Spousal Visa Solicitors
For couples living apart because of immigration rules, a UK spousal visa can be the key to reuniting and building a life together in the UK.
At Zavri Law, we work with experienced and regulated immigration solicitors who regularly assist with spousal and partner visa applications. Our aim is to make the process clear, manageable, and far less stressful.
From your first consultation through to submission and decision, our solicitors provide step-by-step guidance at transparent fixed fees, with no hidden costs.
If you are planning to apply for a UK spousal visa, Zavri Law can help you understand the rules, prepare a strong application, and improve your chances of success.
Contact us today for a free case assessment and quote with a specialist spousal visa solicitor.
What Is a UK Spousal Visa?
A UK spousal visa (also called a spouse or partner visa) allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a qualifying person to live and work in the UK.
This visa is part of the UK family visa system and is usually granted for an initial period of 2 years and 6 months (or 2 years and 9 months if applying from within the UK).
Who Can Apply for a UK Spousal Visa?
You may be eligible to apply if your spouse or civil partner:
Is a British or Irish citizen
Has Indefinite Leave to Remain, permanent residence, or EU Settled Status
Has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
Holds a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa
You must have met your partner in person at least once and be able to prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
You must also intend to live together permanently in the UK.
What Must You Prove for a Spousal Visa?
To qualify, you must show that you are one of the following:
Married or in a civil partnership
Living together in a relationship for at least two years
Engaged or planning to enter a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK
If you have been in a long-term relationship but could not live together due to work, study, or cultural reasons, you may still qualify if you can provide evidence.
You must also meet:
English language requirements
Financial requirements
In certain situations, you may still be eligible even if you cannot meet all requirements, particularly if:
You have a child who is a British or Irish citizen
Your child has lived in the UK for at least seven years
Refusing the visa would breach your human rights
Applying as a Fiancé, Fiancée, or Proposed Civil Partner
If you are applying under this route, you must show that:
Any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended
You intend to marry or form a civil partnership within six months of arrival
During this initial period, you cannot work or study.
Once married or in a civil partnership, you must apply to extend your visa to gain the right to work or study in the UK.
How Do I Apply for a Spousal Visa?
All spousal visa applications are made online, whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.
You will also need to attend a biometric appointment as part of the process.
What Documents Are Needed for a Spousal Visa?
You will usually need to provide:
Full name and date of birth
Current passport or travel document
Copies of previous passports and visa stamps
Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable)
Details of previous UK immigration applications
Criminal conviction history (if any)
National Insurance number (if applicable)
Parents’ details (if applying from outside the UK)
Tuberculosis test results (where required)
Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh
You must also submit:
Proof of English language ability
Financial evidence
Evidence of your relationship, such as:
Photographs
Communication records
Joint bills or bank accounts
Statements explaining your relationship history
In some cases, a sponsorship declaration may be required.
Financial Requirements for a UK Spousal Visa
You and your partner must usually show a combined annual income of at least £29,000.
Income can come from:
Employment or self-employment
Cash savings over £16,000 held for at least six months
Pension income
Rental income or investment dividends
Some applicants may be exempt from the minimum income requirement, particularly where disability or carer’s benefits are involved.
What If I Don’t Meet the Financial Requirement?
You may still be able to apply if:
You have a qualifying child in the UK
Refusal would breach your right to family life
If the financial requirement is not met, settlement in the UK is usually available after 10 years, rather than 5.
How Much Does a Spousal Visa Cost?
Government application fees currently are:
£1,846 for applications made outside the UK
£1,048 for applications made inside the UK
You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge:
£2,587.50 for 2 years and 6 months
£3,105 for 2 years and 9 months
£5,175 for 5 years
Why Are Spousal Visas Refused?
Common reasons include:
Missing or incorrect documents
Failure to meet the income threshold
Weak or inconsistent relationship evidence
Insufficient English language proof
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Refusal?
To improve your chances:
Ensure all documents are accurate and complete
Provide clear financial evidence
Submit strong relationship proof
Use a recognised English language test where required
Do I Need a Solicitor for a Spousal Visa?
A solicitor is not mandatory, but professional support can be extremely helpful if:
You have had a visa refusal before
Your finances are complex
English is not your first language
You want reassurance that your application is correct
How Long Does a Spousal Visa Take?
Typical processing times are:
Up to 12 weeks for standard applications
Around 6 weeks with priority service
As little as 24 hours with super priority (where available)
Can I Work or Study on a Spousal Visa?
Yes. A spousal visa allows you to:
Work in any job
Study at any institution
Can Children Be Included?
Children can be added if they:
Are under 18 at the time of application
Do not live independently
Can I Travel While My Application Is Pending?
If applying from outside the UK, your passport is usually held during processing, limiting travel.
If applying from within the UK, travelling abroad is strongly discouraged as it may result in your application being treated as withdrawn.
Can I Get Married in the UK?
Yes. If you apply as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner, your visa allows you to marry in the UK.
Spousal Visa Support from Zavri Law
Zavri Law works with regulated immigration solicitors who provide end-to-end support for spousal visa applications.
Tailored Legal Advice
Your solicitor will assess your situation and explain exactly what is required based on your circumstances.
Document Preparation
You will receive a clear checklist and document review to ensure Home Office standards are met.
Application Support
Your solicitor can help complete and submit the application accurately and confidently.
After a Decision
If refused, your solicitor can advise on appeals, reviews, extensions, or settlement applications.
Contact Zavri Law today for personalised support from experienced spousal visa solicitors at clear, fixed fees.
Disclaimer
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. For advice specific to your circumstances, you should consult a qualified immigration solicitor.