Spouse Visa Solicitors

For couples separated by borders, few things matter more than the ability to live together and build a future in the same country. If you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK, you may be eligible for a Spouse Visa. This visa allows you to live and work in the United Kingdom with your partner, creating stability and certainty for your family life.

At HPA Solicitors Ltd, we know just how significant this visa is. It is not simply a legal process, it represents the chance to reunite with your loved one and move forward together. Our dedicated team of immigration solicitors for spouse visas is here to guide you through every step, ensuring the application is handled carefully, thoroughly, and with the best chance of success.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa is a type of family visa that allows a husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen (or someone who holds indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or refugee status) to join them in the UK.

With this visa, you can:

Live together with your partner in the UK.
Work or study without restrictions.
Begin the pathway towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.

Unlike short-term visas, the spouse visa is specifically designed to help couples establish a long-term family life in the UK. It is initially granted for 30 months and can be extended. After five years, you may be able to apply for settlement.

Spouse Visa Eligibility Requirements

The Home Office applies strict requirements to ensure applications are genuine and meet UK immigration rules. Some of the key criteria include:

1. Relationship Requirements

You must be legally married, in a civil partnership, or in a relationship akin to marriage and have lived together for at least two years.
Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting, meaning it is ongoing and not a marriage of convenience.
You must intend to live permanently together in the UK.

2. Financial Requirements

You (or your partner) must show a minimum income of £29,000 per year, with higher thresholds if you have dependent children.
Alternatively, savings may be used to meet the requirement.
Evidence can include payslips, bank statements, self-employment records, or other income sources.

3. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved language test, or hold a degree taught in English.
Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are usually exempt.

4. Accommodation Requirements

You must prove you have suitable accommodation in the UK for yourself, your partner, and any dependants.

At HPA Solicitors, we recognise that the rules can feel confusing, especially the financial requirement, which is one of the most common reasons for refusal. Our solicitors carefully assess your situation and guide you on the best way to meet the criteria.

The Application Process

Applying for a spouse visa involves several steps, and each one must be managed carefully to avoid delays or rejection.

Eligibility Check – confirming you meet the requirements before starting the process.
Document Gathering – preparing financial records, relationship evidence, English language certificates, and accommodation details.
Application Submission – completing the online application form and paying the necessary fees, including the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Biometric Appointment – attending a visa centre to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Decision Period – waiting for the Home Office to review your case. This can take several months, though priority services may be available.

Even strong applications are sometimes delayed or refused due to small errors, missing documents, or unclear evidence. At HPA Solicitors, we take the stress out of the process by ensuring your application is prepared properly the first time, minimising risks and improving your chances of success.

Common Reasons for Refusal

The Home Office is strict, and many spouse visa applications are refused because applicants are not fully aware of the requirements. The most common reasons include:

Financial Shortfalls – failure to prove income or savings at the required level.
Insufficient Relationship Evidence – not providing enough proof that the relationship is genuine.
Missing or Incorrect Documents – simple errors, such as mismatched bank statements, can lead to rejection.
English Language Failures – not meeting the test requirement or providing invalid certificates.

If your application has been refused, do not panic. Our immigration solicitors can advise on whether to appeal, reapply, or consider an alternative route. Having professional guidance often makes the difference between a refusal and approval.

Extensions and Settlement (ILR)

A spouse visa is initially granted for 30 months (2.5 years). Before it expires, you must apply for an extension if you wish to remain in the UK. The extension is granted for another 30 months, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

After five years in the UK on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR allows you to remain in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions. From there, you can apply for British citizenship, completing your journey towards full settlement.

At HPA Solicitors, we don’t just support you with the initial application – we stand with you through every stage, from extension applications to ILR and citizenship.

Why Choose HPA Solicitors for Spouse Visas?

Choosing the right solicitor for your spouse visa application can make the difference between approval and refusal. At HPA Solicitors, we are proud of our track record in helping families reunite and build their lives in the UK.

Here’s why clients trust us:

Specialist Immigration Expertise – We focus exclusively on UK immigration law.
Tailored Advice – No two relationships are the same. We tailor our approach to your personal circumstances.
Attention to Detail – We ensure every piece of evidence is in order to strengthen your case.
End-to-End Service – From initial advice through to appeals, we are with you every step of the way.
Client Care – We know how stressful this process can be. Our aim is to provide reassurance and confidence throughout.

For us, it’s about more than just ticking boxes. It’s about helping couples secure their future together in the UK.

Contact Our Spouse Visa Solicitors Today

At HPA Solicitors Ltd, we are committed to reuniting families and helping couples live together in the UK.

If you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or someone with settled status, we are here to guide you through the spouse visa application process with care, precision, and dedication.

Complete our contact form to arrange a consultation. Your future together in the UK starts here – let us help you make it a reality.