Spouse Visa Solicitors
Looking for experienced spouse visa solicitors in London. Vanguard Solicitors is one of the best immigration and spouse visa solicitors in London.
Vanguard Solicitors has highly experienced Spouse Visa Solicitors in London who can provide expert guidance for your Spouse Visa UK application.
To speak to our UK immigration and spouse visa solicitors in London, please call us now on 0208 616 5535 or use our simple online enquiry form.
Table of Contents
- What services do spouse visa solicitors offer?
- What is a UK spouse visa?
- UK spouse visa requirements
- What is the new rule for a UK spouse visa?
- UK spouse visa document checklist
- How long does the spouse visa process take?
- Can a spouse visa solicitor help with spouse visa extensions?
- Can a spouse visa solicitor help with switching visa categories?
- What happens if my spouse visa application is denied?
- Why are spouse visa solicitors important for a successful application?
- Benefits of hiring a spouse visa solicitor
- How can UK spouse visas and immigration solicitors help?
- 1. Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment
- 2. Guidance on Visa Requirements
- 3. Document Preparation and Verification
- 4. Completing the Application Forms
- 5. Expert Legal Advice for Complicated Cases
- 6. Handling Financial Evidence
- 7. Submission and Follow-Up with the Home Office
- 8. Handling Visa Refusals and Appeals
- 9. Advice on Switching or Extending a Spouse Visa
- 10. Representation for Complex Cases
- 11. Assistance with Visa Premium Services
- 12. Support with Dependents' Applications
- 13. Ongoing Support and Post-Visa Advice
- How much do spouse visa solicitors charge?
- Schedule a consultation with an immigration solicitor
- Contact spouse visa solicitors in London
What services do spouse visa solicitors offer?
Whether you're applying, switching, or extending your spouse visa, our immigration solicitors can assist with all types of spouse visa applications, including:
- Spouse Visa Application (5-Year Route)
- Spouse Visa Application (10-Year Route)
- Spouse Visa Extension (After 2.5 Years)
- Spouse Visa Extension (After 5 Years)
- Spouse Visa Extension (Under 10-Year Route)
- Spouse Visa (Fee Waiver Application)
- Switching from Fiancé(e) Visa to Spouse Visa
- Switching from a Skilled Worker Visa to a Spouse Visa
- Switching from Spouse Visa 5-Year to 10-Year Route
- Spouse Visa to ILR (After 5 Years)
- Spouse Visa Refusal
For legal advice or assistance with any type of UK family or spouse visa application, please contact our immigration solicitors on 0208 616 5535.
What is a UK spouse visa?
A UK Spouse Visa, also known as a Partner Visa, permits the husband or wife of a British citizen or someone with settled status to live and work in the UK.
You can live and work in the UK for an initial period of 2 years and 9 months, with the option to extend your visa for an additional 30 months.
As a UK Spouse Visa holder, you can work full-time without any restrictions. There are no limitations on the type of job or industry in which you can be employed.
UK spouse visa requirements
To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa under the 5-year route, the applicant must meet all the requirements of Appendix FM of the immigration rules.
You must meet the following key requirements for a successful UK Spouse Visa application:
- Both you and your partner must be 18 or older.
- You must be legally married which is recognised by the UK.
- Your spouse must be a British citizen or hold settled status.
- Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
- You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- Your partner must meet the financial requirements.
- You need suitable accommodation in the UK.
- You must meet the English language requirement.
- A tuberculosis (TB) test is required, if applicable.
- You must not have breached UK immigration laws.
You may need to meet additional requirements based on your circumstances. Book a consultation with our spouse visa solicitor for an eligibility assessment.
What is the new rule for a UK spouse visa?
According to new rules, from 11th April 2024, the Spouse Visa minimum income requirement has increased from £18,600 to £29,000 gross per year.
You can meet the spouse visa financial requirement with cash savings alone, provided you have at least £88,500 (increased from £62,500 as of April 11th, 2024).
UK spouse visa document checklist
The success of your UK Spouse Visa application heavily relies on the documents you provide. Failure to provide all documents and evidence in the correct format may lead to refusal or delay of your visa.
Here’s a comprehensive UK spouse visa document checklist for 2024:
- Your valid passport or other travel documents
- Complete spouse visa application forms
- Legal marriage certificate
- Proof that your relationship is genuine & subsisting
- Photographs that show you have spent time together frequently
- Evidence of communication, such as emails, chats, or phone records
- Evidence that you meet the financial requirements
- Proof of Adequate Accommodation in the UK
- Evidence that you meet the English language requirement
- Details of any criminal convictions
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
- Additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances
If you're unsure about any documents or need help with a UK Spouse Visa application, call Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or fill in the enquiry form.
How long does the spouse visa process take?
In 2024, the average processing time for a UK spouse visa is 12 weeks if applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks from within the UK.
By paying an additional fee, you can use the 'Priority Service' for your Spouse Visa application to get a faster decision within 5 working days.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.
Can a spouse visa solicitor help with spouse visa extensions?
Yes, our spouse visa solicitors in Harrow, London, are experienced in handling all types of spouse visa applications, including spouse visa extensions.
After the initial period of 2.5 years (30 months), you can typically extend your Spouse visa from inside the UK for an additional 2.5 years.
If you need help with extending or renewing your Spouse Visa, our spouse visa solicitors can assess your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Can a spouse visa solicitor help with switching visa categories?
If you entered the UK on a different visa, you may be eligible to switch to a Spouse Visa to stay with your partner if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Our spouse visa solicitor can assist you in switching to a spouse visa from another type of UK visa and assess your eligibility.
What happens if my spouse visa application is denied?
If your UK spouse visa is rejected, you may have the option to challenge the Home Office’s decision through an administrative review or by reapplying. You'll get a refusal letter explaining the reasons for the refusal and your rights of appeal.
If you're considering an appeal or reapplication after refusal, it's recommended to consult with our immigration solicitor to explore your options.
Our spouse visa solicitor in London can help you understand the reasons for refusal and guide you through the appeal process or reapplications.
Why are spouse visa solicitors important for a successful application?
The spouse visa application process is challenging, with high stakes for couples. Spouse visa solicitors are legal experts in immigration law, providing invaluable support for several reasons:
Understanding Complex Immigration Laws
Immigration laws are complex and frequently change. Spouse visa solicitors stay updated, ensuring you meet legal criteria accurately.
Assistance with Detailed Documentation
Gathering the required documents for a spouse visa can be daunting. Solicitors help prepare and review these documents, ensuring they meet standards and are submitted correctly.
Tailored Advice for Complicated Situations
Every couple's situation is unique. Solicitors offer tailored advice for complex cases, helping address challenges before they become major issues.
Avoiding Mistakes
Even minor errors can cause delays or refusal. Solicitors help avoid common mistakes, making your application as strong as possible.
Handling Refusals and Appeals
If your application is refused, a solicitor can help understand the reasons and advise on the next steps. They are essential in securing a successful outcome.
Benefits of hiring a spouse visa solicitor
Hiring a solicitor for your spouse visa application has many advantages:
- Peace of Mind: Having an expert handle your case reduces stress and uncertainty.
- Higher Success Rate: Our solicitor can help you avoid mistakes that lead to refusals. This increases your chances of getting your visa.
- Time Savings: We help you gather and submit documents quickly. This shortens the time it takes to process your application.
- Personalised Advice: Our solicitor gives advice tailored to your situation. This prepares you for any challenges you might face.
How can UK spouse visas and immigration solicitors help?
Our spouse visa solicitors, as legal experts in immigration law, can offer invaluable support in several ways:
- Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment
- Guidance on Visa Requirements
- Document Preparation and Verification
- Completing the Application Forms
- Expert Legal Advice for Complicated Cases
- Handling Financial Evidence
- Submission and Follow-Up with the Home Office
- Handling Visa Refusals and Appeals
- Advice on Switching or Extending a Spouse Visa
- Representation for Complex Cases
- Assistance with Visa Premium Services
- Support with Dependents' Applications
- Ongoing Support and Post-Visa Advice
1. Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment
Before applying for a spouse visa, it's key to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Our immigration solicitors offer a first meeting to:
- Assess your eligibility based on your relationship, finances, where you'll live, and other important factors.
- Review any complications like past visa refusals, criminal records, or special situations.
- Offer a personalised plan for your application and how to improve your case.
2. Guidance on Visa Requirements
The UK spouse visa has strict rules. Our solicitors help you understand these requirements:
- Relationship Proof: We guide you on proving your genuine relationships, like marriage certificates, photos, and joint financial plans.
- Financial Requirement: We help you meet the financial threshold (currently £29,000 per year) or find alternative ways to meet it.
- Accommodation Requirement: We assist in showing you have enough accommodation without public funds.
- English Language Requirement: We advise on meeting the language requirement through tests or qualifications if needed.
3. Document Preparation and Verification
Gathering the right documents is key for a spouse visa application. Our solicitors can assist:
- Prepare a detailed document checklist for your case.
- Review your documentation to ensure everything is correct and meets UK Home Office standards.
- Organise and present evidence clearly for immigration officers.
4. Completing the Application Forms
Multiple forms are needed for the application. Our solicitors can:
- Complete your visa application forms accurately for you.
- Ensure consistency between your forms and documents, reducing refusal risks.
- Monitor changes in application procedures and update your forms as needed.
5. Expert Legal Advice for Complicated Cases
For complex cases, like previous refusals or immigration breaches, our solicitors offer:
- Specialised advice for overcoming challenges like overstaying or long-distance relationships.
- Legal strategies to prevent problems in the application process.
6. Handling Financial Evidence
Financial issues are a common reason for refusals. Our solicitors help with:
- Clarifying financial thresholds and guiding on providing evidence like payslips and bank statements.
- Advise on alternate financial avenues if your earnings don't meet the threshold.
- Assist with complex financial structures, such as self-employment or third-party support.
7. Submission and Follow-Up with the Home Office
Our immigration solicitors handle the application submission:
- Submit the application to the Home Office, ensuring all documents are organised.
- Track the application progress and address any queries or requests for evidence.
- Advise on the next steps based on the application status.
8. Handling Visa Refusals and Appeals
If your visa is refused, our solicitors can:
- Review the refusal notice to understand the reasons.
- Advise on options like appealing the decision or preparing a new application.
- Prepare and submit appeals to challenge the refusal, including representation at an immigration tribunal if needed.
9. Advice on Switching or Extending a Spouse Visa
Spouse visa holders may need to extend or switch visa types. Our solicitors can:
- Guide you through the process of extending your spouse visa, ensuring you meet all requirements.
- Advise on switching visa types if your circumstances change.
- Help with the process of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the next step after holding a spouse visa for a certain period.
10. Representation for Complex Cases
For cases with extra legal hurdles, such as:
- Criminal records or previous visa refusals.
- Overstayed visas or immigration rule breaches.
- Medical or compassionate grounds, solicitors can represent you before the Home Office.
11. Assistance with Visa Premium Services
Need a visa quickly? Solicitors can help with:
- Checking if you qualify for fast-track services.
- Scheduling appointments with UKVCAS.
- Checking your documents for quicker approval.
12. Support with Dependents' Applications
Applying with dependents? Our solicitors can assist with:
- Guidance on visa needs for dependents and ensuring applications meet standards.
- Helping gather documents to prove relationships.
- Ensuring family visas are submitted correctly to avoid delays.
13. Ongoing Support and Post-Visa Advice
After your visa is granted, solicitors offer ongoing help, including:
- Advice on post-visa obligations, like restrictions or reporting.
- Guidance on the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
- Support with future immigration needs like reapplying or helping family members.
How much do spouse visa solicitors charge?
Our spouse visa solicitors in London charge an affordable fixed fee between £1,000-£1,200 (Plus VAT) for legal services regarding Spouse Visa applications.
The agreed fixed fee will depend on the type of application, the complexity of the matter, and the casework involved in the matter.
Schedule a consultation with an immigration solicitor
Booking a consultation with our immigration solicitor in London is simple. Just call Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or email us to request an appointment.
Get detailed legal advice from our London immigration solicitors for just £50 + VAT, via your preferred consultation method (in-person, phone, or video call).
During the consultation, we will provide guidance on relevant immigration laws, procedures, requirements, and necessary documents after a detailed discussion with you.
Contact spouse visa solicitors in London
If you require assistance with the UK Spouse Visa application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with our spouse visa solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.
References: