Anyone who has ever gone through the process of obtaining a visa for a permanent settlement knows the process requires a lot of attention. The same goes for the UK Spouse Visa application process. It can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. As a matter of fact, there are quite a few things one can do to make sure everything goes without stress and increase the chances of the whole process being successful.
In this article, we’ll cover tips and tricks to help you navigate the application process and ensure a smooth transition. From gathering the necessary documents to completing the application form and all the steps in between, we’ll provide you with the advice you need to get your visa approved. So, let’s get started!
How to Sail Through the Process Smoothly?
Navigating the UK visa marriage process can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can sail through it smoothly.
1. Gather all documents
The first step is to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in order. Read through the requirements carefully, and note down every paper they’ll ask you to file. If you’re not sure whether you’ve got the right ones, discuss it with someone who has already gone through the process, an attorney, or someone from the embassy, before submitting. This includes documents like your marriage certificate, proof of your relationship, and evidence of your financial stability.
2. Be honest
It’s also important, to be honest, and transparent throughout the process. People working on the approvals have a broad experience with a lot of people and can see through any scam no matter how well-planned you think yours is. Any discrepancies in your application can lead to delays or even rejection. To avoid this, make sure that you provide accurate information and answer all questions truthfully.
3. Consider hiring professionals to help you
Another way to make the process smoother is to seek the help of an immigration lawyer or consultant. They can guide you through the application process and provide valuable advice on how to navigate any challenges that may arise. Finally, be patient and persistent. The process can take time, but with the right approach and mindset, you can successfully navigate it and start your new life in the UK with your spouse.
4. Determine if you can apply for a spouse visa from within the country
If you’re currently residing in the country on another type of visa, there’s a possibility that switching to a spouse visa without leaving the country. To ensure your eligibility and avoid any complications during your application, hiring help for assessing your case is definitely a safe way to walk.
5. Ensure your partner has settled status in the country
When applying for this type of visa, your significant other must possess citizenship or an approval to stay within the country indefinitely, proof of permanent residency, or refugee/humanitarian protection status, otherwise, obtaining legal advice from reputable solicitors will help clarify this aspect.
6. Confirm whether your marriage/civil partnership meets recognition standards in the country
Generally speaking, marriages conducted according to the proper protocol are recognized by authorities throughout GB as valid unions between two individuals who have entered into civil partnerships abroad and may also qualify under certain circumstances – researching requirements beforehand and seeking expert guidance could save time and trouble down the line!
7. Prove commitment towards making this country your home permanently
Demonstrating intent regarding settling long-term roots via providing evidence such as employment opportunities, education prospects, family ties etc., when submitting applications for a visa, you’ll get higher chances of approval!
8. Proving your language knowledge and skills
For obvious reasons, one of the requirements you’ll have to meet is connected to your language skills. We’ve already mentioned how proving you intend to stay in the country long-term will influence the outcome of the process. Proving you have enough skills and knowledge of English will only increase your chances of obtaining approval. To do this, you have a few options, but all of them include taking an official test. For those coming from English-speaking countries, it is not required to prove these skills. The list can be found on the official immigration website.
9. Gather proof you have enough income
For most couples, this is by far the most stressful aspect, as the amount is not the smallest one. It should also be noted that the final amount will depend on whether or not there are kids involved. But, in circumstances when there are just two of you, you need to prove you have at least 18,600 a year.
But it’s not just about the amount, it’s also about the source of income. So, make sure you check all this and minimize the risk of being rejected just because the income source is not suitable.
So, now you know what to think about when you enter the process, and what to do to increase your chances of a positive outcome. However, one can’t help to wonder if the outcome is negative. Is there anything you can do to fix it? Well, denials can happen for a lot of reasons, and the most common are of financial nature – connected to income. But they can also happen if you did not file enough evidence proving the relationship is real. Things are a little bit easier to fix if the denial is based on the ground of what we have mentioned as second most often. Here, they may ask you to file more proof of the two of you being in a real relationship. What is important to have in mind are the deadlines. They won’t wait forever for you to provide these but will give you a rather tight deadline to do this.
If your denial is based on some other grounds, check if there are possibilities to appeal, and in what timeframe. In the end, information gathered timely, will save you.