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SETTLEMENT VISA

Image by Liv Bruce
WHY SETTLE IN THE UK?

  • Huge demand for skilled talent to power its advanced economy

  • Strong economy with established industries

  • Vibrant, entrenched multicultural community

  • Exceptional and free healthcare via NHS

  • Home to world’s best universities

The UK Spouse Visa, also known as the UK Settlement Visa, is available to non-EU citizens who wish to live in the UK with their spouse or partner. To qualify, your spouse or partner must be either a British citizen, a holder of Indefinite Leave to Remain, or someone with permanent residence in the UK.

Key Points:

  • Probationary Period: You will be subject to a five-year probationary period to establish the genuineness of the relationship before you can apply for settlement.

  • Work Rights: There are no restrictions on employment under the UK Settlement Visa.

Image by Brian Hartley
Eligibility for the UK Spouse Visa (Settlement Visa)

To qualify for the UK Spouse Visa (also known as the UK Settlement Visa), you must meet the following criteria:

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  1. Relationship:

    1. You must be married to a UK citizen or someone currently admitted for settlement in the UK.

    2. Alternatively, you can apply if you are:

      1. A civil partner of a UK citizen or a person with settlement status.

      2. Living together in a relationship akin to marriage for more than two years.

      3. Engaged to be married or to become civil partners.

  2. Intention to Live Together:

    1. You must demonstrate that you intend to live permanently with your spouse or partner.

    2. Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

  3. Age Requirement:

    • Both you and your spouse or partner must be 18 years or older.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for the UK Spouse Visa, you must meet the following financial requirements:

  1. Minimum Income Threshold:

    • You must demonstrate a minimum income of £18,600 to sponsor your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or fiancé(e).

  2. Additional Income for Children:

    • If you are also sponsoring a child, the income requirement increases:

      • £22,400 for the first child.

      • An additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.

  3. Ways to Meet the Financial Requirements:

    • Income from Employment or Self-Employment: This includes earnings from your or your partner's employment or self-employment.

    • Combined Income: If applying from within the UK, you can use the combined income of both parties to meet the £18,600 requirement.

    • Other Sources of Income:

      • Income from property rental.

      • State or private pensions.

      • Maternity allowances or bereavement benefits.

    • Cash Savings: You can use cash savings to meet the financial requirement if your income does not meet the threshold. The required savings amount depends on the level of income shortfall, with a formula generally applied:

      • Savings of £16,000 plus £2.50 for every £1 short of the income threshold.

  4. Exemptions:

    • Some exemptions may apply, such as if you receive certain disability benefits or pension income.

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Additional Notes:

  • Financial requirements must be met continuously for the 6 months prior to the application date or, if self-employed, based on the most recent financial year.

  • All financial evidence must be provided in the form of official documents, such as pay slips, bank statements, and employment contracts.

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