UK Spouse Visa Solicitors in Manchester – Expert Immigration Support

Applying for a UK spouse visa can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with strict Home Office requirements and mountains of paperwork. If you’re looking to bring your husband, wife, or long-term partner to live with you in Manchester, you’re not alone. Thousands of couples go through this process every year, and having the right legal support can make all the difference.

At Solicitors in Manchester, we understand how important it is to reunite with your loved one. Our experienced immigration solicitors are here to guide you through every step of the spouse visa application, from gathering the right documents to submitting a strong application that meets all Home Office requirements.

What Is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK spouse visa allows married couples, civil partners, and unmarried partners to live together in the United Kingdom. If you’re a British citizen or already have settled status in the UK, your partner can apply for this visa to join you. The visa is initially granted for 30 months (if applying from within the UK) or 33 months (if applying from outside the UK).

After five years of living in the UK on a spouse visa, your partner can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which gives them the right to stay permanently. Following this, they can also apply for British citizenship if they wish.

Types of Partner Visas Available

The UK spouse visa route actually covers several types of relationships:

• Spouse visa – for married couples
• Civil partner visa – for those in a civil partnership
• Unmarried partner visa – for couples who have lived together for at least two years
• Fiancé(e) visa – if you plan to marry within six months of arriving in the UK

Each of these visas has similar requirements, but there are slight differences in the evidence you’ll need to provide.

Who Is Eligible for a UK Spouse Visa?

Before you start the application, it’s important to check that you meet the basic eligibility criteria. The Home Office has strict rules under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, and missing even one requirement can result in a refusal.

Here’s what you need to prove:

• Both you and your partner are over 18 years old
• You’re legally married or in a recognised civil partnership (or have been in a relationship for at least two years as unmarried partners)
• Your relationship is genuine and ongoing
• You intend to live together permanently in the UK
• You’re not closely related in a way that would make marriage illegal in the UK under the Marriage Act 1949
• You meet the financial requirement (currently £29,000 per year as of April 2024)
• Your partner can speak English at the required level
• You have suitable accommodation arranged in the UK

Let’s break down the two most challenging requirements: finances and English language.

Financial Requirements Explained

The financial requirement is often the biggest hurdle for couples. As of April 2024, the UK sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year. This is a significant increase from the previous £18,600 threshold following the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 590, and it catches many people off guard.

There are different ways to meet this requirement:

• Employment income – this is the most common route. You’ll need to provide six months of payslips and a letter from your employer
• Self-employment income – if you’re self-employed, you’ll need to show your accounts and tax returns for the last full financial year
• Savings – if you don’t meet the income threshold, you can use savings. You’ll need to have held at least £88,500 in savings for six months before applying
• Pension income – this can be combined with other income sources
• Income from property rental – as long as it’s regular and declared

There are exemptions to the financial requirement if you receive certain disability-related benefits or Carer’s Allowance. You may also qualify for a fee waiver in exceptional circumstances. Our solicitors can assess your individual circumstances and advise on the best approach.

English Language Requirements

Your partner will need to prove they can speak and understand English. This is usually done by:

• Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at A1 level or higher
• Having a degree taught in English (you’ll need a certificate from UK NARIC)
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (such as the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand)

Some people are exempt from this requirement, including those over 65 or those with a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents them from learning English.

How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa

The application process has several stages, and getting everything right the first time is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Check eligibility – make sure you meet all the requirements before you start
• Gather documents – collect all the evidence you need (we’ll cover this below)
• Complete the online application – this is done on the UK government website
• Pay the fees – you’ll need to pay the Home Office application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge
• Book a biometric appointment – your partner will need to provide their fingerprints and photograph at a visa application centre
• Submit supporting documents – upload all your evidence through the online portal
• Wait for a decision – standard processing times are 12 weeks for applications from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK

Required Documents for Your Spouse Visa Application

Getting your documents in order is one of the most important parts of the application. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (or evidence of your two-year relationship if applying as unmarried partners)
• Passports and travel history
• Proof of income (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
• Accommodation evidence (tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or letter from homeowner)
• English language test certificate
• Relationship evidence (photos, messages, joint bills, travel bookings)
• Sponsor’s proof of status in the UK (British passport, ILR document)

One of the most common reasons for refusal is missing or incomplete financial documentation. The Home Office is very particular about what they’ll accept, so it’s worth getting professional help to make sure everything is in order. If you need help with document verification, we also offer ID1 form verification services in Manchester.

How Long Does a UK Spouse Visa Last?

When your spouse visa is approved, your partner will be granted leave to enter or remain in the UK for:

• 33 months if applying from outside the UK
• 30 months if applying from inside the UK

The difference accounts for the initial three months allowed for travel to the UK.

Before the visa expires, you’ll need to apply for an extension (also called “further leave to remain”). This extension is usually for another 30 months. After a total of five years living in the UK, your partner can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is permanent settlement.

Once they have ILR, they can apply for British citizenship straight away if they wish.

What Happens If Your Spouse Visa Is Refused?

Unfortunately, spouse visa refusals do happen. The most common reasons include:

• Insufficient financial evidence
• Doubts about the genuineness of the relationship
• Missing documents
• Failing to meet the English language requirement
• Inadequate accommodation

If your application is refused, don’t panic. You usually have the right to appeal the decision to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). This process can take several months, but with the right legal representation, many refusals are overturned.

Alternatively, you might be able to request an administrative review if you think the Home Office made an error, or you can submit a fresh application with stronger evidence.

Why Choose Solicitors in Manchester for Your Spouse Visa?

Choosing the right immigration solicitor can make a huge difference to the outcome of your application. Here’s why couples across Manchester trust us:

Local expertise – We know the Manchester area and understand the specific challenges faced by couples in the North West. Whether you’re dealing with irregular employment income or complex relationship histories, we’ve seen it all.

Transparent pricing – No hidden fees or surprise charges. We offer fixed-fee packages so you know exactly what you’re paying from the start.

High success rate – Our team has helped hundreds of couples successfully obtain spouse visas, extensions, and settlement.

Personalised service – We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Every relationship is different, and we tailor our advice to your unique circumstances.

Benefits of Using a Spouse Visa Solicitor

While it’s possible to apply for a spouse visa on your own, many people find the process too complex or stressful to manage alone. Here’s what a solicitor can do for you:

• Review your eligibility before you apply
• Advise on the best way to meet financial requirements
• Prepare your supporting documents in the correct format
• Write a detailed cover letter to strengthen your application
• Represent you in appeals if your application is refused
• Keep you updated throughout the process

Having an expert on your side can significantly increase your chances of success and give you peace of mind during what can be a very anxious time.

How Much Does a UK Spouse Visa Cost?

The costs involved in a spouse visa application can add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the current fees:

• Home Office application fee – £1,846 if applying from outside the UK, £1,048 from inside the UK (check the latest visa fees on GOV.UK)
• Immigration Health Surcharge – £1,035 per year (usually £3,105 for a 33-month visa) – calculate your IHS payment
• English language test – around £150-£200
• Document translation – costs vary depending on how many documents need translating
• Priority service – optional, but speeds up the decision (around £500) – see priority visa services
• Solicitor fees – our fixed fees start from £1,200 for a full application service

While this might seem expensive, many couples find that professional legal help saves them money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes or refusals.

Spouse Visa Extension and Settlement

Once you’re on the spouse visa route, you’ll need to think about your long-term plans. After your initial visa expires, you’ll apply for an extension (further leave to remain). The requirements are similar to the first application, so you’ll need to show that:

• Your relationship is still genuine and ongoing
• You still meet the financial requirement
• You have adequate accommodation

After five years in total (2.5 years on the initial visa plus 2.5 years on the extension), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a partner. This is permanent settlement, meaning your partner can stay in the UK without time limits.

Following ILR, you can progress from ILR to British citizenship through naturalisation. This gives your partner the right to a British passport and all the benefits that come with it.

Common Spouse Visa Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: We don’t meet the £29,000 income threshold
Solution: Consider combining income sources, using savings, or waiting until your income increases. In some cases, income from a job offer can be used if the job starts within three months of arrival.

Challenge: We’ve been in a long-distance relationship
Solution: Focus on providing strong evidence of regular contact (phone records, messaging apps, travel bookings) and explain the reasons for living apart. If you’ve been unable to live together due to immigration restrictions, make this clear in your application.

Challenge: My partner doesn’t speak English well
Solution: They can take an approved English test. We can recommend test centres and help them prepare. If your partner has a physical or mental condition that prevents them from learning English, they may be exempt.

Challenge: We have a previous immigration refusal
Solution: Previous refusals don’t automatically mean your new application will be refused. We can help you address the reasons for the earlier refusal and build a stronger case. Read our guide on how to challenge a UK visa refusal.

Challenge: I’ve been in the UK for a long time but on different visas
Solution: If you’ve been in the UK lawfully for 10 years or more, you might qualify for ILR based on 10 years long residence. This could be an alternative route to settlement.

Challenge: My partner is already in the UK on a different visa
Solution: Depending on their current visa status, they may be able to switch to a spouse visa from within the UK. Read our guide on further leave to remain for more information.

Challenge: We need help understanding the new immigration rules
Solution: Immigration rules change frequently. Check our updates on UK immigration rules changes to stay informed about the latest requirements.

Get Started with Your Spouse Visa Application Today

Reuniting with your partner in the UK doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and expert legal support, you can submit a strong application and look forward to starting your life together in Manchester.

Our team at Solicitors in Manchester is here to help. We offer a free immigration advice consultation where we’ll assess your case and give you honest advice about your chances of success. You can also take our free visa eligibility test to check if you qualify.

Ready to bring your loved one to the UK?
Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment online at https://solicitorsinmanchester.co.uk/book-an-appointment/

Don’t leave your future to chance. Let our experienced immigration solicitors handle your spouse visa application with care and expertise. Our solicitor, Muhammad Usman Rasheed, has years of experience in family immigration matters and is ready to assist you.