Spouse Visa UK for US citizens
If you are a US citizen, and you want to live in the UK with your partner, you can apply for a UK Spouse Visa.
Call us on +1 844 290 6312 for immediate help & assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.
Page Contents
- How to apply for a UK Spouse Visa from the US
- Partner Visa UK requirements
- UK Spouse Visa financial requirements
- How to demonstrate that your marriage is genuine
- What to do if your application is accepted
- What to do if your application is refused
- UK Partner Visa validity
- Spouse Visa UK processing time
- IAS’ immigration advice services
- Frequently Asked Questions
Apply for a UK Spouse Visa from the US
If you are a US national and you would like to join your spouse or partner who currently holds British Citizenship or settled status, you can apply for a UK Partner Visa. The Spouse allows you to stay in the UK for an initial 30-33 months. After this period of time, you can apply for a Spouse Visa UK extension of a further 30 months, provided that you continue to meet the requirements throughout your time in the UK.
The UK Spouse Visa allows those granted to work and live freely in the UK and is less limited than some other UK routes, such as work visas. The UK Spouse Visa requirements include a minimum income threshold for your British-based partner, proof of acceptable housing and evidence your relationship is genuine.
The lawyers at IAS have a wealth of experience in Marriage Visa UK applications. We understand the common pitfalls that lead the Home Office to refuse UK Spouse Visas. Our services ensure that your application forms are completed to a professional standard so that they are easily understood by the Home Office.
Call us on+1844 290 6312 or make an inquiry online before you apply for a Spouse Visa UK.
"We used this service for the spouse visa extension application to assure that all the information was valid and correct."
Nabil Anwar
Posted 1 year ago
"Thanking you so much for helping me and my wife live together for now and the distant future. We are grateful for your help and patience. "
Shamrez Ali
Posted 11 months ago
"Spouse visa uk application was successful after working with your staff. I recommend this company the IAS for immigration services. "
Lisa Olaodae
Posted 11 months ago
How to apply for a UK Spouse Visa from the US
You can complete your UK Partner Visa application online from the US, with the help of one of IAS’ immigration lawyers. As part of this process, you must choose the US location where you will enrol your biometrics (a digital photograph and your fingerprints).
The next step is to pay your immigration health surcharge and your application fees. At this point, your application for a UK Spouse visa will be officially considered submitted, and you can arrange your supporting documents to be sent to the authorities. You must also schedule and attend your biometrics appointment.
Partner Visa UK requirements for US citizens
If you are a US national, before you apply for a Partner Visa UK you must ensure you meet the following requirements:
- You and your partner must both be over 18;
- Your marriage must be recognized by the UK government;
- You must prove that you will live together;
- Your application must include proof of suitable accommodation;
- You will need to meet the financial requirements’
- You must prove that you meet the English Language standard if you are not from an English-speaking country.
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements
To be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, you must be earning a certain amount, or have enough savings to sustain your family. To meet the financial requirements, you may be asked to prove that you earn a certain minimum annual income (before tax). If your income is less that you need, you can use cash savings to meet the financial requirement.
The amount of savings or income required to apply for a Spouse Visa from the US depends on who you are applying for.
If you wish to bring your partner, you will need an income of at least £18,600 per year before tax. However, if you and your spouse have children you want to bring with you, you will need to earn an extra £3,800 for the first child, and then an extra £2,400 for each child after that.
How do I prove that I am in a genuine relationship?
To get a UK Spouse Visa from the US, you must provide evidence that you and your partner are in a genuine and containing relationship. In other words, you need to include documents that show that you:
- Have lived together for at least 2 years;
- Have children together (if applicable);
- Have a shared bank account or savings;
- Have met in person at least once before you got married;
- Has spent time together and have been in frequent contact.
What to do if your application is accepted
If your application is successful, your partner will receive a permit which allows them to enter the UK during a 30-day period.
Once they arrive, they will need to pick up their biometric residence permit within 10 days.
If your partner doesn’t enter the UK within the 30-day period, they will need to pay an additional fee to apply for a new 30-day entry permit.
What to do if your application is rejected
If the Home Office refuses your application, you will receive a rejection letter with further details on how to proceed. For example, you can appeal, providing that you have enough evidence to prove that the decision of the UKVI make it impossible for you to be together.
Appeals are usually time-consuming and complex processes. For this reason, it is always recommended to seek the help of a specialist immigration adviser. Get in touch with IAS’ immigration lawyers to find out more.
UK Partner Visa Validity
If you are a US citizen applying for a Spouse Visa, your permit will last for 33 months if you are applying from outside the UK. If you are submitting your application from the United Kingdom, your visa will be valid for 30 months.
Before your visa expires, you can renew it for another 2 years and 6 months. At the end of this additional timeframe, you can apply to settle in the UK.
How long does the UK Spouse Visa application take?
It usually takes up to six weeks for the Home Office to evaluate your case. Nevertheless, your application could take as long as 12 weeks if extra checks are needed.
Besides, your Spouse Visa processing time will depend on the country you are applying from. Applications from within the UK using the Premium Service could take as little as two weeks.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration lawyers will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your legal advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply for your partner to come and live with you in the UK only if you have the right to live in this country permanently.
On the other hand, if you are living in the UK on your own visa, your partner can apply as a dependant for a relevant Family Visa.
If you are already in the UK on a different visa type, you may be able to apply for a Spouse Visa UK to remain in the country. You will not be allowed to switch if you are in the country as a visitor or if permission was given to stay for less than six months. This does not apply if you are in the UK on a Fiancé Visa.
You will also not be allowed to apply for a Spouse Visa UK if you are in breach of the Immigration Rules (i.e. your previous leave has expired).
If you and your partner go through a divorce, it is important to let the Home Office know as soon as possible.
Once you have informed them, they will issue a Spouse Visa curtailment. There may be options open to you to switch to a different visa category and remain in the UK but it is important to act fast.
If you are found to have separated from your partner without informing the Home Office, you could face serious consequences or be issued a deportation order. This will affect all future UK visa applications.
More information on what to do after a Spouse Visa curtailment.
Yes, you can apply from inside the UK as long as your partner:
- Was given leave to remain in the UK for more than 6 months
- Is not in the UK on a Visitor Visa
- Is not applying as a fiancé, meaning that you must be already married.
You can fill in the application form for your partner using the online form. However, the paperwork must be in their name, not yours.
As part of the application process, your partner must have their biometrics taken (photograph and fingerprints).
If your partner entered the UK from the US as a foreign fiancé, they shouldn’t leave the country until you’ve got married or entered a civil partnership. Nevertheless, if they leave and need to re-enter, they must apply for a new entry clearance.
If you and your partner weren’t able to get married during your first 6 months on a Fiancé visa, you can apply for an extension.
Once you are have held a UK Spouse Visa for five years, you should be eligible to apply for ILR from a Spouse Visa. Holding ILR will mean that you are no longer subject to the Immigration Rules. This will mean that you can enjoy more freedom in regards to travel and access to health care in the UK.
The Fiancé Visa UK can be used to enter the country if you intend to get married and remain in the UK.
This visa will be granted for an initial six months. Once you are married, you will be expected to switch to the UK Marriage Visa. If you are not married during this time, there are very limited circumstances which the Home Office will consider to allow an extension.
Your Spouse Visa will be granted for an initial 30-33 months and can be extended for a further 30 months. Once you have spent five years in the UK, you should be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
You will have the right to work on a Spouse Visa. You will not need to be sponsored by your employer and there will be no minimum salary requirement for any job you apply for.
You are not eligible to work on a Fiancé Visa so you must be able to support yourself in the UK until you can apply for a Spouse Visa UK and gain the right to work.
At IAS, we understand the importance of applying for a UK Spouse Visa.
Our team of lawyers are specialists in private immigration matters and have an excellent track record. Using our services will give you the best chances of success for a Spouse Visa UK.
Our services include:
- Liaising with you in person, over the phone or via Skype;
- Determining the right partner visa for you;
- Checking your documents thoroughly to ensure they are sufficient;
- Confirming you have proof of your genuine relationship;
- Producing a Letter of Representation for your application;
- Managing contact with the Home Office until they make a decision;
- Completing all application forms professionally and to a high standard.
Contact us on +1844 290 6312 or make an inquiry online to speak with an immigration lawyer and your UK Spouse Visa application.