Family and Spouse Visa Solicitors

At BHD Solicitors, we understand how important it is for families and couples to be together, which is why we provide clear, compassionate, and reliable legal advice that is tailored to your circumstances.

Whether you are applying from overseas or within the UK, our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage of the application process, ensuring all requirements are met and supporting documentation is thoroughly prepared.

Our specialist spouse visa solicitors in London and Croydon have a strong reputation for assisting family members and partners to enter, remain and settle in the UK. Our aim is to make the visa process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

We offer competitive pricing and a bespoke immigration service to all our clients to ensure an excellent service and a successful outcome.

Contact our family and spouse visa solicitors in London and Croydon

As specialist family and spouse visa solicitors in London and Croydon, we can provide tailored, practical and affordable solutions to support you through the UK visa process.

For further information and a free telephone consultation, call our London or Croydon offices today on 0208 681 5128 and speak to one of our senior lawyers.

Our family and spouse visa services in London and Croydon

Guidance on qualifying for a UK spouse or family visa

A UK spouse or family visa is for spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners and same sex partners who intend to join their spouses or partners who are either British Citizens or Persons with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) living in the UK or returning to the UK.

Those applying for this visa will be able to live and work in the UK for the duration of their leave and may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.

People already in the UK may also be able to apply for leave to remain as Spouses, Civil Partners, or Unmarried Partners by switching from a different immigration category. In many cases, we have successfully assisted people in the UK who are overstayers to secure leave to remain based on human rights arguments.

In certain circumstances, dependent children of the applicant can apply for settlement at the same time.

Applicants must satisfy stringent eligibility requirements and submit specified documentary evidence. The strict financial requirement, in particular, has been the subject of much litigation and criticism. Our spouse visa lawyers in London have specialist training in this area and are best placed to guide you through the process.

Assistance with submitting a UK spouse or family visa application

Our solicitors can provide expert assistance with submitting a UK spouse or family visa application.

A spouse visa is a specific type of family visa, and each category has its own application criteria.

To make an application for a spouse visa, you must meet the following criteria:

The UK sponsor must be British, settled, a holder of pre-settled status or protective status in the UK. The applicant must be the spouse, civil partner, fiancé or unmarried partner of the UK sponsor.
The applicant and sponsor must intend to live together in the UK and demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and subsisting.
Applicants must demonstrate that their sponsor earns in excess of £29000 per year, unless an exception applies. Income from employment and self-employment is acceptable. Savings of £88,500 can be used as an alternative.
Applicants must demonstrate that they will be suitably accommodated upon arrival in the UK.
Applicants must also satisfy the English language requirement by passing an approved English language test, having a degree taught in English or qualifying for an exemption.

Obtaining good quality advice can prevent family visa applications from being delayed or refused, which can be a significant cause of stress for applicants and their family members.

Support with UK spouse and family visa rejections, legal reviews, and appeal processes

If your UK spouse or family visa application has been refused, our expert spouse visa lawyers can provide immediate, effective support.

We specialise in challenging visa rejections through legal reviews, appeals, and Pre-Action Protocol letters and can assess the reasons for refusal, identify any legal errors, and prepare strong legal representation to help overturn unjust decisions.

Our UK spouse visa solicitors have extensive experience navigating the complexities of UK immigration law and a strong track record of success in appeal proceedings.

Frequently asked questions about family and spouse visas

What is a UK spouse visa?

A UK spouse visa allows the partner of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK to join, live, and work in the country.

It is designed for spouses, civil partners, unmarried or same-sex partners who want to build their life together in the UK.

Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, including financial requirements, evidence of their relationship, and English language proficiency.

The visa typically grants leave for 30 months, with the option to extend, leading to settlement after five years.

What is the difference between a spouse visa and a family visa?

A UK spouse visa is a type of family visa, designed for spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners of British citizens or settled individuals who want to live together in the UK. It involves meeting specific relationship, financial, and English language requirements.

Other UK family visas cover a wide range of relatives, such as children, parents, and other dependents seeking to join family members in the UK. Each visa has its own criteria.

How long is a UK spouse visa valid for?

A UK spouse visa is typically valid for 33 months, and this can be extended for a further 30 months, provided eligibility requirements are still met.

After five years of continuous residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can lead to settlement in the UK.

What are the main eligibility requirements for a spouse visa?

To qualify for a UK spouse visa, you will need to provide evidence of one of the following spouse visa requirements:

You are married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK.
You have been in a relationship and living together for at least two years at the time of application.
You are engaged or a proposed civil partner, and plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of your arrival.
You have been in a relationship for at least two years but haven’t been able to live together, due to reasons such as work, study, or cultural restrictions.

You must also show that you meet the English language and financial requirements.

How do I apply for a UK spouse or family visa?

To apply for a UK spouse or family visa, you will need to prepare information and evidence with your application, such as your personal information, your ID, details of previous immigration applications and any criminal history.

If you are applying for a spouse visa, you will also need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate, tenancy agreement, bank statement from a shared address or a letter from a doctor or a dentist that confirms you share the same address.

You can apply for a UK spouse or family visa online. If you cannot afford to pay the fee due to not having somewhere to live, not being able to afford essentials or being on a low income, you can apply for a fee waiver.

Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?

Yes, if you are in the UK on a valid spouse visa, you are permitted to work without restrictions.

This includes full-time or part-time employment, self-employment, and voluntary work. Unlike other visa categories, the spouse visa provides a clear route to settlement and allows you to build your life alongside your partner in the UK.

There is no need for sponsorship by an employer, and you are free to choose your profession or start a business.

How long does it take to process a spouse or family visa?

Partner or spouse family visas typically take 12 weeks to process. Delays can occur if supporting documents are missing or further information is requested by the Home Office.

At BHD Solicitors, we ensure every spouse visa application is thoroughly prepared to help avoid unnecessary delays and increase the chances of a timely outcome.

What are the common reasons for a spouse visa refusal?

Some of the most common reasons for a spouse visa refusal include:

A lack of evidence to support your relationship.
Applying for the wrong visa.
Your spouse’s immigration status. They must either be a British Citizen, A UK settled person or be in the UK with refugee leave or humanitarian protection.
You do not meet the English language requirements.
You do not meet the financial requirements.

Can I extend my UK spouse visa?

Yes, you can apply for a spouse visa renewal before it expires, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

This includes proving that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, that you and your partner intend to live together permanently, and that you continue to meet the financial and English language requirements.

An extension is typically granted for a further 30 months, and after five years of lawful residence under the spouse visa route, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Get expert advice from our family and spouse visa solicitors in London and Croydon