This application process must be completed online while you're inside the UK, following the guidelines outlined in Appendix FM: Family Members and Appendix FM-SE: Family Members Specified Evidence of the Immigration Rules. You will need to use the FLR (M) application form. For those seeking a quicker decision, the Home Office UKVI offers a Super Priority Service, which can process your spouse visa application within 24 hours.

Complimentary Immigration Consultation for Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

Our team of expert spouse visa solicitors provides complimentary online immigration advice for those looking to switch to a spouse visa from within the UK. You can ask questions or book an appointment online to receive in-depth advice on your spouse visa application under the 5-year route. Expert Legal Assistance for Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

Our solicitors specialize in assisting with applications for switching to a spouse visa under the 5-year route. Recognized as some of the leading spouse visa solicitors, we have successfully assisted numerous clients in transitioning to a spouse visa. Our team is highly experienced, fully qualified, and offers fast, reliable, and cost-effective legal services to ensure your application is handled efficiently. Cost Breakdown for Spouse Visa (5-Year Route) Application

Our Fixed Fees

Our fixed fees for handling your spouse visa application range from £1,000 + VAT to £1,500 + VAT, depending on the complexity and workload involved. This fee covers all aspects of the application process, including advising on and reviewing documents, completing and submitting the application, arranging biometric enrolment appointments, preparing a supporting cover letter, uploading documents, and following up until the Home Office UKVI issues a decision. If you prefer a more affordable option, you can choose a one-time consultation for £100 (including VAT) or our document checking service for £300 (including VAT).

UKVI Fees

In addition to our fees, you will need to pay the Home Office UKVI fee of £1,048, plus £2,587.50 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The total payable to the UKVI is £3,635.50. You may also opt to pay an additional £1,000 for the Super Priority Service, which guarantees a decision within 24 hours.

Eligibility Requirements for Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

To be eligible for a spouse visa under the 5-year route, you must meet the following criteria:

Valid Application: Your application must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Immigration Status: You should not be in the UK as a visitor or on a visa granted for six months or less unless you are a fiancé(e) or have pending family court proceedings.

Relationship: You must be married to a UK citizen, someone with ILR/settled status, an EU national with pre-settled status, or someone with humanitarian protection, among others. Your marriage must be genuine and ongoing, supported by appropriate evidence.

Age: Both you and your UK spouse must be at least 18 years old.

Suitability: You must meet the suitability criteria outlined in Appendix FM.

Financial Requirement: You must show that you and/or your spouse have an income of at least £29,000 per year or sufficient savings.

Accommodation: You must provide proof of adequate accommodation that meets the required standards.

English Language: You must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR level A1.

Using Super Priority Service

Our firm is registered with the Home Office UKVI to offer the Super Priority Service for those applying for a spouse visa under the 5-year route. This service ensures that a decision is made within 24 hours, significantly reducing the waiting time for your visa approval.

Steps to Apply for a Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

Complete the Online FLR (M) Form: Fill out the application on the UKVI website.

Submit the Application: Pay the necessary fees, including the application fee and IHS.

Book Biometrics Appointment: Schedule your biometrics appointment through the UKVCAS portal.

Upload Supporting Documents: Ensure all required documents are uploaded before your biometrics appointment.

Attend Biometrics Appointment: Bring your BRP card, passport, and appointment letter.

Wait for Decision: Depending on whether you used the standard or Super Priority Service, expect a decision within 3 to 6 months or 24 hours, respectively.


Timing for Application

You can apply to switch to a spouse visa at any time after marrying your UK-qualifying spouse, without needing to wait until the last 28 days of your current leave. Updated Financial Requirement (Effective from April 2024)

Starting 11 April 2024, the financial requirement for a spouse visa will increase to £29,000 gross per annum. This requirement applies to all new applications made on or after this date. If your income is below this threshold, you may supplement it with savings. By following the guidelines and meeting all the requirements, you can successfully switch to a spouse visa under the 5-year route, allowing you to continue your life in the UK with your partner.

Various Sources to Meet Financial Requirements

To satisfy the financial requirements for a spouse visa, applicants can generally meet the minimum income threshold through the following five methods:

Employment Income: This includes income from salaried or non-salaried employment of the partner and/or the applicant, if they are legally permitted to work in the UK. This method falls under Category A or Category B, depending on the employment history.

Non-Employment Income: Income derived from sources such as property rental or dividends from shares is classified under Category C.

Cash Savings: The savings of the applicant and/or their partner exceeding £16,000, which have been held for at least six months under their control, can be used. This is known as Category D.

Pension: The applicant and/or their partner's state (UK or foreign), occupational, or private pension income falls under Category E.

Self-Employment Income: This includes income from self-employment or as a director or employee of a specified limited company in the UK, falling under Category F or G, depending on the financial year(s) being considered.

Adequate Maintenance Requirement for Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

If the applicants partner receives certain benefits or allowances in the UK, they may meet the financial requirement by demonstrating "adequate maintenance" rather than adhering to the standard £29,000 income threshold. These benefits include:

Carers Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Severe Disablement Allowance

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Attendance Allowance

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme

Police Injury Pension

If the partner receives these benefits for their child, the financial requirement can still be met through adequate maintenance. The evidence required to demonstrate that the partner receives one of these benefits is outlined in Appendix FM-SE.

Calculating Adequate Maintenance

The Home Office UKVI uses the following formula to assess whether you meet the adequate maintenance requirement for switching to a spouse visa within the UK:



A - B ≥ C (A minus B is greater than or equal to C)

Where:

A is the net income (after income tax and National Insurance deductions);

B is housing costs (Rent and Council Tax);

C is the amount of Income Support a comparable British family of the same size would receive.

Immigration Status Requirement for Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

To successfully switch to a spouse visa under the 5-year route from within the UK, the applicant must meet specific immigration status requirements. The applicant must not be in the UK as:

A visitor, or

On a visa with a duration of six months or less, unless this leave is as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, or was granted while awaiting the outcome of family court or divorce proceedings.

English Language Requirement for Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

Applicants must provide evidence that they:

Are nationals of a majority English-speaking country; or

Have passed an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) with a Home Office-approved provider;

Possess an academic qualification recognized by UK Ecctis as equivalent to a Bachelors or Masters degree or Ph.D. in the UK, taught in English;

Are exempt due to age (65 or over), a disability (physical or mental), or exceptional circumstances that prevent them from meeting the requirement before entering the UK.

Switching from a Spouse Visa (10-Year Route) to a Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

If you hold a spouse visa under the 10-year route, you can apply to switch to the 5-year route at any time during your current leave's validity. It is advisable to switch as soon as you meet the financial and English language requirements. Note that your time toward ILR under the 5-year route starts from the date you are granted the initial leave under this route, and time spent under the 10-year route does not count toward this period. We can expedite your application through the Super Priority Service, ensuring a decision within 24 hours.

ensuring a decision within 24 hours

Switching from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

If you are in the UK on a fiancé visa, you can apply to switch to a spouse visa under the 5-year route immediately after registering your marriage with your UK partner. The application can be processed through the Super Priority Service, which provides a decision within 24 hours, allowing you to work in the UK as soon as your spouse visa is approved. Time spent on a fiancé visa does not count toward the 5-year period required for ILR under the spouse visa route.

Appropriate Work Experience

Switching from a Student Visa to a Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)

A student visa holder in the UK can apply to switch to a spouse visa (5-year route) after marrying a UK partner. The applicant can combine their part-time employment income with their spouse's income to meet the financial requirements. The English language requirement previously met for the student visa can also be used to satisfy the English language criteria for the spouse visa.
Switching from a Work Visa to a Spouse Visa (5-Year Route)
If you are on a work visa in the UK and marry a UK partner, you can apply to switch to a spouse visa. However, time spent on a work visa does not count toward the 5-year qualifying period for ILR under the spouse visa route. Many applicants on T5 Temporary Work visas switch to a spouse visa after marriage. The financial requirement can be met through the applicants income, their partners income, or a combination of both.

Age

Re-Applying After a Spouse Visa Refusal

If your application for a spouse visa under the 5-year route has been refused, you may be able to reapply. Any new application must meet the requirements specified in paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules. It is recommended to submit any reapplication through the Super Priority Service to receive a decision within 24 hours.
Can I Appeal a Refusal to Switch to a Spouse Visa?
If your application to switch to a spouse visa has been refused by the Home Office UKVI, and you have the right to appeal the decision, it's important to act quickly. You must file an appeal with the First Tier Tribunal within 14 days of receiving the refusal notice. An appeal may succeed if you can demonstrate that the refusal was not in line with immigration rules or infringes on your right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The appeal will be reviewed and decided by an Immigration Judge at the First Tier Tribunal. Our experienced spouse visa solicitors can offer legal representation to help you challenge the refusal decision.

Education Levely

How Can Our Spouse Visa Solicitors Assist You?

Our dedicated team of family visa solicitors specializes in providing expert immigration advice and representation for those seeking to switch to a spouse visa, all on a fixed-fee basis. Our services include:
Requirement Guidance: We offer advice on the specific requirements necessary for a successful spouse visa application. Document Preparation: We ll provide a detailed list of supporting documents needed for your application and review them to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
Application Form Completion: Our team will handle the completion and submission of your online application form. Super Priority Service Submission: If needed, we can submit your application through the Super Priority Service to receive a decision within 24 hours.
Biometric Appointment Scheduling: We ll arrange your biometric appointment at the application center after submitting your application.
Comprehensive Cover Letter: Our solicitors will draft a detailed cover letter outlining the legal requirements, to support your application.
Document Upload: All supporting documents will be uploaded online before your biometric appointment.
Follow-Up: We will monitor the progress of your application and handle any follow-up communication with the Home Office until a decision is made.

Proof of Funds Statement

Why Choose Us for Spouse Visa Services?

There are several reasons why our spouse visa solicitors in London are the best choice for handling your application: High-Quality Legal Support: Our experienced team provides top-notch legal services for those switching to a spouse visa within the UK. Remote Services Available: We offer remote legal services using modern technology, ensuring you can manage your application without the need to visit our office, saving time and travel costs. Open 7 Days a Week: We are available seven days a week, providing dedicated spouse visa advice and legal services. Qualified Immigration Solicitors: All casework is handled by fully qualified, experienced spouse visa solicitors. Fast Track Visa Processing: We offer expedited processing for your application, using the Super Priority Visa Service for decisions within 24 hours. Free Online Immigration Advice: We provide one-time free immigration advice through our online enquiry form. Affordable Fixed Fees: We offer reasonable fixed fees for spouse visa applications with flexible payment plans, allowing you to pay in two installments.

FAQs on Switching to a Spouse Visa (5 Years Route)

Standard Service: The Home Office typically takes 3 to 6 months to process a spouse visa application under standard service.

Super Priority Service: Decisions for applications submitted under the Super Priority Service are usually made within 24 hours.

Qualifying Period for ILR: The 5-year route allows you to apply for ILR after 5 years in the UK. The 10-year route requires a 10-year stay, which can include time spent under both routes.
Financial Requirements: The 5-year route requires a minimum annual income of £18,600 (£29,000 for applications made after 11 April 2024), whereas the 10-year route has no such financial requirement.
English Language Requirement: The 5-year route requires you to meet an English language requirement, while the 10-year route does not.
Immigration Status Requirement: The 5-year route requires the applicant not to be a visitor and to have leave to remain granted for more than 6 months. The 10-year route has more flexible requirements, sometimes allowing overstayers to apply

The application may be refused if:
False information or documents were submitted.
A failure to disclose material facts.
The applicant has unpaid litigation costs or NHS charges exceeding £500.
For more information or to get started with your spouse visa application, feel free to contact our team.



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