Spouse Visa Entry Clearance

You can apply for Entry Clearance if you are a spouse of a British citizen, or a person settled in the UK and wish to join your married partner in the UK.

A UK spouse visa (also known as a “marriage visa” or “partner visa”) is a route to the settlement which means you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Spouse after spending 5 years on a spouse visa.

If you need immigration advice or help with your spouse visa entry clearance application, call our expert spouse visa solicitor in London at 020 341 73700.

Table of Contents

1. What is Entry Clearance for a Spouse Visa UK?
2. Apply for Entry Clearance as a Spouse
3. Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Requirements
4. Documents Required for a UK Spouse Visa
5. How Much is the Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Application Fee?
6. Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Application Processing Time
7. Appeal Against Spouse Visa Refusal
8. Solicitors for Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Applications
9. How much does a lawyer charge for a UK spouse visa entry clearance application?
10. Need legal advice & assistance?

What is Entry Clearance for a Spouse Visa UK?

Entry clearance for a spouse visa in the UK refers to the process of obtaining permission to enter the United Kingdom as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. Entry clearance is essentially a visa that is granted to individuals who wish to join their partner in the UK for the purpose of living together.

The spouse visa entry clearance process involves applying for a visa from outside the UK before you travel. This process is designed to ensure that individuals meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documentation to enter the country as a spouse or civil partner.

Apply for Entry Clearance as a Spouse

You can apply for entry clearance as a spouse from outside the UK if you meet all the eligibility requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

The steps for a UK Spouse visa entry clearance application are as follows:

• Ensure that you and your partner meet the eligibility requirements for a spouse visa.
• Visit the UK Visas and Immigration website and create an online account.
• Log in to your online account and complete the spouse visa entry clearance application form.
• Submit all necessary documents to support your application.
• Pay the Spouse visa application fee
• Pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
• After completing the online application and paying the fees, you'll be prompted to schedule a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.
• Attend the biometric appointment and submit all required documents, including your biometric information.
• Wait for the decision. You'll be notified of the decision on your application.

Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a spouse visa entry clearance, you must meet the requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

The main requirements for a UK Spouse visa application are as follows: 

• Both, you, and your partner must be 18 or over.
• You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or a settled person.
• Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
• You and your partner must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You need to meet the financial requirement, which includes proving a certain level of income or savings.
• You must meet the requirement of adequate accommodation.
• You must satisfy the English language requirements to prove your knowledge of the English language.

You must meet all other requirements depending on your circumstances. Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding a Spouse visa application.

Documents Required for a UK Spouse Visa

Below is a general list of documents required for a UK Spouse visa entry clearance application:

• Your valid passport.
• Proof of your relationship, such as marriage certificates, photographs, communication records, etc.
• Evidence of meeting the financial requirement, which might include payslips, bank statements, etc.
• Accommodation details in the UK.
• English language proficiency proof (if applicable).
• Tuberculosis (TB) test to support your visa application (if applicable to your country).

You may need to provide additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

How Much is the Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Application Fee?

The fee for a UK spouse visa entry clearance application is £1,538. It does not include Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS).

How much is the health surcharge for a spouse visa?

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the 'Immigration Health Surcharge'- IHS) as part of your immigration application. Click here to find out the latest Family visa fees and Healthcare surcharges.

Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Application Processing Time

Currently, the UK Spouse visa application processing time is up to 24 weeks when applying from outside the UK. Time starts from the date of your appointment at the visa application centre.

Appeal Against Spouse Visa Refusal

If your UK spouse visa entry clearance application has been refused and you think the spouse visa refusal is unlawful, then you may be able to appeal against the decision.

Book an appointment with our immigration solicitors to discuss the spouse visa refusal letter, appeal process, costs involved and the appeal processing time.

Solicitors for Spouse Visa Entry Clearance Applications

How much does a lawyer charge for a UK spouse visa entry clearance application?

Our fixed-fee Spouse visa solicitors charge a fixed fee in the region of £800 to £1000 for complete legal services in relation to the UK Spouse visa entry clearance application.