England Partner Visa: Application Guidelines
The England Partner Visa allows individuals to join their partners or spouses in the UK if they are not from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. This visa category is also known as the “UK Spouse Visa” or the “UK Marriage Visa”. The application process for this visa type can be complex, so it is important to have a thorough understanding of the guidelines before starting the application process.
Who is eligible for the England Partner Visa?
To be eligible for the England Partner Visa, the applicant must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK. The applicant must also meet the financial and English language requirements.
Financial Requirement:
The financial requirement for the England Partner Visa is designed to ensure that the sponsor can support their partner or spouse without the need for public funds. The current financial requirement for sponsorship is £18,600 per annum.
The sponsor must prove that they have been earning this amount for six months before the application is submitted. If they are unable to do so, they may be able to use savings to meet the requirement. The savings must be held for at least six months and meet the minimum level.
English Language Requirement:
The English Language requirement for the England Partner Visa is designed to make sure that the visa holder can communicate and integrate into British society. The language requirement for this visa type is at the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
How to apply for the England Partner Visa:
The application for the England Partner Visa must be made online via the UKVI website. The application fee for this visa type is currently £1,523 if applying from outside the UK and £1,033 if applying from within the UK. The visa applicant must provide the following documents:
-A valid passport
-Proof of relationship with the sponsor
-Proof of meeting the financial requirement
-Proof of meeting the English language requirement
-TB test results (if applicable)
The sponsor must also provide the following documents:
-A letter of support explaining the nature of their relationship
-Proof of earnings and employment history
-Proof of accommodation
-Proof of British citizenship or settled status
Once the application has been submitted, the visa applicant will also have to attend a biometric appointment to provide their fingerprints and photograph. The processing time for this visa type is typically 2-12 weeks.
FAQs:
1. Can I switch from a tourist visa to the England Partner Visa while in the UK?
No, it is not possible to switch from a tourist visa to the England Partner Visa while in the UK. The visa applicant must apply for the England Partner Visa from outside of the UK.
2. Can I include my dependents on the England Partner Visa application?
Yes, dependents such as children can be included on the England Partner Visa application. However, an additional financial requirement will apply.
3. How long is the England Partner Visa valid for?
The England Partner Visa is initially valid for 33 months. After this, the visa holder can apply for an extension for an additional 30 months. After a total of five years in the UK on this visa type, the visa holder may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
4. What happens if my relationship breaks down while on the England Partner Visa?
If a relationship breaks down while on the England Partner Visa, there may be options to switch to another visa category or to remain in the UK if there are extenuating circumstances.
5. Can I work in the UK on the England Partner Visa?
Yes, the England Partner Visa allows the visa holder to work in the UK. However, they may need to apply for a National Insurance number and pay taxes in the UK.
In conclusion, the England Partner Visa is a complex and detailed process that requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the guidelines. It is important to seek professional advice to ensure that the application is successful.