What is the processing time for a UK Spouse Visa | Partner visa (2023)

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The spouse visa is for spouses of British citizens or people with settled status in the UK, find out more about spouse visa processing times and how you can apply.

If you need help with your spouse visa application, our lawyers are here to help. Get in touch with our team today at020 4502 8582for more information on how we can help you.

    What is a spouse visa?

    Ovisa for spousepart isFamily visa for the UKcategory, this visa allows spouses and civil partners of British citizens or residents to join them in the United Kingdom. A spouse visa gives you the right to live and work in the UK and is granted for an initial period of 30 months, but can be extended.

    To qualify for a spouse visa, you must be married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or business person, in addition, you must be able to demonstrate English language skills, pass a genuine relationship test, meet financial requirements and have proof of suitable accommodation in the United Kingdom.

    A spouse visa can also be used as a pathway to permanent settlement in the UK, once you have lived in the country for at least 5 years on a spouse visa you may qualify to applyPermit to stay for an indefinite period of time. Once you have been granted indefinite leave to remain, you may also be eligible to become oneBritish citizen.

    What is the processing time for a UK Spouse Visa | Partner visa (1)

    (Video) UK Visa Processing & Decision Waiting Times for Spouses, Workers & Students | UK Immigration News

    Spouse visa processing time

    Spouse visa processing usually takes 2-12 weeks, but this time can vary depending on the documents submitted and the country of application.

    Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 90% of non-resident visa applications submitted from outside the UK, including the spouse visa category, were processed within 3 weeks. 98% were processed within 6 weeks and 100% were processed within 12 weeks.

    The current UK visa processing time may be longer due to the impact of the pandemic on the UK immigration process.

    By making sure that your application is completed correctly and that you have submitted all the necessary documents, you can ensure that your visa application is not delayed.

    The Ministry of the Interior also offers a Priority Service that shortens the visa processing time. With regular priority service, the processing time for your UK visa application can be reduced to 5 working days. There is also a Super Priority Service, this service allows you to receive a decision from the Home Office the next working day.

    Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) there is a limit to the number of people who can apply for priority services, this option is currently closed to UK spouse visa applications but may reopen.

    Spouse visa application process

    When considering the time it will take you to obtain a spousal visa, you should not only be aware of the processing time once you submit your application, but also the time it will take you to complete the spousal visa application process.

    Applying for a spouse visa can be a complex and time-consuming process. You will need to complete an application form and collect a substantial portfolio of evidence to prove to the Home Office that you can meet the requirements.

    The documents you will need to collect include:

    • Your original marriage or civil partnership certificate
    • Proof that you and your partner have lived together for at least two years
    • A valid passport for leave to remain in the UK
    • A valid certificate to meet the English language requirement
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Proof that the relationship is sincere
    • Proof that you meet the income threshold and financial requirement
    • Proof that you are married to a UK citizen or registered person (eg UK citizens can submit a copy of their passport)

    If any of your documents are not written in English, the Home Office asks that you attach translated versions of them by a professional translator.

    After submitting your application, you will also need to make an appointment at the visa application center to provide your biometrics, i.e. your photo and fingerprints.

    Do you need help applying for a visa for your spouse? Our lawyers can help you.Get in touch

      What is the processing time for a UK Spouse Visa | Partner visa (2)

      Extension of visa for spouse

      If you want to stay in the UK after your spouse's visa expires, you can apply for a UK visaExtension of visa for spouse. Extending your spouse's visa will allow you to stay in the UK for a further 30 months, after which you may qualify for indefinite leave.

      (Video) UK visa decision waiting times, Spouse visa and priority waiting time, UK visit visa priority,

      To qualify for a spousal visa extension, you will need to continue to meet the original requirementsSpouse visa requirements, including the ability to prove that your relationship is genuine and meets the financial requirements.

      Processing time for spousal visa extensions is generally no longer than eight weeks. You can also use the Home Office's super priority service for a quicker decision.

      How can London immigration lawyers help?

      Applying for a spouse visa can be a lengthy and stressful process, combined with the processing time of a spouse visa, meaning that it can take a long time to obtain a spouse visa in the UK. Fortunately, our immigration attorneys are here to help.

      Our immigration solicitors offer a fast-track application service that will ensure your UK Spouse Visa application is completed and submitted quickly. Our lawyers can work 24 hours a day to ensure that your deadline is met. They can fill out the application form on your behalf and help you collect all the necessary documents.

      For more information about the spousal visa application process or how we can help you apply, contact us today at020 4502 8582.

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                Can a visa for a UK spouse be refused?

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                FAQs

                What is the processing time for a UK Spouse Visa | Partner visa? ›

                How long does the application take? The average processing time for a spouse visa application is 2 – 12 weeks from the date we submit the application to the UKBA.

                How long does it take for UK spouse visa to be approved? ›

                You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying for a visa to visit the UK: for a holiday or to see family or friends. for a business trip or meeting. to get married.

                Why is my UK spouse visa taking so long? ›

                Generally, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) aims to process these visa applications within 12 weeks of receipt. However, this timeframe may be delayed due to a number of factors such as an increase in applications or if additional documents or information is required from the applicant.

                What percentage of UK spouse visas are approved? ›

                Fortunately, after March 2021, the family visa, including the spouse visa in the UK, success rate, is dramatically improved by 86.88%, with a minimum refusal rate of 12.69%.

                What is the current processing time for spousal visa? ›

                The current wait time for the CR1 visa is 13–15 months if you're married to a U.S. citizen and 17–33 months if you're married to a green card holder.

                How can I speed up my UK spouse visa? ›

                To get a decision within 5 working days

                If you're eligible you can choose the 'priority service' when you apply. You'll need to pay £500 in addition to the application fee. You'll get a decision within 5 working days.

                How do I know if my UK spouse visa is approved? ›

                How will you know if your visa is approved? You will receive a communication from UK Visas and Immigration regarding whether your visa has been approved or denied, typically in the form of a letter, a text message, and/or email.

                Why is UK spouse visa so difficult? ›

                UK Spouse visa applications are commonly refused for the following reasons: The minimum financial requirements (i.e income of £18,600 per year or saving £62,500) are not met. Immigration officials believe your marriage is not genuine or subsisting. You have submitted incorrect documentation.

                How can I speed up my spouse visa? ›

                You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.

                Is UK spouse visa difficult? ›

                The rules and requirements for couples applying for a UK spouse or partner visa can be extremely complex. Couples need to make sure they meet the financial requirements, show that they are in a genuine relationship and are eligible under the rules. You can see details about all of these requirements below.

                Is there priority service for UK spouse visa? ›

                If you want a faster decision, every family member will need to pay to get a faster decision. For each family member applying with you, you'll need to pay: their visa application fee. the additional fee for the priority or super priority service.

                How many UK spouse visas are rejected? ›

                Know all about UK Spouse visa, explained in detail by our immigration lawyers. According to the latest statistics released by the Home Office, 1 in 4 UK Spouse Visa applications are refused. Concluding that even if the chances of a UK Spouse Visa refusal are 1 in 4, the UK Spouse Visa applications are still rejected.

                How many spouse visas are rejected? ›

                According to those statistics, approximately 20,000 K-1 fiancées/fiancés every year are denied visas when they go to their interviews at the embassy. This is nearly 40% of the total number of K-1 visa applicants. And while eventually many of them are able to overcome the initial denial, some do not.

                What questions are asked in a spouse visa interview? ›

                77 Common Spousal Visa Interview Questions
                • What's your spouse's full name?
                • When and where did you both meet?
                • How long have you been in contact with your spouse?
                • What do you both like to do for fun?
                • What does your spouse do for a living?
                • How much does your spouse make?
                • What's your occupation?

                Which is faster fiance visa or marriage visa? ›

                When you use RapidVisa, the K1 fiancé visa as of 2023 typically takes between 13 and 18 months, and the CR1 spousal visa typically takes between 9 and 13 months. Keep in mind that the processing time can be longer — sometimes more than a year — depending on your specific situation.

                How many times can you file for spousal visa? ›

                How many times can someone petition for a foreign spouse? An American citizen can petition for his/her alien fiancée to immigrate to the United States up to two times.

                How long does UK spouse visa take 2023? ›

                The standard spouse visa UK processing time in 2023 is currently 3 months (on average) if you are making the application from outside the UK and 6-8 weeks (on average) if you are making the application from inside the UK.

                Why is my UK visa taking so long? ›

                UK visa processing is a complex task so there can be many reasons for delays. The most common reason for a delay is when there is a problem with your visa application or it is a very complex situation. In such situations, your visa application will not be processed within the normal, standard timeframe.

                How long does it take to bring your spouse to UK? ›

                Unmarried partners must have been living together for at least 2 years in order to qualify for a UK spouse visa. UK spouse visa holders are normally permitted to stay for up to 33 months, at which point they can extend their leave for another 30 months.

                Will I get an email if my UK visa is approved? ›

                Getting a decision on your application. You'll get a letter or an email with the result of your application. It will explain what you need to do next.

                How to escalate UK visa application? ›

                How to Chase a Delayed UK Visa or Immigration Decision in 6 Steps
                1. Step 1: Contact UK Visas and Immigration for Assistance. ...
                2. Step 2: Complain About UK Visas and Immigration. ...
                3. Step 3: Contact Your Local MP. ...
                4. Step 4: Complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. ...
                5. Step 5: Pre-Action Protocol Letter.
                May 7, 2023

                Can I get UK spouse visa without interview? ›

                The spouse visa interview is an important stage of your UK spouse visa application and will ultimately determine if it is granted or refused. It is important to emphasise that not everyone will be asked to attend a spouse visa interview.

                Is UK spouse visa closing in 2023? ›

                The Super Priority Visa is currently temporarily suspended for new Family Visa applications submitted outside the UK. However, the Priority Visa Service has, since 20 February 2023, now resumed for new Marriage and Family Visa applications submitted outside the UK.

                Why would a spouse visa be rejected? ›

                Insufficient Evidence of Relationship

                If you are trying to secure a spouse visa, the most common reason for denial is insufficient evidence of your relationship. You must prove to the Home Office that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

                Why would a spouse visa be denied? ›

                Main Reasons For Getting Visa Denied are:

                Lack of evidence or fraudulent evidence. Forms that are not signed. Legal obstacles such as the divorce process of the previous marriage. U.S. citizen income does not meet the criteria.

                Can a lawyer speed up my immigration case? ›

                Immigration attorneys can help speed up your immigration case in a few different ways. The most obvious is by using their knowledge and experience to make the process go more smoothly and easily. Help you consider your options.

                What are the rules for spouse visa in UK? ›

                What you'll need to prove
                • you're in a civil partnership or marriage that's recognised in the UK.
                • you've been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply.
                • you are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving.

                How long does it take for UKVI to make a decision? ›

                The UKVI is working towards the 3-week service standard. October 2022 Update: Visit Visas are currently taking on average 7 weeks to process, however some applications might take longer depending on their complex nature.

                What is the maximum processing time for UK priority visa? ›

                The Super Priority and Priority Visa services are options for those who need to travel urgently. For Priority Visa applicants, the process takes 3–5 days, while for Super Priority Visa applicants, this speeds up to a single business day.

                Does US rejection affect UK visa? ›

                A visa refusal to another country will not automatically lead to a refusal of a UK visa, but a case worker will pay extra attention to your application and documents.

                What is the success rate of UK visa? ›

                UK visa rejection rate

                It's been reported that the rejection rate of UK visa applications is around 15%, with some visa categories witnessing even higher denial rates. For instance, the Tier 1 (entrepreneur) visa has a rejection rate of a staggering 50%.

                Is UK visa rejection stamped on passport? ›

                Does the UK stamp on the passport for the rejection of a visa? Ans: UK embassy doesn't put any stamp on the passport for the rejection of a visa. They will notify you of the reasons for visa rejection. However, the situation can be different if the visa gets rejected for serious issues.

                What is the most common visa rejection? ›

                Common Reasons for Visa Rejections
                • Incomplete Application. Your visa application will be rejected if all the mandatory fields of the form are not filled. ...
                • Violation of Rules. ...
                • Insufficient Travel Insurance. ...
                • Unclear Purpose of Travel. ...
                • Passport Issues. ...
                • Application Timings. ...
                • Insufficient Funds. ...
                • Crime History.
                Mar 12, 2023

                What percentage of visas are approved? ›

                The approval rates for nonimmigrant visas rose sharply between FY 2020 and FY 2021, according to State Department data just analyzed by the Center for Immigration Studies. In FY 2020, 74.9 percent of these visa applications, of all categories, were approved by foreign service officers; in FY 2019, it was 74.5 percent.

                What is the difference between visa refused and rejected? ›

                Visa refusal means you did something wrong and that went on your permanent record, leading to visa refusal. While the visa rejection means something is missing from your application and you have to resubmit your paperwork.

                What not to say in a visa interview? ›

                Don'ts During the Visa Interview Process

                'Like, Umm, I guess' – Try to avoid using conversation fillers such as 'Like', 'Ummmm', or 'I guess' in a sentence when you are responding to a question. Pay close attention to the questions asked and respond with just the answer. Keep in short and simple.

                How do I prove my relationship is genuine and continuing UK? ›

                How to prove your relationship is 'genuine and subsisting' for a UK spouse visa?
                1. ​Tenancy or rental or mortgage/ownership agreements.
                2. Joint bank statements/joint financial statements.
                3. Utility bills or local taxation evidence.
                4. Life insurance and named beneficiaries in policies.

                Can I go with my wife to the visa interview? ›

                Generally, immediate family members may accompany passport or CRBA applicants to their appointment interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and all minor children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

                What's the difference between fiancé visa and spouse visa UK? ›

                A fiance visa grants you entry to the UK for a period of six months during which time you are required to marry your fiance in the UK. Once you are married you can apply for a spouse visa from within the UK. The spouse visa enables you to work in the UK and will initially be granted for a period of 30 months.

                Which is the fastest marriage visa in USA? ›

                To be eligible for a K-1 visa, you must be engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry within 90 days of arriving in the U.S. You must also prove that you have met in person at least once within the two years prior to applying for the visa.

                Which fiancé visa is best? ›

                If you are a U.S. citizen and you want to legally bring your fiancé into the country then a K1 Fiancé visa may be the best and fastest option for you.

                What percentage of spouse visas are approved? ›

                It's true: most people who apply for a K-1 visa are successful. In fact, according to statistical reports published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), about 74% of fiancé(e) visas were approved in 2020.

                What is the 90 day rule spouse visa? ›

                The 90-day rule states that temporary visa holders who marry or apply for a green card within 90 days of arriving in the United States are automatically presumed to have misrepresented their original intentions.

                What is a proof of relationship letter for spousal sponsorship? ›

                The proof of relationship support letter is a letter drafted by the couple's family member or close friend. This letter is designed to provide additional evidence that the couple's relationship is genuine rather than simply a marriage of convenience for immigration purposes.

                Can I apply for UK spouse visa immediately after marriage? ›

                Once you have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, if you are married to a British national you can immediately apply to naturalise as a British Citizen. If you are not married to a British national, you will need to wait a period of 12 months before you can apply.

                Why would a UK spouse visa be refused? ›

                UK Spouse visa applications are commonly refused for the following reasons: The minimum financial requirements (i.e income of £18,600 per year or saving £62,500) are not met. Immigration officials believe your marriage is not genuine or subsisting. You have submitted incorrect documentation.

                What happens after UK spouse visa is approved? ›

                Once your visa has been granted you will be given a letter confirming this and a vignette (sticker) in your passport. If your application was for a visa that is six months or less then this vignette will be valid for your stay in the UK.

                What is the 5 year spouse visa route? ›

                The 5-year Spouse Visa route is the one you should take if you meet all the requirements, which we'll discuss in a moment. With this route, your initial application will allow you to stay in the country for 30 months (2.5 years), after which you'll need to apply for a Spouse Visa extension of another 30 months.

                What documents do I need for a UK spouse visa? ›

                You'll need to provide:
                • all your names.
                • your date of birth.
                • your current passport or other valid travel ID.
                • copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports.
                • a copy of your biometric residence permit, if you have one.
                • details of any previous immigration applications you've made.

                How much savings do I need to bring my wife to the UK? ›

                In order to rely on cash savings, in part or in full, the minimum amount of savings you must hold is £16,000.

                How long does it take to get a spouse visa in the UK 2023? ›

                The standard spouse visa UK processing time for in-country applications in 2023 is 6-8 weeks (on average). As we discuss later in this article, the spouse visa UK processing time in 2023 can be expedited if you are willing to pay for the super-priority service (subject to availability).

                How do I know if my UK spouse visa is rejected? ›

                You'll get a letter or an email explaining why your application was refused. Your passport will be returned, if it was kept as part of your application. Your refusal letter will explain if you have the right to either an: administrative review.

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