Whether you are applying for a Spouse Visa, extending your stay with Further Leave to Remain (FLR), or looking to settle permanently with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Atwal Law is here to guide you every step of the way. We also support businesses with sponsor licences and Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), helping UK employers hire skilled international talent and stay fully compliant with Home Office rules.

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Spouse Visa

Spouse Visa – Join Your Partner in the UK

Reunite with your loved one in the UK with confidence. At Atwal Law, we understand how important it is for couples to be together. The UK Spouse Visa (also known as a partner visa) allows a non-UK spouse or long-term partner to live in the UK with their British or settled partner. Our warm, professional team is here to guide you through the spouse visa process, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa lets you join your husband, wife, or partner in the UK if they are a British citizen or have settled status such as Indefinite Leave to Remain. This visa is typically granted for 2.5 years if applied for inside the UK, or 33 months if granted from abroad. During that time, you can live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. After the initial period, you can apply to extend your stay and, after 5 years on this route, become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – a key step toward British citizenship.

Spouse Visa Eligibility Criteria

  • To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, you and your partner must:

    • Be in a genuine relationship: married, in a civil partnership, or in a durable relationship akin to marriage. Proof such as marriage certificates, photos, shared bills, and correspondence is required.
    • Partner’s status: your partner must be British, Irish, or settled in the UK. Both of you must be 18 or older, and intend to live together permanently.
    • Financial requirement: the sponsoring partner must show an annual income of at least £29,000 (previous applicants under the old rules may still fall under £18,600 + child top-ups). Savings can also be used to meet the threshold.
    • Accommodation: you must have suitable accommodation arranged that is not overcrowded.
    • English language: you must demonstrate English ability at A1 level for your first spouse visa. When you extend after 2.5 years, A2 level is required. At ILR stage, you will need B1 level plus the Life in the UK Test.

Benefits of a UK Spouse Visa

  • Live together in the UK: end long-distance and build your life as a family here.
  • Right to work and study: no restrictions on employment or education.
  • Access to healthcare: full use of the NHS once the immigration health surcharge is paid.
  • Pathway to settlement: after 5 years, apply for ILR and then British citizenship.
  • Stability and peace of mind: security in your family life and future plans.
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How Atwal Law Supports You

  • Consultation – we assess your eligibility and answer your questions clearly.
  • Document preparation – tailored checklist and careful review of evidence.
  • Application drafting – forms completed and a strong legal representation letter prepared.
  • Submission & follow-up – we manage communication with the Home Office and prepare you for biometrics or interview if needed.
  • Decision & next steps – guidance whether your visa is granted or, if refused, support with appeals or re-applications.
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  • 📞 Call us today on 07973 760075 to book your consultation.
    Atwal Law supports couples across Coventry, Birmingham, London, and the UK online to successfully secure spouse visas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

From April 2024, the minimum income requirement for a new spouse visa application is £29,000 per year. If you applied before that date and are extending, the lower threshold of £18,600 plus child top-ups may still apply. If you cannot meet the financial requirement, there are alternative routes such as the 10-year family life path.
Most standard spouse visa applications are decided within 12 weeks when applying from outside the UK. In-country extensions (FLR(M)) usually take around 8 weeks, though some can take longer. Priority services may be available for a faster decision.
Yes. A UK spouse visa gives you the full right to work and study in the UK. Unlike a work visa, there are no restrictions on the type of employment or self-employment you can take.
Yes, unless exempt. For your first spouse visa, you must pass an A1 level English speaking and listening test. At your extension stage (FLR(M)), you need to show A2 English. When you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you’ll need B1 English and the Life in the UK Test.
Typical evidence includes:
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of living together and relationship history (photos, bills, tenancy agreements)
• Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, savings proof)
• Proof of suitable UK accommodation
• English language test certificate
There is no minimum period of marriage required. You can apply immediately after marriage, provided your relationship is genuine and you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are not married, you must show at least 2 years of cohabitation as partners.
Yes, you may switch if you are already in the UK on a visa lasting more than 6 months (for example, a student or skilled worker visa). Visitors and some other short-term categories cannot usually switch from inside the UK.
If you are on the 5-year partner route, you can apply for ILR once you complete 5 years continuously on spouse/partner visas and meet the other requirements. If you’re on the 10-year route, you’ll need 10 years before settlement.

Our Team

Danial Frankie

Founder

Jonh Smith

Practice Attorney

Danial Mack

Co-Founder

Carolina Parker

Civil Lawyer