Family Relationships: Tips on How to Bring Your Spouse to Settle With You in the United Kingdom

Long-distance relationships are lovely; however, they can take their toll when trying to keep in touch, especially when you want your loved one to be with you. 

When you eventually decide to take the plunge and marry someone from the United Kingdom, there are some things you need to consider.  

There are so many visa options, and the first thing to do is to check out this government website, which details all the necessary visas that can be applied for. What the ultimate goal will be is for your spouse to be able to settle in the United Kingdom with you. This is referred to as indefinite leave to remain UK spouse process, and the process is undertaken by the Home Office.

There are a few things to remember when applying for this process; firstly the United Kingdom does recognize the right to family life. This means they will allow spouses to settle in the UK with their partner to have a fulfilled family life. However, the process can be long, and understanding the requirements at the outset will ensure the process is smooth and quick. Below are just some of the requirements which will help you along the way.

Who Can Qualify for a UK Settlement Visa?

The UK spouse visa is a specific category available to those living outside the European Union who are married to people who are already settled within the United Kingdom. That is if they are a British Citizen, has permanent residence or already holds an indefinite leave to remain visa. 

What Requirements Will I Be Required to Meet?

The rules can be complicated however, below are the general requirements that you are required to meet before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a spouse. They are: 

• You and your spouse should be over 18 years of age. 
• You will be required to have physically met each other and be legally married.
• You must produce marriage documents that are valid and legal. 
• The intention is that you both will be living together permanently.
• Your relationship must be genuine. 
• You should be able to support yourself and any dependents by having the appropriate money to do so. 
• Your partner who is already settled within the UK should be earning more than £18,600 per year or alternatively have enough savings to be able to sponsor you. If you have a dependent, then this amount increases. 
• You must already have a place to stay in the UK. 
• You must be able to speak the English language to a satisfactory requirement. 
• You may be required to take health tests depending on the location you are coming from. 

What Evidence or Supporting Documents Will I Need?

This was touched on above. The most crucial evidence required will be the marriage certificate. It must be recognizable and acceptable to confirm you are indeed married. Providing evidence of funding and accommodation will also be required. You will also be required to provide evidence of how and when you communicated with your spouse. All of these supporting documents will help with your application and show that you are a genuine couple.