The UK immigration and visa system can sometimes be difficult to navigate, which is why we advise hiring an expert lawyer to assist with the more complex visa applications, such as a family visa. At Blackfriars Law we understand how stressful and time-consuming it can be to cover all aspects of your application by yourself without previous knowledge of the systems in place.
As a result, we’ve created this useful step-by-step guide to applying for a partner visa, to ensure it’s as pain-free as possible.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started on your visa application, you’ll need to make sure you have the following evidence and paperwork to ensure the most successful outcome.
- Passports - for both you and your partner
- Evidence - This comes in the form of marriage certificates, tenancy agreements and household bills. We advise multiple forms to guarantee success
- Financial Support - UK law requires an annual household income of at least £18,600
- Language - British government dictates that all visa holders must have an adequate grasp of the English language. However, this is not required in some circumstances - see government requirements.
Costs
Total: £2735
There are a few varying factors when it comes to the breakdown of partner visa costs. These depend on the length of your stay and optional extras.
- Application fees - £1175 – 2350
- Health Surcharges - £1560 - £1872
- Priority Service - Optional £573
Step One: Gather Evidence
Gather all the evidence required. Your immigration lawyer will usually advise that the more evidence you submit, the better. Thorough documentation of your relationship helps substantiate a genuine application.
In some circumstances, you may need a certificate of competency in the English language. Not only this, but you may also require medical tests verifying the absence of TB and other diseases.
It’s important you have all evidence gathered and organised before the next step, to ensure there are no holdups.
Step Two: Contact An Immigration Lawyer
Contact an immigration lawyer to assist you with all the paperwork requirements and navigation of the complex UK visa system.
A professional solicitor in this area of law is recommended before you begin the submission of any applications. Due to the complex and rigid nature of immigration, it’s important everything is exactly as requested by home affairs and no mistakes are made.
There is not much flexibility for error, so ensuring a professional has proofread and ticked every box on your behalf is vital to a successful application.
Step Three: Application Submission
Submit your application and pay the appropriate fees for your family / partner visa. This includes the initial application fee and any priority service additions you may have opted for.
Your immigration lawyer will have assisted with and / or completed the paperwork on your behalf to ensure that every requirement is met.
Step Four: Additional Evidence
Occasionally, depending on your circumstances, the UK immigration service may request additional evidence. This is usually for specific areas such as cohabitation and joint assets. This usually occurs in the absence of a marriage, or if insufficient evidence is submitted initially.
If this occurs there’s nothing to worry about. Simply contact your immigration lawyer and gather additional documentation to meet all requests by the UK government.
Step Five: Final Fees
After your application has been accepted, all that is left is to pay your health surcharge. You’ll then have a short wait for the arrival of your official confirmation of residency and acceptance into the UK for the next 2 – 5 years.
Get in Touch With Blackfriars Law For Professional Immigration Lawyers
We provide outstanding legal knowledge and experience through a team of specialist immigration lawyers to ensure your application is processed and accepted efficiently. Contact us today for an initial consultation.