Requirements
To apply for a Spouse Dependent Visa there are a number of requirements that must typically be met:
- Relationship Requirement: You must have a legal marriage or a civil partnership with the exception of the United States, where a common law marriage may be considered valid.
- Financial Requirement: The main spouse must meet certain minimum income requirements, which are about $27,035 per year, or have at least 38 weeks of savings.
- English Language Requirement: The applicant has to prove his command over the English language either through a test or by having a degree from the university where English is the language of instruction.
- Accommodation Requirement: You have to show that you have enough rooms in the house for you and your dependents.
- Genuine Relationship: In some cases, you may be required to produce documents that prove that your relationship is real and has not been fabricated.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Spouse Dependent Visa, you must:
- Be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person who has the right to live in the UK indefinitely (i.e., has Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- Comply with the financial, the English language, and the accommodation requirements.
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application for the dependent visa.
- Intend to live together permanently in the United Kingdom.
Application Process
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the documents that are needed for the application; these include marriage records or evidence of cohabitation, financial documents, and English language qualifications.
- Complete the Application Form: It is advised that the online application form for the spouse visa should be completed and submitted.
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee depends on how long the visa will be.
- Biometric Appointment: Book and attend a biometric appointment where you will provide your fingerprints and other photographs.
- Submit Your Application: Send your application form with all the supporting documents to the specific visa processing office.
- Wait for a Decision: The time it will take to process your application may differ from one application to another, but you should be ready to wait for a period of 8–12 weeks.
Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for a UK Dependant Visa for Spouse
- Incomplete Documentation: This means that if some of the documents are missing, then it will cause delays or even rejection of the application.
- Insufficient Financial Evidence: This includes failing to meet the financial test or presenting evidence that is not very concrete, which can put your application at risk.
- Neglecting English Language Requirements: Make sure that you are well prepared with the language; if not, your application will be rejected.
- Misrepresenting Your Relationship: This includes giving out false information regarding the relationship that you have, and this will have serious implications, such as bans on future applications.
- Missing Deadlines: Ensure that you follow the application time table and the appointment schedule to avoid having a few issues.
Tips for a Successful Spouse Visa Application
- Organize Your Documents: The following is a checklist of all the documents that are required in order to make sure that nothing is left behind.
- Be Honest and Transparent: Describe your relationship in details and be truthful throughout the application process.
- Seek Professional Advice: It is therefore advisable to seek the services of an immigration lawyer or an advisor to help with the process.
- Show Evidence of Communication: You should produce any message, photos, or records of your travel that prove that your relationship was real.
- Follow Up: It is important to manage one’s application and reply to any queries made from the UK Home Office without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often does a Spouse Dependent Visa need renewal? The visa is usually offered for the initial period of 30 months from the date of application, with the possibility of renewal.
2. Is my spouse allowed to work in the UK with this visa? The visa enables your spouse to work in the UK full time; hence, there are no restrictions.
3. What will happen if I apply for the visa and my application is declined? If it is rejected, then you have the right to apply for a review of the decision or even reapply if the reason for rejection has been addressed.
4. Is it possible to change to a Spouse Dependent Visa from another kind of visa? Yes, it is also possible to change to a Spouse Dependent Visa if you fulfill certain conditions even though you are in another kind of visa.
5. Do I have to prove our relationship is still real for an extension or settlement? When renewing your visa or applying for settlement, you may be required to present updated documents that prove your relationship.
Thus, with the help of this guide, couples will be able to overcome the common pitfalls and effectively meet the conditions set by the immigration rules for the Spouse visa and dependent, which will enable them to unite in the UK.
