How to Apply for a UK Marriage Visa: Step-by-Step Guide from Immigration Solicitors4me's blog

Are you planning to join your spouse in the UK? If so, applying for a UK Marriage Visa is the path you’ll need to take. This visa allows married couples to live together in the UK if one partner is a British citizen or has settled status. In this guide, we’ll take you through every stage of the marriage visa application process, from gathering documents to submitting your application. With the help of Immigration Solicitors4me, you can confidently navigate this journey and avoid potential obstacles.

 

Who is Eligible for a UK Marriage Visa?

Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the basic eligibility requirements for the UK Marriage Visa.

• Married to a UK Citizen or Settled Person: You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with someone who holds British citizenship or has indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
• Age Requirement: Both you and your spouse must be 18 years or older.
• Genuine Relationship: You need to prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This includes providing a marriage certificate and evidence of your life together.

Curious if you qualify? Immigration Solicitors4me can help you assess your eligibility before beginning your marriage visa application.

 

What Documents Will You Need?

The next step is gathering the necessary documents. What kind of proof will you need for a successful marriage visa application?

• Proof of Relationship: This can include your marriage or civil partnership certificate, photos together, joint bank statements, and correspondence that shows you are living together or regularly communicating.
• Proof of Income: Your spouse must meet the financial requirement by earning at least £29,000 annually. Documents like bank statements, pay slips, and tax returns are needed to prove income.
• English Language Requirement: You will need to show that you have passed an approved English language test unless you are exempt.

Organizing these documents can be tricky. Immigration Solicitors4me is here to assist you in ensuring all your paperwork is in order before submitting your marriage visa application.

 

How to Complete the Online Application

Once you’ve gathered all your documents, you can move forward with the online marriage visa application.

• Create an Account: First, you’ll need to set up an account on the UK Government’s visa and immigration website.
• Complete the Form: The application form will ask for details about you and your spouse, your relationship, and your financial situation. Be sure to fill in every section carefully.
• Pay the Fee: There’s an application fee that you will need to pay. As of now, the cost for a UK Marriage Visa is around £1,846 if applying from outside the UK.

Submitting an incomplete or incorrect form can delay your application or even result in a rejection. Let Immigration Solicitors4me guide you through this process to ensure everything is correctly filled out.

 

Biometric Appointment: What to Expect?

After submitting your online application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment. But what exactly is this for?

• Biometric Data: During this appointment, your fingerprints and photo will be taken. This data is used for your biometric residence permit (BRP) once your visa is approved.
• Booking the Appointment: After submitting your marriage visa application, you will be directed to book a biometric appointment at a visa application center or, if you are in the UK, at a UKVCAS center.
• Required Documents: Be sure to bring all necessary documents, including your passport, proof of relationship, and financial evidence, as they may be checked during the appointment.

Need help preparing for this appointment? Immigration Solicitors4me can assist you in organizing the required documents and ensure your appointment runs smoothly.

 

Processing Time and Decision

How long does it take to get a decision on your marriage visa application?

• Processing Time: The processing time for a UK Marriage Visa can take up to 12 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK. For those applying within the UK, the processing time is usually about 8 weeks.
• Priority Service: If you need a quicker decision, you can opt for a priority or super-priority service, which may reduce the waiting time to just a few weeks or even days.
• Approval or Refusal: If your application is approved, you will be granted a visa that allows you to stay in the UK for 2.5 years. If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal.

Waiting for a decision can be stressful. Immigration Solicitors4me is available to provide updates and assist with any issues that arise during the processing of your marriage visa application.

 

Advantages of Immigration Solicitors4me?

The marriage visa application process can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why having experienced legal professionals by your side can make all the difference.

• Personalized Advice: Every situation is unique. Immigration Solicitors4me will provide tailored advice based on your specific circumstances, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements.
• Document Assistance: Gathering the right documents is crucial for success. Our team will review your paperwork, making sure you have everything needed for a successful application.
• Application Review: We can go through your completed marriage visa application to ensure it’s accurate, complete, and ready for submission. This minimizes the risk of rejection due to errors.

Appeals and Reapplications: If your application is refused, don’t worry. We specialize in handling visa appeals and reapplications to give you the best chance of success.

Immigration Solicitors4me pride ourselves on helping clients achieve their immigration goals with ease. Let us guide you through the Marriage Visa process, making it as stress-free as possible.

 

Conclusion

Applying for a UK Marriage Visa requires careful preparation, from gathering documents to filling out forms and attending biometric appointments. With processing times that can stretch to several months, ensuring your application is complete and error-free is crucial. Whether it’s your first time applying or you need assistance after a refusal, Immigration Solicitors4me is here to offer expert guidance throughout your marriage visa application process. Reach out to our experienced team today, and take the first step toward reuniting with your spouse in the UK.