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Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
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01 overview
For couples separated by borders, a spousal visa can be a lifeline, allowing them to reunite and build their lives together in the UK.
At Lawhive, our network of expert immigration lawyers has extensive experience in handling spousal visa applications and is committed to helping you understand the immigration system in the UK.
They are on hand to provide clear, step-by-step guidance on the spousal visa application process. From initial consultation to submission and follow-up, we offer comprehensive support from fully regulated and vetted solicitors for affordable fixed prices, with no hidden fees in sight.
If you're planning to apply for a UK spousal visa, let Lawhive help you through the process and provide you with the expertise and support you need to increase your chances of success.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist spousal visa lawyer.
A spousal visa, also known as a UK spouse visa, allows the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK to live and work in the UK.
You can apply for a UK spousal visa if your spouse or civil partner:
You must have met in person at least once and need to prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. This typically involves providing evidence such as photographs, communication records, and cohabitation documents.
You and your partner must also intend to live together permanently in the UK.
To apply for a spousal visa in the UK, you need to prove that you:
Alternatively, if you've been in a relationship for at least two years but can't live together due to work, study, or cultural reasons, you must also meet this criteria.
Also, you need to demonstrate a good knowledge of English and meet specific financial requirements.
If you can't provide this proof, you might still be eligible to apply for a visa or extend your stay if you have a child in the UK who is a British or Irish citizen, or has lived in the UK for seven years, and it would be unreasonable for them to leave, or if forcing you to leave the UK would breach your human rights.
If you are applying as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner, you must show that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended and that you plan to marry or become civil partners within six months of arriving in the UK.
You will not be able to work or study during your engagement period.
Once you marry or enter into a civil partnership, you will need to apply to extend your stay, and upon approval, you will gain the right to work or study in the UK.
To apply for a spousal visa, you must apply online, whether you are in the UK or outside of the UK.
To apply for a spousal visa, you will need to provide:
You also need to prove your knowledge of English and proof of your finances and that you can meet the financial requirements of your visa.
Plus, you also need to prove your relationship by detailing how long you've known each other, lived with each other, and the things you pay for together.
You may also need a sponsorship form from a family member.
To qualify for a spousal visa in the UK, you and your spouse or civil partner must have a combined income of at least £29,000 per year.
The income can come from various sources, including:
In some cases, exemptions to the income threshold apply. For example, if the applicant or their sponsor receives certain disability benefits or carer’s allowance, the financial requirement might be waived.
If you can't meet the financial requirements for a spousal visa, you might still be eligible to apply for a visa or extend your stay in the UK under certain conditions. For example:
If you do not meet the financial requirements, the earliest you can apply to settle permanently in the UK is after 10 years of residence.
The fee for a spousal visa is £1,846 if you're applying outside the UK, and £1,048 if you're applying in the UK.
You might also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
For each adult (18 or older) it costs:
Some of the most common reasons a spousal visa might be refused are because of missing, incorrect, or incomplete documents and failure to meet the minimum income threshold or provide adequate proof of income.
Plus, if there is a lack of convincing evidence that the relationship is genuine and subsisting, this may put your application into doubt.
Furthermore, if you haven't provided sufficient proof of English language proficiency, this can also hinder an application.
You should ensure all required documents are complete, accurate, and up to date. Be sure to double-check against the official checklist to avoid omissions.
Also, provide clear and detailed proof of meeting financial requirements, which could include pay slips, bank statements, tax returns, and proof of savings.
Make sure you submit strong evidence of your relationship, such as photos, communication records, joint bank accounts, and affidavits from friends and family, and ensure you have a valid and recognised English language test certificate or meet the exemptions if applicable.
It's not a legal requirement to hire a solicitor for a spousal visa application, but it can increase your chances of success.
You might consider using a solicitor if you have had previous visa applications refused or you are not confident in completing the application itself, particularly if English is not your first language.
Typically, it takes up to 12 weeks (3 months) from the date you submit your application and provide your biometrics.
However, for an additional fee, you may opt for priority service which can reduce the processing time to about 6 weeks. Or, in some locations, a super priority service is available, which aims to process the application within 24 hours.
A UK spousal visa allows you to:
You can add children to your spousal visa application if they are under 18 when you apply (or were under 18 when first granted leave) and they do not have an independent life.
When you apply for a UK spousal visa from outside the UK, you will have to attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre. As part of this process, your passport or travel documents will usually be taken for processing. Therefore, if your passport is with the Visa Application Centre, you will not be able to travel internationally until it is returned to you.
If you are in the UK, it is generally advised not to travel outside the UK while your application is being processed, as you may face difficulties re-entering the UK without your Biometric Residence Permit or with an outstanding application.
In some cases, leaving the UK while your application is pending can be considered as abandoning your application, which could lead to its refusal.
If you're applying for a family visa as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner, your visa will permit you to marry in the UK.
At Lawhive, our network of fully vetted, regulated immigration solicitors offers comprehensive legal support with your spousal visa application.
Your solicitor will provide tailored advice based on your circumstances, helping you understand the specific requirements and steps involved in your spousal visa application.
They will explain the eligibility criteria, including financial requirements, relationship proof, and accommodation details, making sure you meet all necessary conditions.
Your solicitor can provide a detailed checklist of all required documents and review your documents to make sure they are complete, accurate, and meet the Home Office standards, reducing the risk of rejection due to errors or omissions.
Your solicitor can help you complete the spousal visa application process, answering any questions you have and supporting you with any sections you might find challenging.
If your application is refused, your solicitor can assist with filing a visa refusal appeal or administrative review.
Alternatively, they can help with any further applications, such as extensions or applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
For personalised advice and expert assistance with your spousal visa application, contact our Legal Assessment Team today.
Our network of experienced immigration lawyers is here to help you with the process for affordable, transparent fixed fees.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
