BREXIT / EU / EEA There would be two different regimes under which the EEA nationals can apply for status documents from 30 March 2019 (after Brexit), the regime under the EEA Regulations or under the new regime of Settled/Pre-settled status. For detailed information on Different types visas available to Partners of EEA/EU/Swiss nationals, please click here: Types of Partner Visas for Partners of EEA or EU Citizens EEA Regulations Regime The EEA Regulations Regime can be used by EEA nationals during the transition period till 31 December 2020. The documents issued under this regime are Family Permit, Residence Card, Registration Certificate, Document certifying Permanent Residence. Individuals who wish to apply for British Passport / Citizenship immediately should use this regime, since as part of their Permanent Residence applications, the Home Office will confirm the date the acquired they Permanent Residence and if that date is before 12 months, then the Individual can apply for their Naturalisation as a British Citizen application immediately, provided they meet the requirements for Naturalisation. Settled / Pre-settled Status Regime The Settled / Pre-settled Status Regime can be used by EEA nationals during the transition period till 31 December 2020 and those individuals who are living in the UK and who have not applied any status documents till 31 December 2020, will still have protected status till 30 June 2021 under this regime and will have a further 6 months until 30 June 2021 to apply for Settled / Pre-settled Status document. Children under 21 years of age will be granted Settled Status, if one of their parent is granted Settled Status. An individual who acquires the Settled Status will have the rights/duties as mentioned in the following Settled Status letter ( click on the below tab )
List of documents required in support of an application for Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK on the basis of being in the UK legally for a continuous period of 10 years (Long Residence) - SEE EXPLANATORY VIDEO BELOW (All documents must scanned and provided as a soft copy) Main documents Applicant’s All Passports used in the last 10 years - Current and Expired Applicant’s Current Biometric Residence Card Any Home Office/UKVI letters/visas received during the last 10 years, if available Life in the UK Pass Certificate - book the test at Life in the UK Test English Language : (check Prove your knowledge of English for citizenship and settling to see if you are required to pass the test) UK Degree Award(either Bachelors or higher); or English Language test pass certificate – at least level B1, if the test certificate was used for a previous UK visa successful application then it can be used even if it is expired -- Link to book the Trinity College London test (B1 SELT – GESE Grade 5) at B1 SELT – GESE Grade 5 Documents to prove that the Applicant is meeting the compliance requirements for their current visa: For example, If their current visa is a Partner visa/residence card, then cohabitation documents for last 2 years evidencing that they are living with their partner If their current visa is a Tier 2(General) visa, then 3 months payslips, bank statements and letter from employer evidencing that they are still working for the sponsor If their current visa is a Tier 4(General) student visa, then letter from their University dated within 28 days of the date of application confirming that they have been regularly attending their course
Regime under EEA Regulations - applicable till 31 December 2021 Retention of Rights If you have been in the UK on EU Family permit for some time and your relationship with the EU national has ended, then you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in the UK depending on how long you have spent in the UK and your circumstances.
UK Immigration Appeals We have a very good success rate of Immigration Appeals. At the outset, we advice our clients on the merits of success and the percentage chances of success which enables our clients to make an informed decision. We act in our clients best interest and advice them on the most time and cost effective immigration solution. Sometimes, if refiling a fresh application is a more time and cost effective option, then we advice our clients to file a fresh application instead of going through the time delay, cost and stress of the Appeal process. In Appeal representations, we draft comprehensive grounds of appeal on behalf of our clients and file them in a timely manner with the Immigration Tribunal. We have a dedicated set of Barristers who represent our clients' at the Appeal hearings at the Immigration Tribunals. We provide a full service in Immigration Appeals.
UK Spouse Visa 17 September 2025 Sachin Sawant UK Immigration Lawyer Join our Mailing List for Free Resources >> Setting the Benchmark: UK Spouse Visa Main Points Spouse visa is designed for individuals to join their partner who is British/Settled Applicant must prove a genuine and subsisting relationship Minimum Income Requirement of GBP 29000 is required, which can be met through UK partner's employment, self-employment, savings, or other specified sources. Applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries must pass a secure English language test at a minimum of A1 level on the CEFR scale for their first application. Applicants must show that they have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependents in the UK, without it being overcrowded. The initial visa is typically granted for 33 months (if applying from abroad) and is the first step on a five-year route to apply for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). The application is generally made online from your home country, followed by an in-person appointment to submit biometric information (fingerprints and photo). Standard processing for applications made outside the UK can take up to 12 weeks, so it's important to apply well in advance. The application requires extensive and specific documentation. Failures often occur due to not meeting the strict evidential requirements for the relationship and financial criteria. You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside UK and are married to a British or Indefinite Leave holder or an EU/EEA National with Pre Settled/Settled Status or refugee/humanitarian status holder and wish to join/accompany/continue to live with your Spouse (Husband/Wife) in the UK. This visa can be applied either from within the UK or from outside the UK. In order to apply, the following requirements must be met: Sponsor must be: a British or Irish Citizen, or Settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence holder), or EU/EEA National with Pre Settled/Settled Status a holder of asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK Spouse Visa Requirements: You must meet the Financial Requirement - see details below You must meet the English Language Requirement - see details below Relationship Requirement - Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting on the date of the application Age Requirement - You and your Spouse must be at least 18 years of age Marriage Requirement - You should have a valid and legal marriage certificate You and your Spouse must have met each other in person You must intend to live together with your Spouse in the UK Your and your Spouse's any previous relationships must have permanently broken down (Divorce certificate is not required if the Divorce is still pending, however previous relationship must have permanently broken down). Watch our Youtube video about how to apply for a Partner visa without Divorce: Financial Requirement: You and/or Your Spouse's Income must be at least GBP 29000 per year (Applicant must have right to work in the UK in any other visa category, if you want to use the Applicant's income toward meeting the financial requirement) The Financial Requirement can also be satisfied by showing adequate savings. The savings amount depends on the income shortfall. We will calculate this for you during the initial consultation. English Language Requirement: You must have passed an approved English language test, at least or above CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. This test can be taken anywhere in the world, or You must have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK ENIC as being equivalent to or above a UK Bachelor's Degree, or You must be Exempt from the English Language Requirement Dependants on Spouse Visa: You can also include your children who are under 18 years of age, to accompany you as your dependants on your Spouse visa. Where to apply from: You can apply from within the UK or from outside the UK Please note that everyone cannot file their applications from within the UK, only those applicants whose current visa category allows them to switch into the Spouse Visa category can file their applications from within the UK. You can file from within the UK if you are on the following visas: Fiance/ee Visa Any Points Based Visa such as Tier 1, Tier 2, Skilled Worker, Tier 4 (Student), Graduate Route, Tier 5 visas. Any other visa (except Visitors Visa) Applicants without any leave to remain cannot file within the UK. Duration/Validity of the Spouse Visa: If you are applying from outside the UK, you are initially given a 33 months visa If you are applying from within the UK, you are initially given a 30 months visa Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Spouse Visa: You can work in the UK without any restrictions. You may establish a business or accept offers of employment without requiring a work permit. You / anyone on your behalf, cannot receive public funds to assist you/your dependants with your/your dependants living and accomodation costs. You are eligible to study in the UK without any restrictions Visa Processing time: For Applications filed within the UK: UKVI takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the date of attending the Biometric appointment depending upon how busy the UKVI department is, to process the application. Also, this application can be filed through the Super Priority Service (Decision within 1 Working day from the date of biometrics appointment) service by paying additional Super Priority fee of GBP 1000.00 per applicant/dependant, whereby the Approval email is sent by UKVI within 24 hours(on working days) decision from the date of the Biometrics enrolment appointment. For Applications filed outside the UK: The UKVI takes about 10 to 12 weeks from the date of biometrics appointment, to process the application under the normal service. Also, this application can be filed through the Settlement Priority Service for an additional fees of GBP 500.00, whereby the processing time is about 6 to 8 weeks. Extending or Renewing your Visa: You can extend your Spouse visa for a further period of 30 months, if your relationship is still subsisting. You will be required to provide most of the documents you provided at the time of your first grant along with an addition of Cohabitation documents since your first grant of Spouse visa to show that you have been living together with your Spouse or Civil Partner continuously. If you do not have all the cohabitation documents, please book a consultation with us to discuss your options. Applying for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK): 5 Year Partner Route: If you and/or your Spouse or Civil Partner met the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Spouse Visa, then you would be granted your Spouse visa under the 5 year partner route. If you and your Spouse continued to be in a relationship and continued to meet the financial requirement throughout the 5 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 5 year stay in the UK on a Spouse Visa. 10 Year Partner Route: If you and/or your Spouse did not meet the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Spouse Visa, and UKVI considered your case to be appropriate under the 10 year partner route, then you would be granted your Spouse visa under the 10 year partner route. If you and your Spouse continued to be in a relationship throughout the 10 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 10 year stay in the UK on a Spouse Visa.
British Citizenship Naturalisation Naturalisation is the process whereby a Non-British Citizen apply to the Home Secretary to be made British. British Nationality Act 1981, Section 41 is to be amended by the 2014 Immigration Bill so as made mandatory for anyone applying for British Citizenship to provide Biometric Information. Different rules apply for both Standard Naturalisation and Naturalisation of Spouses of British Citizen. We advice and represent clients to apply for Naturalisation as a British citizen. We always come up in the search for a Naturalisation solicitor / lawyer / agent. Registration Registration deals with the Applicants who have not yet reached the age of majority (age 18), intending to become British Citizens under the following categories Birth in the UK to parents who are now settled in the UK or have become British Citizens Birth in the UK to parents who have joined the Armed forces. Child whose parents are applying for British Citizenship. Birth abroad to parents who are Britishby Decent and have lived in the UK or a British Overseas Territories. Children adopted abroad by British Citizen Parents. Children whose parents had renounced and subsequently resumed British Citizenship. Any other case not listed above where it is considered to be in the child’s best interest to be granted British Citizenship. Birth abroad to parents serving in the Armed forces. UK Ancestry An applicant wishing to apply for Entry Clearance or Leave to Enter the UK on the grounds of UK ancestry must satisfy the requirement of Paragraph 186 of the Immigration Rules. The Applicant must demonstrate that he/she: Is a Commonwealth Citizen; and Is aged 17 or over; and Is able to provide proof that one of his grandparents was born in the UK and Islands and that any such grandparent is the applicant’s blood grandparent or grandparent by reason of an adoption recognised by the laws of the UK relating to adoption; and Is able to work and intends to take or seek employment in the UK; and Will be able to maintain and accommodate himself/herself and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds Acquisition of British Citizenship at Birth Whether or not a person has acquired British Citizenship at Birth depends on one or more of the following four factors: His/Her date of Birth His/Her place of Birth The Immigration status of his/her parents; and The legitimacy of his/her birth to the father Acquisition of British Citizenship via Adoption Application for registration of children adopted either under the terms of the Hague Convention or inter-country adoption or adopted in territories designated under the Adoption (Designation of Overseas Adoptions) Order 1973 will be considered by the Home Secretary’s discretion if: Atleast one of the adoptive parents is a British Citizen otherwise than by decent; and If necessary, both adoptive parents have signified their consent to the registration; and There is no reason to refuse on character grounds; and The Secretary of State is satisfied that all relevant adoption laws have been adhered to. This includes the laws of the country in which the adoption has taken place, the country of origin of the child and the country in which the adoptive parents are habitually resident; The Adoption must be bonafide The child must be under 18 when the application is made; and The Secretary of State is satisfied that the adoption is not one of convenience arrange to facilitate the child’s admission to the UK Right of Abode The Right of Abode means that the person who possesses it is entirely free from UK Immigration Control. In other words, he/she does not need to get permission from an Immigration Officer to enter the UK and he/she can live and work in the UK without restrictions.
British Passports for Children of EU Nationals EU nationals can apply for British Passports for their Children, if they qualify under one of the following categories: A. EU National's Children born in the UK between 2 October 2000 to 29 April 2006 Child's date of birth should be between 2 October 2000 to 29 April 2006 Should be able to show evidence that on the date of their birth : - at least one of their parents held Indefinite Leave to Remain/Enter in the UK or Permanent Residence (approval letter or stamp on the Passport, including NTL - No Time Limit Stamp) or a Document Certifying Permanent Residence or a Permanent Residence Document If the above evidence is not available, then the Children can be registered as British Citizens B. EU National's Children born in the UK on or after 30 April 2006 Child's date of birth should be on or after 30 April 2006 Should be able to show evidence that on the date of their birth : - at least one of their parents had completed at least 5 years of exercising treaty rights in the UK either as a worker or self-employed person with Comprehensive Sickness Insurance or self-sufficient person with Comprehensive Sickness Insurance or student with Comprehensive Sickness Insurance - and Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) Certificate/Card of the parent, if the parent is an A8 national (Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania) C. EU National's Children, who do not fall in either A or B above The children in category C are not British at Birth, they will have to apply for Registration as a British Citizen, after one of their arent acquires Permanent residence or after one of their Parent is granted Indefinite leave to remain in the UK. D. EU National's Children born OUTSIDE the UK Children who are born outside the UK can be registered as British at the Discretion of the Home Office. Usually, if the child is under 18 years of age and he/she has other sibling/s who is either British at Birth or is Registered as British and lives in the same household and both parents have also become British or are applying at the same time to become British, then most likely the child born outside the UK will also be registered as British. E. Irish Citizen's Children born in the UK Irish Citizen's children born in the UK would be British at Birth, if on the day of the birth of the Child, the Irish Citizen parent was ordinarily resident in the UK, please refer to nationality policy for assessing ordinary residence
UK Visas, EU SS & Citizenship Application Checking Service If you wish to file your application yourself and wish to get your application and documents checked by a UK Immigration Lawyer before you submit it, you may consider the Application Checking Service. This service includes: Checking the completed application form, Reviewing all the supporting documents, Suggesting any changes to the information filled on the application form and any changes to the documents to be submitted, so as to ensure a higher chance of success of the application and to avoid any mistakes in the application and/or the documents before being submitted to the UKVI/Home Office Below are the details of the fees for the Application Checking Service for various applications:
Regime under EEA Regulations - applicable till 31 December 2020 EEA Family Permits / Residence Cards There are various rights given to the EEA Nationals and Swiss Nationals to come, live and work in the UK without any restrictions under the Directive 2004/38/EC on right to move and reside freely. There are various types of applications that you can make if you are either an EEA/Swiss National or related to an EEA/Swiss National. Applications can be made to afford the EEA/Swiss national and their family members the right to live and work in the UK. Applications are approved in the form of EEA Family Permits (also referred to as EU Family Permits) and EEA Residence Cards. The EEA/Swiss Nationals and their family members would qualify to apply for Permanent Residence in the UK after they have spent a continuous period of five years exercising treaty rights. For detailed information on Different types visas available to Partners of EEA/Swiss nationals, please click here: Types of Partner Visas for Partners of EEA or EU Citizens
Indefinite Leave to Remain After spending certain amount of years in the UK, either in any one or a combination of various immigration categories, you may be able to apply to permanently settle in the UK. This is known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. ILR is also known as Settlement or Permanent Residence. ILR allows you to live and work in the UK without any restrictions. One of the important requirements of the ILR application is the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirements. You may download the UK Government KoLL guidance here Further, once you obtain your ILR, you may qualify to acquire British Citizenship. We advice and represent clients to apply for Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK on all categories of visas. Skilled Worker - Indefinite leave to remain in the UK Documents Required List of documents required in support of Indefinite Leave to Remain application filed in the UK on the basis of being on Skilled Worker visa for 5 years - SEE EXPLANATORY VIDEO BELOW Main Applicant: Current Passport and Expired passports used in the last 5 years (all pages including blank pages) Evisa Copy or Share code Copy of email confirmation containing test reference number of the Passed Life in the UK test - book the test at https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test Latest Salary Slip issued within one calendar month before the date of the application. Latest Bank statement showing the above salary entry, issued within one calendar month before the date of the application. Letter from ER - format is at the bottom of this list, please customize it as per your case Copy of Certificate of Sponsorship(CoS) for the latest visa, if available Dependant Partner: Current Passport and Expired passports used in the last 5 years (all pages including blank pages) Evisa Copy or Share code English language requirement document(either UK Degree Award or B1 test pass result/certificate or UK NARIC/ECCTIS/QLS letter plus Degree Award) Copy of email confirmation containing test reference number of the Passed Life in the UK test - book the test at https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test Marriage certificate, if married Cohabitation evidence Items of correspondence from 6 different sources as below(spread across last 2 years from the date of application, monthly items - 4 documents per year spread across the year, all documents which are quarterly, half-yearly and yearly) addressed to the Applicant and the Sponsor or joint documents, examples below: (online statements can be printed) Bank statements/letters Council Tax Bill NHS letters, HMRC letters, TV licence DVLA letters Telephone Bills/Statements Water rates bills/statements Internet bills Tenancy Agreement Dependant Child: Current Passport and Expired passports used in the last 5 years (all pages including blank pages) Evisa Copy or Share code Birth Certificate For all applicants: List of absences from the UK in the last 5 years, in the following format: Date left UK Date returned to UK Country visited Reason for Absence(Tourism, Family visit, Work, etc.) Employer Letter Format (on the company letterhead) To, UK Visas and Immigration Date: Dear Sir/Madam, Applicant: “Name - Date of Birth - Nationality” Confirmation of employment We confirm that the above applicant is still required for the employment in question for the foreseeable future. The nearest applicable Job Code/SOC code is 1132 Marketing and sales directors, which best describes the applicant’s employment. The applicant’s gross annual salary is GBP ____________, which is above the appropriate rate for the job as stated in the codes of practice for Tier 2/Skilled Worker sponsors. Thank you. Yours faithfully, Signature: Name: Designation:
Parent of a British Child/Settled Child/ Continuous 7 years UK resident child. - SEE EXPLANATORY VIDEO BELOW You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and are the Parent of a British Child or Settled Child or Child who has lived in the UK for a continuous period of 7 years and it would be unreasonable for the child to live outside the UK You wish to come to the UK or continue to live in the UK to fulfil your shared or sole parental responsibility over the child. You wish to come to the UK then you need to meet the financial requirement You may or may not be married to the other parent. If you are in a relationship with the other parent, then you both may have a shared responsibility for the upbringing of the child. If you are applying from within the UK, you do not need to have a valid leave to remain in the UK, you may be an individual whose leave has expired and you may have overstayed in the UK or you have entered the UK illegally. This visa can be applied either from within the UK or from outside the UK. In order to apply, the following requirements must be met: Child must be: a British Citizen, or Settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence holder), or have lived in the UK for a continuous period of 7 years, if you are applying from within the UK Sole or Shared Responsibility Requirements: If you and the other parent of the child are partners living in the UK along with the child , then: You should get a declaration signed by the other parent describing the role you take in the upbringing of the child and you should also get a letter from a medical professional (such as the midwife, health visitor nurse, GP, etc.) confirming that they have seen you take an active role in the upbringing of the child and you should also get documents addressed to you, the other parent and the child at the same address confirming that you all are living together('cohabiting') as a family unit, click here to see Cohabitation document s. If the child lives with you in the UK and you are not in a relationship with the other parent of the child , then: You should get a declaration signed by the other parent describing the role you take in the upbringing of the child and you should also get a letter from a medical professional (such as the midwife, health visitor nurse, GP, etc.) confirming that they have seen you take an active role in the upbringing of the child and you should also get documents addressed to you and the child at the same address confirming that you both are living together ('cohabiting) as a family unit, click here to see Cohabitation document s. Age Requirement - You must be over 18 years of age and your child must be under 18 years of age on the date of application You do not have to meet the Financial Requirement, English Language Requirement, Accommodation requirement if you are applying from within the UK. "Access to the Child" Requirement: You should have a mutual agreement with the Child's other parent that you have shared responsibility for the child or You should have a court order granting you access to the Child or You should have the sole responsibility for the child, since the other parent has abandoned the relationship with the child. Relationship and Active role in Upbringing Requirement: You must be the biological parent of the Child. Your relationship must be evidenced with a Birth Certificate or an equivalent document from relevant Government records of Births You should play an active role in the upbringing of the child, either in the form of living and take care of the daily needs of the child or living separately from the child but having access rights and taking part in the major decisions(such as education, health, etc.) in the child's life jointly with the other parent and having regular contact with the child. The Home Office may ask to produce a DNA test certificate to prove the relationship, as heard from the experience of other representative. In all the cases, that we have represented till date, our clients have never been asked to produce a DNA test certificate. Dependants on Parent Visa: You can also include your children who are under 18 years of age, to accompany you as your dependants on your Parent visa. Where to apply from: You can apply from within the UK or from outside the UK Anyone who is physically present in the UK can file from within the UK, with or without any leave to remain in the UK Duration/Validity of the Parent Visa: If you are applying from outside the UK, you are initially given a 33 months visa If you are applying from within the UK, you are initially given a 30 months visa Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Parent Visa: You can work in the UK without any restrictions. You may establish a business or accept offers of employment without requiring a work permit. You / anyone on your behalf, cannot receive public funds to assist you/your dependants with your/your dependants living and accomodation costs. You are eligible to study in the UK without any restrictions Visa Processing time: For Applications filed within the UK: UKVI takes about 12 to 24 weeks from the date of application depending upon how busy the UKVI department is, to process the application through the postal application service. Also, this application can be filed through the Premium Service (Same Day) service by paying additional premium service fees, per applicant/dependant, whereby the Approval Letter is given on the date of filing of the application and the Biometric Residence Permit (Visa Card) is sent within 3 to 7 working days. For Applications filed outside the UK: The UKVI takes about 8 to 12 weeks from the date of application, to process the application under the normal service. Also, in some countries, this application can be filed through the Priority Service for additional fees, whereby the processing time is about 4 to 6 weeks, depending upon the country where the application is filed and how busy the UKVI is in that country. Extending your Visa: You can extend your Parent visa for a further period of 30 months, if your role in the upbringing of the child is still subsisting. You will be required to provide most of the documents you provided at the time of your first grant along with an addition of Cohabitation documents since your first grant of Parent visa (if you are living with the child) to show that you have been living together with your child continuously. If you do not have all the cohabitation documents, please contact us to discuss your options. If you have not been living together with your child, then you should evidence the role you take in the upbringing of the child, such as money transfers to the other parent for the care of the child, gifts of any receipts that you bought for the child, etc., if you drop off/pickup your child from nursery or school, then letter from the nursery or school confirming this, letter from dentist confirming that you take the child to the appointments and such similar evidence. Applying for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK): 5 Year Partner Route: If you has valid leave to remain in the UK at the time of filing of the initial Parent visa and you filed you application from within the UK by meeting the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Parent Visa or if you filed the initial application outside the UK and your met the Financial requirement , then you would be granted your Parent visa under the 5 year parent route. If you continued to meet the financial requirement and continued to play an active role in the child's upbringing throughout the 5 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 5 year stay in the UK on a Parent visa. 10 Year Partner Route: If you did not meet the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Parent Visa, and UKVI considered your case to be appropriate under the 10 year partner route, then you would be granted your Parent visa under the 10 year partner route. If you continued to play an active role in the child's upbringing throughout the 10 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 10 year stay in the UK on a Parent Visa. Financial Requirement: You and/or Your Spouse's Income must be at least GBP 18,600 per year - only you are applying You and/or Your Spouse's Income must be at least GBP 22,400 per year - you and one Dependant is applying Additional Income of GBP 2,400 per year - for each additional Dependant, who is applying with you The Financial Requirement can also be satisfied by showing adequate savings. The savings amount depends on the income shortfall. We will calculate this for you during the initial consultation. English Language Requirement: You must have passed an approved English language test, at least or above CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. This test can be taken anywhere in the world, or You must have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to or above a UK Bachelor's Degree, or You must be Exempt from the English Language Requirement
Settled Status letter confirming the rights/duties of the Individual who would acquire the Settled Status Dear Applicant, Date: ____________ I am pleased to inform you that your application under the EU Settlement Scheme has been successful and that you have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom under Appendix EU to the Immigration Rules. This is also referred to as Settled Status. Your status takes effect from the date of this email, which can be found above. This email is not proof of your status. Your settled status in the UK can be confirmed online through the Home Office online checking service: ‘View and Prove your Rights in the UK’ - weblink will be provided here Important information about the Home Office online checking service and about your status and rights is included below. Important information Your status As you now have settled status there is no time limit on how long you can stay in the UK. Your settled status gives you the right to stay in the UK under UK immigration law. You can also continue to exercise your EU law rights in the UK. This means that the rights you have with settled status exist at the same time as any rights you have as an EU citizen under the EU Free Movement Directive (2004/38/EC). Online evidence of your status This Email is not proof of your status in the UK. Your status is linked to the passport or identity card that was used to apply for the scheme. You can view your digital status at any time using this service: - weblink will be provided here In line with existing requirements, you may be required to prove your status in order to demonstrate your right to work, or to access benefits and services, for example to prospective employers and landlords, the National Health Service (NHS), other Government departments and local authorities. As well as being able to use valid residence documentation or a passport or national identity card to evidence your status until 31 December 2020, you can soon also use the Home Office online checking service to prove your rights. From October 2018 you will be able to use the online checking service to show your right to work to an employer by allowing them to access your status online. In due course, it will also be available to you to show a landlord your right to rent. Checks are already carried out by employers or landlords when you wish to work or rent in the UK but this online service will allow the checking of your new settled status. This information is protected by data protection legislation and employers and landlords will only be able to check your status if you have given them permission to do so, by providing them with the relevant internet link and a unique code. Details of these services and how to access them will be available via your online digital profile. You will need to keep us updated if you change your passport or identity card for any reason. As most passports and identity cards expire every 10 years, you will probably need to inform the Home Office within the next 10 years of the details of your replacement documentation. To receive updates from the Home Office about your status, please make sure to keep us informed via your online profile if your contact details change. You can find out more about viewing and proving your rights at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-view-and-prove-your-rights-in-the-uk/view-and-prove-your-rights-in-the-uk Work and access to services You do not need permission from a Government department to take or change employment. You may engage in business or an occupation, or be self-employed, as long as you comply with any legal requirements for that activity. You will still need to prove your right to work in the UK to employers, just as you do now. You do not need permission to enrol in education or continue studying. You are entitled to NHS healthcare if you are ordinarily resident in the UK. Whether you are entitled to benefits and other public funds depends on whether you meet the relevant eligibility requirements which are set by the issuing Government department, local authority or delivery partner. Time outside the UK Under current UK immigration law, if you are absent from the UK for more than two consecutive years, your settled status will lapse. If you leave the UK and return within two years, you can enter the UK and continue to live here as a person with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Parliament will be invited to amend UK immigration law if a final agreement with the EU on citizens’ rights is reached, so that you can then be absent from the UK for up to five consecutive years before your settled status lapses. If you wish to return to the UK after your settled status has lapsed, you will need to make a new application under one of the routes which may be available to you. In the application, you will need to meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules in force at that time. Family members As a person with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, your family members may be able to join or remain with you in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. Or you may be able to sponsor a family visa for them – you can find further information about this at: www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa. British citizenship If you would like to find out about becoming a British citizen, you can find information at: www.gov.uk/becoming-a-british-citizen If a child is born to you in the UK while you have settled status, they will be a British citizen automatically at birth. You can find further information about this at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/children-nationality-policy-guidance Removal from the UK Where a person who is not a British citizen commits a criminal offence, consideration will be given to whether they should be permitted to continue living in the UK. For more information about EU citizens and their family members in the UK, please see: www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/eligibility For further information or if you have any queries, our contact details are on our website: https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk Official - sensitive Handling Instructions: Contains personal sensitive information, subject to confidentiality requirements under the Data Protection Act. Do not circulate this information without prior approval.
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa What is a Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa? This visa is also called the 'Hong Kong BN(O) visa' or 'BNO visa'. The BNO visa will be open for applications from 31 January 2021. Any British National (Overseas) citizen and his/her close family members who are ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or in the UK, can apply for this visa. We advice and represent clients to apply for Hong Kong BNO visa and their dependant family members visas. We always come up in the search for a Hong Kong BNO visa solicitor / lawyer. There are two routes under this category: BN(O) Status Holder route BN(O) Household Member route Who can apply under the BN(O) Status Holder route? Any British National(Overseas)(“BNO”) citizen who is 18 years of age or over and who is ordinarily resident either in Hong Kong or in the UK can apply for the BN(O) Status Holder route. Who can apply under the BN(O) Household Member route The following family members of the BNO citizen who are part of the same household as the BNO citizen: Dependant Partner (includes, Unmarried Partner, Spouse, Civil Partner) Dependant Child (under 18 years of age) Adult Child(18 years age or over) born on or after 1 July 1997 Other family members, who are highly dependent on the British National(Overseas) citizen (please note that Dependency can be Financial or Emotional or Medical or someone needing long term care such as elderly parent or any special needs child over 18 years of age, etc.) What are the relationship requirements to apply for the BN(O) Household Member route as a Spouse or Unmarried Partner or Civil Partner of the BNO Visa holder? You should meet the following relationship requirement: For Spouse/Civil Partners - You both should be married or should have registered as Civil Partners For Unmarried Partners - You both should have been living together for at least a period of two years before the date of the application Any previous relationships should have been permanently broken down, you will have to provide Divorce certificates to prove that any previous marriages have been dissolved You should form part of the same household as the BNO Status Holder on the date of the application, you can prove this by showing evidence that you normally live together You must intend to live together throughout your stay in the UK Who is exempt from meeting the relationship requirement to apply as a Spouse or Unmarried Partner or Civil Partner of the BNO Visa holder? If you are currently in the UK as a dependant partner visa of the BNO Status Holder applicant, then you will be not be required to meet the relationship requirement, What are the relationship requirements to apply for the BN(O) Household Member route as a Child of the BNO Visa holder? The child should be under 18 years of age on the date of application. The child should apply at the same time as the main BNO visa applicant. The main BNO visa applicant can be the parent or the grandparent of the Child and the Child should be part of the same household as the main BNO visa applicant, you can prove this by showing evidence that you normally live together. Both of the child’s parents must be either applying at the same time as the Child or they must have visa/leave to be in the UK(other than a visitor visa), unless: The parent with the BNO visa or BNO partner visa is the sole surviving parent; or The parent with the BNO visa or BNO partner visa has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing and takes the major decisions of the child’s life such as which school the child should attend, whether or not to give any medication to the child, which religious faith the child should follow, etc. There are serious and compelling reasons for the child to stay with the the BNO visa holder or BNO partner visa holder What are the relation requirements to apply for the BN(O) Household Member route? as any other Household member of the BNO visa holder, other than their partner or child under 18 years of age? You should be have been born on or after 1 July 1997 You should be 18 years of age or over You should not have your last UK visa/leave as a BNO Adult Dependant Relative on the main BNO visa holder You must be the child of the main BNO visa applicant, who is applying together and You must form part of the same household as the main BNO visa applicant, you can prove this by showing evidence that you normally live together. What are my rights and duties whilst living in the UK on a BNO visa? You will have full rights to work in the UK or start a business or company in the UK. You may also study in the UK. You may also just live in the UK without doing anything. You cannot take any social benefits(public funds). Do I need a valid British National(Overseas) passport to apply for the BNO visa? You don’t need to have a valid British National(Overseas) passport if it is expired or lost. If you have one, then make sure you submit it. What is the maintenance or savings or financial requirement for the BNO Visa? There is no minimum savings or income required. The main BNO visa applicant should be able to prove that they can adequately maintain and accommodate themselves and any family members for at least 6 months. You can submit third party support letters with evidence of the third party’s income or savings. Who is exempt from meeting the maintenance requirement? If the applicant is living in the UK legally(not in breach of UK Immigration Laws) in the last 12 months, then he/she is exempt from meeting the financial requirement. This applies to both the Main Status Holder and their family members (applying under the BN(O) Household Member route). If you are exempt from meeting the maintenance requirement, then you will have to provide evidence that you meet the accommodation requirement. What is the accommodation requirement for the BNO Visa? The BNO Status holder and their family members (applying under the BN(O) Household Member route) should be able to provide proof of accommodation to show that it is not overcrowded or that it does not contravene the UK public health regulations How soon before my proposed trip to the UK, can I apply for a BNO visa? You can apply within 3 months of your planned date to come to the UK, i.e. if you plan to come to the UK on 1st May, then you can apply the earliest on 2nd February. However, please note that you should instruct us at least 2 to 4 weeks before the date you wish to apply to allow us sufficient time to review all your supporting documents, advise you, prepare your application and submit it. The date of application is the date on which we submit the online application form. Can I apply for the BNO Visa, if I am living in the UK in another category of visa? Yes, you can apply for the BNO visa if you are in the UK on any visa such as Student Visa, Spouse/Partner Visa, Work Visa, Family Member of an European national, Leave outside the rules, Visitor entry, etc. You cannot apply for the BNO visa from within the UK if you are in breach of the UK Immigration laws. Do I need a Tuberculosis(TB) test to apply for a BNO visa? If you are applying from within the UK, then: If your last visa/leave was given for more than 6 months, then you don’t need a TB test If you had provided a TB test certificate as part of a successful application for entry clearance(outside UK application) in the 12 months before the date of the BNO visa application, then you don’t need a TB test If your last visa/leave was granted for less than 6 months and you were present in any of the countries listed in Appendix T for more than six months immediately before the last visa/leave being granted, then you would need to take a TB test, the certificate should be dated within 6 months from the date of your BNO visa application see Appendix T at the following link: Immigration Rules Appendix T: tuberculosis screening - Immigration Rules - Guidance If you are applying from outside the UK, then: please check at the below link if you are required to give the TB Test: https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa Where are the TB test centres in Hong Kong? See addresses of the TB test centres in Hong Kong at: UK: tuberculosis test clinics for Hong Kong BN(O) Can I switch or change to another type of visa while I am in the UK on the BNO Visa? Yes, you can switch to any other category of visa from within the UK while you are on the BNO visa How long is the BNO Visa given for? or What is the duration / validity of the BNO Visa? The BNO visa can be applied for either 30 months or 5 years. If you apply for a 30 months visa, then at the end of the 30 months visa(within the last 28 days), you will have to apply for a visa extension if you wish to continue living in the UK and wish to apply for Settlement after 5 years. What are the fees for the BNO Visa? Please note that for the applications filed from outside the UK(preferably from Hong Kong), all the above fees are payable in the equivalent local currency, so for an application filed in Hong Kong, the fees would be payable in Hong Kong Dollar, the foreign exchange rate at the below website will be used for the currency conversion - https://www1.oanda.com/currency/converter/ Can I and my family members qualify for Permanent Residence or Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK by being on the BNO Visa? Yes, you and your family members can apply for Indefinite Leave to remain(Settlement) in the UK after living in the UK for 5 years on the BNO Visa While applying for the BNO visa from outside the UK (preferably from Hong Kong), which travel/identity document can I use? You can use any of the following: Valid British National (Overseas) Passport Valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport Any other Travel Document
British National (Overseas) Citizenship/Passport for Hong Kong residents - “BNO Passports” Overview of British National (Overseas) Citizenship / Passports About three million Hong Kong residents are eligible to apply for BNO passports and are able to come and live in the UK On 1 July 2020, the UK Government confirmed a Bespoke UK Immigration route for BNO passport holders, to allow British National (Overseas) Passport Holders to come to the UK(if they are not already in the UK) and live in the UK. Individuals who are already in the UK in any other UK Immigration Category would also be able to take benefits from the new Immigration route and would be able to continue to live in the UK under the new Immigration route. Who is eligible to apply for a BNO passport? Registered as BNO Citizen by 1 July 1997 (or by the extended deadline of 31 December 1997) You were a British Overseas Territories(BOT) Citizen and due to your connection with Hong Kong, you applied to register as a BNO Citizen before 1 July 1997 Automatically became BNO Citizen on 1 July 1997 You were a British Overseas Territories(BOT) Citizen resident in Hong Kong and for any reason you did not register as BNO Citizen before 1 July 1997; and You did not have any other Nationality or Citizenship on 30 June 1997. Please note that you may now have a nationality or citizenship, but for automatic acquisition of BNO Citizenship, what is important is that you did not any other Nationality or Citizenship on 30 June 1997 It is also important to note that about 2.6 million Hong Kong residents are eligible to apply for BNO passports, but only about 350000 BNO passports have been applied and issued till 1 July 2020, so there are a number of individuals who are BNO citizens but have never applied for a BNO Passport. Do I need to have a BNO Passport to prove that I am a BNO citizen? No, you don’t need to have a BNO Passport to prove that you are a BNO Citizen, this would be the case in paragraph 2 above, whereby you would have become a BNO Citizen automatically, hence, if this applies to you, you may be automatically holding a right to apply for a BNO Passport. Please note that it is not necessary that you should be holding a valid or expired BNO Passport, you may be eligible for a BNO Passport, but you may never have applied for one. What are my rights as a British National (Overseas) Passport holder to come and live in the UK? You will have full rights to work in the UK either in Salaried employment or Self employment. You will have full rights to study in the UK. You may decide not to work or study and just come and live in the UK. Can I bring my family members along with me to the UK to live, work and study in the UK? ou will also be able to bring your family members, such as Partner(Spouse or Unmarried Partner or Civil Partner) and all children under 18 years of age to come and live with you in the UK, the family members can be of any nationality What are the documents required to apply for a British National (Overseas) passport? List of documents required to apply for British National (Overseas) Passport for Hong Kong residents (All documents must be Originals(unless specified as copies) and must be free from any staples,clips or pins): Documents required: Digital Passport Sized Photo (see photo requirements at https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports ) Applicant’s Original BNO Passport, even if it is expired (If the BNO passport is lost or stolen, please confirm if the passport was cancelled with the HM Passport office) Coloured photocopy of Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card (both sides) Coloured photocopies of all the pages(36/42 pages, including any blank pages) of applicant’s all Valid passports from any other countries Residence Address Proof: Please provide at least one document issued in the last 12 months, we prefer to provide at least 2 documents or more, so even if any document is rejected then an alternative document can be considered. Please note that the documents should show the date of the issue, Applicant’s full name and address Below are the examples of documents: Employer’s letter, see below - Employment letter format for BNO Passport Medical Card Letter from your District Council or any other Government department Voter’s ID card Coloured photocopy of Visa or Residence Permit Letter from School or College or University confirming your education record Immigration or Visa documents Applicant’s information required: Title(Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss, etc.) Given names Family name Gender Date of birth Current Address Phone number: Email address: Profession: Applicant British National (Overseas) Passport Number After the application is filed, you will have to ask someone to confirm your Identity, see details at https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/help/confirming-identity Employment letter format for BNO Passport: [Date] [Employer name] [Employer address] RE: Verification of employment for [employee name] To whom it may concern: Please accept this letter as confirmation that [employee name] has been employed with [employee name] since [employee start date]. Currently, [employee name]: holds the title of [employee title] earns a salary of [salary amount], payable [annually/monthly/weekly/daily/hourly], [and a bonus of (bonus amount)] works on a [full-time/part-time] basis of [number of hours] per week If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact me at [employer’s phone number and email]. Sincerely yours, /s/ [Employer representative name] [Employer title] ____
UK Unmarried Partner Visa 18 September 2025 Sachin Sawant UK Immigration Lawyer Join our Mailing List for Free Resources >> Setting the Benchmark: Main Points Unmarried Partner visa is designed for individuals to join their partner who is British/Settled Applicant must prove a genuine and subsisting relationship Minimum Income Requirement of GBP 29000 is required, which can be met through UK partner's employment, self-employment, savings, or other specified sources. Applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries must pass a secure English language test at a minimum of A1 level on the CEFR scale for their first application. Applicants must show that they have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependents in the UK, without it being overcrowded. The initial visa is typically granted for 33 months (if applying from abroad) and is the first step on a five-year route to apply for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). The application is generally made online from your home country, followed by an in-person appointment to submit biometric information (fingerprints and photo). Standard processing for applications made outside the UK can take up to 12 weeks, so it's important to apply well in advance. The application requires extensive and specific documentation. Failures often occur due to not meeting the strict evidential requirements for the relationship and financial criteria. You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside UK and cohabiting ('living together') with a British or Indefinite Leave holder or an EU/EEA National with Pre Settled/Settled Status or refugee/humanitarian status holder, either in the UK or anywhere in the world and wish to join/accompany/continue to live with your Partner in the UK. This visa can be applied either from within the UK or outside the UK. In order to apply, the following requirements must be met: Sponsor must be: a British Citizen, or Settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence holder), or EU/EEA National with Pre Settled/Settled Status a holder of asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK Unmarried Partner Visa Requirements: You must meet the Financial Requirement - see details below You must meet the English Language Requirement - see details below Relationship Requirement - Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting on the date of the application Age Requirement - You and your Spouse must be at least 18 years of age Cohabitation Requirement - click here for list of Cohabitation Documents You and your Partner must have met each other in person You must intend to live together with your Partner in the UK Your and your Partner's any previous relationships must have permanently broken down, a Divorce document is not necessary, but you should be able to show that any previous relationships have been permanently broken down Financial Requirement: You and/or Your Partner's Income must be at least GBP 29000 per year (The Applicant must have right to work in the UK in any other visa category, if you want to use the Applicant's income toward meeting the financial requirement) The Financial Requirement can also be satisfied by showing adequate savings. The savings amount depends on the income shortfall. We will calculate this for you during the initial consultation. English Language Requirement: You must have passed an approved English language test, at least or above CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. This test can be taken anywhere in the world, or You must have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to or above a UK Bachelor's Degree, or You must be Exempt from the English Language Requirement Dependants on Partner Visa: You can also include your children who are under 18 years of age, to accompany you as your dependants on your Partner visa. Where to apply from: You can apply from within the UK or from outside the UK Please note that everyone cannot file their applications from within the UK, only those applicants whose current visa category allows them to switch into the Partner Visa category can file their applications from within the UK. You can file from within the UK if you are on the following visas: Any Points Based Visa such as Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 (Student), Tier 5 visas. Any other visa (except Visitors Visa) Applicants without any leave to remain cannot file within the UK. Duration/Validity of the Partner Visa: If you are applying from outside the UK, you are initially given a 33 months visa If you are applying from within the UK, you are initially given a 30 months visa Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Partner Visa: You can work in the UK without any restrictions. You may establish a business or accept offers of employment without requiring a work permit. You / anyone on your behalf, cannot receive public funds to assist you/your dependants with your/your dependants living and accomodation costs. You are eligible to study in the UK without any restrictions Visa Processing time: For Applications filed within the UK: UKVI takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the date of attending the Biometric appointment depending upon how busy the UKVI department is, to process the application. Also, this application can be filed through the Super Priority Service (Decision within 1 Working day from the date of biometrics appointment) service by paying additional Super Priority fee of GBP 1000.00 per applicant/dependant, whereby the Approval email is sent by UKVI within 24 hours(on working days) decision from the date of the Biometrics enrolment appointment. For Applications filed outside the UK: The UKVI takes about 10 to 12 weeks from the date of biometrics appointment, to process the application under the normal service. Also, this application can be filed through the Settlement Priority Service for an additional fees of GBP 500.00, whereby the processing time is about 6 to 8 weeks. Extending your Visa: You can extend your Partner visa for a further period of 30 months, if your relationship is still subsisting. You will be required to provide most of the documents you provided at the time of your first grant along with an addition of Cohabitation documents since your first grant of Partner visa to show that you have been living together with your Partner continuously. If you do not have all the cohabitation documents, please contact us to discuss your options. Applying for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK): 5 Year Partner Route: If you and/or your Partner met the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Partner Visa, then you would be granted your Partner visa under the 5 year partner route. If you and your Partner continued to be in a relationship and continued to meet the financial requirement throughout the 5 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 5 year stay in the UK on a Partner Visa. 10 Year Partner Route: If you and/or your Partner did not meet the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Partner Visa, and UKVI considered your case to be appropriate under the 10 year partner route, then you would be granted your Partner visa under the 10 year partner route. If you and your Partner continued to be in a relationship throughout the 10 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 10 year stay in the UK on a Partner Visa.
Spouse Visa or Partner Visa (Overseas application) for Partners of EEA or Swiss Citizens, under rules before Brexit (EEA Regulations) For ease of reference, we will call this visa as "Overseas EEA Regulations - Spouse/Partner Visa" You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and you are married to or in civil partnership with or you are cohabiting(living together) for at least immediate last 2 years with an EEA/Swiss Citizen (excluding British Citizens, see exceptions below) and wish to join/accompany/continue to live with your Spouse (Husband/Wife) or Civil Partner (CP) or Unmarried Partner in the UK. This visa can be applied only from outside the UK. In order to apply, the following requirements must be met: Sponsor must: be a EEA or Swiss national (not a British Citizen, except those who have obtained British Citizenship by exercising EEA Treaty Rights in the UK & continue to hold their EEA Nationality) and either already be living in the UK and exercising EEA Trea ty Rights (working, self employed, studying, self sufficient, etc.) in the UK or already be living in the UK and hold Permanent Residence in the UK or be travelling with the Applicant to the UK within 6 months from the date of this application Overseas EEA Regulations Spouse or Partner Visa Requirements: Relationship Requirement - Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting on the date of the application Age Requirement - You and your Spouse must be at least 18 years of age If applying as Married/CP - You should have a valid and legal Marriage/Civil Partnership certificate, which is valid as per the laws of the country where the Marriage/CP was entered into If applying as Unmarried Partners - You should provide evidence of cohabitation(living together) with the Sponsor, in the last 2 years immediately before this application, any where in the world You and your Spouse/Partner must have met each other in person You must intend to live together with your Spouse/ Partner in the UK Your and your Spouse's any previous relationships must have permanently broken down (In case of previously married individuals, Final Divorce document required) Dependants on Overseas EEA Regulations Spouse or Partner Visa: You can also include your children who are under 18 years of age, to accompany you as your dependants on your Spouse/CP visa. Where to apply from: You can apply from from outside the UK Duration/Validity of the Overseas EEA Regulations Spouse or Partner Visa: This visa is given for 6 months in the form of a Visa Vignette (stamped on the passport) Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Spouse Visa: You can work in the UK without any restrictions. You may establish a business or accept offers of employment without requiring a work permit. You can receive public funds to assist you/your dependants with your/your dependants living and accommodation costs. You are eligible to study in the UK without any restrictions Visa Processing time: The UKVI takes about 2 to 3 weeks, i.e. about 10 to 12 business days from the date of the Biometric enrolment appointment, to process the application Extending your Visa: Once you receive this visa, you should travel to the UK as soon as possible, latest before the expiry of the visa. Once you are in the UK, you should apply for the Long term 5 year visa as soon as possible, please click here for more details about the 5 year visa
British Citizenship for Children - Registration A child under 18 years of age can qualify for Registering as a British Citizen under many different categories the policy guidance is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/children-nationality-policy-guidance . Also, if one or more siblings of the applicant qualifies for registration, then it is very highly likely that the Home Office will exercise discretion in favour of the applicant who does not yet qualify for registration as a British citizen. We advice and represent clients to apply for Registration as a British citizen. We always come up in the search for a Registration as a British citizen solicitor / lawyer / agent. List of documents/information required in support of Registration (British Citizenship) application filed in the UK Documents Required: If available - Applicant’s Current Passport or EU ID Card or UK Driving Licence or a Applicant’s Birth Certificate Applicant’s two photographs - pasted on the referee pages (download referee pages under “Download Documents” page) If available - Applicant’s Indefinite Leave to Remain Biometric Residence Permit or Registration Certificate or Permanent Residence document or Copy of letter confirming Settled status Letters or reports to show registration or attendance at a doctor/dentist/child care provider or other health care provider Child health record book or records of childhood immunisations School letters confirming start (and if applicable) finish dates Any other documents showing that the applicant lived in the UK for the period claimed If available - Evidence of Parents British Passport or Indefinite leave to remain Biometric Residence Permit or Permanent Residence Document or Copy of letter confirming Settled status Parents Marriage Certificate, if applicable If the applicant has one parent or legal guardian they must explain why the other parent is unable to consent e.g. whereabouts unknown, no contact since MM/YYYY. Name and Address of School or Employer(if working) Details of the Applicant’s Parents: Father’s – Name, Town and Country of birth, Nationality and Date of birth Mother’s – Name and maiden name, Town and Country of birth, Nationality and Date of birth First Referee details Title(Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss, etc.) Given names Family name Gender Date of birth Addresses for last 3 years(starting with the current address) Phone number: Email address: Profession: Does your referee have a British passport? If yes, What is their passport number? How does the referee know the applicant? Second Referee details Title(Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss, etc.) Given names Family name Gender Date of birth Addresses for last 3 years(starting with the current address) Phone number: Email address: Profession: Does your referee have a British passport? If yes, What is their passport number? How does the referee know the applicant? List Absences from the UK in the following format: Country Visited Reason (Holiday, Business, Visiting Relatives) Date of Departure from the UK (DD-MM-YY) Date of return to the UK (DD-MM-YY) Number of days* Total number of days absent *Enter whole days’ absences only. Do not include the day you left the UK or returned to the UK. For example, if you were absent from the UK between 1 January 2014 and 31 January 2014, enter 29 days (2 January to 30 January inclusive).
List of documents required in support of Indefinite Leave to Remain application filed in the UK on the basis of being on UK Ancestry Visa for 5 years - SEE EXPLANATORY VIDEO ABOVE Main documents: Applicant’s and Dependants’ Current Passport and Expired passports used in the last 5 years while on the UK Ancestry Visa Applicant’s and Dependant’s Current Biometric Residence Permit or Visa Vignette in their passport evidencing the Ancestry Visa Original Life in the UK Pass Certificate - book the test at https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test English Language: (check if you are exempt at https://www.gov.uk/english-language ) English Language test pass certificate – at least level B1 Link to book the Trinity College London test (B1 SELT – GESE Grade at https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/SELT/UKVI/B1-GESE-grade-5 ) If the Applicant is in Salaried Employment at the date of application Last 3 months’ Salary Slips with the latest one issued within 28 days before the date of the application. Last 3 months Bank statements (either Posted or Stamped or with a supporting letter from the bank) showing the above 3 salary entries with the latest one issued within 28 days before the date of the application. Employer’s letter issued within 28 days before the date of the application confirming that the Applicant will be continuing to work in their current job and their designation, annual salary, date when the employment began. This letter should be signed and dated by the Applicant’s Line Manager or HR Contact, along with their email and phone number for verification purposes. If the Applicant is in Salaried Employment at the date of application If the Applicant is a Sole Trader - Self Assessment tax return plus SA302 and Official letter from a registered accountant which confirms that the Applicant is Self-employed If the Applicant is the Director of a Limited Company - the documents in 9 above, plus Company accounts If the Applicant is unemployed at the date of application P60s/P45s for the last 5 years. If all P60s/P45s are not available, then Employment History from HMRC - Contact HMRC at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/get-proof-employment-history and request them to send it to you, it will take about 10 business days to be received by you; and Proof of any attempts to find work, for example, confirmation of jobs applied for, interviews attended, any offers of employment not accepted, etc. If the Applicant has been unemployed for long periods over the five years, the Applicant must Provide reasons why the Applicant has failed to find work Proof of any attempts to find work, for example, confirmation of jobs applied for, interviews attended, any offers of employment not accepted, etc. Evidence of how the Applicant supports themselves without a regular income. Documents showing that the Applicant is able to work and intends to take or seek employment in the UK Applicant’s Resume / Curriculum Vitae(CV) detailing their work experience in the UK at least covering the last 5 years. Applicant’s educational (degree/diploma) Certificates Evidence of the Applicant’s finances Bank statements for the last 3 months to evidence of the Applicant’s ability to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds. If the Applicant claims that a relative or friend is providing the Applicant with financial support, in addition to evidence of their own finances, the Applicant must provide bank statements or other documents such as Payslips, Money transfer receipts or statements, etc. for last 3 months as evidence of the Applicant’s financial resources. Evidence that the Applicant has a grandparent who was born in the UK or Islands (including the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Ireland (if they were born there before 31 March 1922) Applicant’s full birth certificate Full birth certificate of the parent through whom the Applicant is are claiming UK ancestry Birth certificate of the Applicant’s grandparent who was born in the UK or Islands If the Applicant, the Applicant’s parent, or the Applicant’s grandparent have changed name since birth, evidence of this, for example, marriage or civil partnership certificates List of absences in the following format: Date left UK Date returned to UK Reason for Absence
Expedited Services -Super Priority and Priority From our past experience, it has been observed that Home Office would take considerable amount of time to process most of the applications, on an average about 2 to 6 months. The applicant unable to travel outside the UK(except the Common Travel Area) during the consideration of his/her application. The Expedited Service was previously call as Premium Service. Under the new Expedited Services(either Super Priority or Priority) the Applicant submits the online application, uploads all the supporting documents, books an appointment to enrol his/her Biometrics information. Usually appointments are available between 1 to 4 weeks in the future, depending on the appointment location and availability of the staff. A third party commercial partner company ("Sopra Steria) will facilitate the appointment booking, upload of documents and biometric enrolment and Sopra Steria just act as agents to submit everything to UKVI to enable the UKVI caseworker to make a decision. Application will be treated as Withdrawn Please note that the Applicant cannot travel outside the UK(except to the Common Travel Area) from the time of submitting the online application (by making the UKVI fees payment) till a decision is made on the application by the UKVI Caseworker, or else his/her application will be treated as withdrawn and the Applicant might not be able to return to the UK if their current leave has expired by the time he/she returns. Appointment Process: At the Appointment: The Applicant has to carry his/her passport and Biometric Residence permit, the Sopra Steria staff will enrol the Applicant's Biometrics and return their Passport and Biometric Residence permit. The Staff are also supposed to check that all the documents are scanned properly and if any of the documents are not scanned properly, then the staff ought to scan those documents. Hence, it is advisable to carry the whole set of supporting documents to the appointment. Please note that the Sopra Steria staff are not UKVI caseworkers or Immigration Lawyers, hence, they would not point out any documents that are missing and they would not assess your application, they would just act as a courier company forwarding your documents to UKVI, hence, giving the right documents is the Applicant's responsibility. After the appointment: From the point of the Appointment till a decision is received via email, the Applicant should regularly check his/her email, since, if the UKVI Caseworker needs any further information or documents or if any document is not scanned properly, then the Caseworker will send an email to the Applicant asking for such information or document. Decision Timelines: Super Priority Service - Decision is emailed to the Applicant usually within 24 hours from the time of appointment, hence, this service is also referred to as 'Same Day' service. Sometimes, the decision may be delayed by about 3 to 5 business days. Priority Service - Decision is emailed to the Applicant usually within 5 working days from the date of appointment The new Biometric Residence Permit(BRP) Card is posted to the Applicant within 3 to 5 business days, (sometimes upto 10 business days) from the date of the UKVI Decision email. The physical copy of the UKVI approval letter is also sent in the post usually within 5 to 10 days from the date of the UKVI Decision email. If you have travel plans in the next 2 to 6 months or if you wish to received an expedited decision for any reason, then we can secure an Expedited appointment for you. As part of our full service, we can also book a Priority or Super Priority appointment for you and we will also check and upload all your supporting documents on the Sopra Steria website, so that you can have peace of mind that nothing has been missed. If you wish to avail any of the Expedited Services, then please email us/fill up the contact form or whatapp chat or webchat and we will get back to you within 24 hours. To know more about our different services, you may click here: VIP Service The UKVI has a very special service for High Networth Individuals who are unable to or do not wish to visit the Sopra Steria Service Centres to enrol their Biometrics information. This service was previously called as Super Premium Service. Under the VIP Service, the whole application process will remain the same as in any of the Expedited Services explained above. The only difference is that the Sopra Steria staff will visit the Applicant at their preferred location(home or office or immigration lawyers office) to record their Biometric information (fingerprints & photo) and if required they would also scan the supporting documents. If we are representing the client, then we can arrange and facilitate the VIP appointment at our office for an additional charge. We will also check, scan and upload all the supporting documents to the Sopra Steria website. Decision is emailed to the Applicant usually within 24 hours from the time of appointment. The new Biometric Residence Permit(BRP) Card is posted to the Applicant within 3 to 5 business days, (sometimes upto 10 business days) from the date of the UKVI Decision email. The physical copy of the UKVI approval letter is also sent in the post usually within 5 days from the date of the UKVI Decision email. If you wish to avail the VIP Service, then please email us/fill up the contact form or whatapp chat or webchat and we will get back to you within 24 hours. A dedicated lawyer will accompany you and assist you throughout the application process when you use the VIP Service through us. To know more about our different services, you may click here: Types of Cases which cannot be submitted via any of the Expedited Services or the VIP Service Not all cases can be submitted through the Expedited or VIP Services. To understand whether your type of application can be submitted through these services, either email us/fill up the contact form or whatsapp chat or webchat, please let us know the type of application you are wishing to file and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
UK Spouse Visa 17 September 2025 Sachin Sawant UK Immigration Lawyer Join our Mailing List for Free Resources >> Setting the Benchmark: UK Spouse Visa Main Points Spouse visa is designed for individuals to join their partner who is British/Settled Applicant must prove a genuine and subsisting relationship Minimum Income Requirement of GBP 29000 is required, which can be met through UK partner's employment, self-employment, savings, or other specified sources. Applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries must pass a secure English language test at a minimum of A1 level on the CEFR scale for their first application. Applicants must show that they have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependents in the UK, without it being overcrowded. The initial visa is typically granted for 33 months (if applying from abroad) and is the first step on a five-year route to apply for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). The application is generally made online from your home country, followed by an in-person appointment to submit biometric information (fingerprints and photo). Standard processing for applications made outside the UK can take up to 12 weeks, so it's important to apply well in advance. The application requires extensive and specific documentation. Failures often occur due to not meeting the strict evidential requirements for the relationship and financial criteria. You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside UK and are married to a British or Indefinite Leave holder or an EU/EEA National with Pre Settled/Settled Status or refugee/humanitarian status holder and wish to join/accompany/continue to live with your Spouse (Husband/Wife) in the UK. This visa can be applied either from within the UK or from outside the UK. In order to apply, the following requirements must be met: Sponsor must be: a British or Irish Citizen, or Settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence holder), or EU/EEA National with Pre Settled/Settled Status a holder of asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK Spouse Visa Requirements: You must meet the Financial Requirement - see details below You must meet the English Language Requirement - see details below Relationship Requirement - Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting on the date of the application Age Requirement - You and your Spouse must be at least 18 years of age Marriage Requirement - You should have a valid and legal marriage certificate You and your Spouse must have met each other in person You must intend to live together with your Spouse in the UK Your and your Spouse's any previous relationships must have permanently broken down (Divorce certificate is not required if the Divorce is still pending, however previous relationship must have permanently broken down). Watch our Youtube video about how to apply for a Partner visa without Divorce: Financial Requirement: You and/or Your Spouse's Income must be at least GBP 29000 per year (Applicant must have right to work in the UK in any other visa category, if you want to use the Applicant's income toward meeting the financial requirement) The Financial Requirement can also be satisfied by showing adequate savings. The savings amount depends on the income shortfall. We will calculate this for you during the initial consultation. English Language Requirement: You must have passed an approved English language test, at least or above CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. This test can be taken anywhere in the world, or You must have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK ENIC as being equivalent to or above a UK Bachelor's Degree, or You must be Exempt from the English Language Requirement Dependants on Spouse Visa: You can also include your children who are under 18 years of age, to accompany you as your dependants on your Spouse visa. Where to apply from: You can apply from within the UK or from outside the UK Please note that everyone cannot file their applications from within the UK, only those applicants whose current visa category allows them to switch into the Spouse Visa category can file their applications from within the UK. You can file from within the UK if you are on the following visas: Fiance/ee Visa Any Points Based Visa such as Tier 1, Tier 2, Skilled Worker, Tier 4 (Student), Graduate Route, Tier 5 visas. Any other visa (except Visitors Visa) Applicants without any leave to remain cannot file within the UK. Duration/Validity of the Spouse Visa: If you are applying from outside the UK, you are initially given a 33 months visa If you are applying from within the UK, you are initially given a 30 months visa Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Spouse Visa: You can work in the UK without any restrictions. You may establish a business or accept offers of employment without requiring a work permit. You / anyone on your behalf, cannot receive public funds to assist you/your dependants with your/your dependants living and accomodation costs. You are eligible to study in the UK without any restrictions Visa Processing time: For Applications filed within the UK: UKVI takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the date of attending the Biometric appointment depending upon how busy the UKVI department is, to process the application. Also, this application can be filed through the Super Priority Service (Decision within 1 Working day from the date of biometrics appointment) service by paying additional Super Priority fee of GBP 1000.00 per applicant/dependant, whereby the Approval email is sent by UKVI within 24 hours(on working days) decision from the date of the Biometrics enrolment appointment. For Applications filed outside the UK: The UKVI takes about 10 to 12 weeks from the date of biometrics appointment, to process the application under the normal service. Also, this application can be filed through the Settlement Priority Service for an additional fees of GBP 500.00, whereby the processing time is about 6 to 8 weeks. Extending or Renewing your Visa: You can extend your Spouse visa for a further period of 30 months, if your relationship is still subsisting. You will be required to provide most of the documents you provided at the time of your first grant along with an addition of Cohabitation documents since your first grant of Spouse visa to show that you have been living together with your Spouse or Civil Partner continuously. If you do not have all the cohabitation documents, please book a consultation with us to discuss your options. Applying for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK): 5 Year Partner Route: If you and/or your Spouse or Civil Partner met the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Spouse Visa, then you would be granted your Spouse visa under the 5 year partner route. If you and your Spouse continued to be in a relationship and continued to meet the financial requirement throughout the 5 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 5 year stay in the UK on a Spouse Visa. 10 Year Partner Route: If you and/or your Spouse did not meet the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Spouse Visa, and UKVI considered your case to be appropriate under the 10 year partner route, then you would be granted your Spouse visa under the 10 year partner route. If you and your Spouse continued to be in a relationship throughout the 10 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 10 year stay in the UK on a Spouse Visa.
UK Fiance / Fiancee Visa 18 September 2025 Sachin Sawant UK Immigration Lawyer Join our Mailing List for Free Resources >> Setting the Benchmark: Main Points Fiance/ee visa is designed for individuals to come to the UK and marry(or register a Civil Partnership with) their partner who is British/Settled This application can only be filed from overseas The initial visa is typically granted for a period of 6 months and the applicant should get married within get married(or register their Civil Partnership) in the UK, before the expiry of this visa and file for a Spouse visa(if married) or a Partner visa(if registered a Civil Partnership) If the applicant is not able to marry (or register a Civil Partnership) within the 6 months, then they may be able to extend this visa for a further period of 6 months, evidence should be produced for the delay in getting married or registering the Civil Partnership During the Fiance/ee visa period, the Applicant is not allowed to work in the UK During the Fiance/ee visa period, the Applicant cannot access Health services from the UK NHS Minimum Income Requirement of GBP 29000 is required, which can be met through UK partner's employment, self-employment, savings, or other specified sources. Applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries must pass a secure English language test at a minimum of A1 level on the CEFR scale for their first application. Applicants must show that they have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependents in the UK, without it being overcrowded. The application is required to be made online from the applicant's home country, followed by an in-person appointment to submit biometric information (fingerprints and photo). The application requires extensive and specific documentation. Failures often occur due to not meeting the strict evidential requirements for the relationship and financial criteria. You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside UK and you intend to get married (or register a Civil Partnership) in the UK with a British or Indefinite Leave holder or an EU/EEA National with Pre Settled/Settled Status or refugee/humanitarian status holder and thereafter wish to continue to live with your Spouse (Husband/Wife) or Civil Partner in the UK. This visa can be only be applied outside the UK. We advice and represent clients to apply for the Fiance / Fiancee visa. Steps for Fiance / Fiancee Visa and thereafter: You apply for a Fiance/Fiancee Visa, which will be granted for a period of 6 months, Then you enter the UK and get married to your proposed Partner before the expiry of this visa. After you get married(or registering your Civil Partnership), you apply to the Home Office for switching into a long term Spouse Visa/Marriage Visa (or Partner Visa) (This can be done through the 8 week standard or the 1 day Super Priority Service ) In order to apply the Fiance / Fiancee Visa, the following requirements must be met: Sponsor must be: a British or Irish Citizen, or Settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence holder), or EU/EEA National with Pre Settled/Settled Status a holder of asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK Fiance / Fiancee Visa Requirements: You must meet the Financial Requirement - see details below You must meet the English Language Requirement - see details below Age Requirement - You and your Fiancee / Fiance must be at least 18 years of age You and your Fiancee / Fiance must intend to get married within 6 months You and your Fiancee / Fiance must have met each other in person You must intend to live together with your Fiancee / Fiance in the UK Your and your Spouse's any previous relationships must have permanently broken down (In case of previously married individuals, Final Divorce document is required) Financial Requirement: You and/or Your Fiancee's Income must be at least GBP 29000 per year (Applicant must have right to work in the UK in any other visa category, if you want to use the Applicant's income toward meeting the financial requirement) The Financial Requirement can also be satisfied by showing adequate savings. The savings amount depends on the income shortfall. We will calculate this for you during the initial consultation. English Language Requirement: You must have passed an approved English language test, at least or above CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. This test can be taken anywhere in the world, or You must have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to or above a UK Bachelor's Degree, or You must be Exempt from the English Language Requirement Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Fiance / Fiancee Visa: You cannot work in the UK After getting married(or registering your Civil Partnership), you must apply to the Home Office for switching into a long term Spouse Visa/Marriage Visa (or Partner Visa) (This can be done through the 8 week standard or the 1 day Super Priority Service ) You / anyone on your behalf, cannot receive public funds to assist you with your living and accomodation costs. Visa Processing time: The UKVI takes about 10 to 12 weeks from the date of biometrics appointment, to process the application under the normal service. Also, this application can be filed through the Settlement Priority Service for an additional fees of GBP 500.00, whereby the processing time is about 6 to 8 weeks. Extending your Visa: You can extend your Fiance / Fiancee Visa for a further period of 6 months, if there is a reasonable justificaion as to why the marriage(or Civil Partnership) did not take place/register within the first 6 months.
Five year Visa for Spouse Visa or Partner of EEA or Swiss Citizens, under new rules for Brexit For ease of reference, we will call this visa as "Brexit Spouse/Partner Visa" You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and you are married to or in civil partnership with or you are cohabiting(living together) for at least immediate last 2 years with an EEA/Swiss Citizen (excluding British Citizens, see exception below) and wish to continue to live with your Spouse (Husband/Wife) or Civil Partner (CP) or Unmarried Partner in the UK. This visa can be applied only from inside the UK. In order to apply, the following requirements must be met: Sponsor must: be either a EEA or Swiss national or a dual British plus EEA/Swiss national & has lived in the UK before getting British Citizenship and; be already be living in the UK Brexit Spouse or Partner Visa Requirements: Relationship Requirement - Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting on the date of the application Age Requirement - You and your Spouse must be at least 18 years of age If applying as Married/CP - You should have a valid and legal Marriage/Civil Partnership certificate, which is valid as per the laws of the country where the Marriage/CP was entered into If applying as Unmarried Partners - You should provide evidence of cohabitation(living together) with the Sponsor, in the last 2 years immediately before this application, any where in the world You and your Spouse/Partner must have met each other in person You must intend to live together with your Spouse/ Partner in the UK Your and your Spouse's any previous relationships must have permanently broken down (In case of previously married individuals, Final Divorce document required) Dependants on Brexit Spouse or Partner Visa: You can also include your children who are under 18 years of age, to accompany you as your dependants on your Spouse/CP visa. Where to apply from: You can apply from inside the UK Duration/Validity of the Brexit Spouse or Partner Visa: This visa is given for 5 years in the form of a Biometric Residence Card("BRC") (a card the size of a Driving Licence) Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Spouse Visa: You can work in the UK without any restrictions. You may establish a business or accept offers of employment without requiring a work permit. You can receive public funds to assist you/your dependants with your/your dependants living and accommodation costs. You are eligible to study in the UK without any restrictions Visa Processing time: The UKVI takes about 1 to 4 weeks from the date of the biometric enrolment appointment, to process the application. Then from the date of decision, you will receive the BRC within 5 to 10 business days. Applying for Settlement in the UK: If you and your Spouse/Partner continued to be in a relationship and and lived together for 5 years, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 5 years stay in the UK on a the Spouse/CP/Unmarried Partner visa
List of documents required to file the application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom (UK) on being on Spouse visa or Civil Partner visa or Unmarried Partner visa for 5 years - SEE EXPLANATORY VIDEO BELOW (All documents must be free from any staples,clips or pins): Main documents: Applicant’s current passport Any Expired/Cancelled Passports used in the last 5 years to evidence stamps of absences from the UK Applicant’s Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Card Full Copy of Sponsor’s current British Passport(all 36/42 pages) Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate (not required for Unmarried Partners) Signed Family Consent ( download here ) - Part 1 to be signed by the Applicant, Part 2 to be signed by the Sponsor, Sponsor’s Declaration to be signed by the Sponsor English Language: (check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/knowledge-of-english ) UK Bachelors/Masters/Phd Award or English Language test pass certificate – at least level B1, (if the Certificate is expired(i.e. more than 2 years old) and it was used for either the initial partner visa or for the extension of the partner visa, then the same B1 certificate can be used, even if it is expired) -- Link to book the Trinity College London test (B1 SELT – GESE Grade 5) at https://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3220 Life in the UK test Life in the UK Pass Certificate - book the test at https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test Accomodation: Land Registry or Tenancy Agreement Council Tax bill Monthly costs of housing, such as a Mortgage Statement if property is owned by either the Sponsor or the Applicant or jointly (If the property is not owned or rented by the Applicant or the Sponsor or jointly, then a letter from the individual/s who own or rent the property confirming that they are happy for the Sponsor, the Applicant and their children's(if any) to live in their property and a copy of their ID document such as Passport or Driving Licence, etc.) List of people living in the Property - Name, Age, Relationship to Applicant, Relationship to Sponsor List Absences from the UK in the last 5 years in the following format: Country Visited Reason (Holiday, Business, Visiting Relatives) Date of Departure from the UK (DD-MM-YY) Date of return to the UK (DD-MM-YY) Number of days* Total number of days absent [Enter whole days’ absences only. Do not include the day you left the UK or returned to the UK. For example, if you were absent from the UK between 1 January 2014 and 31 January 2014, enter 29 days (2 January to 30 January inclusive)]. Previous Relationships: Divorce Certificates - evidencing that any previous marriages are dissolved or Death Certificate if former spouse has died Cohabitation Evidence (Evidence of Living together): Items of correspondence from 6 different sources as below(spread across last 2 years from the date of application, monthly items - 4 documents per year spread across the year, all documents which are quarterly, half-yearly and yearly) addressed to the Applicant and the Sponsor or joint documents, examples below: (online statements can be printed) Bank statements/letters Council Tax Bill NHS letters, HMRC letters, TV licence DVLA letters Telephone Bills/Statements Water rates bills/statements Internet bills Tenancy Agreement Any online purchase invoices, like ebay invoices, amazon invoices, etc. Financial Requirement: - Option 1. Salary from UK employment Payslips for last 6 months, last one dated within 1 calendar month from the date of application Corresponding last 6 months Bank statements(either posted or stamped by the bank or with an accompanying letter from the bank) showing the above 6 salary entries A letter from the employer(s) who issued the payslips confirming - (i) the person’s employment and gross annual salary; (ii) the length of their employment; (iii) the period over which they have been or were paid the level of salary relied upon in the application; and (iv) the type of employment (permanent, fixed-term contract or agency). Any shortfall in Income below the financial requirement (check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income ), may be supplemented by cash savings, following documents required:- Savings Last 6 months Bank/Investment account statements showing the savings held in the name of the applicant or Sponsor or jointly in both their names, anywhere in the world. Letter from Broker/Bank to confirm the amount held, period the funds are held and the name of the account holder/beneficiary. Option 2. Self Employment income For example if Financial year is ending May 2018, i.e. the 12 months would could from April 2017 to May 2018 and these documents can be used to file the application upto May 2019. All of the following must be provided: (i) Company Tax Return CT600 (a copy or print-out) for the last full financial year and evidence this has been filed with HMRC, such as electronic or written acknowledgment from HMRC. (ii) Evidence of registration with the Registrar of Companies at Companies House. (iii) If the company is required to produce annual audited accounts, such accounts for the last full financial year. (iv) If the company is not required to produce annual audited accounts, unaudited accounts for the last full financial year and an accountant’s certificate of confirmation, from an accountant who is a member of a UK Recognized Supervisory Body (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) or who is a member of the Institute of Financial Accountants. (v) Corporate/business bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the Company Tax Return CT600. (vi) A current Appointment Report from Companies House. (vii) One of the following documents must also be provided: (1) A certificate of VAT registration and the VAT return for the last full financial year (a copy or print-out) confirming the VAT registration number, if turnover is in excess of £79,000 or was in excess of the threshold which applied during the last full financial year. (2) Proof of ownership or lease of business premises. (3) Original proof of registration with HMRC as an employer for the purposes of PAYE and National Insurance, proof of PAYE reference number and Accounts Office reference number. This evidence may be in the form of a certified copy of the documentation issued by HMRC. (c) Where the person is either listed as a director of the company, or is an employee of the company, or both, and receives a salary from the company, all of the following documents must also be provided: (i) Payslips and P60 (if issued) covering the same period as the Company Tax Return CT600. (ii) Personal bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the Company Tax Return CT600 showing that the salary as a director or employee of the company (or both) was paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. (d) Where the person receives dividends from the company, all of the following documents must also be provided: (i) Dividend vouchers for all dividends declared in favour of the person during or in respect of the period covered by the Company Tax Return CT600 showing the company’s and the person’s details with the person’s net dividend amount. (ii) Personal bank statement(s) showing that those dividends were paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. (e) For the purposes of paragraph 19(a), evidence of ongoing employment as a director or other employee of the company or of ongoing receipt of dividend income from the company must be provided. This evidence may include payslips (or dividend vouchers) and personal bank statements showing that, in the period since the latest 12-month period covered by the Company Tax Return CT600, the person’s salary as a director or employee of the company (or both) (or dividend income from the company) was paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. Alternative evidence may include evidence of ongoing payment of business rates, business-related insurance premiums or employer National Insurance contributions in relation to the company. Any shortfall in Income below the financial requirement (check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income ), may be supplemented by cash savings, following documents required:- Savings Last 6 months Bank/Investment account statements showing the savings held in the name of the applicant or Sponsor or jointly in both their names, anywhere in the world. Letter from Broker/Bank to confirm _________________ Option 3. Savings - The total savings required is GBP 34600 Last 6 months Bank account statements showing the savings held in the name of the Sponsor or Applicant or Jointly (plus an English translation if not in English) from any bank in the world, (Check: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-p-lists-of-financial-institutions ) Letter from Bank to confirm the amount held, period the funds are held and the name of the account holder/beneficiary (plus an English translation if not in English)
Exemption from English Language Requirement for a UK Visa You do not need to meet the English Language Requirement if you are a national of any of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda Australia the Bahamas Barbados Belize Canada Dominica Grenada Guyana Jamaica New Zealand St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago USA
British Citizenship - Naturalisation Naturalisation is the process whereby a Non-British Citizen apply to the Home Secretary to be made British. British Nationality Act 1981, Section 41 is to be amended by the 2014 Immigration Bill so as made mandatory for anyone applying for British Citizenship to provide Biometric Information. Different rules apply for both Standard Naturalisation and Naturalisation of Spouses of British Citizen. We advice and represent clients to apply for Naturalisation as a British citizen. We always come up in the search for a Naturalisation solicitor / lawyer / agent. List of documents/information required in support of Naturalisation (British Citizenship) application filed in the UK Documents required: Full copy of Applicant’s Current Passport or EU ID Card or UK Driving Licence Full copies of Applicant’s Expired/Cancelled Passports used in the last 5 years - For Non-EEA nationals Applicant’s two photographs - pasted on the referee pages (download referee pages under “Download Documents” page) Indefinite Leave to Remain Biometric Residence Permit or Permanent Residence document with UKVI letter confirming date of acquiring Permanent Residence Status, if available or Copy of letter confirming Settled status, if available Copy of Life in the UK Pass test result (if test taken before 17 December 2019) or Copy of email confirmation containing test reference number of the Passed Life in the UK test (if test taken on or after 17 December 2019) - book the test at https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test UK Bachelors/Masters/Phd Award or Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) Certificate passed at least level B1 - see details at https://www.gov.uk/english-language Marriage Certificate, if married to a British National Bio page of Partner’s British Passport, if married to a British National Information required: National Insurance Number Last 5 years addresses in the following format: From: (DD-MM-YYYY) or (MM-YYYY) To: (DD-MM-YYYY) or (MM-YYYY) Address: Post Code: Details of the Applicant’s Parents: Father’s – Name, Town and Country of birth, Nationality and Date of birth Mother’s – Name and maiden name, Town and Country of birth, Nationality and Date of birth Details of the Applicant’s Spouse/Partner: Name and any other previous names, Town and Country of birth, Nationality and Date of birth, Present Address, Date/Place of Marriage Date of Naturalisation and Citizenship Certificate Number (if Naturalised as British) If previously married, date of Applicant’s Previous Spouse/Partner: Name and any other previous names, Town and Country of birth, Nationality and Date of birth, Present Address, Date/Place of Marriage Date of Naturalisation and Citizenship Certificate Number (if Naturalised as British) For List of Professionals who can act as Professional referees, please download here: List of Professional Referees First Referee details Title(Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss, etc.) Given names Family name Gender Date of birth Addresses for last 3 years(starting with the current address) Phone number: Email address: Profession: Does your referee have a British passport? If yes, What is their passport number? How does the referee know the applicant? Second Referee details Title(Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss, etc.) Given names Family name Gender Date of birth Addresses for last 3 years(starting with the current address) Phone number: Email address: Profession: Does your referee have a British passport? If yes, What is their passport number? How does the referee know the applicant? Employment History for the last 10 years in the following format: From To Occupation Employer’s Name Employer’s Address List Absences from the UK in the last 5 years (or in the last 3 years, if married to a British National) in the following format: Country Visited Reason (Holiday, Business, Visiting Relatives) Date of Departure from the UK (DD-MM-YY) Date of return to the UK (DD-MM-YY) Number of days* Total number of days absent Enter whole days’ absences only. Do not include the day you left the UK or returned to the UK. For example, if you were absent from the UK between 1 January 2014 and 31 January 2014, enter 29 days (2 January to 30 January inclusive). Please ensure that you were in the UK 5 years ago on the date of filing the application, so if we are filing the application on 24/05/2017, then you should have been present in the UK on 24/05/2012. Only for EEA National Applicants Proof of residence in the UK from the date of acquiring Permanent Residence or Settled Status up-to the date of application Items of correspondence from 6 different sources as below (monthly items - 4 documents per year spread across the year, all documents which are quarterly, half-yearly and yearly) addressed to the Applicant, examples below: (online statements can be printed) Below are the examples of documents: Bank statements/letters Council Tax Bill NHS letters, HMRC letters, TV licence DVLA letters Telephone Bills/Statements Water rates bills/statements Internet bills Tenancy Agreement Any online purchase invoices, like ebay invoices, amazon invoices, etc. Evidence that the Applicant has been in the UK lawfully for his/her 3 or 5 year qualifying residence period. This should be evidence that you were here as a worker, student, sel f-employed, self-sufficient, retired or incapacitated person (please provide these documents covering the Applicant’s 3 or 5 year qualifying residence period) Below are the examples of documents: Worker Employer’s letter Wage slips Bank statements showing receipt of wages P60s Contracts of employment for all employers for the qualifying residence period, if available Vocational training - Letter from training provider giving details of training Job-seeker - looking for work (try to provide as many documents as available from the below list) Proof of receipt of job-seeking benefits Letters of invite to interviews Rejection letters from employers Evidence of academic or professional qualifications Any Job offers of offers not accepted Proof of registration with recruitment agencies, e.g. emails exchanged, CV emailed Self - employment - (try to provide as many documents as available from the below list) Tax self-assessment forms Proof of payment of class 2 or 4 national insurance contributions Invoices sent to Clients for the relevant period Business accounts Company Tax returns for the relevant period, if any Company Registration Certificate, if any SA302s for the relevant period Business Bank/Personal Bank account statements for the relevant period showing client payments received Letter from Accountant confirming your incomes for the relevant period Payslips for salary from your own company for the relevant period, if any Corresponding Personal Bank Statements showing the above salary entries for the relevant period, if any Self-sufficient - (try to provide as many documents as available from the below list) Bank statements Evidence of receipt of pension Evidence of Comprehensive Sickness Insurance(CSI) – European Health Insurance Card (not issued by the UK); form S1, S2, or S3; or evidence of comprehensive private medical insurance. Student - (try to provide as many documents as available from the below list) Letter from school/college/university - enrolment letter Statement of sufficient financial resources Bank statements Evidence of receipt of scholarship or bursary Evidence of comprehensive sickness insurance – European Health Insurance Card (not issued by the UK); form S1, S2, or S3; or evidence of comprehensive private medical insurance. Temporary or permanent incapacity - (try to provide as many documents as available from the below list) Letter from doctor or medical report Evidence of sickness-related benefits
Cohabitation ('living together') Documents Cohabitation means that the Applicant and the Sponsor are living together at the same address. Please note that Cohabitation need not necessarily be in the UK, it can be in any Country. Collection of documents addressed to either the Applicant or Sponsor or both (joint accounts, etc.) at the same address. At least 6 items of the Applicant and the Sponsor each. A joint document is considered as 1 each for both the Applicant and the Sponsor. Clarification: If you are unable to produce full 6 items of cohabitation evidence, then depending on the circumstances of the case and other evidence, you may still be able to successfully get a visa. We have successfully been able to obtain a successful outcome with 3 items of correspondence. However, this would depend on the facts of the case and available documentation. Examples of acceptable items of correspondence: Letters or other documents from government departments or agencies of any Country. In the UK, the examples of such departments or agencies would be Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), TV Licensing Letters or other documents from your General Practitioner (GP), a hospital or other local health service about medical treatments, appointments, home visits or other medical matters Bank statements/letters Building society savings books/letters Council tax bills or statements Electricity and/or gas bills or statements Water rates bills or statements Internet bills Mortgage statements/agreement Tenancy agreement(s) Telephone bills or statements
Spouse Visa or Civil Partner Visa (Overseas application) for Partners of EEA or Swiss Citizens, under new rules for Brexit For ease of reference, we will call this visa as "Overseas Brexit Spouse/Civil Partner Visa" You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and you are married to or in civil partnership with an EEA/Swiss Citizen (excluding British Citizens) and wish to join/accompany/continue to live with your Spouse (Husband/Wife) or Civil Partner (CP) in the UK. This visa category is not available to Unmarried Partners, if you are an Unmarried Partner of an EEA or Swiss Citizen, then please click here This visa can be applied only from outside the UK. In order to apply, the following requirements must be met: Sponsor must: be a EEA or Swiss national have "Settled" or "Pre-settled" status under the Settlement Scheme either already be living in the UK or be travelling with the Applicant to the UK within 6 months from the date of this application Overseas Brexit Spouse or Civil Partner Visa Requirements: Relationship Requirement - Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting on the date of the application Age Requirement - You and your Spouse must be at least 18 years of age Marriage/CP Requirement - You should have a valid and legal Marriage/Civil Partnership certificate, which is valid as per the laws of the country where the Marriage/CP was entered into You and your Spouse/CP must have met each other in person You must intend to live together with your Spouse/ Civil Partner in the UK Your and your Spouse's any previous relationships must have permanently broken down (In case of previously married individuals, Final Divorce document required) Dependants on Overseas Brexit Spouse or Civil Partner Visa: You can also include your children who are under 18 years of age, to accompany you as your dependants on your Spouse/CP visa. Where to apply from: You can apply from from outside the UK Duration/Validity of the Overseas Brexit Spouse or Civil Partner Visa: This visa is given for 6 months in the form of a Visa Vignette (stamped on the passport) Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Spouse Visa: You can work in the UK without any restrictions. You may establish a business or accept offers of employment without requiring a work permit. You can receive public funds to assist you/your dependants with your/your dependants living and accommodation costs. You are eligible to study in the UK without any restrictions Visa Processing time: The UKVI takes about 2 to 3 weeks, i.e. about 10 to 12 business days from the date of the Biometric enrolment appointment, to process the application Extending your Visa: Once you receive this visa, you should travel to the UK as soon as possible, latest before the expiry of the visa. Once you are in the UK, you should apply for the Long term 5 year visa as soon as possible, please click here for more details about the 5 year visa
Types of Partner Visas Click on any of the below tabs for more details We advice and represent clients to apply for any category of Partner visa. Important supporting documents for download
UK Visas, EU SS & British Citizenship Application Support Service If you wish to file your application yourself with the help of an Immigration Lawyer, you may consider the Application Support Service. This service includes: Initial consultation (via audio/video call) and providing advice and a customized list of documents, answering questions regarding the whole application process, advice on which form to fill, help on answering questions on the form, checking the form once completed and prior to submission, reviewing all the supporting documents, advice on how to prepare a supporting covering letter and points to cover in that letter, if required for your application advice on booking biometric appointment, advice on uploading documents and processing time Below are the details of the fees for the Application Support Service for various applications:
UK Child Student Visa Who can apply for UK Child Student Visa? Any child between the ages of 4-17 and wish to study at an independent school in the UK You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at said independent school ( you can find the contact details of the independent schools in the UK at: https://www.isc.co.uk/schools/ ) Show that you will have access to enough money to support yourself and pay for your course (see financial requirements below) You will need consent from both of your parents to study in the UK We advice and represent clients to apply for UK Child Student visa. We always come up in the search for a Child Student visa solicitor / lawyer. How early can you apply for UK Child Student Visa? Outside the UK: You can apply for this visa within 6 months before the course is due to start. You should get a decision within 3 weeks. i.e. if your course is due to start on 1st September, then you can apply the earliest on 2nd March. However, please note that you should instruct us at least 2 to 4 weeks before the date you wish to apply to allow us sufficient time to review all your supporting documents, advise you, prepare your application and submit it. The date of application is the date on which we submit the online application form. You can arrive in the UK up to one month before your course is due to start, i.e. if your course start date is 1st September, then you can come to the UK earliest on 2nd August. Inside the UK: You can apply for this visa 3 months before your course is due to start. You should get a decision within 8 weeks. You must apply before your current visa expires, your course must start within 28 days of your current visa expiring. How long can I stay on the UK Child Student Visa? If you are under 16 years of age on the date of application, then the maximum course length you can apply for is 6 years and you should apply and get a visa for the period of your course length plus 4 months If you are between 16 years to 17 years of age on the date of application, then the maximum course length you can apply for is 3 years and you should apply and get a visa for the period of your course length plus 4 months Can I extend the UK Child Student Visa or switch onto a different visa whilst on the Child Student Visa? Yes, you may be able to extend your visa to continue your studies in the UK, if you are eligible. You can also switch from this visa to another visa whilst in the UK. What are the fees for the UK Child Student Visa application? Initial application from outside the UK - £343 + Immigration Health Surcharge Extension or Switching to the Child Student Visa from inside the UK - £475 + Immigration Health Surcharge What are the rules and my obligations on the UK Child Student Visa? You can: Study at an independent school If you are 16 or over you can work: Part-time during term time, no more than 10 hours a week Full time during vacations On a work placement as part of your course, not for more than 50% of your course You cannot: Study at an academy or local authority-funded school or further or higher education employed Gain access to public funds Take full time employment or be self employed Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer Bring family members or dependants - if a parent wishes to accompany you, they can apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa What are the Course Requirements for the UK Child Student Visa? The applicant must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student Sponsor. Once you have been offered a place on a course, the sponsor will provide a reference number - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies(CAS). The CAS is the number of the digital document which the Sponsor creates in their Sponsor Management System. This will be necessary for the application form. The CAS can cover the pre-sessional course and your main course of study. The Child Student visa does not allow you to do a foundation course that will prepare you for direct entry to a higher education institution. You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS. Courses you can study (must be taught in line with one of the following) : The national curriculum The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at level 3 or below Independent school education inspection standards OR You can start a course that is accepted as being the same academic level by: Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) Education Scotland Estyn (in Wales) Education and Training Inspectorate (in Northern Ireland) Can my parents(Mother or Father or both) come along with me to the UK and live in the UK till my studies are completed, while I am on the UK Child Student Visa? Please note that only one parent can come on a Parent of a Child Student visa. However, if the parents have two children applying for the Child Student visas, then both parents can apply for the Parent of a Child Student visa, one on each child. Parent of a Child Student visa can only be applied by parents of children between the ages of 4 - 11 years old. What are the Financial Requirements and who needs to meet them? The applicant needs to show that they have enough money available to pay for their course and support themselves in the UK, the amount of money you need will depend on where they live and who will be looking after them. The applicant/parent/foster carer/close relative must prove that you/they have had the money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa. If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you will need to provide evidence of this from the loan or sponsorship company. Who does not need to meet the Financial Requirement? You do not need to meet the financial requirement if you have had a valid UK Visa for at least 12 months, immediately prior to the date of the Child Student Visa application and you must be applying the Child Student visa from inside the UK if you are a British National Overseas or from one of the following countries or territories: (You may be asked to provide evidence before you get a decision on your application. If this applies, you will be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after your application has been submitted) Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, The Dominican Republic, Estonia Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Serbia Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America How much money do I need to have to meet the Financial requirement for the Child Student visa? If you will live with your Parent or Guardian The applicant must have enough money to pay for the course fees for the academic year (up to 9 months), plus £1560 per month (for up to 9 months) - this is for the applicant and the parent. Your parent will need an extra £625 a month to cover any additional dependants - the dependant must be your sibling and must also have a Child Student Visa. If you are boarding at an independent school: The applicant must have enough money to cover your boarding fees for one academic year (up to 9 months) If you will live with a foster carer or close relative: The foster carer/close relative must be a British citizen or Settled in the UK - cannot be your parent. The applicant must have enough money to cover your course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months) The foster carer/close relative must confirm they have at least £570 per month (for up to 9 months) If you are 16 or 17 and living independently: The applicant must have enough money to cover for the course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months) You will also need either of the following depending upon your place of study: £1334 per month (for up to 9 months) if you are studying in London £1023 per month (for up to 9 months) if you are studying outside of London What documents are required for this application? Mandatory Documents: A current passport or other valid travel documentation (with a blank page for your visa) A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the applicant’s course provider Written consent from your parent or legal guardian for the applicant to study in the UK Other Documents, if they apply to you: Proof that the applicant has enough money to support themselves and pay for their course - amount depends on the applicant's circumstances Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian (birth certificate) Evidence of the qualifications needed to get a place on the course - if this was required by your course provider Tuberculosis Test Results (if this applies to you) Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months Do I need my parents authority for me to apply for the Child Student visa? Yes, you must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or legal guardian, they must confirm that they consent to: Your visa application Your living arrangements and care in the UK Your travel to the UK
Types of Partner Visas for Partners of EEA or EU Citizens Partners of EEA or EU Citizens have various visa options as tiled below and discussed in detail on the respective pages. Please note that we have not explained any Partner visa applications under the EEA regulations as any documents (Residence Cards) issued under the EEA regulations, even if granted for 5 years would become invalid for use after 31 December 2020 and the applicant would have to file another application under the new rules before 31 December 2020. Hence, with Brexit in view, we are only discussing applications based on the new rules, except only one "Overseas Family Permit" application.There is no option to apply for a Fiance visa for Partners of EEA or EU Citizens as there is no provision under the law. Please hover over the below tiles for brief information and then click for detailed information and supporting list of documents. OVERSEAS APPLICATIONS Spouse / Civil Partner visa (under New rules for Brexit) Not Available for Unmarried Partners if your EEA Partner has Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the UK AND you have a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate with the EEA Partner Click here for more info Spouse / Unmarried Partner / Civil Partner visa (under previous rules before Brexit) if your EEA Partner does not have Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the UK AND your EEA Partner is either already living and working in the UK or will be moving to the UK to live and work Click here for more info APPLICATIONS FILED WITHIN UK Spouse/Unmarried Partner/Civil Partner visa ( under New rules for Brexit) if your EEA partner is living in the UK for at least one day in the last 6 months Click here for more info
List of documents required to file an application to change to or switch to a United Kingdom (UK) Spouse or Civil Partner or Unmarried Partner visa from within the UK from any other visa category(except tourist/visitor entry/visa) (All documents must be free from any staples, clips or pins): Main documents: Applicant’s current passport Applicant’s Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Card, if the Applicant has been issued one for the current visa category Full Copy of Sponsor’s current British Passport(all 36/42 pages) Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate (not required for Unmarried Partners) Statement from the Applicant detailing their relationship Statement from the Sponsor detailing their relationship Signed Family Consent ( download here ) - Part 1 to be signed by the Applicant, Part 2 to be signed by the Sponsor, Sponsor’s Declaration to be signed by the Sponsor English Language: (check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/knowledge-of-english to see if you are required to pass the test) UK Degree Award(either Bachelors or higher); or English Language test pass certificate – at least level A1, or pass any higher level upto B1, so that it can be used for extension and/or Settlement, even if the Certificate is expired -- Link to book the Trinity College London test (A1 SELT – GESE Grade 2) at https://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3219 Accommodation: Land Registry or Tenancy Agreement Council Tax bill Monthly costs of housing, such as a Mortgage Statement if property is owned by either the Sponsor or the Applicant or jointly (If the property is not owned or rented by the Applicant or the Sponsor or jointly, then a letter from the individual/s who own or rents the property confirming that they are happy for the Sponsor, the Applicant and their children(if any) to live in their property and a copy of their ID document such as Passport or Driving Licence, etc.) List of people living in the Property - Name, Age, Relationship to Applicant, Relationship to Sponsor Previous Relationships: Divorce Certificates - evidencing that any previous marriages are dissolved or Death Certificate if former spouse has died Current Relationship: (below are some of the examples, you can give any similar documents that may support in proving that the relationship is genuine and continuing on the date of application) Etickets of travels and Hotel bookings -- spent time together - upto maximum last 2 years Pictures of relationship (about 20 pictures maximum, about 4 for every event), preferably with the Couple and other people together, to evidence that the couple are public with their relationship Any evidence to prove that the couple were studying in the same university campus or working for the same employer, etc. at the same time, if applicable Social Media (Facebook, Whatsapp, Text, Viber, Skype, etc.) chat messages printout - every month 1 page - upto maximum last 2 years Emails - every month 1 page/1 email - upto maximum last 2 years Bank statements evidencing Money transfers to each other Documents evidencing any joint liability, such as a Joint Credit Card, Joint Mortgage, etc. Life insurance documents or Wills evidencing that the Applicant and the Sponsor are beneficiaries of each others assets, etc. For Spouse visa or Civil Partner visa - required/compulsory Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate For Unmarried Partner visa - required/compulsory Cohabitation evidence for last 2 years is required (for Spouse/Fiance visa, it is not required, but if available, it should be submitted as it will help to prove that the relationship is genuine and continuing on the date of application) Items/Documents of correspondence from 6 different sources each for the Applicant and the Sponsor The Documents should be spread across last 2 years from the date of application (monthly items - at least 4 documents per year spread across the year, all of the documents which are quarterly, half-yearly and yearly, online statements with the name and address of the Applicant/Sponsor or both can be printed) addressed to the Applicant or the Sponsor or joint documents addressed to both, examples below: Bank statements/letters Council Tax Bill NHS letters, HMRC letters, TV licence DVLA letters Telephone Bills/Statements Water rates bills/statements Internet bills Tenancy Agreement Any online purchase invoices, like ebay invoices, amazon invoices, etc. Optional - If already Married or Civil Partners or if engaged and Wedding has been planned/booked for a future date, then evidence that the Wedding ceremony is scheduled is helpful (it can be from any/all of the below examples or you can give any similar documents that may support in proving that the Wedding is scheduled to happen at a future date) Evidence that the Wedding ceremony is already booked, such as booking receipt/email from the Registrar, Church, etc. Receipts of any expenses incurred for the Wedding, such as the Wedding venue Booking, Reception Party booking Ring receipts, etc. Receipts of both the Applicant and Sponsor’s dresses/clothes to be worn at the wedding Save the date cards, etc. Financial Requirement: Option 1. Salary from UK employment Payslips for last 6 months, last one dated within 1 calendar month from the date of application Corresponding last 6 months Bank statements(either posted or stamped by the bank or with an accompanying letter from the bank) showing the above 6 salary entries A letter from the employer(s) who issued the payslips confirming - (i) the person’s employment and gross annual salary; (ii) the length of their employment; (iii) the period over which they have been or were paid the level of salary relied upon in the application; and (iv) the type of employment (permanent, fixed-term contract or agency). Option 2. Self Employment income For example if Financial year is ending May 2018, i.e. the 12 months would could from April 2017 to May 2018 and these documents can be used to file the application upto May 2019. All of the following must be provided: (i) Company Tax Return CT600 (a copy or print-out) for the last full financial year and evidence this has been filed with HMRC, such as electronic or written acknowledgment from HMRC. (ii) Evidence of registration with the Registrar of Companies at Companies House. (iii) If the company is required to produce annual audited accounts, such accounts for the last full financial year. (iv) If the company is not required to produce annual audited accounts, unaudited accounts for the last full financial year and an accountant’s certificate of confirmation, from an accountant who is a member of a UK Recognized Supervisory Body (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) or who is a member of the Institute of Financial Accountants. (v) Corporate/business bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the Company Tax Return CT600. (vi) A current Appointment Report from Companies House. (vii) One of the following documents must also be provided: (1) A certificate of VAT registration and the VAT return for the last full financial year (a copy or print-out) confirming the VAT registration number, if turnover is in excess of £79,000 or was in excess of the threshold which applied during the last full financial year. (2) Proof of ownership or lease of business premises. (3) Original proof of registration with HMRC as an employer for the purposes of PAYE and National Insurance, proof of PAYE reference number and Accounts Office reference number. This evidence may be in the form of a certified copy of the documentation issued by HMRC. (c) Where the person is either listed as a director of the company, or is an employee of the company, or both, and receives a salary from the company, all of the following documents must also be provided: (i) Payslips and P60 (if issued) covering the same period as the Company Tax Return CT600. (ii) Personal bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the Company Tax Return CT600 showing that the salary as a director or employee of the company (or both) was paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. (d) Where the person receives dividends from the company, all of the following documents must also be provided: (i) Dividend vouchers for all dividends declared in favour of the person during or in respect of the period covered by the Company Tax Return CT600 showing the company’s and the person’s details with the person’s net dividend amount. (ii) Personal bank statement(s) showing that those dividends were paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. (e) For the purposes of paragraph 19(a), evidence of ongoing employment as a director or other employee of the company or of ongoing receipt of dividend income from the company must be provided. This evidence may include payslips (or dividend vouchers) and personal bank statements showing that, in the period since the latest 12-month period covered by the Company Tax Return CT600, the person’s salary as a director or employee of the company (or both) (or dividend income from the company) was paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. Alternative evidence may include evidence of ongoing payment of business rates, business-related insurance premiums or employer National Insurance contributions in relation to the company. _________________ Option 3. Savings Last 6 months Bank account statements showing the savings held in the name of the Sponsor or Applicant or Jointly (plus an English translation if not in English) from any bank in the world, (Check: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-p-lists-of-financial-institutions ) Letter from Bank to confirm the amount held, period the funds are held and the name of the account holder/beneficiary (plus an English translation if not in English) Option 4. Outside UK employment plus UK Job Offer, satisfy both A and B below A. In respect of Sponsor’s salaried employment outside of the UK, Payslips for last 6 months Corresponding last 6 months Bank statements showing the above 6 salaries A letter from the employer(s) who issued the payslips confirming (i) the person’s employment and gross annual salary; (ii) the length of their employment; (iii) the period over which they have been or were paid the level of salary relied upon in the application; and (iv) the type of employment (permanent, fixed-term contract or agency). B. In respect of a job offer in the UK for an applicant’s partner returning to salaried employment in the UK, a letter from the employer must be provided: (a) confirming the job offer, the gross annual salary and the starting date of the employment which must be within 3 months of the applicant’s partner’s return to the UK; or (b) enclosing a signed contract of employment, which must have a starting date within 3 months of the applicant’s partner’s return to the UK. Any shortfall in Income (below the financial requirement, check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income ) may be supplemented by cash savings, following documents required:- Savings Last 6 months Bank/Investment account statements showing the savings held in the name of the applicant or Sponsor or jointly in both their names, anywhere in the world. Letter from Bank to confirm the amount held, period the funds are held and the name of the account holder/beneficiary.
List of documents and information required to file a Settled status application for EU Nationals and for Non-EU Family Members of EU Nationals EU Nationals For EU Nationals with Permanent Residence (PR) EU Passport Document Certifying Permanent Residence(‘PR’) or Home Office letter of Approval of PR (If the PR was acquired 5 years before, then proof of residence in the UK* since the grant of PR till the date of application) For EU Nationals with Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR) EU Passport Home Office letter of Approval of ILR or ILR stamp on a Passport Proof of residence in the UK* since you were granted ILR till the date of application For EU Nationals without Permanent Residence who are resident in the UK for the last 5 years EU Passport Proof of residence in the UK in the last 5 years For EU Nationals without Permanent Residence who have not been resident in the UK in the last 5 years, but have been resident in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years, anytime in the last 10 years. EU Passport Proof of residence in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years, anytime in the last 10 years. Non-EU Family Members of EU Nationals For Non-EU Family members with Permanent Residence Non-EU Passport or UK Issued Biometric Residence Card/Permit confirming Permanent Residence All passports used to travel to the UK since the issue of the Permanent Residence, to prove that you have not been out of the UK for a continuous period of 5 years since you were granted Permanent Residence.(If all passports are not available then Proof of residence in the UK* since you were granted Permanent Residence) For Non-EU Family members without Permanent Residence Non-EU Passport or UK Issued Biometric Residence Card/Permit confirming that they are a “Family Member of an EEA National” (This card should have been issued in response to an application filed on or after 5th April 2015) Proof of your relationship with the EU national such as a birth, marriage or civil partnership certificate All passports used to travel to the UK in the last 5 years (If all passports are not available then Proof of residence in the UK* in the last 5 years ) Copy of EU Nationals Passport or European ID EU Nationals Proof of residence* in the UK in the last 5 years For Non-EU Nationals with Retained Rights - Biometric Residence Card Non-EU Passport or UK Issued Biometric Residence Card confirming Retained rights of residence All passports used to travel to the UK in the last 5 years (If all passports are not available then Proof of residence in the UK* in the last 5 years ) ____________________________________________________________________________ *Proof of residence in the UK The proof of residence in the UK should evidence that you were resident in the UK for at least 6 months in any 12 month period for a continuous period of 5 years. Maximum 10 documents can be uploaded, hence, it is better to provide as many as possible documents which cover a longer period of time. At least one piece of evidence is required for every month of residence. Examples of Documents covering a longer period of time Council Tax bills (usually covers 1 year), Annual Bank Statements(would cover 1 year), Employer’s letter (with their Companies House Registration number) confirming your employment in the UK and the period of employment Invoice plus Payment evidence for education/training or a Letter from Educational institution (school, college, university, other accredited educational/training organisation), confirming the dates of enrolment, dates you have attended and completed your course. Student Loans Company or Student Finance Body letter showing your UK address Residential Mortgage statements plus evidence of mortgage payments Tenancy Agreement plus evidence of rent payments Registered Care Home letter confirming the period of residence in the Care Home Evidence of Employer Pension contributions Annual Business accounts, if you are Self employed P60 and/or P45 issued by UK employer Examples of Documents covering a shorter period of time (Documents with single date will count only for that month, Documents which have a start and end date with count towards that period) Bank statements showing receipts and payments made to or from UK Businesses, such as day to day living expenditures, etc. Payslip for a UK based Job with your name and UK address Utility bills showing your UK address, such water, gas, electric, broadband, etc. Domestic bills issued to you and evidence of payment such as home repairs, vet’s services, insurance, GP card or GP/NHS letters issued to you at your UK address GP or NHS letters confirming your appointments Letters from Government Departments such as DVLA, HMRC, DWP, Job Centre Plus or Citizens Advice, etc. Passport stamp at UK Border confirming your entry to the UK Used travel ticket confirming your entry to the UK Invoice and evidence of payment received for work done in the UK
List of documents required to file a United Kingdom (UK) Spouse or Civil Partner or Unmarried Partner or Fiance visa from Overseas(outside the UK) - SEE EXPLANATORY VIDEO BELOW (All documents must be free from any staples, clips or pins): Main documents: Applicant’s current passport - submit outside the UK Full Copy of Sponsor’s current British Passport(all 36/42 pages) Statement from the Applicant detailing their relationship Statement from the Sponsor detailing their relationship English Language: (check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/knowledge-of-english ) English Language test pass certificate – at least level A1, or pass any higher level upto B1, so that it can be used for extension and/or Settlement, even if the Certificate is expired -- Link to book the IELTS Life Skills test at https://www.ielts.org/book-a-test/find-a-test-location Accommodation: Land Registry or Tenancy Agreement Council Tax bill Monthly costs of housing, such as a Mortgage Statement if property is owned by either the Sponsor or the Applicant or jointly (If the property is not owned or rented by the Applicant or the Sponsor or jointly, then a letter from the individual/s who own or rent the property confirming that they are happy for the Sponsor, the Applicant and their children's(if any) to live in their property and a copy of their ID document such as Passport or Driving Licence, etc.) List of people living in the Property - Name, Age, Relationship to Applicant, Relationship to Sponsor Tuberculosis (TB) Test: (check if it applies to you: https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa ) TB test certificate issued within 6 months from the date of application Previous Relationships: Divorce Certificates - evidencing that any previous marriages are dissolved or Death Certificate if former spouse has died Current Relationship: (below are some of the examples, you can give any similar documents that may support in proving that the relationship is genuine and continuing on the date of application) Etickets of travels and Hotel bookings -- spent time together - upto maximum last 2 years Pictures of relationship (about 20 pictures maximum, about 4 for every event), preferably with the Couple and other people together, to evidence that the couple are public with their relationship Any evidence to prove that you both were studying in the same university campus or working for the same employer, etc. at the same time, if applicable Social Media (Facebook, Whatsapp, Text, Viber, Skype, etc.) chat messages printout - every month 1 page - upto maximum last 2 years Emails - every month 1 page/1 email - upto maximum last 2 years Bank statements evidencing Money transfers to each other Documents evidencing any joint liability, such as a Joint Credit Card, Joint Mortgage, etc. Life insurance documents or Wills evidencing that the Applicant and the Sponsor are beneficiaries of each others assets, etc. For Spouse visa or Civil Partner visa - required/compulsory Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate For Unmarried Partner visa - required/compulsory Cohabitation evidence for last 2 years is required (for Spouse/Fiance visa, it is not required, but available, it should be submitted as it will help to prove that the relationship is genuine and continuing on the date of application) Items/Documents of correspondence from 6 different sources each for the Applicant and the Sponsor The Documents should be spread across last 2 years from the date of application (monthly items - at least 4 documents per year spread across the year, all of the documents which are quarterly, half-yearly and yearly, online statements with the name and address of the Applicant/Sponsor or both can be printed) addressed to the Applicant or the Sponsor or joint documents addressed to both, examples below: Bank statements/letters Council Tax Bill NHS letters, HMRC letters, TV licence DVLA letters Telephone Bills/Statements Water rates bills/statements Internet bills Tenancy Agreement Any online purchase invoices, like ebay invoices, amazon invoices, etc. For Fiance visa - some Evidence that the Wedding ceremony is scheduled is helpful, though not compulsory (it can be from any/all of the below examples or you can give any similar documents that may support in proving that the Wedding is scheduled to happen at a future date) Evidence that the Wedding ceremony is already booked, such as booking receipt/email from the Registrar, Church, etc. Receipts of any expenses incurred for the Wedding, such as the Wedding venue Booking, Reception Party booking Ring receipts Receipts of both the Applicant and Sponsor’s dresses/clothes to be worn at the wedding Save the date cards, etc. Financial Requirement: Option 1. Salary from UK employment Payslips for last 6 months, last one dated within 1 calendar month from the date of application Corresponding last 6 months Bank statements(either posted or stamped by the bank or with an accompanying letter from the bank) showing the above 6 salary entries A letter from the employer(s) who issued the payslips confirming - (i) the person’s employment and gross annual salary; (ii) the length of their employment; (iii) the period over which they have been or were paid the level of salary relied upon in the application; and (iv) the type of employment (permanent, fixed-term contract or agency). Option 2. Self Employment income - Sole Trader or Partner or Sole trader/Partner in a Franchise The following documents for the last full financial year should be submitted. (You may also use the below set of documents for the last two financial years, if you want to meet the financial requirement by an average of two years of gross profit. Further please note that Gross profit is the amount of income on which income tax is paid, i.e. the income after all the business expenses are deducted) For example, if the Financial year is ending on 5 April 2020, i.e. the 12 months would from 6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020 and the below documents can be used to file the application up to 4 April 2021. Evidence of the amount of tax payable, paid and unpaid for the last full financial year(6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020) Annual self-assessment tax return to HMRC for 6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020 Statement of Account (SA 300 or SA302) for 6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020 Proof of registration with HMRC as self-employed if available. Each partner’s Unique Tax Reference Number (UTR) and/or the UTR of the partnership or business. Where the person holds or held a separate business bank account(s), bank statements for the same 12-month period as the tax return(s)(6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020) Personal bank statements for the same 12-month period as the tax return(s)(6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020) showing that the income from self-employment has been paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. Evidence of ongoing self-employment. At least one of the below evidence must be provided and it should be dated no more than three months earlier than the date of application Bank statements showing transactions relating to ongoing trading Evidence of the renewal of a licence to trade Evidence of ongoing payment of business rates Evidence of ongoing payment of business-related insurance premiums Evidence of ongoing payment of employer National Insurance contributions Evidence of ongoing payment of franchise payments to the parent company One of the following documents must also be submitted: If the business is required to not required to produce audited accounts - Unaudited accounts(Profit & Loss statement and Balance sheet) for the last full financial year (6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020) and An accountant’s letter of confirmation, from an accountant who is a member of a UK Recognised Supervisory Body (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) or who is a member of any of the below regulatory bodies: Institute of Financial Accountants, The Association of Authorised Public Accountants, The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, the Association of International Accountants and The Association of Accounting Technicians.- see Sample accountant’s letter format here If the business is required to produce audited accounts - Annual audited accounts for the last full financial year (6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020) A certificate of VAT registration and the VAT return for the last full financial year (6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020) confirming the VAT registration number Evidence to show appropriate planning permission or local planning authority consent is held to operate the type/class of business at the trading address (where this is a local authority requirement) A franchise agreement signed by both parties. This must be provided if the organisation is a franchise. Option 3. Self Employment income - Company Director For example if the Financial year is ending May 2018, i.e. the 12 months would could from April 2017 to May 2018 and these documents can be used to file the application upto May 2019. All of the following must be provided: (i) Company Tax Return CT600 (a copy or print-out) for the last full financial year and evidence this has been filed with HMRC, such as electronic or written acknowledgment from HMRC. (ii) Evidence of registration with the Registrar of Companies at Companies House. (iii) If the company is required to produce annual audited accounts, such accounts for the last full financial year. (iv) If the company is not required to produce annual audited accounts, unaudited accounts for the last full financial year and an accountant’s certificate of confirmation, from an accountant who is a member of a UK Recognized Supervisory Body (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) or who is a member of the Institute of Financial Accountants. (v) Corporate/business bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the Company Tax Return CT600. (vi) A current Appointment Report from Companies House. (vii) One of the following documents must also be provided: (1) A certificate of VAT registration and the VAT return for the last full financial year (a copy or print-out) confirming the VAT registration number, if turnover is in excess of £79,000 or was in excess of the threshold which applied during the last full financial year. (2) Proof of ownership or lease of business premises. (3) Original proof of registration with HMRC as an employer for the purposes of PAYE and National Insurance, proof of PAYE reference number and Accounts Office reference number. This evidence may be in the form of a certified copy of the documentation issued by HMRC. (c) Where the person is either listed as a director of the company, or is an employee of the company, or both, and receives a salary from the company, all of the following documents must also be provided: (i) Payslips and P60 (if issued) covering the same period as the Company Tax Return CT600. (ii) Personal bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the Company Tax Return CT600 showing that the salary as a director or employee of the company (or both) was paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. (d) Where the person receives dividends from the company, all of the following documents must also be provided: (i) Dividend vouchers for all dividends declared in favour of the person during or in respect of the period covered by the Company Tax Return CT600 showing the company’s and the person’s details with the person’s net dividend amount. (ii) Personal bank statement(s) showing that those dividends were paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. (e) For the purposes of paragraph 19(a), evidence of ongoing employment as a director or other employee of the company or of ongoing receipt of dividend income from the company must be provided. This evidence may include payslips (or dividend vouchers) and personal bank statements showing that, in the period since the latest 12-month period covered by the Company Tax Return CT600, the person’s salary as a director or employee of the company (or both) (or dividend income from the company) was paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. Alternative evidence may include evidence of ongoing payment of business rates, business-related insurance premiums or employer National Insurance contributions in relation to the company. _________________ Option 4. Savings Last 6 months Bank account statements showing the savings held in the name of the Sponsor or Applicant or Jointly (plus an English translation if not in English) from any bank in the world, (Check: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-p-lists-of-financial-institutions ) Letter from Bank to confirm the amount held, period the funds are held and the name of the account holder/beneficiary (plus an English translation if not in English) Option 5. Outside UK employment plus UK Job Offer, satisfy both A and B below In respect of Sponsor’s salaried employment outside of the UK, Payslips for last 6 months Corresponding last 6 months Bank statements showing the above 6 salaries A letter from the employer(s) who issued the payslips confirming (i) the person’s employment and gross annual salary; (ii) the length of their employment; (iii) the period over which they have been or were paid the level of salary relied upon in the application; and (iv) the type of employment (permanent, fixed-term contract or agency). In respect of a job offer in the UK for an applicant’s partner returning to salaried employment in the UK, a letter from the employer must be provided: (a) confirming the job offer, the gross annual salary and the starting date of the employment which must be within 3 months of the applicant’s partner’s return to the UK; or (b) enclosing a signed contract of employment, which must have a starting date within 3 months of the applicant’s partner’s return to the UK. Any shortfall in Income (below the financial requirement, check https: www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income ) may be supplemented by cash savings, following documents required:- Savings Last 6 months Bank/Investment account statements showing the savings held in the name of the applicant or Sponsor or jointly in both their names, anywhere in the world. Letter from Bank to confirm the amount held, period the funds are held and the name of the account holder/beneficiary.
UK Civil Partner Visa - also known as UK Civil Partnership Visa You can apply under this category if you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and are in a Civil Partnership with a British/Settled Person and wish to join/accompany/continue to live with your Civil Partner in the UK. This visa can be applied either from within the UK or from outside the UK. In order to apply, the following requirements must be met: Sponsor must be: a British Citizen, or Settled in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence holder), or a holder of asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK Civil Partner Visa Requirements: You must meet the Financial Requirement - see details below You must meet the English Language Requirement - see details below Relationship Requirement - Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting on the date of the application Age Requirement - You and your Civil Partner must be at least 18 years of age Marriage Requirement - You should have a valid and legal marriage certificate You and your Civil Partner must have met each other in person You must intend to live together with your Civil Partner in the UK Your and your Civil Partner's any previous relationships must have permanently broken down (In case of previously married individuals, Final Divorce document required) Financial Requirement: You and/or Your Civil Partner's Income must be at least GBP 18,600 per year - only you are applying You and/or Your Civil Partner's Income must be at least GBP 22,400 per year - you and one Dependant is applying Additional Income of GBP 2,400 per year - for each additional Dependant, who is applying with you The Financial Requirement can also be satisfied by showing adequate savings. The savings amount depends on the income shortfall. We will calculate this for you during the initial consultation. English Language Requirement: You must have passed an approved English language test, at least or above CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. This test can be taken anywhere in the world, or You must have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to or above a UK Bachelor's Degree, or You must be Exempt from the English Language Requirement Dependants on Civil Partner Visa: You can also include your children who are under 18 years of age, to accompany you as your dependants on your Civil Partner visa. Where to apply from: You can apply from within the UK or from outside the UK Please note that everyone cannot file their applications from within the UK, only those applicants whose current visa category allows them to switch into the Civil Partner Visa category can file their applications from within the UK. You can file from within the UK if you are on the following visas: Fiance Visa Any Points Based Visa such as Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 (Student), Tier 5 visas. Any other visa (except Visitors Visa) Applicants without any leave to remain cannot file within the UK. Duration/Validity of the Civil Partner Visa: If you are applying from outside the UK, you are initially given a 33 months visa If you are applying from within the UK, you are initially given a 30 months visa Rights/Obligations whilst living in the UK on a Civil Partner Visa: You can work in the UK without any restrictions. You may establish a business or accept offers of employment without requiring a work permit. You / anyone on your behalf, cannot receive public funds to assist you/your dependants with your/your dependants living and accomodation costs. You are eligible to study in the UK without any restrictions Visa Processing time: For Applications filed within the UK: UKVI takes about 12 to 16 weeks from the date of application depending upon how busy the UKVI department is, to process the application through the postal application service. Also, this application can be filed through the Premium Service (Same Day) service by paying addtional premium service fees of GBP 500.00 per applicant/dependant, whereby the Approval Letter is given on the date of filing of the application and the Biometric Residence Permit (Visa Card) is sent within 3 to 7 working days. For Applications filed outside the UK: The UKVI takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application, to process the application under the normal service. Also, in some countries, this application can be filed through the Priority Service for additional fees, whereby the processing time is about 2 to 3 weeks, depending upon the country where the application is filed and how busy the UKVI is in that country. Extending your Visa: You can extend your Civil Partner visa for a further period of 30 months, if your relationship is still subsisting. You will be required to provide most of the documents you provided at the time of your first grant along with an addition of Cohabitation documents since your first grant of Civil Partner visa to show that you have been living together with your Husband/Wife continuously. If you do not have all the cohabitation documents, please contact us to discuss your options. Applying for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK): 5 Year Partner Route: If you and/or your Partner met the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Civil Partner Visa, then you would be granted your Civil Partner visa under the 5 year partner route. If you and your Partner continued to be in a relationship and continued to meet the financial requirement throughout the 5 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 5 year stay in the UK on a Civil Partner Visa. 10 Year Partner Route: If you and/or your Partner did not meet the Financial Requirement at the time of filing your Civil Partner Visa, and UKVI considered your case to be appropriate under the 10 year partner route, then you would be granted your Civil Partner visa under the 10 year partner route. If you and your Partner continued to be in a relationship throughout the 10 year period, then you may apply for Settlement at the end of your 10 year stay in the UK on a Civil Partner Visa.
Frontier Workers permit under new rules for Brexit The Frontier Workers Permit is to confirm the status of those exercising their rights as frontier workers on or before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020, and who wish to continue to do so after 31 December 2020. What is the last date for applying for the Frontier Workers Permit: The application should be filed latest by 30 June 2021. The application can be filed earliest on 10 December 2020. Do I need to be in the UK to apply for the Frontier Workers Permit? No, you don't need to be in the UK to apply, you can be either inside or outside the UK. Which countries Citizens are eligible to apply for the Frontier Workers Permit? To apply, you should be a citizen of either an EU country or EEA country or a Switzerland (Irish citizens are not required to apply but they may apply if they wish to) What is the eligibility requirement for the Frontier Workers Permit? You should either be employed or self employed in the UK, but you should be living outside the UK while you are employed or self employed in the UK or You can also keep your frontier worker status if you were previously either employed or self employed in the UK and were living outside the UK at that time and you meet one of the following requirements: you are temporarily unable to work because of any illness and/or accident you are now involuntarily unemployed and you are actively looking for work, for example you have been made redundant by your previous employer, etc. you are in vocational training and involuntarily unemployed you are in vocational training while you are unemployed and the vocational training you are undertaking is related to your previous work as employed or self employed in the UK you are unable to work due to pregnancy or childbirth you are on maternity or paternity leave and you will return to being employed or self employed in the UK at the end of the maternity or paternity leave period What are the consequences of not applying for the Frontier Workers Permit? In order to enter the UK on or after 1 July 2021, you will need to hold a valid Frontier Workers Permit to enter the UK as a Frontier Worker or else you would not be able to enter the UK as a Frontier Worker
List of documents required to file a United Kingdom (UK) Spouse visa or Civil Partner visa for Spouse or Civil Partner of an EU/EEA National from Overseas(outside the UK), under the new rules for Brexit (Settlement Scheme) (All documents must be free from any staples, clips or pins): Main documents: Applicant’s current passport - to be submited outside UK Copy of Sponsor’s current EU Passport(photo page) or EU ID(both sides) - there is no need to get it certified as true copy Sponsor's Application Reference number under the Settlement Scheme confirming that the Sponsor has either Pre-settled or Settled status in the UK Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate Statement from the Applicant detailing their relationship Statement from the Sponsor detailing their relationship Accommodation: Land Registry or Tenancy Agreement Council Tax bill (If the property is not owned or rented by the Applicant or the Sponsor or jointly, then a letter from the individual/s who own or rent the property confirming that they are happy for the Sponsor, the Applicant and their children's(if any) to live in their property and a copy of their ID document such as Passport or Driving Licence, etc.) List of people(other than the Couple) living in the Property - Name, Age, Relationship to Applicant, Relationship to Sponsor Previous Relationships: Divorce Certificates - evidencing that any previous marriages are dissolved or Death Certificate if former spouse/civil partner has died Current Relationship: (below are some of the examples, you can give any similar documents that may support in proving that the relationship is genuine and continuing on the date of application and this also evidences that the couple have invested considerable amount of time, effort and monies into the relationship. This may help to get the application approved without an interview, if possible) Etickets of travels and Hotel bookings -- spent time together - upto maximum last 2 years Pictures of relationship (about 20 pictures maximum, about 4 for every event), preferably with the Couple and other people together, to evidence that the couple are public with their relationship Any evidence to prove that you both were studying in the same university campus or working for the same employer, etc. at the same time, if applicable Social Media (Facebook, Whatsapp, Text, Viber, Skype, etc.) chat messages printout - every month 1 page - upto maximum last 2 years Emails - every month 1 page/1 email - upto maximum last 2 years Bank statements evidencing Money transfers to each other Documents evidencing any joint liability, such as a Joint Credit Card, Joint Mortgage, etc. Life insurance documents or Wills evidencing that the Applicant and the Sponsor are beneficiaries of each others assets, etc. Cohabitation Evidence (Proof of Living together), if applicable If applicable and available, cohabitation evidence for up to last 2 years should be submitted as it will help to prove that the relationship is genuine and continuing on the date of application. Below are the examples of the cohabitation evidence: Items/Documents of correspondence from 6 different sources each for the Applicant and the Sponsor The Documents should be spread across last 2 years from the date of application (monthly items - at least 4 documents per year spread across the year, all of the documents which are quarterly, half-yearly and yearly, online statements with the name and address of the Applicant/Sponsor or both can be printed) addressed to the Applicant or the Sponsor or joint documents addressed to both, examples below: Bank statements/letters Council Tax Bill NHS letters, HMRC letters, TV licence DVLA letters Telephone Bills/Statements Water rates bills/statements Internet bills Tenancy Agreement Any online purchase invoices, like ebay invoices, amazon invoices, etc. If married/entered into Civil Partnership within last 6 months from the date of application, it is advisable to provide some evidence about the Wedding/Civil Partnership ceremony (this helps to prove the the marriage/civil partnership is genuine and not just conducted for the purpose of the visa) (the evidence can be from any/all of the below examples or you may give any similar documents that may evidence that the couple are genuinely and strongly invested in the relationship, financially. You do not need to spend lavishly, but whatever evidence you have, it is advisable to provide it) Receipts of any expenses incurred for the Wedding, such as the Wedding venue Booking, Reception Party booking Ring receipts Receipts of both the Applicant and Sponsor’s dresses/clothes to be worn at the wedding Save the date cards, etc.
List of documents required to file Renewal or Extension of Spouse/Partner visa in the UK. SEE EXPLANATORY VIDEO BELOW (All documents must be free from any staples,clips or pins): Main documents: Applicant’s current passport Applicant’s Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Card Full Copy of Sponsor’s current British Passport(all 36/42 pages) Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate (not required for Unmarried Partners) Signed Family Consent ( download here ) - Part 1 to be signed by the Applicant, Part 2 to be signed by the Sponsor, Sponsor’s Declaration to be signed by the Sponsor English Language: (check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/knowledge-of-english ) English Language test pass certificate – at least level A2, or pass any higher level upto B1, so that it can be used for Settlement/Indefinite Leave to Remain application in future, even if the Certificate is expired -- Link to book the Trinity College London test (A2 SELT – GESE Grade 3) at https://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3600 Accomodation: Land Registry or Tenancy Agreement Council Tax bill Monthly costs of housing, such as a Mortgage Statement if property is owned by either the Sponsor or the Applicant or jointly (If the property is not owned or rented by the Applicant or the Sponsor or jointly, then a letter from the individual/s who own or rent the property confirming that they are happy for the Sponsor, the Applicant and their children's(if any) to live in their property and a copy of their ID document such as Passport or Driving Licence, etc.) List of people living in the Property - Name, Age, Relationship to Applicant, Relationship to Sponsor Previous Relationships: Divorce Certificates - evidencing that any previous marriages are dissolved or Death Certificate if former spouse has died Cohabitation Evidence (Evidence of Living together): Items of correspondence from 6 different sources as below(spread across last 2 years from the date of application, monthly items - 4 documents per year spread across the year, all documents which are quarterly, half-yearly and yearly) addressed to the Applicant and the Sponsor or joint documents, examples below: (online statements can be printed) Bank statements/letters Council Tax Bill NHS letters, HMRC letters, TV licence DVLA letters Telephone Bills/Statements Water rates bills/statements Internet bills Tenancy Agreement Any online purchase invoices, like ebay invoices, amazon invoices, etc. Financial Requirement: - Option 1. Salary from UK employment Payslips for last 6 months, last one dated within 1 calendar month from the date of application Corresponding last 6 months Bank statements(either posted or stamped by the bank or with an accompanying letter from the bank) showing the above 6 salary entries A letter from the employer(s) who issued the payslips confirming - (i) the person’s employment and gross annual salary; (ii) the length of their employment; (iii) the period over which they have been or were paid the level of salary relied upon in the application; and (iv) the type of employment (permanent, fixed-term contract or agency). Any shortfall in Income below the financial requirement (check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income ), may be supplemented by cash savings, following documents required:- Savings Last 6 months Bank/Investment account statements showing the savings held in the name of the applicant or Sponsor or jointly in both their names, anywhere in the world. Letter from Broker/Bank to confirm the amount held, period the funds are held and the name of the account holder/beneficiary. Option 2. Self Employment income For example if Financial year is ending May 2018, i.e. the 12 months would could from April 2017 to May 2018 and these documents can be used to file the application upto May 2019. All of the following must be provided: (i) Company Tax Return CT600 (a copy or print-out) for the last full financial year and evidence this has been filed with HMRC, such as electronic or written acknowledgment from HMRC. (ii) Evidence of registration with the Registrar of Companies at Companies House. (iii) If the company is required to produce annual audited accounts, such accounts for the last full financial year. (iv) If the company is not required to produce annual audited accounts, unaudited accounts for the last full financial year and an accountant’s certificate of confirmation, from an accountant who is a member of a UK Recognized Supervisory Body (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) or who is a member of the Institute of Financial Accountants. (v) Corporate/business bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the Company Tax Return CT600. (vi) A current Appointment Report from Companies House. (vii) One of the following documents must also be provided: (1) A certificate of VAT registration and the VAT return for the last full financial year (a copy or print-out) confirming the VAT registration number, if turnover is in excess of £79,000 or was in excess of the threshold which applied during the last full financial year. (2) Proof of ownership or lease of business premises. (3) Original proof of registration with HMRC as an employer for the purposes of PAYE and National Insurance, proof of PAYE reference number and Accounts Office reference number. This evidence may be in the form of a certified copy of the documentation issued by HMRC. (c) Where the person is either listed as a director of the company, or is an employee of the company, or both, and receives a salary from the company, all of the following documents must also be provided: (i) Payslips and P60 (if issued) covering the same period as the Company Tax Return CT600. (ii) Personal bank statements covering the same 12-month period as the Company Tax Return CT600 showing that the salary as a director or employee of the company (or both) was paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. (d) Where the person receives dividends from the company, all of the following documents must also be provided: (i) Dividend vouchers for all dividends declared in favour of the person during or in respect of the period covered by the Company Tax Return CT600 showing the company’s and the person’s details with the person’s net dividend amount. (ii) Personal bank statement(s) showing that those dividends were paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. (e) For the purposes of paragraph 19(a), evidence of ongoing employment as a director or other employee of the company or of ongoing receipt of dividend income from the company must be provided. This evidence may include payslips (or dividend vouchers) and personal bank statements showing that, in the period since the latest 12-month period covered by the Company Tax Return CT600, the person’s salary as a director or employee of the company (or both) (or dividend income from the company) was paid into an account in the name of the person or in the name of the person and their partner jointly. Alternative evidence may include evidence of ongoing payment of business rates, business-related insurance premiums or employer National Insurance contributions in relation to the company. Any shortfall in Income below the financial requirement (check https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income ), may be supplemented by cash savings, following documents required:- Savings Last 6 months Bank/Investment account statements showing the savings held in the name of the applicant or Sponsor or jointly in both their names, anywhere in the world. Letter from Broker/Bank to confirm Option 3. Savings Last 6 months Bank account statements showing the savings held in the name of the Sponsor or Applicant or Jointly (plus an English translation if not in English) from any bank in the world, (Check: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-p-lists-of-financial-institutions ) Letter from Bank to confirm the amount held, period the funds are held and the name of the account holder/beneficiary (plus an English translation if not in English)
